Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Chief,

Yes, 90 days will bring very good progress. I look forward to finish welding everything, cleaning up the ragged edges, pressure washing and painting. Then it will look "Super"

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

This week we turn our attention to the front section. Up to this point most photos and text have explain building the rear four link and related items.

While waiting for some rear axles and hardware we begin working over the front end.

With each washing the appearance improves. When everything is completed and we will race ready all will be clean, shinny and looking good.

Paint goes on the front frame section and suspension parts very soon.

Since this class buildup requires the front frame and suspension to remain mostly OE the work here goes much quicker. No re-engineering and agonizing over modifications.

It will get a set of Bell 2" lowered spindles plus new bushings modified for free movement. More about that soon.

These photos some some general shots of cab and frame cleanup work

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Even though the engine is almost completed I removed it for better access while cleaning and painting.

The heads are especially trick pieces showing the new chain on stud design, I bought these heads from C J Whittless. They look to have about an 80 degree valve angle but it may just be because the valve seats and guides are worn out.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

You will not see rusted parts much longer. One of my painter friends will begin spraying soon.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I had the same problem with parts from them on the 50 Olds stocker. They sent me a omobile cam for a 382. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Chief,

In the glory days C J Whittless was a leader in cams and heads. But using a bench grinder to produce cams finally took it's toll.

The chain on stud heads posted above have wooden valve guides. When worn you soak the heads in water for three days and rehone [or whittle] back to size.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Several times in the previous text I said " We are all the way down now. From this point the re-assembly will be moving forward."

I was wrong !

While the following photos may seem to be backward movement it is in reality the result of forward progress. After weeks of thought, measuring, planing, the design is well thought out. So, removing the cab allows even more easy access toward completion.

Welding will be completed, more outriggers and bracing, cab to frame mounts beefed up for roll bar mounting. Then final cleaning and painting.

UPS sent a email showing the axles, spool and other hardware in route from Strange. Now the housing can be completed and gears set up.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

For a stiff old man anything what positions the work at a comfortable height is a good thing.

All systems are poised for a round of welding and reinforcing outriggers. Check back soon.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

An interesting comparison;

12 bolt 3.08 gear vrs 12 bolt 6.00 gear

The Super 10 power plant with Hettler heads and intake will spin about 8600 at the finish line :) O what a sweet song!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Welding, when it is good, it is good :)

I have been saving up the finish welding duties. Most joints of the rear section had enough weld to to be stable but mostly not finished anywhere. Yesterday the MIG vibrations began building toward a heated climax.

This morning with MIG gun in hand I began completing the joints. It was a good morning. Wire feeding smoothly, Argon flowing at the correct rate, eyes clear, that "sound" just right :)

Whew, what a relief. While not finished it is well on it's way.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Today while transformed by the MIG sizzle into a calmer place I dreamed of the Super 10 on track.

On the rear fender and tailgate will be displayed a Michael Beard design with the Super 10 logo and;

"Faster than a speeding bullet. More powerful than a locomotive. Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound......It's Super 10." :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I enjoy many things about building drag race cars. I enjoy the mental challenge and the mental exercise. In addition, I enjoy working with with the quality parts that combine to create a good on track performance.

Plus, I enjoy working with and creating a relationship with companies who sell drag race parts.

One of our outstanding companies is Strange Engineering. The first two photos are my new shinny and finely machined parts from Strange. The Strange 50th anniversary decal photo is slightly out of focus. Will post another later.

Third photo showing my welding is doing OK.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Loving this build!

Great progress and great pictures!

Thanks for sharing!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Jeff,

Thanks, it is a fine project. As it gains momentum it gets better and better. It is challenging me to do good work.

Stay tuned everyone, it will only get better.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Hobbies and sports have great value, drag racing being a good example.

As the Super 10 project evolves the value is becoming identified by contacts made and lessons learned. Skills developed, ideas tested, plans scrapped, tubing cut in small pieces on the floor. Plans changed and progress made.

This week I ordered pistons, rings, pins, and block. Gary Hettler is beyond helpful and beyond kind. I bought heads from Gene Adams ,[another Gentleman] who's heads were at Gary Hettlers shop and had been on the shelf for a while as Gene made plans about another project.

We worked a deal, I bought the heads from Gene and made a deal with Gary to work over and update. In addition, work an intake for the combination.

Gary has taken me under his wing and is helping with the Super 10 combination like it was his own project. His advice and counsel carry's high value.

I called him asking for his suggestions about pistons and ring pack. After we talked a few min Gary said, "I will make two calls and get the order placed to my specs."

Man O man, drag racing is the real thing! It's value and passion covers the US from coast to coast with a common thread. Good men joined in a good sport. Gives me a smile.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I selected a Dart SHP "Pro Series" block. It has advantages I like. About 15 pounds lighter than a little M, uses BBC cam core, has .904 lifter bore and plenty of metal to allow + .060 bore without compromise.

With a 4.060 bore and +.013 stroke we have 338 inches of screaming Super 10 power! Even another smile at the thought.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Larry, really excited for you, I know when I get a load of parts in it's like Santa came early. Hopefully those parts from Strange weren't packaged like the headers in which case you will need about a weeks rest. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Chief, only took a few mins. :) Those Strange Engineering folks are tidy with packaging. Most likely they have many each day so must work quickly.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Some good Saturday progress.

First photos shows my custom housing adjustable struts. I like the adjustability. It allows slightly tweaking the housing alignment as the bearing ends are welded.

Just an 1/8 turn one way or other allows keeping the setup bar completely free.

Also, at final assembly it will be locked down just past handy to help maintain a straight housing.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

More Saturday notes;

*Trusty level always near by

*alignment bar at work

*adjustable housing struts keeping the alignment bar free

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

My mock up of housing to frame to tire sidewall clearance called for 37 1/2" axle flange to axle flange.

The tape shows 37 1/2" right on the money :) I like it when a plan comes together.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Strange provides premium quality Timken bearing with the spool kit. Also Strange caliper mount bolted on, I like shinny quality parts.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

sure is nice when things work out as planned :)

Also, notice the Allstar brand hardware for adjustable struts. Allstar is a Lane Automotive house brand conceived, designed and distributed by lane Automotive.

The line is very extensive with hardcore items for all areas of a buildup. I find the Allstar line be be excellent.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

This board is mostly hard core. Thus, most on here will understand.

*New suite of classy duds top to bottom, the latest style. [ho hum]

*New easy chair, plush, top of the line, [ what ever]

*First class tour of Caribbean, VIP all the way with personal driver [o well, I will think about it]

*completely new yard, new sod, new grass, all landscaped. [ who will mow this?]

OR,

A new Dart SHP Pro Series block with BBC cam bore, .904 lifter bore, all main caps have four bolts, .650 deck and cylinders to allow 4.070 overbore.

Yea! That is what I am talking about! Just what I wanted :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Now that's some sweet parts. It's a shame to cover it up. Maybe you can get some of those ss lexan heads and intake. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Chief, the reason for photos is to allow looking back on shinny parts after they are put in service.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

"It's all about reading the parts...till you run over them"...wait, what? LOL

Nice shiny parts!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

today I shifted gears [no pun intended]

The first photo is my back yard shop, combination yard tools, wood working, and race car small parts building, all on first floor.

Second floor is more storage and a Lionel train layout that me and the Grandchildren play with :)

Second photo shows my trusty helpers Mickey and Minnie, they love the Grandchildren but have no interest in climbing the stair to see the trains run.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Now back to shifting gears;

The transmission shop is opening to build the Super 10 trans and trans for the advanced ET altered my Son Jeff is building

These photos show;

* two new Reid SFI cases
* two new Reid roller bearing tail housings
* six front pump cores
* six direct clutch drums
* a number of boxes and trays with years of collecting Powerglide cores and small parts

Next Tuesday UPS is scheduled to bring;

* 1.98 gear set for Super 10
* 1.80 gear set for altered
* BTE aluminum Pro brake for altered
* standard trans brake for Super 10
* a restocking of clutches, bushings, seals and other hardware
* hardened stator tubes with bushings
* hardened turbo spline input shafts

I will document the building of both trans.

New week we will shift between the trans shop and chassis shop for updates with both

More soon

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

I love racecar porn!
Looks more like Christmas came to your house early than Thanksgiving... but sure you are thankful!

Keep going Larry.

Ken

Stock 412

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Ken,

let's try for 25 days of shiny parts :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

25 days,, eh? Sounds like a Christmas song to me,,,, I'll start it off, you keep it going.
"On this first day of Christmas, Manley sent to me,, 8 rods connecting,,,( I couldn't help myself)
Danny Durham

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Danny, stand by, you have started something :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the second day of Christmas the warehouse sent to me, coated bearings for my Cheveee

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the third day of Christmas the freight truck brought to me, some shiny parts from BTE.

Several things of note;

*The input shaft has a single Teflon sealing ring. In addition, it has two grooves that allow fluid that is leaving the converter to easily flow past the stator bushing.

*Also note the light weight direct clutch hub and dual sealing ring servo piston.

BTE is a good company doing a good job for Sportsman racers.

I like quality,shiny BTE parts :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the fourth day of Christmas the parts truck brought to me, four control arm bushings.

We have several options with upper control arm bushings for the Super 10. With past buildups I have experimented with some of those options.

For this project I am using factory replacement bushings by Moog. The photo shows a minute spent with die grinder and disc grinder to remove the internal serrations.

Checking the photos you see the control arm shafts have threaded ends. This is common to may GM front suspensions.

When completing the assembled arm I used chassis/wheel bearing grease between shaft and bushing ID. On the end of each bushing I applied silicone rubber lube to bushings and retaining washer.

Then, self locking nuts are run down to tighten the assemble then back off ever so slightly, about 1/16 turn.

The result, control arms move smoothly on the shafts with very little resistance. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the 5th day of Christmas the Brown truck brought to me, Five front hub studs.

For the Super 10 we will run the factory front brakes This photo shows the ARP 12 x 1.5 extra length wheel studs for the factor brake rotors.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

attention in the paint booth. Saturday we will spray some shiny black on rear housing, rear frame section, and related hardware.

Stand by for shiny photos:)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

A few updates from other areas.

As a reminder, the Super 10 engine is a 327/300/293 package. We have good progress under way with those parts.

Mile High Crankshaft is prepping a factory 327 core with + .013 stroke. He will also balance the crank so good progress there.

REBCO machine has the pistons under way. Using a Bill Miller forging Eric at REBCO does the finished details. Gary Hettler furnished REBCO with a chamber mold so the valve pockets will be right on the money. We are using an .043 x .043 x 3mm ring package.

The short block of course housed in a Dart SHP block with .904 lifters and BBC cam journal size.

More details and photos of engine parts in a few weeks.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

another area of progress is with the Powerglide.

On hand is the Reid case, 1.98 low gear set plus all related parts to complete the trans.

There will be a time in early spring when all these sub-assemblies begin going on and that will be a mighty fine thing.