Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Keith, 10-4, there will be a "catch strap" to keep the pushrod in place. I have heard those stories.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the 19th day of Christmas the news is all so good, more tubing in place.

More good work completed today.

Early this morning we bolted up the fenders and core support for a location check. Two items to check, make sure the forward strut bar will clear the wheel well headers. [no problems, headers are well below the bars]

And double check the core support location in ref to strut bars on the frame horns. All is fine, no interference from any add on's

Four photos of fenders and core support temporarily in place.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

once we doubled check the forward struts bars were installed.

The shop crew is on a roll [no pun intended] with the bar fitment, note the excellent fit up at strut to "A" bar junction.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the 21st day of Christmas we have more progress made, seat in place for roll cage fitting.

Today's photos show driver's door in place and drivers seat in place.We are making ready to fit the side bars and rear harness bar.

Note the good fit in ref to seat and main hoop.

Also note that comfort will be paramount when competing with the Super 10 :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

In addition to door bars and harness bar we also need the dash bar. These show column and brake pedal set in place to fit dash bar and then test fit the dash housing.

I like the factory column and mount. Column simply bolts in with four studs. It is a tilt column that provides even more driver comfort.

In seasons past with successful and winning packages each of those cars was "comfortable" at ease when seated. Good visibility, easy in and out. These things are a very important piece of a good overall package.

There could be a delay causing extra time in the lanes, if comfortable I might catch a quick nap. But napping is only for down time, I will be ready when at the tree :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Today's final photo shows planning ahead for component mounting in the bed.

16 volt battery, 3 gal Jaz cell, Air Armed on board compressor for shifter.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dragsinger,
You might want to watch it catching a nap near the line ! I suspect I'm older than you and a word to the wise ! Sometimes those little naps go a bit longer than expected ! Having a lane steward tap on your plexi window to wake you up might be embarrassing !

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

GuitarMan,

with age comes experience, with experience comes nap control. I can be at the ready in a moments notice.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the 23th day of Christmas the brown truck brought to me, the proper fuel system!

To review, the Super 10 will be powered by a 327/300/293 engine combination. That engine was originally equipped with a 585 Holley. Quick Fuel Technology builds and has accepted by NHRA a replace carburetor. You can see it on the Quick Fuel site under part # SSR-585-VS www.quickfueltechnology.com

After talking with Phil Vickous at Quick Fuel I also decided to run a Quick Fuel pump and regulator. Phil and I agree that for this specific application the Quick Fuel 175 pump [#30-175] is completely acceptable. That coupled with a #30-1803 regulator will keep the Super 10 full primed to fly.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

On the 24th day of Christmas we are a changing gears, the two speed trans is being built.

The next day or two will complete the Reid cased powerglide of the Super 10. All parts, supplies, tools are on hand to finish up.

These photos show;
* case with only reverse clutches in place
* pump with new stator tube pressed in place
* high clutch pack
* pump gears
* assorted springs and hardware

Later I will show air testing both reverse and high clutch packs

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

One of my goals with the Super 10 project is to show some items that are not usually addressed when documenting a build up.

To review from earlier comments, if you are considering doing more, building more than you have in the past these pages may encourage you to do so.

This information is not secret, it is common, done every day work that you can do with patience and education.

The pleasure I receive from drag racing only partly happens at the track. The work of building is also very rewarding. In addition, the learning process is very satisfying.

Using the Super 10 powerglide as an example, I could have paid about $200.00 more and bought a complete, ready to install trans. However, it would not be personalized, it may or may not incorporate some of the methods to reduce drag that are presented in the Carl Munroe book.

By doing my own building I become "1" with the machine. And that is something I like.

It is not something that suites everyone but if it interest you to learn more and do more I think that is a good thing.

The following photos show;

*High drum in place
*Pump bushing and tool.
*Pump gears and tool
*Stator bushing and tool
*Gear tool in pump
*End play checking
*Clamp to align pump halves

All this and much more is detailed in the Carl Munroe book.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Friday afternoon we wrap up the Super 10 trans. The only remaining works is rear output shaft support and tail housing install.

In the above post I talked about "personalizing" the build. The last photo is a good example of that. This is a small item but something I prefer to do differently than what came out of the box. You most likely have heard it said, "that is how it came out of the box so that is what I used"

The BTE pan bolts are packaged with star washers but I do not like star washers on aluminum. After a few removals they will dig into the pan. In this case a thick AN washer will be installed.

Same situation with the Reid extension housing bolts, they were packed with lock washers. The same thing as with the star washers, a few removals and the washers will gouge the housing. The fix is the same, thick AN washers.

Saturday morning work turns back to the frame. Stand by for more updates,

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Making some good progress Mr. W. Hopefully next week we will put some fuel on the fire on Super 10. I have the doors ready for the aluminum panels on the pancho. Great weather for being productive. :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Here is one way I personalize my trans when I start note I am not starting with a new case. I drill out all the pan bolt holes and helicoil them, its only a few extra bucks but is easier now than laying down on your back with tranny fluid dripping on you.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

James, good example. Little things can made a big difference.

PS, if it were not required I would have a factory case :)

[well, the aftermarket case is the most space efficient, service efficient option]

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

This trans stuff shows the difference between a guy on his umpteenth build and someone like me on his first.

Buying a "bolt on" high performance automatic for my Mustang was the one thing I regret the most. The transbrake solenoid wouldn't fit because the case was the wrong year and it popped a gasket once I got it in a correct one and bolted to my SFI bell housing. Now that I have machined the face of the housing flat, gone to a thicker gasket, replaced the trans pan and machined it down to clear the housing all works fine. And I replaced the foreword shift solenoid and piston, too. Nice big chip in it.

I'll worry about gears and modding out the pump next year. One thing at a time.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dale, you are correct that experience matters but there was a day that I did my first one. You go ahead on, the lesson are of great value and greatly satisfying.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dragsinger
Though it's been mentioned before I just wanted to add my $.02. I really appreciate your taking the time to logically go through and document
and share your build. It's help me organize a project I'm currently getting going. Using your methodic thought system as a guide I have partially built a shed that I will use to go behind and practice my techniques so the neighbors won't be able to see until I advance my skill levels !

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

GuitarMan,

I got your back Bro, go you to it. The neighbors do not know a thing about hot rods so just tell them anything, they won't know the difference.

You may recall I once had an old Plymouth that got 100 MPG. It had a one-of-a-kind, ElectraGrand carb. We were able to document the mileage easy enough because driving for mileage required careful and modest driving.

I know for sure the top end power and speed were also impressive but the roads and tires of our area never allowed a full out test run.

I once heard stories of a testing area in South Texas near Phalfurious but I never got enough money together to attend those trials. Stories are told about some early pioneers of Bonneville testing there.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

GuitarMan,

" methodical thought system"

sometimes a methodical mind is a "unusual" place. Thought processes take unexpected side trips often. It is good to know you recognize this trait. I expect it is easily recognized by a like personality :)

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Today was a good progress day with the Super 10.

This shows a mock up location of battery, fuel cell, and on-board air compressor.

For several years now I have raced with the Rock 16 volt battery's. Both battery's and chargers are giving excellent service. I buy both battery and charger from Mark Payne at House of Payne. Mark is a racer, he has good service and good pricing.

The cell is a 3 gal Jaz model that I buy "blank" [no fitting holes, no filler hole drilled] Doing so allows putting fittings where you want for a custom application.

The Air Armed is another product I have incorporated in several different buildups. It is sold by K & R and other vendors. One big advantage in addition to providing shifter air, it is perfect for topping off tires if you are in the lanes longer than expected.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

More progress also happened with the roll cage system. Photo shows the main hoop diagonal bars.

I had fretted for weeks over finding a good, used steering gear. The ones I found were worn, rough, slack in gears. While surfing for options I found a reman gear at O'Reilly's

And another big progress today is modifying the dash housing to fit around the cage. The Super 10 Crew, Sir Grambington and Sir Flashington made it happen.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

In earlier post I have talked about something I believe to be vital for a successful package, driver comfort. Plus, controls placed for natural feel. In my opinion, the closer you can feel like driving casually on the street the better.

The Super 10 brake pedal reflects my thoughts. The brake pedal has been "reformed" by the Super Crew and is now about 6" more to the left than factory location. At a glance it could be mistaken for the park brake pedal, but all that hardware is gone.

On the firewall notice the Strange mounting plate that is part of the master cylinder hardware. The plate is mocked up and notice above on cowl a custom mount and the master cylinder that are yet to be finalized.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

No question the Super 10 is poised to fly, note the speedometer indication.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

some days bring only small progress, but any progress is good progress. This is a 3/16" thick aluminum plate custom built to mount the Strange master cylinder. On the back side is the reinforcing plate that Strange ships with the master cylinder.

All four bolts go into the factory brake booster mounting plate/column mounting fixture which a welded part of the body.

Tomorrow I expect to install/setup the 6.0 12 bolt gear and complete the axle/brakes assembly. In addition, I expect to build battery mount, cell mount and mount the air armed compressor

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Time for a few updates with more coming soon.

With my continuing quest for a comfortable command center the manual crank window regulators have been replace by powered regulators. It is a direct bolt in from manual to power.

We will either find a donor truck for the wiring and switches or my simply custom build.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

The master cut-off is a small item but important. A premium quality switch like this heavy duty Flaming River piece gives trouble free service.

The mounting and control is trick. It is bolted through the bed wall into the area behind the taillight. The lever connects to a control rod that exits through the back-up portion of the taillight lens.

Then a Morse cable will also connect to a lever inside the truck so power switch can be operated by driver. The second photo is looking back toward the taillight mounting area.

More photos of this soon.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Still doing small jobs in the bed, note fuel cell outlet fitting. The fuel pump will be mounted near this outlet. At this time I think a opening will let the upper half of the pump motor be inside the bed.

The next few days will finalize most of this rear bed area hardware.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

and I smile and shake my head each time I notice the 6.0 ratio pinion gear.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Larry - I'm sure I speak for many readers of this thread when I compliment you on the detail and quality of the work you are doing on the Super 10. It is a privelege for us all that you are spending the time you do to take the pictures, post them with narrations here and hear your thoughts as the biuld progresses. Great Job!


Dwight Southerland
PS One of my Stockers used a 6.14 gear in a 12-bolt with a stick. I got to see the inside of the housing more times than I can remember!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dwight,

Thank You. I am completely enjoying the process.

And about the 12 bolt rear. I have built a number of cars with a 12 bolts and received good service from all. However, I never ran anything lower than a 5.13 ratio. The last fast bracket car I built ran 6.10's 1/8th mile at 3100 pounds [about 9.55 in the 1/4]

It had hundreds of runs on the 5.13 gear and still looked like new.

I hope with the 327 with powerglide running low 10's at 3100 pounds , well, track time will tell.

I might be wise to consider having the gears treated and polished. Do you have any suggestions?

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

The best improvement I saw was having the gears heat treated at Tom's Differentials. That more than doubled the pinion life. Those small 6 tooth pinions will crack at the base of impact. Tom's heat treating allowed the teeth to bend before coming to pieces. Gear life was about 100 runs after heat treating. 3550 lbs with a stick.


Another big improvement I found was using a solid pinion spacer over a compression sleeve.


I'm sure the REM polishing, cryo treatment and some of the coatings available now would be beneficial.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Dwight, Thank You. I will follow up and 10-4 on solid crush sleeve

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Not able to see pictures. What am I doing wrong. Great thread!!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Give us some info on your operating system and web browser (including the version number).

EDIT: I just went back a page and I can't see them either. That means it's a server issue. I had the entire site vanish the other day.

Dale

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Ken knows about the photo viewing problem and is working on it.

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

It's working now. Thanks!!

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Saturday work time allowed working on a few small items. The small items are important and over the weeks add up to good progress.

I like small, simple details. They give me a smile and are part of my hot rodding enjoyment.

Note:

*master cut off mounted through bed wall
*switch body is inside the bed, control arm in taillight housing area
*"push off" handle through the taillight lens
*battery and fuel cell mounted

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Nice work Larry, keep it up!
Good idea and execution on the master cutoff, and the cable to the cab. Cant count the number of times over the years I have got in the car, got back out of the car to turn switch on, got back in the car cussing... LOL.
I have wanted an S-10 for years... this is just making me drool again.

Ken

Stock 412

Re: Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series
 

Another perspective that helps is to provide support for the housing. You already have braced the housing externally and that is good, and you have used steel bearing caps which helps (1/2" bolts?). The aluminum cover/girdle products or something similar will help keep the big open housing from distorting. I modified a stock cover with 1/8" steel gridwork inside and a 1/4" steel mounting flange reinforcement to be a rigid brace for the housing opening. I ran it on the E/S & A/S Camaro and it seems to help. I know the gold stamped aluminum Moroso cover (remember them?) shortened gear life on the 283s.