Woodfin's SS GT/TB construction series

[Dragsinger]

Many sports have the special connection that brings family and friends together. That connection were the group support and group talent causes something to happen that you do not get otherwise. There is power and support from the family/friend unit.

Drag racing is like that. With the Super 10 project family and friends are a significant support group.

In an effort to cultivate the younger members of the Super 10 team we are incorporating a Hot Wheels track under the bed cover. During race rounds our up and coming members can conduct Hot Wheels races in the pit area.

Thanks to Little Chief for designing the Hot Wheels track.

[Dragsinger]

I like what happened today. The cab is back in place and most likely will stay. Unless something I have overlooked comes up the cage work begins right away. Of course, once the main hoop and A pillar bars go through the floor the cab can no longer be removed.

The bed on the other hand will be removed again to allow painting the cab.

Little Chief and I had a brief planning session this evening after he finished the Hot Wheels track.

Check the photos. You will see how the main hoop goes through the floor and will weld onto the original cab mount brackets. Same for the A pillar down bars. Because the factory cab rubber mounts are removed to allow welding the down bars new cab mounts are now inside the frame. When completed, the cab will be solidly welded to the frame.

[Dragsinger]

One of the last pair of bars installed will be the rear strut bars from main hoop rearward to rear shock crossmember.

Once those bars go in, the bed can no longer be removed.

The ability to dis-assemble the frame from body has been a very nice advantage during construction. However, the day is coming when we are welding everything up and that option is over.

[Dragsinger]

On the 12th day of Christmas the Brown truck brought to me, more Powerglide parts.

Some years I bought a large stock of Powerglide cores. About 10 complete trans and additional pumps and drums.

Over time the good pieces have been gradually depleted. Building trans for myself, my Son and a few select local racers has drained the stock pile.

Especially good used pieces of the small hardware and becoming more and more rare.

Two good sources are still providing most everything to restock those parts. [there may be more suppliers but these two are the ones I have personal experience with] BTE and Sonnax.

The order that arrived today gives enough restocking to build four more trans with the exception of whatever gear set the build requires.

[Dragsinger]

Attention in the pits!

Because of family and other obligations the daily Christmas postings will be suspended until Tuesday Dec 16th. On that day postings and photos will resume with the roll cage install details.

The bed has been on and off again for more fitment checking. The plan is good, everything is working out as expected.

The cab remains on so stand by next week as we begin installing tubing and building mounts.

[Dragsinger]

and we are back on schedule;

on the 13th day of Christmas the MIG welder gave to me, the tacking of roll cage tubing.

We are now committed with the cab install. As these bars going in place the cab can no longer be removed.

There is one helpful thing in the plan though, the cab is "floating" on the frame so it can be moved and raised to allow completely welding the tubes.

Once all roll cage tubing is finished welded the cab will then be welded to the frame.

Today's photos show main hoop and halo tacked in place. Tomorrow the "A pillow" bars go in place.

[Ernie Neal]

Larry, some food for thought. I built a Dakota back in 97. The wheel tubs where flanged about 1" and were pop riveted from inside the bed. My thought was if I or someone ever wanted to change colors the rivets could be drilled out and and the bed could slide the length of the tub opening. My main hoop supports to the rear centered half in the tub and half in the bed. You may be working on this right now, but thought I would speak up. I had an aluminum cover on the bed painted truck color of course with about an 18" hinged access lid for fuel and battery service. I was trying to find a picture. I have one somewhere.

Keep up the good work!
Ernie Neal
SS 354

[Dragsinger]

Ernie,

I would like to see photos. Always open to suggestions.

Larry

[Dragsinger]

On the 17th day of Christmas a grinder made the fit, roll cage bars in place.

Today we have grinding sparks flying. The cab is in position and new inner cab mounts are under construction.

The main hoop is in place, halo bar fitted, "A" pillow bars working just now.

Photos soon

[Dragsinger]

Some engine parts updates;

Gary Hettler tells me heads and intake ready mid January.

Eric at REBCO has the Bill Miller pistons and pins now in house and working his program.

Mile High Crankshaft has crank ground and waiting on bob weight numbers to balance.

East Texas Racer Cars custom headers in - house.

YEA! Lot's of sub systems in process.

January, February, and March will bring good progress as these items are finalized and arrive on-hand.