Landracing Forum
Bonneville Salt Flats Discussion => Build Diaries => Topic started by: JoeBlystfk on April 06, 2013, 11:46:00 AM
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This project is the recreation of the City of Burbank Streamliner. Our goal was to be at the 2012 meet. We didn't make it. The new goal is 2013. I have never worked on any project for so long. The chassis is noe fully welded by DRC in Indy and at the painters. Should have it back in a day or so and start assembly. The clock is spinning double fast. Time to get with the program.
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Joe, you haven't filed in your location on your Profile -- so we don't know where you are. A project like this might attract some of us to come visit during the restore -- so how 'bout telling us if you're near Indy or near Tuscon or just where the heck you are? I'd sure like to take an in-person gander at the job.
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i'm going with pennsylvania...
...my ncca bracket was a bust i need to be right on this one. :-D
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Jon;
It's "Tucson", not "Tuscon". To remember how to spell it, think of the pronunciation in Spanish--- Took- sawn. :-D
Neil Tucson, AZ
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I know -- and it was a typo. But then I got all defensive and tried looking up "Tuscon". There is sucha - - There's an upcoming science fiction conference schedule for mid-November 2013 in Tucson, Arizona. It's the "Tuscon" as in TUCson CONvention.
Whew -v- You almost got me there. . . :roll:
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Oh no! Trekkies coming to Tuscon in Tucson! Oh, the humanity...
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Save some money on a SpeedWeek entry by sending it in now.
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I thought it was Tux Son. We are in Indy. Feel free to come on by. It's the third house from the overpass. :cheers:
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Here is a photo of the chassis upside down with Joe Devin of DRC Chassis welding er together
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Joe,
I like your chassis for the simplicity of the large diameter tubing for the main frame rails, real "retro" design but your cage design, even though it may meet the letter of the SCTA rules has no diagonal members in it to prevent it from folding up on a high impact roll over. Any thoughts about adding some?
Rex
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Two things are merging here. The first is to recreate, as close as possible, the original car. The second is to be able to actually run the car. We have tried to meet the letter of the rules, while staying within the confines of the original size shape and design. I don't forsee any changes at this point.
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Randy and Brian at Indy Fab got the chassis painted on Saturday and we got it back Sunday morning. Spent the day tapping holes and setting the front and rear suspension in place. :-D
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For anyone that is interested the story of the City of Burbank Streamliner can be found on our web site.
www.bonneville2012.com
The build of the original car as well as George Hill's experience driving the car is there.
Here is a photo of today's work. Front and rear suspension in place. Motor plate set in.
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Rand is a good guy!
I use to work at 288g, right by DRC. They make some nice cars. Didn't know they did non sprint stuff.
Look forward to seeing this car, Good Luck!
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Joe, it looks great. That table in the right corner of the pic disturbs me though. It looks like mine :evil:
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Starting to put the bulkheads in place. All of these pieces have been on the car before so they should bolt right up. Famous last words. Always some fiddling and fitting. Already had to remove the rear spring to put in the panel behind the seat. Stuck the tube in place for the DJ parachute and bolted up the torque tube. The plan is to get it to a rolling chassis and then the guys at Indianapolis Fabrications can make the fiberglass body.
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Starting to look like a racecar Joe...... Nice! :cheers:
Do you have access to the original body? :?
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Really? That chassis and cage is legal? If so, my chassis was done a year ago and all this extra work was wasted!
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T, it all looks semi-sturdy enough... although if I was building a new car I would plate in the tub and roll structure to keep unwanted stuff out, and add gussets at the main rails to make it tougher.... but it should be fine if they sent lots of pictures to the contest board and had approval in writing to put in their log book.
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Trent,
You happen to be concerned about surviving a crash these guys seem to only be concerned about making the car look like the original with the minimum cage required to pass tech.
Rex
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Rex, me thinks you hit the nail on the head. I noticed some flat plate gussets on the "cage" but if it were me, I believe I could find some creative ways to increase safety and keep the "look" they are going for. Just say'in
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Trent,
You happen to be concerned about surviving a crash these guys seem to only be concerned about making the car look like the original with the minimum cage required to pass tech.
Rex
Silly me, wanting to see my kid grow up and all......................
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Really? That chassis and cage is legal? If so, my chassis was done a year ago and all this extra work was wasted!
i was thinking the same thing, coping those diagonal tubes is a real pain.... :-D
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Starting to look like a racecar Joe...... Nice! :cheers:
Do you have access to the original body? :?
No the original body was destroyed in a 250 mph crash/flip that incidently did very little damage to the rest of car even though it had only a single hoop behind the drivers head and no cage, gusestts or other modern protections. We do however have the guy that built the original car, Bill Davis
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If they're running the naturally aspirated 300" flathead with three 97's that's on their website then the chassis and cage are fine. The XF/GS record is over 250 and this car is being built well below something that'd satisfy those tech requirements but, that doesn't mean it won't be able to run. I'm sure it'll get stickered with a speed limit and what that limit will be I don't know and we won't know until the car is teched. I just hope someone higher up on tech totem pole has at least seen some pictures of this car and knows that it's coming some day.
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Working on this project reminds me of working on Eagle Indy cars. You can't do anything without doing something else first.
Everything you need is always on the other side of the car. Spent he whole week doing, undoing. redoing and undoing again.
The dog ate the instructions but we'll figure it out. The driveline and front end are squared up so at least that's done, I think.
:? :?
The old guy is starting to work on his motor, Should make at least 200hp. :-o :-o
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Its been a busy week. All these panels fit a lot easier wth clecos. We got the pedals in and master cylinder mounted and some of the brake lines run. Spent today fitting the right side. Photos to follow.
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Here is a photo of the right side with panels fitted. Starting to look like it should.
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Couple of things here. I loved the original and I really like this car.
I also like Joe's ability to avoid the mud too, he has elected not to join the argument about the cage. I can see where they are coming from, even though my choice would be different,
There is the argument that you'd be crazy not to do the latest thing....there is also a relevant argument about risk management. There are some classes that have far greater risk, the level to which that risk is abated is up to the builder/driver.
Is it more foolish to build this car that may run in the 180's or even low 200's than it is to ride a sit on bike capable of 240+ ????? Are they going to CFD model the car? , is it going to want to get on it's roof like a NASCAR?
I dunno.
Keep posting Joe, it's a beautiful thing.
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It IS a beautifull car Goggs, but extra tubes could be used and never be seen.
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Safety over retro should be the way to go. So what if putting extra bars in to beef up the roll cage might not look retro. I thought being safe is more important then looks. JMO
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Bill, "Tiny" Davis. Builder of the original City of Burbank and 2.0 streamliners, USAC championship car owner/builder, multi-time IndyCar fabricator of the year. Still meltin stuff together at 83 years old. :-D
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We decided to add a track bar to keep the rear axle centered. Ran the fuel line inside the frame rail. Just about ready to bolt up the left side panels and get this thing off to the body guys.
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Seems like an awfully short track bar if the aim is to keep
things centered, is the travel limited in some way...
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Seems like a side to side ' Watts link ' would do a better job of keeping the rear centered than that short bar?
Don
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A long weekend of thrashing but we have most of the panels in place. We tried some foaming at the front to see the shape.
Getting closer to sending it to the body guys
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A big week of fitting frp panels into the center areas to provide a base to make the fiberglass body. The body will be made directly on the chassis, just as the original was. In 52 the guys used plaster as a base. We will use foam blocks sanded to shape and the frp panels to provide the base. The problem now is the clock is moving faster than we are
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The chassis is on the ground on 4 wheels for the first time. Indianapolis Fabrications will handle making the fiberglass body. I hope they can it done in time for us to finish things up. Here is a magazine photo of the City of Burbank 1.0 and the another of the replacement COB 2.0
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Getting closer! I hope you make it, it's a cool looking car! :cheers:
I can appreciate the balancing job here with the desire for reproduction of the original, but wondered if you had considered the 'aero' perhaps you could incorporate some subtle aids to reduce lift?
The shape looks a lot like a wing in profile! Maybe it will be better when the front and wheel covers are on and the body is down close to the ground to keep the air from going under? Also I expect the roll cage and stuff will pull C of P back somewhat? Maybe others can make some constructive comment?
Will be an interesting ride!
Keep pressing on, I want you guys to get there! 8-)
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Do you have an Ardun for it?
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We do not have an Ardun. The boys used an Ardun for mock up back in the day but ran a C&T modified 248 inch Flathead.
We have two motors available, both basic Flatheads. One is 304 cu in with 3 97s. The other one is 276 cu in with 2 97s.
These power plants will most likely be the biggest limiting factor in how fast we can go. The original C&T motor is in Speedway Motors museum in Lincoln Nebraska. The 304 in motor is Bill Davis merc from back in the day and ran in many cars including a belly tanker and the "3 day coupe".
The Aero design on these early cars was interesting to say the least. My own observation is that the original car most likely exceeded it design limits when it crashed in 1955.
We have no illusions as to records for this class but rather do this to celebrate one of the pioneers of Bonneville and have some fun doing it. :cheers:
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We have no illusions as to records for this class but rather do this to celebrate one of the pioneers of Bonneville and have some fun doing it. :cheers:
Superb! and a great looking job you are making it! :cheers:
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The guys at I Fab are shaping foam to make a base for the fiberglass body. Hopefully in the next three weeks we can have some results.
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The guys at Indianapolis Fabrications are making foam dust. We should be able to start glass work next week. 65 days and counting, the clock is moving too fast for me.
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Took the the expert, Mr Bill Davis, over to Indy Fab to offer some guidance on the body shape
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Another week and more progress. Almost ready for glass.
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I see the clock shows 47 days to show time. It's gonna be busy. The guys got the shape done and now its time to glass over the whole thing. It's beginning to look a lot like 1952. :-P
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Wow your ride looks awesome. Can't wait to see it on the salt.
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Thanks for the support. We are in fiberglass mode now . I never knew fiberglass work could so much fun. :roll:
We did a hood section, then both rear corners and then the nose. More layers to go. Gotta go scratch. :-P
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Scratch now? :roll: Wait'll you start to grind and sand. :wink: :cheers: By the way, looking good. Wayno
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Body panels are all made. A lot of cleanup and fitting is next. We are skipping the part where you use what you made as a mold for the final pieces. Just like the original we will sand the outside smooth as possible and go with it. My clock is spinning so fast its making me crazy. Pix tomorrow.
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As promised, some photos of the bodywork. The guys at Indianapolis Fabrications have done a great job. Some trimming, some fitting, some finishing required. With the time getting away from us too quickly, we may modify how the body mounts to the chassis so we can get a usable product. Gotta work on getting a canopy made.
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If your interested to see some time lapse of the work, I think you can follow this link https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=302853003194715
We will try to get some photo's posted up tomorrow. Panels are all fitting and started some mud (body filler) work today. Having to extend some flanges here and there. Really hoping Joe can get the engine in place next weekend. Maybe paint the week after....
Time is not on our side, but we are pushing forward and really hope to meet Joe's deadline.
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Here are a couple of photos from 7 years ago. Jeez 7 years.... This is how it started. Willie was a lot younger then. I guess so was I. Boy it was a great idea then. :-P
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The lump is ready to install. Gotta get the sanding stopped first :-P
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So these must be the dog days, cause we are all working like dogs to make this happen. The lump didn't get put in last weekend, but the body is just about ready for paint. Engines gotta go in this weekend or we ain't gonna make it. Not what I had planned but not the first time in this situation either. :-P :-P :-P
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Keep after it Joe, still very do-able! :cheers:
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Got the chassis back from the body guys. Spent the evening fitting the engine. In twice. still needs more fiddling. Maybe the third time can be the charm. Body panels in line for final paint tomorrow. Can't see straight. Time is fleeting.
:-P :-P :-P :-P
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After what must have been at least 25 ins and outs the lump is finally in. Body panels are painted. Now its work work work trying to clean up all the small things that make the big thing go. Down to the last week and a half. just like all racers, drag out the work to fit the time left. Almost :cheers: time
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Car looks great! Keep on truckin', you'll get it done! :cheers:
Cheers, Dave
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Wheels and tires balanced today. Fuel lines run. Water lines run. Battery shut off in. Battery cables in..
Got some great help from the 393 boyz. :-P :-P :-P :-P :-P
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Spent the last couple 18 hour days cleaning up 5 minute jobs. Belly pans fitted. Got the engine to bark. Trying to get body fastened on tomorrow. Still have more to do than time allows so we have to slow the clock. :wink:
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Down to the last couple days. Still lots to do. Tomorrow will be big. Had to raise the whole car up 1.5 inches. We allowed for it but it ain't on my list and it aint a 5 minute job. Imagine that. Got the body done and logos on. The guys at I Fab did an amazing job and certainly can be proud of their involvement. They have worked tirelessly to help get this thing done.
Almost :cheers: time. :-D
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Wow! That's some amazing progress! :-)
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Now somebody needs to buy this to go with it. 8-)
http://www.hallandhall.net/car_sales/Osca-MT4_Streamliner/7874.htm
Robin
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:cheers: :cheers:
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asolutely amazing progress guys, cheering you on from over here. :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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I have to remember to bring my camera. :-D Wayno
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Well the engine runs, the wheels turn, the body is on, its in the trailer. Now the hard part. 1600 miles by truck and tech inspection. Seven years of work and 1000s of hours of friendship received that I can never pay back. The effort put in the last couple of weeks by people I didn't even know is overwhelming.
Stop and see us, tell the old man he looks good for his age (83), tell us what you like, what we did wrong, or how we could do better. I won't matter to me, I"ll just be happy to be there.
:-D :cheers:
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Man this came together quick. Nice work, looks great!!!
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I'll be sure to look you up Joe!
Car looks amazing! :-D
:cheers:
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AMAZING!!!
thats all i can say, amazing progress and work, good luck! I sure hope it passes tech first time around and you get to run some numbers!!!
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Looks good!
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Absolutely awesome guys! What a thrash! :cheers: Can't wait to see that thing lay down some power!
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For anyone that hasn't done so, please read the boys story on the website.
www.bonneville2012.com
Sent from somewhere in Iowa
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Made it to SLC. Time get something besides road food, a good nites sleep and get up early to head west.
See u on the salt
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Made it. All in one piece. Got some of tech inspection done. Had some things to modify, including the driver. Gotta send out for some axle grease to get him in and out. Just happy to be here. Thanks for watching.....
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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Got all of our tech isssues sorted out. Hired a driver that could get out of the car with all the gear on. Lined up last night to make arun but the wind took control of the course. Came out early today to try again.
Lined up on course 1 and waited.......... Finally, made an easy pass down the course to the 5.
Chute worked car ran came back intact. It was a great 12 hour day.
More tomorrow.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
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... Finally, made an easy pass down the course to the 5.
Chute worked car ran came back intact. It was a great 12 hour day...
That's good to hear- congratulations!
[I hope your "12 hour day" reference wan't in extreme sarcasm?]
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No just a note to self that I was at the salt from 7 to 7 and need to be there at 7 again tomorrow. I am sure its the same for everyone and its probably a good thing they toss you out at 8.
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Well its all over. We had more fun than should be allowed. Only lost 1 trailer tire 100 miles from home. We spent so much time getting the car finished and out to Utah that we really didn't prepare to run the car. In that I mean, running a car is serious stuff. Things need to be checked rechecked adjusted, modified etc. It was difficult even to get the thing jacked up. It took 3 people to get it in and out of the trailer. The crew had never been to the salt before and had to return to Indy on Monday. We made one run and decided to stop while we were ahead. This car had never turned a wheel before we got there. It went down the long course without a pause. 5 miles, not so fast, but nothing broke, fell off, caught fire or blew up. That was a win for me. It was a joy to see the smile on the face of the old man at the staring line 61 years after he first went to Bonneville with the City of Burbank. You can't put a price on that.
A big thanks to all of our supporters and those that came by to say hey.
And check this out. http://blogs.hotrod.com/the-city-of-burbank-streamliner-returns-to-speed-week-71301.html
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It was a joy to see the smile on the face of the old man at the staring line 61 years after he first went to Bonneville with the City of Burbank. You can't put a price on that.
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Thanks for the build---My eyes enjoyed and my mind floated back to grade school----
But the honor of getting to introduce myself to the young man you mention above at the photo shoot was priceless---the getting to meet some of the many legends who came before us---makes me thankful to have in such a small way--- the direct connection----Thank you MR Bill Davis aka Tiny--
We honor you, what you did and what you inspired!
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Car looked killer on the salt. Good job.
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Sadly, even after 6 days on the salt, your car (out of 550 entries!) was one I did not get to see!
Looks great against the salt in the pics though!
Congratulations! :cheers:
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Ghosts of the past...
:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: 8-)