Hello All,
Skip Pipes here.
I live in Huntington Beach, California and I’m in the process of building a Blown Fuel Roadster. I’ve posted a bit in the past, but now it’s time to start a build diary. I’ve waited a bit to post this project as I wanted something to show, rather than talk theory. I call this adventure “Skip’s Thing” after a conversation I had with my wife’s friend, who declared; what’s that “Thing” you’re building? So there you have it; I figure if Jonny can have “Hotnuts”, I can have a “Thing.”
I’ve spent many years hanging out at El Mirage and been fortunate enough to meet numerous So-Cal roadster owners (all really nice, helpful people). From them I’ve taken a lot of ideas and inspiration, but the Wilson & Waters #369 and Brauer & Sons #716 are the two that I’ve stolen the best ideas from (as I’ve no shame).
Well, my roadster going to be a primitive “Garage Built” deal for a rookie driver (me). I think it has a personality all its own and after viewing the build you’ll likely say; hey, you started one way and now you’re going a different direction. Yep, that’s the benefit or hazard if you will of a car with personality, as well as one guy driving the project (and designing on the fly). Surely you’ll see more dirt track Sprint Car influence vs Drag Racing as my background is in Midget Car Racing.
I also like/admire Sumner’s work and copied his idea for a build platform to get the car up to a workable 18” in height (read that seat high), sort of a combination poor man’s build table and back saver. Also you might also notice my 2 car garage is sort of congested; I assure you I know where everything is, one I find it (I like a controlled mess). As I’m fond of 29 Ford roadsters I’ll be using a Poly-Form body, which I’ve got mocked up on the frame rails.
Some of the details:
• Poli-Form 29 body with tonneau cover and 32 grill shell
• 2” x 6” x .125” main rails, pinched and tapered
• 1 5/8 x .134” DOM roll cage and frame structure
• Coil over front suspension, tucked inside grill shell
• 5” od rear springs with weight jacker, ala circle track
• 4 link rear and 4 bar front
• Quick-Change, TBD
• M/T Tires 24” front, 30” rear
• Built to take a Hemi or Big and Small Chevy – all have seen time between the rails.
I’m a big guy (6.1”) and need all the room I can get so following current trends I’ve shifted the seat to alongside the driveshaft and dropped it as low as possible. I’ll also shift the rear axle the opposite direction 4” ala Wilson & Waters #369 roadster. I’m also thinking of moving the engine (Big Block Chevy) over 2”
Should be a fun project until the money runs out!
Thanks All – Skip