Belly Tank Build Diary

[Jack Gifford]

I used copper/nickel alloy brake tubing on my '59 GMC (don't recall the manufacturer) but the outside isn't copper colored, it has the appearance of nickel.
Those inboard discs are something I envision for my lakester. What thickness and how much clearance to the wheel?

[Queeziryder]

Jack/Neil
Look up Kunifer tubing

Neil

[manta22]

Jack/Neil
Look up Kunifer tubing

Neil

Thank you, that looks like a good choice for brake  & hydraulic clutch hard lines- especially at Bonneville!

[Mike Brown]

I used copper/nickel alloy brake tubing on my '59 GMC (don't recall the manufacturer) but the outside isn't copper colored, it has the appearance of nickel.
Those inboard discs are something I envision for my lakester. What thickness and how much clearance to the wheel?

Jack, the brakes are Wilwood four piston calipers, part number 140-12552.  The rotors are solid .35" thick by 11.44" diameter.  Wilwood has complete dimensions on their website.  On a Winters quick change rear end with big Ford axles the inside of the calipers are about even with the inside flange of the rear wheels.  The rear wheels are Cragar 69 series 15x10 with 4-1/4" of backspace.  I hope that this helps. 

[Mike Brown]

It must be said that I do appreciate all of the comments received on this build diary.  The things that all of you pick up from low resolution photos posted here always amaze me.  Over the years the tips on this build have been (mostly) helpful.  Be safe and go fast. 

[Jack Gifford]

Sorry I wasn't more clear. I was asking about the thickness of the "streamlining discs", and their closeness to the wheel rim.

[Mike Brown]

Sorry I wasn't more clear. I was asking about the thickness of the "streamlining discs", and their closeness to the wheel rim.

Sorry about that Jack.  All my wheel disks are made from .080" thick 5052 aluminum.  I keep approximately 3/16" clearance to the rim. 

[Jack Gifford]

Thanks Mike. If I can work through the more pressing issues, I hope to add "moon disks" inboard of all four wheels of my lakester.

[Stan Back]

Jack --

What size tires are on the front?

Stan

[Jack Gifford]

28 x 4.5- 15 FrontRunners all around.
The [eventual] moondiscs will be a little "messy", since it has 4-wheel disc brakes.

[Stan Back]

With our Street Roadster years ago, I was running 25" Goodyears (don't remember the width -- 5 - 5-1/2?) and set the Bonneville record at 199.  Months later I'd changed them to 22" M&Hs, 3-1/2 wide -- the only change -- and went 201.  They gave me a pretty red cap.

The real bonus in the change was that, for the first time, I could actually steer the car.  Before that I kinda "wished it".

[Stainless1]

Stan, September/October always has better air... but small front tires stop less of it as well as change attitude lowering the front... less air under and room to leave...
It's always good to see someone get a hat...     

[Mike Brown]

We have a first printed part for the rear axle fairing.  The part had to be printed in three parts due to the limits of the printer but splines were designed in so the individual parts could be pinned together.  I hope to have the final details finished and the fairing on the axle in the next couple of days. 

[fissionspeed]

Love the 3D printed fairings!

[Mike Brown]

With the axle fairing project I needed to make permanent tie down points for trailering.  I currently use straps over the axles to attach the ratchet straps.  Fairing in the axles complicates this as they would need to be removed to attach the straps or have large openings that would allow the straps to still be used.  I decided to add some tie down points.  I chose to add plates to the rod end mounts that are welded to the axle.  By adding a 1/4" plate I could use the 3/4" bolts to hold the plate and have a hole for the tie down strap.  I machined the plates on the mill so I decided to make the opening for the strap a "D" shape since my straps have two round rods that form the hook.  I attached a photo of the plate.