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70_Fastback: RAT ROD - 193x Ford / 1942 GMC Truck

As always, I am impressed with your workmanship.

Do you think you need to protect your knees from the cross-bracing? How does it fit with the seats and you sitting in the car?

Also, do you plan on creating a left-foot rest on the far side?
 
Thanks Mid. The cross brace is not close to your legs at all. I'll put the seat back in & take a reference pic with me faux driving.

And I'm not 100% clear on your question about a left foot rest. There is a metal kick panel that goes on the inside of the cowl - but that is all that is planned to go there.
 
Nice work Big J! How do you anticipate that drag link to work under high stress? It seems you'd need some kind of pillow block or something to keep the link from bending (providing lateral support). I have a feeling the link moves side-to-side a bit as the spindle moves, so a pillow block may not work too well
 
I think Mid was curious if there was going to be a dead pedal/foot rest for your left foot, unless you are the goofy type that uses your left foot for the brake pedal. With the brake pedal so far to the left, I don't see where there'd be any room for your big left foot.
 
A pillow block won't work. The draglink arcs left to right from the pivot of the steering arm at the front spindle & it arcs up and down from the roation of the pitman arm.

So I don't know how it would be supported. It's 1/4" thick wall tubing, it's heavy.

And this is how all of the draglinks on other cowl steering cars/trucks are. So I went with the same theory.


And yes... I am one of those odd balls who drive, non-daily driver, cars with a left foot for the break pedal. :roll
 
"70_Fastback" said:
And yes... I am one of those odd balls who drive, non-daily driver, cars with a left foot for the break pedal. :roll
Click to expand...

That's because there is no place for you to put you feet.....just one on each pedal....lol
 
"70_Fastback" said:
A pillow block won't work. The draglink arcs left to right from the pivot of the steering arm at the front spindle & it arcs up and down from the roation of the pitman arm.

So I don't know how it would be supported. It's 1/4" thick wall tubing, it's heavy.

And this is how all of the draglinks on other cowl steering cars/trucks are. So I went with the same theory.


And yes... I am one of those odd balls who drive, non-daily driver, cars with a left foot for the break pedal. :roll
Click to expand...

Yeah I guess you'd almost have to have a ujoint in order for the pillow block to work. I guess if it works for others it'll work for you!

I figured you were bassackwards
 
LoL. "bassackwards" - it must be a "Jeremy" thing. The first time I said that around Bonnie you would have thought I had a 3rd eyeball or something...
 
"Midlife" said:
How does it fit with the seats and you sitting in the car?
Click to expand...

Response to half of your question:
26-090211074514-7401514.jpeg
 
Nicely done!

My other question was about the dead pedal, but you will use your sinistral foot for the brake, so no need.
 
The steering is now finished, including the column. :yah

The wheel is from an early 50's something Ford. The column & shaft are from a '65 Mustang. I wanted to use the Mustang column, largly due to familiarity AND that I wanted the integral turn signal switch. I do not like those exterior, strap on style turn signal switches. Much cleaner this way. Luckily the steering wheel spline matched the Mustang steering shaft spline so the adapting was easy. The horn ring works well too.

26-230211070955-75211584.jpeg


26-230211070951-7520190.jpeg


26-230211070949-75192328.jpeg



Recognize the column supports? Those are my old, stock, 302 connecting rods. Amazing how the Mustang steering column tube was the exact size as the mustang connecting rods. Coincidence? :confu

26-230211071000-75222428.jpeg


26-230211071005-75231154.jpeg


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On to the next task!
 
Awesome touch with the rods! True RatRod style... That rod didnt come outta of the motor bent like that, did it? :hide
 
Thanks guys!

"RyanG85" said:
That rod didnt come outta of the motor bent like that, did it? :hide
Click to expand...

And no, those were the old rods that I didn't use because I stroked mine out. I cut & bent that rod and re-welded it.
 
Sweet for sure.......that rod idea is above and beyond for a very unique look. When done, you will need a book and listing with directions for those looking to see all the odd things incorporated into this build.
 
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