XXO/BVGC '38 Chevy Coupe Build

[38flattie]

I thought I'd start a build thread,if anyone is interested. I started this car as a hotrod, and had some pretty neat stuff for it! You can see that info here:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=430439

The engine has consumed much of my time, and has become a passion. I decided to try Bonneville, so here I am. I'm starting over with suspension, scrapped the EFI plans, and committed 100% to the salt.

Here is what I'm chasing:

Blown Vintage Gas Coupe - /BVGC  
XXO     Mike Hegarty                   M. Hegarty         08/04   151.208

[jimmy six]

Flattie. I've looked over all your HAMB pics and info. Since you are planning on running on a Gas Coupe record I would take extra care in making sure you kept the body parts a pure as possible. Remember it is a Production class car with an engine swap, quick change, or non stock supercharger.

I remember when I change to gas coupe from altered I had to find a set of stock fender parking lights for my 1940 Chevrolet and running boards. I had some chrome emblems removed from the hood but the upper parts were still there and it was approved. I kept the original hinges on the trunk and had to add the license plate bracket because it had held the trunk hande which was off for the altered class also. I also had to put on the original taillights.

Just don't you to get bit. I would also get some original pictures of the car off brochures if possible to prove what you do. Keep them in a 3 ring binder with your SCTA/BNI log book. Sometimes in impounds it can get quite hairy as YOU need to provide the proof. Good Luck and I hope to see you in Ocober at World Finals...It's a get meet.................JD

[mtkawboy]

Im always interested in new car builds. What motor are you planning on running ?

[38flattie]

jimmy six, Thanks!

So even the stock tail lights have to be in place, huh? I'll have to try and find some- never had them!

mtkawboy- it's a blown Cadillac flathead.

[jimmy six]

Flattie. I would check with Dan Warner on tail light issue. Also the Vintage committee. I pretty sure ALL the vintage gas coupes I have ever seen run had their stock tail lights or light. If what you want to put on would not give you any areo dynamic advantage it probaby would be OK. Thats is why I suggested the pictures of an orignal car.

I believe the 1938 Chevrolet that holds the XO/VGC has one of the original taillights which sticks out in the wind. If he were to add '39 Fords it would be an advantage and in my opinion could easily be protested. I don't know what the 39 LaSalle tail light look like but IMO you need to get something which could pass and be an advantage..........Good Luck

[38flattie]

Thanks jimmy six. I'll round up all the parts, and put things the way they should be.

I'm stuck here at work in Pa., but I have managed to make some progress. I ordered a billet flywheel, a tunable dampener, and custom aluminium rods.

I also found a GM 7.5" rear, so when I get home, I can start the 4-link setup,and install the c-clip eliminators. More pics then.

mtkawboy- here is a mockup of the engine. I'm still working on the wet sump oil pump bracket. When I started building this, the only aftermarket parts for these motors was a 2x2 intake, and aluminium heads. All of the engine parts were made by me or my friends, except for the heads. The heads are dual plug, two piece, Norm Frick heads.A Lot of engine mods here. The last pic is an original Flatcad.

[jimmy six]

If you can't find '38 LaSalle tail lights check out '38 Buicks...I think they look a lot alike. Good Luck

[38flattie]

Well, due to the body mods on the Lasalle, and the fact that the Lasalle has the same engine family as the Flatcad, the Lasalle build is no more!

I picked up a '38 Chevy coupe, and the Flatcad will go in it. I got a great deal on some fiberglass fenders too!

I just picked up a Chassisworks 4-link for it, and as soon as it's installed, it will get a haircut.

Then, fun with the roll cage!

[GH]

Ahh, aint this fun, looks just like Christmas with all those boxes of new parts.

[38flattie]

Lots of fun!

I spent the day with a CAD modeler. I now have two-piece heads on CAD. This will allow us to use different chamber designs, to see what will flow best for us. I thought this was pretty cool stuff!

[38flattie]

Afte some fussin and discussin, we decide on a Halibrand quickchange, over the GM 7.5". My buddy, Randy Jackson got started on it, and sent me pics..It will still be a 4-link setup. I'm heading out tomorrow to see him, and mock up the engine, so we can build new mounts, and get the tranny and driveline installed.

Out with the old, in with the new.

[38flattie]

We are several months out on a crank, and are working on the cam, intake, and such.

The rear end is in, and we started mocking up the junk engine in it, so we can get the proper ride height.

Once this and the tranny are in, the front suspension will be next.

The races are nearly 10 months away, and I'm already feeling rushed!

[38flattie]

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It probably seems like this is moving slow, but there is a lot going on behind the scenes. This build is almost coast to coast!

I was in Missouri this week, with Randy. The front end is now going in the car, and we were figuring out the tranny, bellhousing/flywheel issue. Pat McGuire is making us an adaptor to a Ford Fe bellhousing. We'll run a Ford Fe flywheel, with a Muncie tranny.

In Washinton, Pete is chomping at the bit, waiting for Joe Paneck in California to finish the cam blank. I know when Pete gets done, we'll have a monster cam!
Also in Washinton, Roy is whittling away at the 6-71 blower intake.

Back in California, Kevin is checking on the feasibility of some secret ultra lightweight lifter bodies.

Also chomping at the bit, in Colorado, is Shannon, who's going to give us our beauty chop.

In Ohio, Dale and Jeff are measuring out all aspects of the engine internals, and formulating a crank plan, as well as the porting and valve train. Chris is designing specialty parts on CAD for us.

Sounds like a theme song- "We're bad-We're nationwide!"

[GH]

I would suggest using a panhard bar also.

[RichFox]

I alleviated the need for a Panhard bar by having a shackle at one end only. Seems to work well.