rear end..front end etc.

Time to fit the actual diff i will be using. This is a 56 " wide 31 spline round back, housing done by OZRODS, and custom Yukon axles by Aussie Diffs. My home brew alignment jig uses more clamps,levels,magnets than you would find in a Trade tools store! But the main thing is, with lots of measurements, it gets the job done. I checked the engine and it is 3degrees to the rear, so rear end will be set at 3 degrees up to compensate...well, that's what all the chassis books say works.Supposed to stop tailshaft vibes!

Look at these cool new spring hangers from So-Cal Speedshop. I had intended using the Pete n Jakes hangers at first, but these only work with the original style curved spring, and I ended up with a 40 Ford style So-Cal spring, so a quick call to SoCal and they were here in 8 days!..great service!A1.

The lights are mounted now, and I'm trying to figure how to mount the tank, in a way that the front licence plate can be incorporated without lookin too ugly...think I might put it on a pivot under the spreader bar, and let it get bent up outa sight! maybe I can just get the letters/numbers painted on the tank?? Working out shocks and the mount style too..I have some flat plate ones from Toowoomba R&C, or I have F100 style, also got some off a Harry Potter car that might not look so bad....

don't look too close..it aint finished yet!...but you see the idea of cutting out the firewall to use an angled toe board, and notice there is an extra pedal there now..the toploader is back in. even a factory XA shifter I have is bolted on and just clears the low tunnel I created...Think I'm getting somewhere, lots of little jobs seem to sort themselves out with not too much trouble.

Stopped by the garage of Les Winter today!

This model a sedan delivery was first put together in the 70s...it has had numerous changes over the years, and the current revamp is looking great!can't wait to see it back on the road!

Traditional looking rear axle uses a quick change that is mounted with  So-Cal parts, Model A style spring, sway bar, ladder bars, it's like a W....on P..k v....n..pure and simple!

A good jig or bench  helps, and this has been built to put the frame up at the right work height . Really makes life easy! Check out the drum brake frontend..cool!

Les found this steel 32 coupe in California earlier this year.Plans are to just fix up the flattie running gear and keep it running as is, at this time.....maybe fix it up in later years.

Les has now changed to a toploader 4 speed, so a bit to re-work on the new frame, and as you can see, the re-birth of this sedan delivery will be outstanding!

Plenty more projects like this gennie deuce coupe...then there's the old 55 Top Doorslammer car next to it!

Quick Change rear end looking tough!

Glenn Watts ..a man on a mission..another hot rod almost finished!!

As usual, this is the best part of the hot rod build..everything nice and shiny..

You can appreciate the time and effort that goes into projects like this, and if you could have seen the body before it was steeled out!!, a massive effort in getting it all straight.

This frame was originally from under an imported US 33 five window, but now has been "upgraded" to suit the roadster ...

Lots of work went into building the custom lift off roof....nice shape that will have the "look" after it has been padded and upholstered

The small block chev has been smoothed, lots of new polish, and a 4 speed auto will get the job done!

As of Jan 2012, the frame is just about finished, and running, now all effort will go into the body, and hopefully, be ready to paint and mount to the frame sometime in Feb.You think this is nice!...wait until you see the 5 window....all steel....fuel injected Scat equipped flathead.....5 speed.....independant Rod Tech front end....9 inch rear....knowing Glenn, it will probably get finished for the 2013 Nationals!!

Darryl Ks new closed cab pickup!

Called in to see Darryl Kuhneman yesterday, and the following photos show how close this multi year project is away from the street!...only a month or two should see it done!

Finally...more work on the roadster in December!

I had Darren from Oz Rods make up the bushes needed for my steering column. It uses an early F100 outer, with HQ Holden inner, as this gives me the correct top spline to suit the repro Vintique 40 Ford wheel. I kept the column high to allow for pedal room, always a problem in RHD cars.

I realised that the standard length radius rods I bought from Speedway Motors should have been shortened a little, to suit the frame. Once again, Darren came to the rescue, and they will now sit much better with 70mm removed!

The column is now just about mounted, and with two bits of DD, and some box tubing, I have mocked the alignment of the steering, and everything seems to be fitting just nice. Think I might pull the motor forward about 10mm, it will then clear the firewall in the bellhousing bolt area, and save me doing more "glass work. I still can't decide if I should cut the firewall on an angle about 7" up, to create an angled kickboard. This also makes it easier for the pedals....And speaking of pedals,,,,think it's going to have three of 'em!

I had fitted an angle iron piece to the bottom dash brace, in readiness for the column drop. Now this is finished as well, just a simple bent 1/8th plate with a bottom "cup" that also has a threaded location bolt that secures the column from ever wanting to move up or down. Once I decide on the pedal location, (and how many of them), I can finish all the firewall internal cross bracing.

Yamba 2011

One of the nicest cars of the run...a flattie powered stock height 5 window coupe...now who wouldn't love this in their garage?

Yamba rod run is one of our "must do" events, think we have only missed 2 out of the 20 they have had. Carpop has driven many different cars to this run, but my all time favourite is his roadster!

Here's a shot of our "Deuces Limited" club taking over the BBQ area as usual. Shane was either behind the camera, or behind the wheel of his T bird......but he will shock 'em next year with his re birthed "3W"

Jarrod never ceases to amaze me, this kid has the hot rod bug bad, and knows EXACTLY how to make 'em look HOT!

 This shot shows how far back I recessed the small block, so that the 2 inch longer big block engine will also fit in at a later date. The distributor cavity was once a baking dish, that I glassed in from behind, then cut the front out and sort of smoothed off a bit! Also have to do a little trim in the corner of the bellhousing area, but an easy fix later.

 When I raised the engine, the floor had to be cut out, and I am about to make a flat steel plate to bolt to the box tubing, then glass the tunnel to it....don't really need a removeable tunnel, but it's out now...may as well. Got bored the other day, found a bit of 3mm MDF, so made up the door trim panels, and mounted the door handles....bet you can't guess what the door openers  came from..  (Lada Niva..who said they were useless!)..they were perfect for my flat black theme...

 Started on the seat at the same time. It's from an 80s Hilux, narrowed about 4 inches, laid back the back section about an inch, and mounted low enough so it can slide in under the body...I will just make a cover strip to cover my ugly box tubing ....with a hefty roll on the front, it should be real comfy, and sit you down low....I have an 80s Corolla handbrake that just fits in between the box tubing, and clears the seat just enough.

 I didn't want to cut up these pipes, so the Chev sits a bit higher than normal....I like using stock type fuel pumps, so had to ensure all this cleared. The line of the steering column to box looks pretty good, and I will replace the wooden shaft once Darren Silich finishes my modified early F100 column.

Had some old tin kicking around at home, as well as some MDF and ply......so now I have my boot area just about worked out...just need to make all the bracketry to hold these pieces in place. I love working on the lines of trying to use as many bits and pieces I find at home, or at a swap or ebay, to go into this project....but I enjoy it...even if it takes me all day to make something I could have paid big bucks for....there are some items you just have to pay out on, so anything saved is worthwhile.......anyway....got to go look on e bay for some bargains