Ron Pope Motorsports                California Custom Roadsters               

"Black Dahlia"

I haven't taken the time to reference the info but what Ihave seen is "most racing sanctioning bodies" & I do know for sure that the NSRA requires the use of safety washers w/ any sperical rod end...
 
Fred if you will send me your postal address I will send you a couple of stainless fail safe washer.
I am leaving for Tenn. NTBA Nationals Tuesday. Maybe I can get them in the mail tomorrow.

I could not get the Start a conversation thing to work.
 
Fred, why not spray a clear coat on them? I believe that would stop the oxidation of the galvanize finish which causes the dulling. IMHO

Jim

I thought of that, but was told it would cloud up over time and exposure. They're really not a big deal, I just thought since I had them and liked them, I'd use them.
 
Sorry Fred, didn't mean to start a huge distraction. I'm just an air on the safety side of things guy. Probably the AF quality assurance background lol. I will be using something along this line Safety Retaining Washer for Rod End Bearings - Pegasus Auto Racing Supplies

Jeff, looking out is never a distraction. I appreciate it. But in my application, I don't think I need them. If I was constructing a car intended for high stress situations (racing), I'd be all over it, but I'm not. It's a simple street car. In a wreck, it MIGHT be a concern, but I doubt it. A heim would be the last thing to fail and would be at the bottom of my list of concerns. I have yet to see or run across a "stratigically placed pot hole" that would swallow half my tire, axle and some how catch my steering arm. I'm not going to be 4 wheeling, either. I didn't dream up this setup, it was suggested by a few people who've ran it.

So, as I stated earlier, if someone has seen or heard of a rod end or heim failing at the housing, under NORMAL circumstances, by all means, post it. I'd like to see it and I'm sure a lot of others would too. You guys that say you're using them, post a pic, so folks can check it out. Because seriously, up until yesterday, safety washers haven't been mentioned before on this site or any of the other sites I frequent. Maybe they go by another name? If they have, post a link. I'll help spread the word.

Thanks! I saved your link in case I need them. Those look like they'd work much better than a plain washer.
 
Last edited:
I thought of that, but was told it would cloud up over time and exposure. They're really not a big deal, I just thought since I had them and liked them, I'd use them.
In case you may be interested, Krylon makes a spray finish called Stainless Steel. I've used it on my home outside air conditioning fan guard. It sat out on the South side of my house in the Florida sun for about three or four years and it still looked pretty good when it was replaced with a whole new unit.

Jim
 
Worth a look, next time I'm at the hardware store.
 

I did some research on these and like the way they look. MUCH better than 2 washers. I'll order a set of 4 Tuesday. I'm going to get 4 of the 5/8" ID. They're 1.432" width and will just about cover the faces of the rod end. They're beveled on the inside, so it should be a nice fit.

Thanks again. MUCH better than 2 washers. I'm sure the sanctioning bodies will be pleased.;)
 
Last edited:
Fred,

I li,e you Various sizesr progress! I have some spacers if you want some. They are various sizes/thickness.

PaulR
 
Fred,

I li,e you Various sizesr progress! I have some spacers if you want some. They are various sizes/thickness.

PaulR

Thanks, but I have spacers, I'm just getting things nice and well fitted, so I can move on. Last night, I set my toe in at 1/16". It'll be cool to see if that works when finished.:D
 
Got an early day off work. Came to realize that with the chassis mostly done, I'll be concentrating on the big ticket items. Engine, transmission and body. The guy building my engine was glad to hear that and will soon be getting back to it, when I "grease his wheel", next month. I've been checking Craigslist for transmissions. 350 th's are hard to come by here, so I'm planning on a new B&M unit. Funny, the cost here to rebuild a 350 th core is more than a new B&M trans.

As for the body..... save....save...save. I'm dead set on CCR's body. But I'll have to skimp and save for it. With any luck, I'll have it by late December. LUCK. I've been kinda lucky, so far. This build has, for the most part, gone as planned. A bit off my schedule, but still as planned. I changed my theme for this build a couple weeks ago and I'm going to stick with it. No fake Salt Flat's car, just a really nice cruiser. The wheels and center caps turned out great and that's what kinda prompted the change in style/theme..

There are still a few brackets I'll need from CCR and I'll be getting those as I can. Motor mounts and the transmission carriage should be about it. The head lights on the chassis now are just to get an idea of grill shell placement and profile. I plan on a set of Guide 682-C style lights. In black, of course. I like the look and the turn signal is already mounted. I didn't want turn signals that look like an after thought. These lights will take care of that.

I started this build January 21, 2016, so I'm a year and a half in. Doesn't seem that long. Am I happy with it? Yes. Have I stayed in budget? So far. I've tripped over my own two feet a couple times, but for the most part, I've stayed on track. With a little luck, I'll be driving her this time next year. But hell, who can truly predict the future.

I didn't mention this before, but I will now. My Mom passed away last month. She was always supportive in the things I did and she was genuinely glad to hear updates on my car. I'm over her passing, but it's enhanced my resolve to finish this build the best I can. I miss her, but I think she's leaning over my shoulder, when I'm at work and playing with my car.

Well, that's my year and a half reflection on this stuff. Thanks.
 
Last edited:
I didn't mention this before, but I will now. My Mom passed away last month. She was always supportive in the things I did and she was genuinely glad to hear updates on my car. I'm over her passing, but it's enhanced my resolve to finish this build the best I can. I miss her, but I think she's leaning over my shoulder, when I'm at work and playing with my car.
Wow, Fred. We had no idea. I'm not sure we ever completely get over the loss of a parent, but we do move on, as they would have us do. Now your build becomes a tribute to her - makes it kinda special.

May the Lord grant you peace.
 
Last edited:
Condolences on your sad loss Fred, never a nice time. I reckon your "Budget T" will mean lots more to you when finished, than a whole lot of the "buy em and drive em" rides. Keep at it mate.
Regards,
Mike.
 
Thanks, everyone for the sentiments.

Just ordered the safety washers from Pegasus. Coming by mail, may get here by the weekend.
 
So sorry for your loss. My folks are my biggest fans also and love getting progress updates.

I know they don't really get what I'm doing, but that's OK.
 
Lost my mother to alcoholism when she was 50 years old. I have far out lived her by now. I am 68. My thoughts have tapered off but I still think of her at least once a week. Something will trigger me and I take a moment to think about her. Some times good thoughts, sometimes not so good experiences.
Live your life as true to yourself as you can, be kind to others, and just keep putting one foot in front of the other. One day at a time.

Peace brother, John
 
Sorry for your loss.
 

     Ron Pope Motorsports                Advertise with Us!     
Back
Top