Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 03-31-2011, 11:46 AM   #1
Bill O'Brien
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pottersville, NJ
Posts: 238
Default Speedster Kit

Has anyone here built the speedster kit they sell on Mac's?

http://macsautoparts.com/model-a-com...0R3CHL1105652/

MAC's complete Speedster kit includes the following:
* Deck
* Floorboard
* Risers
* Seat risers
* Tank blocks
* Firewall
* Tool box
* Hood
* Center hinge bracket (need 2)
* Hood blocks
* Dash
* Seat skins with wooden base
* Black steering column bracket
* Gas tank
* Tanks straps (pair)
* Brass filler neck
* Brass lower gas outlet
* Metal cowl
* 3/4 inch molding (36 feet)
* Running boards (pair)
* Front fenders (pair)
* Rear fenders (pair)
* Rear fender bracket (pair)
* Splash aprons (pair)
* Windshield frame (9-1/2 inch tall at center)

These two window frames are an extra $25.00 upgrade. Specify when ordering.
* Windshield frame, 12-1/2 inch tall
* Windshield frame, 15-1/2 inch tall

Individual Speedster kit components are not sold separately.

For those who prefer the open wheel style of the dirt-track racers so popular in the 1920's and 1930's we offer the speedster kit. With its lean and racy look it draws attention everywhere it goes. The best Model A speedster kit on the market today, in terms of ease of construction, ease on pocket book and most important - it will give you the satisfaction of building a car you can be proud of. Full assembly instructions now come with the body, making it perfect for the beginning enthusiast. Order now, so you will be ready to spend next season with the wind in your hair and the crisp note of the exhaust in your ear.

Please note that a 28-29 radiator must be used.

Last edited by Bill O'Brien; 04-23-2011 at 11:45 AM.
Bill O'Brien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 11:54 AM   #2
Sparky
Senior Member
 
Sparky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 649
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Yes. Look to the left.
Sparky is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 03-31-2011, 02:46 PM   #3
Sparky
Senior Member
 
Sparky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 649
Default Re: Speedster Kit

PM sent.
Sparky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 03-31-2011, 02:52 PM   #4
denis4x4
Senior Member
 
denis4x4's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Durango CO
Posts: 1,309
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Check the yellow car in my avatar. It's a Rootleib kit
denis4x4 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-02-2011, 09:22 PM   #5
BigEd
Junior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: New Jersey Shore
Posts: 9
Default Re: Speedster Kit

I believe Mac's simply resells the Rootlieb kit. Rootlieb also sells parts individually and does not charge extra for different size windshields.
BigEd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 11:39 AM   #6
Bill O'Brien
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pottersville, NJ
Posts: 238
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Hi Bill,

The kit is fine, it gives you all the major pieces and basic instructions. But it it is not something you can knock together in an afternoon. You will need some basic woodworking and fabrication skills. Here are the major tasks off the top of my head:

The steering box needs to be moved rearward three inches. This means making new mounting holes in the frame, increasing the length of the drag link, and tweaking the throttle and distributor linkages.

The choke and starter rods need to be lengthened. The throttle will not reach the new floorboard and will need extending (I made a new linkage with a gas pedal.)

You will need upholstery for the seats. All you get from the kit is a sheet metal frame.

Make the tail light mounts, and if you go fenderless, the headlight mounts as well.

The gas tank is higher than the stock location, so a fuel pump is helpful.

I have an album of photos, you can see them here:

https://fordbarn.com/forum/album.php?albumid=326
My latest project was adding a pair of windshields. I haven't had a chance to take pictures of them yet. If you have any other questions I'll be glad to answer them.

Richard aka "Sparky"
Bill O'Brien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 11:43 AM   #7
Bill O'Brien
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pottersville, NJ
Posts: 238
Talking Re: Speedster Kit

Sparky --- That is a beautiful speedster!!! I had been looking for one with a boattail back end but the simple design is certianly growing on me!!

Does any one have pics of the Rootlieb kit with fenders installed??
Bill O'Brien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 11:50 AM   #8
Bill O'Brien
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pottersville, NJ
Posts: 238
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Sparky, any new pics with the Windshileds installed?? Lets see some more Speedster pics!

Now.... what is the full ruset free body on my Tudor worth???
Bill O'Brien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 03:00 PM   #9
Mike V. Florida
Senior Member
 
Mike V. Florida's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 14,054
Send a message via AIM to Mike V. Florida
Default Re: Speedster Kit

__________________
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II
Mike V. Florida is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 04:22 PM   #10
Sparky
Senior Member
 
Sparky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 649
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill O'Brien View Post
Sparky, any new pics with the Windshileds installed?? Lets see some more Speedster pics!

Now.... what is the full ruset free body on my Tudor worth???
They're coming! I would have taken the car out for the first ride of the year today, but it's been raining all day!
Sparky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 04:24 PM   #11
Sparky
Senior Member
 
Sparky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 649
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida View Post
That's a Rootlieb!
Sparky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-23-2011, 04:43 PM   #12
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mike V. Florida View Post


Hey, I like that green! No, really!
I like the green on the speedster, but not on my car. One thing that makes up for the color on my car is knowing what nice metal is under that paint.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2011, 12:38 AM   #13
Mike V. Florida
Senior Member
 
Mike V. Florida's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: South Florida
Posts: 14,054
Send a message via AIM to Mike V. Florida
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post

Hey, I like that green! No, really!
I like the green on the speedster, but not on my car. One thing that makes up for the color on my car is knowing what nice metal is under that paint.
The member that owns the car works for Sunbelt rentals and that is their green. He gets to keep the car in the showroom for free since it attracts attention for the company.
__________________
What's right about America is that although we have a mess of problems, we have great capacity - intellect and resources - to do some thing about them. - Henry Ford II
Mike V. Florida is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2011, 09:49 AM   #14
Bill O'Brien
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Pottersville, NJ
Posts: 238
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Please keep the pics coming!!

Has anyone build a Speedster and lowered it for a better center of gravity??

Last edited by Bill O'Brien; 04-27-2011 at 01:20 PM.
Bill O'Brien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2011, 05:54 PM   #15
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Senior Member
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,486
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill O'Brien View Post
Please keep the pics coming!!

Has anyone build a Speedster and lowered it for a better center of gravily??
I am assuming you just made a minor typo and are meaning "gravity", ...and if so, Yes.

.
__________________
.

BRENT in 10-uh-C
.
www.model-a-ford.com
...(...Finally Updated!! )

.
BRENT in 10-uh-C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-26-2011, 08:55 PM   #16
Tom Foster
Senior Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 160
Default Re: Speedster Kit

How about "Center of gravy?"
Tom Foster is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-27-2011, 12:40 PM   #17
BRENT in 10-uh-C
Senior Member
 
BRENT in 10-uh-C's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern Tennessee
Posts: 11,486
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill O'Brien View Post
No no.... I did mean center of gravily.


Man.. tough crowd!


Brent.... got any advice for lowering? Any pics?
Wow, I didn't think it was me that was the "tough crowd". Reverse spring eyes, ...to using a Model T rear spring, --to fab-ing a different rear crossmember or Zee-ing the frame (not recommended unless it is a junk frame) are ways to drop it. In the front, much of the same applies and then a dropped axle gains you some. It really is all about how creative you are with tools, and your goals.

Sometimes it may be best to leave it as-is with little mods and see how it performs first. It might just surprise you.
__________________
.

BRENT in 10-uh-C
.
www.model-a-ford.com
...(...Finally Updated!! )

.
BRENT in 10-uh-C is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2011, 03:38 PM   #18
Sparky
Senior Member
 
Sparky's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 649
Default Re: Speedster Kit

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill O'Brien View Post
Sparky, any new pics with the Windshileds installed?? Lets see some more Speedster pics!
OK, the weather was finally nice enough to take the speedster out! Here are the windshield pics. They are made from 1/4" Lexan. After tweaking a cardboard pattern until I liked the fit, I cut the plastic with a bandsaw, then sanded and polished the edges with a polishing wheel. The brackets were cut from 1/8" aluminum. They work very well; I used to get a direct blast in my face and now the air flows above my head.

The speedster also has a new face. I used to have the headlights mounted lower, and didn't have turn signals. The headlight bar is a stock '29 bar that I cut and welded so it mounts to the frame. The turn signals are Harley cycle lights that I found on eBay.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg P4300052.jpg (63.6 KB, 350 views)
File Type: jpg P4300053.jpg (36.8 KB, 290 views)
File Type: jpg P4300054.jpg (50.1 KB, 283 views)
File Type: jpg P4300051.jpg (94.2 KB, 322 views)
File Type: jpg P4300055.jpg (92.1 KB, 470 views)
Sparky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2011, 04:07 PM   #19
joncrane
Member
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: rochester Michigan
Posts: 78
Default Re: Speedster Kit

My son and I built a rootlieb kit speedster 10 years ago and we are still having fun with it. Went together very nicely and really scoots along. We reversed the eyes on the springs to lower it an 1" or so. For a windshield we used two windwings fastened to the cowl. Works well and usually keeps the bugs out of your teeth. Also built a small turtle deck in the back and raised the gas tank a little and left the tool box off. Still used and electric fuel pump. Did not use any seat risers and mounted the seats right to the deck.
We run a B engine with Cragar ohv and mild cam. I will try and post some pictures tomorrow.
Oh yes, a good father son project while Jon2 was in HS. He is now a graduate engineer working in the auto industry.
joncrane is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 04-30-2011, 04:11 PM   #20
Mikeinnj
Senior Member
 
Mikeinnj's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Northern New Jersey
Posts: 1,262
Default Re: Speedster

1929.jpg
Mikeinnj is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:26 AM.