O'Dell Motorsports

Been enjoying the ride!

2011-10-05T17:22:00.004-04:00

Haven't been posting much, because I've been too busy having fun with the bucket!

YAY!

2011-06-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

Drove it to work today! What a great day for a drive! I still have to work on the alignment a bit. It darts a little bit over really rough pavement, and tends to follow the crown in the road a bit. But, we'll get it done.

If the weather cooperates, the car will be at it's first show this weekend at Summit Racing Equipment for the annual Super Summit.

Can't wait!

It passed!

2011-05-28T16:30:00.001-04:00

100% road legal! More on that story later.

Inspection

2011-05-23T19:57:00.002-04:00

The inspection is on Friday. Hopefully I've got all the i's dotted and the t's crossed. We'll see. Friday morning we load it up on the trailer and tow it with Ricky's big red truck and take it to Garfield Heights.

Wish me luck! The suspense of the next few days are going to kill me!

Almost there!!!

2011-04-17T07:59:00.003-04:00

The only things left before inspection are new windshield glass and to install the side and rearview mirrors!!!

Carpet and Shift Boot

2011-04-15T00:18:00.002-04:00

More interior work with the help of my lovely wife.

Interior

2011-04-13T13:16:00.002-04:00

Started work on the interior with the help of my AWESOME wife. This is just roughed in, but you get the idea. The Mexican blankets were made in Mexico... by Mexicans. :P

Another...

2011-04-09T23:33:00.002-04:00

Quick Update

2011-04-07T01:05:00.000-04:00

Getting closer to inspection time...

Wiring

2011-02-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

No real worthwhile pics for this one. I've got most of the wiring sorted out again. I still have to hook up the gauges, horn, and tidy up the electric fan wiring.

I'm also going to pick up some sheet aluminum so I can make my temporary gauge panel. I'm just intersted in getting the car ready for inspection right now, so until i can figure out another solution for the dash, this will do just fine. This car will more than likely be an ongoing project for years to come, so why not leave a little something for much needed "garage therapy" later down the road.

More E-Brake

2011-01-21T19:26:00.002-05:00

Got the ebrake installed and functioning. I'm one step closer to inspection and titling.

I gotta say, Lokar makes fine products. Everything worked as designed. No problems, no suprises.

E-Brake

2011-01-15T20:15:00.002-05:00

Picked up a Lokar e-brake handle and cable. Looks like a pretty straight forward install. Gonna hit it hard tomorrow after work.

Here's what I picked up:

Small Update

2010-12-28T09:44:00.002-05:00

I've been going over the electrical a bit more (read: ripped it all out and started over LOL!)

I didn't like the way I had it all run. It would have made the carpet uneven in a few spots, and I just wanted it to be neat and tidy. So, I've started over. I used an old drill bit box as a fuse box and will be mounting it more securely in the rear "cargo" area. I've also remounted my master kill switch to a more remote area that will be somewhat difficult for the nafarious to find.

Today is the first day that I might actually be able to go out there. I've been traveling all over the place over the last 3 weeks.

There, Happy, Ken? I've actually updated my blog.

FIRE IN THE HOLE!!!!

2010-08-24T00:45:00.003-04:00

We have ignition!!! Ran like a champ! Plenty of oil pressure, temp was good, sounded AWESOME!!!!

I have a few small issues to go over, but I'm very pleased!

Down to the wire....

2010-08-22T14:12:00.003-04:00

Wiring is currently being done. Hopefully after today, I'll be in a position to fire the motor.

I need to install the gauges, wire them, and finish the starting/ignition system. I have a few things to re-check on the engine before hitting the go button, but I'm CLOSE. REALLY CLOSE!

I can almost smell the octane!

Body and Frame UNITE!!

2010-07-11T22:43:00.002-04:00

The body is back in my shop, and on the frame. Now the fun stuff can begin!

2010-07-11T11:58:00.000-04:00

Coming home in a few hours....

Wet Sanding

2010-07-06T17:36:00.002-04:00

The paint wasn't up to Ricky's standards. It had a bit of orange peel due to the insane heat we're having here in Ohio. So, we started wet-sanding last night to get it ready to spray on Thursday morning. With any luck, it should be back in my shop on Friday to begin assembly.

Flat Black IS a Color!!!!

2010-07-04T23:28:00.001-04:00

Primer

2010-06-20T14:25:00.002-04:00

Wet sanding and color will be next....

Thanks Ricky!

2010-06-06T22:10:00.003-04:00

Ricky got A LOT done the past few days. We're trying out the Summit Racing brand paints. Here we are using the 2K primer.

Paint

2010-06-05T21:03:00.003-04:00

Got a lot done this weekend. The body is off at Ricky's and is coming along great! I should have more pictures of it tomorrow.

Anyway, here are some progress shots.

Frame

2010-06-01T06:58:00.003-04:00

The car is now being disassembled. Each individual part now needs cleaned and painted. The first step was the frame. The body is now over at Ricky's for the final bodywork and paint.

I used satin black VHT Rollbar and Chassis paint for the Frame.

I'm starting to get the hang of this

2010-05-03T22:19:00.002-04:00

FAR from done, but at least I have a good start. Ricky lent me some good tools to use, and that made all the difference.

Litte Things...

2010-04-11T22:18:00.003-04:00

Too tired to type out the whole thing, so here ya go....

More Control Work

2010-03-23T12:25:00.002-04:00

I don't have any pics, but I've been working on the steering column mount the past few days. I'm using an idea I saw in Street Rodder during their T-Bucket build they did last year. The column I'm using is out of a late model GM 3/4 ton pickup. The bottom of the tube is about 2" in outside diameter. So, I went to the local Home Depot and got some 2" ID PVC pipe.

This weekend I'll glass this pipe into position from the angled part of the toe board out through the bottom of the firewall. I'll cut the pipe on an angle flat with the firewall, and glass it in on both sides.

I'll post pics as soon as I have some....

Storage

2010-03-10T00:04:00.003-05:00

Since I plan to drive this car A LOT, I needed some storage space. I also used it as a place to mount the upright portion of my seats. The battery and fuse box will also be mounted there.

This is a work in progress, and I am by no means a carpenter. All I can tell you is that it is VERY stout.

I will be adding hinges for the opening I cut, and most likely some dzuse fastners for latches. Then it will be upholstered.

Next on the list is getting the carpet in, and covering the seats. I still haven't decided what I'm going to do with the inside, but it will be very simple for sure.

Pedals

2010-03-08T08:42:00.004-05:00

I've finally got the pedals roughed in, and the position of the steering column as well. This should give me plenty of things to do over the next few weeks. With the major controls where they need to be, the next step is getting the seating position correct. I still have to get some materials to build the lower half of the seat, but it shouldn't be to difficult.

I also started the rear storage area. I'll have pics of that soon as well.

Windshield and Mufflers

2010-03-01T20:34:00.003-05:00

I stopped at my good friend Ken's house on the way back from the Detroit Autorama this weekend. He hooked me up with some new parts: a windshield and some header mufflers.

Of course, the first chance I got after work today I had to see what I was up against. I still need to make some more brackets to support the windshield, but I think this is going to work. Basically, this is the top of a T windshield. I flipped it upside down. I'm going to make some brackets to fill in the curved edges at the bottom and more securely mount the windshield and fill in the dead space.

I'll figure that one out later.

It's official: I smell like fiberglass.

2010-02-26T14:49:00.002-05:00

I did more glassing this morning into this afternoon. The firewall is back in one piece, and some more glass is curing on the trans tunnel.

I'll be making a trip up to the Autorama this weekend in Detroit, so not much more will be done until next week. I will, however, be picking up a little something from Ken on the way back.

Percy's Hyperfiber

2010-02-22T21:00:00.005-05:00

I found a product that I just have to talk about. It's called Percy's Hyperfiber. It's a pre-preg fiberglass woven mat that you can get with, or without wire. The wire, of course, it much easier to mold into various shapes.

I needed to make a base to start glassing the transmission tunnel. I thought of various methods, but started poking around the Summit Racing website for fiberglass and found this. It's truly amazing stuff.

What is so amazing about it? It's UV light curable. As long as you don't expose it to sunlight while you are molding it, the work time is almost limitless. You can cure it with a high power UV light or a black light (takes longer) or by placing it in sunlight.

I must say, I am very impressed. Here's a couple rough pics so you can get an idea...

I'll post some more pics after it cures. After that, traditional fiberglass layers will be placed on top of it.

More and More Glassing

2010-02-21T09:14:00.003-05:00

It's official. I'm immune to the smell of curing fiberglass.

I still have a lot more to do. When I get it roughed in, I'll get some pics. There really isn't much to show at the moment.

The largest hurdle is near the firewall. I have to maintain the basic recess to allow for the bellhousing. I still haven't figured out how I'm going to do it. Looks like I'll have to do some more carpentry to make a mold. I may use expanding foam like I did to make the basic shape of where the body was channeled. I haven't decided.

More Glass

2010-02-19T18:24:00.002-05:00

Glassed in part of the floor today. Sorry, no pics. I still have a TON of glassing to do. I have to make a run up to work to get some more cloth in the morning. The body is currently off the chassis again to finish the glass in side and out. Hopefully the body will be ready soon to head over to Ricky's shop to begin the final body work.

Once it gets back to my shop, I'll continue with mounting the controls, seats, gauges, and shifter.

I also hope to get the brackets made for the fuel tank soon. As soon as I get that going, I hope to fire the motor.

Lots more to come. However, I am seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I hope to post some more pics tomorrow.

More mock-up

2010-02-16T21:33:00.004-05:00

Started mocking up the headlights and the gas tank tonight.

Looks like I have to finally break down and get my own welder. It sucks to have to borrow one. I need to fab up some mounts for the fuel tank straps. I want the tank to sit higher, and have the mounts more inward. The tank isn't quite wide enough to bolt the straps right to the frame.

Anyway, on with the 2 crappy low-light pics....

OK, so the blog has been dead...

2010-02-14T07:50:00.004-05:00

Sorry that there haven't been any progress pics. There really hasn't been that much progress until lately to report. Here are some interior mock-up pics.

I just got the grill shell and fuel tank in. I'll have some pics of that mockup soon. I promise!

Body Work

2009-11-10T23:24:00.001-05:00

No pics on this one yet. Ricky came over tonight and laid out the attack plan for Friday. We hit the body work head on that morning. I should have some fiberglass laid in and some progress pics sometime on Saturday.

LOTS of progress this weekend!

2009-11-08T11:17:00.004-05:00

Finally, after months of gathering parts, getting sick, gettting married (but not sick of being married...) I've made some progress.

Big thanks to Chris for coming over to weld up the rear end brackets!

ON TO THE PICS!

More to follow!

Rear Mock-Up

2009-07-12T11:14:00.003-04:00

Rear end mockup has FINALLY begun! It took me awhile to get moved to the new place, and get the garage setup. Next up is the front spindles/brakes.

Front end mock-up

2009-05-15T13:53:00.003-04:00

Sorry about the crappy cell phone pic. There weren't any batteries in the good camera. I'm still waiting on the rubber parts of the friction shock. But, now I know everything goes together right. The front panhard bar is giving me some troubles though. One of the threaded ends is a bit wonky so I can't get the rod end to go in.

I didn't get to mocking up the rear end. I need a little extra man power, and the rear shock mounts aren't here anyway.

I also mounted the brake master and pedal. The steering box got put on as well.

As soon as I get that all put together, I'll start measuring for tires.

Front Axle and Spring

2009-05-13T22:13:00.005-04:00

Got my front axle, spring, and hardware today. So, I pre-assembled it in the living room (Please excuse the shit-brindle brown carpet.) . More will be arriving tomorrow.

Still Waiting....

2009-05-11T16:42:00.002-04:00

Still waiting for parts that seem to be in UPS limbo. No worries. The boys at Spirit sent some parts out on Friday, and sent more out today. I expect it all here by the weekend.

I got my steering box and headlight stantions from Speedway Motors today. They look like they will fit the bill just fine. Over the weekend, I picked up some front rotors and calipers.

My goal is to get the front end bolted up this weekend (pending part delivery, of course.)

I'll have a REAL camera out in the garage with me for the duration. Look for a FURY of updates over the next couple months.

Parts Galore!

2009-05-06T11:12:00.001-04:00

I just ordered a ton of suspension goodness from my buds at Spirit Industries. I expect a shipment on Monday-ish.

The suspense is absolutely KILLING me.

Countdown to Suspension Madness

2009-05-05T16:37:00.002-04:00

I will be ordering the complete suspension in a few days. Finally! We might just get this thing in rolling chassis before we move to the new place!

Ken, you ready? Free your calender!

2009-05-03T11:35:00.002-04:00

Got a few more goodies in. I scored some 37 Ford tails off eBay, and some headlights from a co-worker.

Other than that, nothing much to report.

2009-04-24T10:09:00.003-04:00

I don't know why I didn't look it up earlier, but I decided to run the casting numbers on my 400 Chevy. Here's what I found out.

1970-73

400

265HP

B & G body

Combined with the Edlebrock Performer intake manifold, a healthy cam, and a good carb, this should make for one scary ride!

THANKS KEN!

2009-04-22T16:15:00.006-04:00

Got some goodies from Ken (fellow bucket head.)

And, he included a cool little extra for the firewall....

2009-04-22T11:46:00.004-04:00

Tonight on the agenda is to adjust the valves. I'm following the procedure outlined here:

http://www.classiccarauto.com/impala/how_to/adjust_valves.shtml

Many of the gents at work follow this procedure with great success.

After that, I plan on installing the balancer, water pump, and alternator. I plan on picking up the alternator on Friday. Once the pulleys are on, I have to measure what belt length I need. I'm not running power steering, so one belt will do.

I've also been doing a little scrounging for parts. I scored a set of 37 Ford Taillights on eBay, a steering column and a starter from a couple guys at work.

Also, my valve covers from Ken should be here any day now. He said he included a "gift" as well. I am both excited and frightened.

Pics forthcoming....

General Stuff

2009-04-19T09:07:00.003-04:00

Got the garage squared away on Friday. Wow. What an ordeal. Sometimes you just come to the conclusion that you have entirely too much stuff! I threw away a TON of useless garbage.

Saturday night was spent changing the timing chain tensioner on my old sportbike (1990 Kawasaki Ninja ZX750.) After the job was completed, it was time to enjoy the wonderful spring weather. I put the old bike through the gears, zinging it to redline several times. Someone made the comment that the T-Bucket will come close in power-to-weight ratio as my bike.

Scary thought!

Some parts will start to arrive this coming week. I'll get some pics.

2009-04-17T08:40:00.009-04:00

OK! Let's do a little catch up.

I started my quest to build this T because it seemed (after crunching many numbers) to be the only option for me to build my own hotrod. To attempt to build anything else would take years, and bit too much cashish for this working man to cough up. (This is the part of the blog where I could babble on about what is wrong with our industry, the over-stufed, over priced, billet impregnated trailer queens that have made this hobby so expensive for the rest of us.... but I will refrain for once.)

I was originally going to weld up my own frame. But, recognizing that I could not run a welder in my tiny 1.33333333 car garage without blacking out my apartment complex, I don't think I'm really that popular with the neighbors already. Too many loud toys. Being plunged into total darkness would probably not go over too well. So, I contacted my good friends at Spirit Industries and bought a frame. I did, however, already have a body that was purchased from a local rod shop.

Quickly, it was realized that the body would have to be, um, MODIFIED to fit the chassis. So, I got Ricky to help me with a little Sawzall action.

He assured me that his previous years of bodywork would allow him to widen the body (about 1" in the front and 1/2" in the rear) and it would be no problem.

So, we mocked up the body and continued.

I got a little punchy after seeing the car hacked in 2 and temp screwed together with scrap wood. I decided I had to sit in it and grab an air cleaner lid for use as a steering wheel.

Next, came building the engine. I scored a completely done 400 short block thanks to my good friend and co-worker, Colin. After having some ordeals getting a matching set of stock heads, I started the top end assembly. So far, the engine is essentially assembled. I still need to adjust the valves, and start tacking on all the accessories, but here is how she looks at the present time.

The Edlebrock air cleaner is unlike anything I have seen. Anyone have an idea of how old it is? The Elite series valve covers will be going away in favor of some M/T that should be arriving any day now from Ken. (Thanks, yo!) I'm not sure if the scoop will be staying. I might go with a hilbourn style scoop. We'll see.

Today, I'll be headed out to the garage to finish up my shift kit install and to get the outside of the trans cleaned up enough to paint. After that, I'm going to finish cleaning up the garage. I'm going to need some room to begin cleaning up the rear end and for when the suspension parts start to arrive over the next few weeks. Once those get here, we'll start the pre-assembly. Once we have a rolling chassis, it'll probably be just in time for the move to the new house and MUCH larger garage.

Ken, you are my hero!

2009-04-16T23:20:00.000-04:00

Well, Here it is. The start of my Bucket Blog. I've decided to follow in the footsteps of my good friend Ken and his Bucket Build Blog.

Here I will chronicle my build of my Spirit Industries based 23 T-Bucket Roadster.

Nothing but a frame to start with. Over the next few days I'll be uploading more pictures of the engine, body, and rear end.

The suspension is a few weeks away from order/delivery, but I still have a lot to do in the meantime.

Thanks for stopping by and check back often!