Codi

Brad, thanks once more, this build has been a real challenge but treat as it progresses. Joe, "erector set bulldozer"...I laughed out loud since my 7 yr. old daughter and I just did an erector set pick-up truck together. kinda scary actually. Chris, even though I got them both done today, I'll plate them when I have several more pieces ready and do them at the same time. I'll try the caswell chrome on these. Dave, glad you're liking it. Davewilly, thanks to you too! Randy, I must agree, as I love to see what you're striving for with the pics you show in advance on your GT40......which btw, you're WAY past do for an update my friend. Thanks Mike....in all honesty, once you make one, it's not as daunting so long as the machine is still dialed in properly and you don't forget the numbers that got you there. I write EVERYTHING down as I go along and have learned never to throw my notes out until the item in hand is completed. So, here's a couple of pics of them both on the engine. The caps were machined of nickel/brass and as I noted for Chris, I'll chrome them during my next plating session. The flanges are not on the backs of the necks in these pics. I'll probably double them up for appearances sake during final assembly. cheers, tim In this pic you can also see the oil fill cap that I made for the lifter valley cover.

I was going to try to address each of you individually, but I'll try to cover all the bases regarding your questions and comments. I'm going to polish the valve covers using some simple but VERY effective steps that Dave shared with me. After seeing his dragster wheels in person, I'm convinced that it's worth trying. You can see yourself in them. FED v, Mustang Funny. I'm leaning FED now. I'm doing a bunch of research as I said before and there are some new things I want to learn to do that the dragster would give me the opportunity to attempt and apply. Last but not least, I want to thank everyone again. Your comments are encouragement to keep this going. I think its progressed to the point that I can bounce happily between this build and the Falcon. Based upon my rate of accomplishment I suspect they'll both be done sometime 2018. Key operative word in that sentence, "both". My last update I mentioned that the water necks were "convoluted' in their design. At least in trying to figure out how to replicate them to a reasonable facsimile. Here's a pic of the one I liked. This pic shows the first one I got made next to the other before shaping it. There are 4 parts to make one not counting the PE flange or bolts. The cap is .5mm too wide and I'm going to make new ones. Overall dimensions are 3,0mm long x 3.0ww tall (without the cap) x 2.2mm wide. On the engine. I'll copper and then chrome plate them. When machining the new caps, I'm going to try nickel/brass to see how it contrasts. The metal has a very warm finish to it and a hue all its own. Doesn't solder worth a darn but it won't matter. As you can in this pic, the various pieces were soldered together. Once chromed, I'll use a brass nut for the end of the neck to mimic the real one along with two bolts to secure the flange directly to each head. Way too much information. sorry

Scott, shove that other stuff aside and keep this one going. The changes you're making do make a difference. Cheers, tim

The colors you've selected for the car will look spectacular with the chrome. I'm sure you can't wait to see them too! cheers, tim

Thank you fellas and Joe, appreciate the giggles as always. Love your sense of humor. Davewilly, trust me I was scouring the floor more than once picking up pieces making these things. I DID find them thankfully. Today I added the base plates to them. Took some PE pieces that I found from some firm in the UK and stacked them 3 high, re-shaped them a bit with the dremel and then assembled them. These things in real aluminum look pretty sharp in person I must say and I consider it time well spent for what it adds to the engine. Cheers everyone! tim The valve covers are only resting in place on the heads at this point. I'm going to give the v. covers a high polished finish and add the necessary bolts that secure them.

Now you went and did it Brad, you'll surely bring out the rivet counters now. Seriously though, I LIKE what you did. I've entertained it for the funny but it's cool to see it actually done. I'll have to give that some more thought considering how nice that turned out. Same aluminum as we discussed earlier right? ! cheers

Ray, Manfred, Dave & Dave, Marlowe, Joe, Chris, Randy and Niko......guys, you're very loyal followers and for that I'm very grateful. Sometimes the little things eat up time but it was my choice. I started the valve cover breathers today and have only the base part to do. What you see here are 2 separate parts drilled and pinned together. The length of the top part of the breather is 3.8mm and width is 2.0mm. I used a 1/32" corner rounding end mill to do the 4 sides of the top portion (yes Dave, I am truly nuts). After I get the base done I'm doing the water necks for the front of the heads, which are very convoluted...........then I have to get to some paint and body work on a couple of other builds. One to finish and one to kick-start. cheers, tim btw, Dave (comp1839) thanks for the FED dragster suggestion. I am SERIOUSLY considering it as I want this engine and rear end front and center......did a bunch of research over the weekend..........really intriguing notion I assure you. Also got the some pieces of the block finally assembled AND the ribs (22) put into the crank girdle.

Thanks Thomas........this one was supposed to have been painted and finished by now this summer......but I got knee deep on the Mustang funny car engine and time has slipped by. I want to get to this in a couple weeks along with the Falcon body mods (another build that is a MUST this summer to get jump started on) as our weather in Pa. has been HOT...........pretty humid, but HOT. Appreciate your interest and for the kind comments on it. I feel like a one handed paper hanger right now. cheers, tim

I just know that dragster will be on deck SOON! Looks great Chris, but you already knew that! tim

I just know that dragster will be on deck SOON! Looks great Chris, but you already knew that! tim

40 hours in the pair of these between the research, even with Dave's info that he shared, drawings and actual machining but I can move on. Cheers, tim

That................is..................just.................fantastic..............Brad. I went back and forth checking out all the pics again and again. Nicely done sir.

Many hours to get the first valve cover done but now I have it down wherein I can make its twin with less effort....hopefully. I'll insert stainless steel tube tube in the plug holes for shaping purposes and I drilled holes for twin breathers as well as the 6 bolt holes. Next day or so I hope to share pics of them both on it. Cheers

Ahhh, waiting on parts. So Dave walks into the shop and says hmmmm, what should I do today and knocks out some sweet little parts. Most certainly agree that it's a treat to see her on all 4 now. I know we'll see even more over the fall/winter months. Cheers, tim

Hi Mike, The Falcon has always been one of mine too. In a week or so I'll get after the serious body work (open the trunk and doors) that needs done so I can start the chassis. I didn't lose any of the parts from the Henry thankfully so I will make every effort to use every one that I can. Some surprises in store too. Thanks for the sentiments and your post. Stay tuned and you'll see more updates in the coming weeks. Cheers, Tim btw, do you have a 1:1 Falcon now? If you want to share any pics, send me a PM.

"Can you hear me now?" That's totally cool John. If one can see or imagine it, John build it. btw, sent you a PM. Cheers, tim

Small update that took an entire day. Came across some pics of a later version of the crank girdle that was designed some strengthening ribs in place of the Donovan script. I think it looks better and I wasn't satisfied with the nickel finish on my 1st one as its contrast was just too stark and not as realistic looking as I wanted it to be. Here's a pic of the real deal with girdle I'm speaking of. Took me all day to make it as I had to drill the holes through the piece so I can add stainless steel tubing to replicate the ribs themselves. More than 2 hours just to drill those tiny 22 holes alone. This pic has the engine sitting on it before I parted it off. I added the bottom half of the crank hole too. Last shot. I have to polish the girdle and add the ribs yet. Nothing is attached yet, just sitting on top of each other. cheers

That's sharp Roger. I like the stance in particular. cheers

Brad & Bob, thanks dudes. I'm onto the valve covers later this week and some odds and ends for the heads and v. covers. more soon. Dave willy, Dave willy..............thanks. Joe, yeah me either.................chuckle My friend Dave............I had / have a GREAT teacher. Scott, many thanks too! Randy.........I feel the same watching your builds and threads as well. Much respect sir. Chris, thank you as always. I look forward to whatever you can share. My offer still stands on what i can spare currently on the M. Johnson 417 if it might assist you. Let me know. A PM will work. cheers to each and everyone, tim

I raced years ago when the owner of Flying Lizard was just learning how to race and we had some good on track battles. He got incredibly quick for an "amateur" I must say. Team eventually went to Le Mans and won their class. I couldn't believe it. Great cars and builds you have there of a great racing team. cheers, tim

Love the quality of the build and the paint too. cheers,tim

You'll excuse me while I run to get a tissue to stop the nose bleed I just got watching how FAST (and fantastic) this build is progressing. Nice to see you back on the forum John. cheers

Phenomenal Richard...........

Bob, you are oh so right on that score. Thanks Terry, I've been machining for almost 2 years now and it's starting to come together. Appreciate your checking in. Mike & Chris, the mag was a challenge I threw at myself. I'm waiting on some decals to finish it up. The heads were actually more challenging than the mag even though they seem pretty straightforward. The heads are just temporarily attached with Elmer's glue for mock-up purposes. I have to make the water necks for the holes you see drilled in the front of the heads in pic 1. Thanks again Dave (comp1839) again for all the help and info you've shared. They took me a little longer than I thought they would, but I'm learning more with each session. Valve covers next. cheers, tim

Just when I think you've tackled something REALLY wild, you out do yourself and throw a new one at us. Always puts a smile on my face to see what you're building John and this one is no exception. cheers, tim