Gassers, how have you built them?

[T-Ray]

Lately, I have been looking into gassers and looking at pictures of real cars is one thing but what I want to know is how others have built models of gassers. The thing that I have been thinking about is how exactly to do the front suspension and axle. So with that, if anyone wants to join in, you're more than welcome! 

[Mike 1017]

IMO get a Revell Willys Gasser. This is the best kit to learn from.

Good luck

Mike

 

[Ace-Garageguy]

 

Page 3 of this thread shows how to fabricate a straight front axle (with posable steering) and parallel leaf springs for a gasser or similar vehicle. 

It's really not hard.

 

 

[T-Ray]

5 minutes ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

 

Page 3 of this thread shows how to fabricate a straight front axle (with posable steering) and parallel leaf springs for a gasser or similar vehicle. 

It's really not hard.

 

 

Thanks! The only thing that I was concerned about was the suspension being too high, making it look like a modern gasser-replica as opposed to how those cars actually were. 

Edited December 5, 2023 by T-Ray
Forgot to mention something

[R. Thorne]

You absolutely cannot go wrong with advice from Ace.  Keep in mind, though, that a lot of the early gassers were built using the stock front end.  A couple of mine using the 41 Plymouth and 37 Chevy kits .  One imaginary and one a replica of a real car (37 Chevy).  

 

Edited December 5, 2023 by R. Thorne

[Skip]

To answer your ride height question, unless I am mistaken, the ride height is limited to being raised to the point of 24" clearance between the center of the crankshaft bolt and the pavement.  "Engines may not be raised more than 24 inches from the ground, measured from the centerline of the front crank pulley to the ground."  This sets the front ride height. 

Straighliner59 - Dan Himmel probably has a better explanation for this, that's the kind of stuff I've seen him build and from the old Straightliner forum (sad to see that one fold.) where Gassers were pretty common. - Please weigh in on that for us if you will Mr. Himmel.

Below is an excerpt (cut & paste) from a post on another forum, for a Gasser Challenge which copied the 1965 NHRA Gassers section of the NHRA Rulebook. Should be pretty easy to figure out and find the classification of the car you are modeling by the Production Vehicle Weight (advertised)  divided by the Engine C.I. will give you the Pounds per Cubic Inch - Example Class A/Gas = 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in.  Larry Davis's Gasser Wars Drag Racings Street Classes: 1955 – 1968 is probably just about the definitive reference for NHRA, AHRA gassers, I have it in my library and refer to it often. Although they are not specifically mentioned the VW gassers ran in the H/Gas and I/Gas classes, I'm not sure what the weight breaks were for them though, guess well have to imagine what a styrene VW weighs if anyone builds one!

Hope this information helps your build.  

NHRA Gassers 1955 – 1968

Given Definitions:
Vehicle Weights: Start with manufacturer's vehicle weight
Engines: Any Pre-1968 Production Automotive Engine (No Diesel) 
Cars / Truck Body Styles:  Pre-1968
Production Body Style which fits into the Reference Sources
Reference Sources:

1. Gasser Wars Drag Racings Street Classes: 1955 – 1968
   Larry Davis, Published by Car Tech 2003

2. George Class Remembers – Gas Coupes/Sedans
   www.georgeklass.net/gassers.html

3. Nostalgia Gassers Racing Association
    Operating on the - NHRA 1965 Rule Book (shown below)

 NHRA Rules Gas –Coupes/Sedans (G)
Taken from the 1965, Official NHRA Rule Book – Coupe/Sedan Class aka Gas Class or Gassers for short.
1965 Official Drag Rules

III Street Section
The street section is for “dual-purpose” cars capable of starting under their own power. Cars in this section must be capable of being driven on the street. Bodies, engines, drive trains, etc. may not be altered, modified or relocated except as noted in class requirements. Push starts not allowed. Return to the pit area by use of a push car is permitted, return to the pit area by use of a push car is permitted with any supercharged Street Section Car.

Any pre-1960 unblown 4-cylinder automotive production engine with any type head and any year Chevrolet 6-cylinder engine with stock production type head may compete in the flathead classes of this section.

A. Gas Coupes and Sedans Division (G)

Seven (8) classes of competition in this division for non-supercharged cars. Class is determined by the total car weight divided by total cubic inches of engine displacement.

Designations: A/G, B/G, C/G, D/G, or E/G F/G preceded by car number. 
Class ‘A’ – 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in
Class ‘B’ – 9.00 to 10.49 # per cu in
Class ‘C’ – 10.50 to 11.49 # per cu in
Class ‘D’ – 11.50 to 12.99 # per cu in
Class ‘E’ – 13.00 to 14.59 more # per cu in
Class ‘F’ – 14.60 or more lbs. per cu in

For non-supercharged pre-1968 flathead V8’s, in-line six-cylinder and straight 8 engines with stock production heads

Designations G/G and H/G preceded by car number
 Class ‘G’ — 5.00 to 10.99 # per cu in
 Class ‘H’ — 11.00 or more # per cu in

B. Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans (GS)
Three (3) classes of competition in this division for car equipped with super-charged engines.
Designations A/GS. B/GS, C/GS preceded by car number

 Class A — 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in
 Class B — 9.00 to 11.99 # per cu in
 Class C — 12.00 or more # per cu in

Class requirements for Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans division are the same as those outlines for all cars in the street section, except as noted below.

Ballast: Permitted. Refer to Ballast as outlined in the Safety Regulations.

Batteries: All wet-cell batteries must be located outside the driver or passenger compartments and must be securely mounted. A maximum of two passenger car batteries is permitted to 150 pounds combined maximum weight.

Belly-pans: Belly pans are permitted in Modified Sports classes only.

Body: Gas Coupes/Sedans – Must have a coupe or sedan body originally produced by an American automobile manufacturer. Any foreign coupe or sedan may compete in this division as long as it meets all of the class requirements; a minimum of 92 inches stock wheelbase, fenders, frame, etc. Moderate customizing is permitted but bodies may be chopped, channeled, or sectioned not more than 4 inches total height reduction. Bodies cannot otherwise be altered in height, width, length or contour. Roll bars are required on all convertibles, all customized cars (i.e. chopped, sectioned, etc.) all Supercharged cars using fiberglass components, i.e., hood, fenders, doors, trunk lids, regardless of class. Highly recommended in all other classes. Removal of front body panels or fender bracing not permitted. The use of fiberglass bodies in the Gas Coupes/Sedans Division is not permitted. Lightening bodies by drilling holes or gutting interior is not permitted. Convertible couples/sedans with roll-up windows compete in the division but must run with the top up. Sedan Delivery, pickup trucks, Ranchero, El Camino, etc. may compete in this division. Pickup beds must be of standard height and width a minimum of 36 inches in length and have a full serviceable pickup bed. All cars in this division must have fully operative mechanical door handles to permit exit and/or entrance for either side. Bodies and/or frames may not be raised to gain weight-transfer to rear wheels.

Brakes: All cars in the Street Division must be equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes, operated by a foot pedal, mounted in the conventional manner. Emergency brake is optional.

Bumpers: Bumpers are not required; however, in lieu of rear bumper, a suitable (permanently attached) push-bar must be installed on the rear of the car. Total weight of bumper and/or push bar with brackets must not exceed 50 pounds. Disguised ballast will not be permitted.

Driveline: May be modified to fabricated to fit altered units. Refer to driveline Safety Regulations.

Driver: Driver must be in stock location. Seats may be to the rear to permit added leg room, but not to exceed 4 inches from stock location, provided no part of the driver’s body extends behind the rear axle.

Engine: Automobile engine required, however, year, make & model are optional. Any modifications may be made so the engine and/or component parts including clutch & flywheel. No more than one engine permitted. Engine may be located but not to exceed 10% of the wheelbase as measured from the centerline of the front spindles to the nearest spark plug hole. Engines may not be raised more than 24 inches from the ground, measured from the centerline of the front crank pulley to the ground. Rear engine location is not permitted in Street Section, unless it is an originally produced manufactured rear-engine car, retaining original engine. Modified-engine Corvair compete in Gas Coupes/Sedans classes. If modified and blown Corvairs compete in the Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans.

Exhaust System: Open exhaust, split manifolds and/or individual headers are permitted, but must be terminate in a collector, permanently and securely attached. A maximum of two outlets per car. All exhaust systems must be designed to route exhaust gasses in a downward and out–conventional–manner, away from the car and tires. Mufflers and tailpipes are optional. No flexible pipe permitted on any car running in competition.

Fenders: Gas Coupes/Sedans—must have four full stock production type automobile fenders. Exact duplicated of stock fenders made of fiberglass are permitted. Rear fenders may be altered for clearance to permit the use of wide slicks.

Fender Splash Pans: May be trimmed for header clearance, but not removed.

Flywheel/Clutch: The use of stock type cast-iron flywheels and/or pressure plates is prohibited. Explosion proof units, in lieu of the above, are mandatory.

Flywheel Shield: Required on all cars in this section except ones equipped with a pre-1961 Hydromantic transmissions. Non-supercharged care when equipped with a Torque-Flite transmission do not need flywheel shields.

Fuel Systems: Refer to NHRA Safety Regulations, Fuel Systems.

Frame: Must be stock automobile type frame. Properly reinforced stepped -frames are accepted. Cross members may be altered or relocated.

Hood: Required on all cars in this section. Side panels may be omitted. All carburetors, injector bodies and supercharged must be completely covered by the hood. Injector tubes and supercharger air scoops may extend through the hood are accepted.

Radiator & Grill: Required, Must be a stock passenger car type as large in overall frontal area as the original radiator, mounted in a conventional forward location.

Rear end: Quick-change rear-ends, locked differentials, or ratchet-type (limited slip) rear-ends are accepted, only if installation includes suitable safety hubs. Rear-wheel drive only; four-wheel-drive care are not permitted in Street Section.

Street Equipment: All cars in Street Section must be able to start under their own power> License plates, generator, windshield wipers/motors, fans and fan belts and horns are optional. Headlights and tail-lights are required for legal on the street operation are required for competition.

Suspension: Each car in this section must have a full production-type suspension system; on commonly used by automobile manufacturer, and equipped with at least one hydraulic shock absorber per wheel. Rigid mounted axles are not permitted. Excessive chopping and/or machining of component chassis and suspension parts is prohibited.

Transmission: Must have full transmission, either standard or automatic, with full shift-pattern and gears for transmission used. May be of any year, make or model. Any gear ration accepted. A minimum of 3 forward and 1 reverse required on all stick=shift (manual) transmissions. Transmissions must remain in conventional locations, determined by engine used.

Upholstery: Interiors may not be gutted. Must run full upholstery, equivalent to factory specifications. Floor mats optional. Bucket seats may replace stock seats (two required), only if they are fully upholstered. Rear seats are optional. Factory-type upholstery and/or paneling must be used in lieu of the above.

Roll Bar: Roll bars are required on all cars as designated in Bodies headings; refer also to Safety Section, Roll Bars, for construction information and requirements.

Wheelbase: All Gas Coupes/Sedans, Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans must retain stock wheelbase length and tread width for the type of car body used. Minimum wheelbase length is 92 inches. All 1948 to 1953 English Fords, Anglia series, although not meeting minimum wheelbase requirements are accepted for competition in Gas Coupes/Sedans classes. Ruling applies only of entry meets all other class regulations and requirements. Engine installations are restricted to small-block Chevys or equivalents: i.e., 265, 283, 327, etc. Larger basic blocks not accepted. Superchargers not permitted. Wheelbase must remain stock.

Wheels & Tires: Each car competing in Gas Coupes/Sedans class, Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans class must be equipped with automotive type wheels and tires suitable for street use. Magnesium disc-type wheels are permitted for use on the rear. Lightweight automotive-type wire or motorcycle wheels are not permitted.

Windshield & Windows: Windows may be replaced with Plexiglass of 1/8 inch minimum thickness.

[Ace-Garageguy]

11 hours ago, T-Ray said:

 The only thing that I was concerned about was the suspension being too high, making it look like a modern gasser-replica as opposed to how those cars actually were. 

Good man. The silly nose-high cars bother me too (though there were a few who did that in the wayback, it was wrong then, it's wrong now).

Anyway, that's the nice part about building your own suspension. You can get your model to sit exactly the way you want it to by fiddling with the amount of arch your springs have, where you put your spring hangers on the frame, and using a dropped axle if necessary to get it in the sweet-spot...all things real car builders did too.

The M/SP Corvette build I directed you to sits as shown, correct for the class and period...as well as gassers.

Edited December 6, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[T-Ray]

1 minute ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

Good man. The silly nose-high cars bother me too (though there were a few who did that in the wayback, it was wrong then, it's wrong now).

Anyway, that's the nice part about building your own suspension. You can get your model to sit exactly the way you want it to by fiddling with the amount of arch your springs have, where you put your spring hangers on the frame, and using a dropped axle if necessary to get it in the sweet-spot...all things real car builders did too.

 

Alright, thanks! I'll look into that

[Ace-Garageguy]

5 hours ago, Skip said:

To answer your ride height question, unless I am mistaken, the ride height is limited to being raised to the point of 24" clearance between the center of the crankshaft bolt and the pavement.  "Engines may not be raised more than 24 inches from the ground, measured from the centerline of the front crank pulley to the ground."  This sets the front ride height. 

If you read back through the earlier rules, that wasn't always the case. The 24" to-crank-centerline rule was instituted to stop folks from building stupid-nose-high cars.

Sorry...I don't recall what year (early to mid-'60s) but it's not there one year, it is the next.

Far as "sets the front ride height" goes, it doesn't so much set it as limit it. Sorta. It's a maximum, as you note.

Still, the front of the car can be raised and the engine lowered in the chassis to conform to the 24" rule...though why anyone with a semblance of a brain would do that, I just don't know.

However, the nose can also be in the weeds and the engine can be raised in the chassis to the maximum height...the reason being to get better weight transfer from the heavy engine being as high as possible, but better aerodynamics from the body nose being closer to the ground.

Once the trap speeds on gassers hit around 130-140, aero lift and scary, squirrely handling on the top end became a serious concern with all the air piling up under the front, so getting the nose down became the norm on faster cars.

Edited December 6, 2023 by Ace-Garageguy

[R. Thorne]

Part of the problem in assessing what these cars looked like (front end lift wise) is that most popular pictures of these cars were taken from leaving the line, not from a stationary position.  This is a picture I took in the mid 60’s at a match race in Chandler, In.  This was taken behind the starting line.  Big John and Stone Woods & Cook were , of course, 2 of the most popular cars at that time.  It seems like only yesterday that I was introduced up close and personal (about 15 ft. Away) to 2 blown hemis.

[Ace-Garageguy]

6 minutes ago, R. Thorne said:

Part of the problem in assessing what these cars looked like (front end lift wise) is that most popular pictures of these cars were taken from leaving the line, not from a stationary position. 

Exactly. And the front-end lift under hard acceleration leaving the line is misinterpreted to be a nose-high stance while standing still.

There's been a lot of argument over it in the past, of course.

Great photo, by the way. Man I miss those days.  

 

[Mark]

It was probably the Ramchargers' Plymouth coupe, an Altered class car, that triggered the 24" crankshaft centerline rule.  That car ran in 1959/60 and was made obsolete via that rule being added, probably for the 1961 season.

[Straightliner59]

10 hours ago, Skip said:

To answer your ride height question, unless I am mistaken, the ride height is limited to being raised to the point of 24" clearance between the center of the crankshaft bolt and the pavement.  "Engines may not be raised more than 24 inches from the ground, measured from the centerline of the front crank pulley to the ground."  This sets the front ride height. 

Straighliner59 - Dan Himmel probably has a better explanation for this, that's the kind of stuff I've seen him build and from the old Straightliner forum (sad to see that one fold.) where Gassers were pretty common. - Please weigh in on that for us if you will Mr. Himmel.

Below is an excerpt (cut & paste) from a post on another forum, for a Gasser Challenge which copied the 1965 NHRA Gassers section of the NHRA Rulebook. Should be pretty easy to figure out and find the classification of the car you are modeling by the Production Vehicle Weight (advertised)  divided by the Engine C.I. will give you the Pounds per Cubic Inch - Example Class A/Gas = 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in.  Larry Davis's Gasser Wars Drag Racings Street Classes: 1955 – 1968 is probably just about the definitive reference for NHRA, AHRA gassers, I have it in my library and refer to it often. Although they are not specifically mentioned the VW gassers ran in the H/Gas and I/Gas classes, I'm not sure what the weight breaks were for them though, guess well have to imagine what a styrene VW weighs if anyone builds one!

Hope this information helps your build.  

NHRA Gassers 1955 – 1968

Given Definitions:
Vehicle Weights: Start with manufacturer's vehicle weight
Engines: Any Pre-1968 Production Automotive Engine (No Diesel) 
Cars / Truck Body Styles:  Pre-1968
Production Body Style which fits into the Reference Sources
Reference Sources:

1. Gasser Wars Drag Racings Street Classes: 1955 – 1968
   Larry Davis, Published by Car Tech 2003

2. George Class Remembers – Gas Coupes/Sedans
   www.georgeklass.net/gassers.html

3. Nostalgia Gassers Racing Association
    Operating on the - NHRA 1965 Rule Book (shown below)

 NHRA Rules Gas –Coupes/Sedans (G)
Taken from the 1965, Official NHRA Rule Book – Coupe/Sedan Class aka Gas Class or Gassers for short.
1965 Official Drag Rules

III Street Section
The street section is for “dual-purpose” cars capable of starting under their own power. Cars in this section must be capable of being driven on the street. Bodies, engines, drive trains, etc. may not be altered, modified or relocated except as noted in class requirements. Push starts not allowed. Return to the pit area by use of a push car is permitted, return to the pit area by use of a push car is permitted with any supercharged Street Section Car.

Any pre-1960 unblown 4-cylinder automotive production engine with any type head and any year Chevrolet 6-cylinder engine with stock production type head may compete in the flathead classes of this section.

A. Gas Coupes and Sedans Division (G)

Seven (8) classes of competition in this division for non-supercharged cars. Class is determined by the total car weight divided by total cubic inches of engine displacement.

Designations: A/G, B/G, C/G, D/G, or E/G F/G preceded by car number. 
Class ‘A’ – 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in
Class ‘B’ – 9.00 to 10.49 # per cu in
Class ‘C’ – 10.50 to 11.49 # per cu in
Class ‘D’ – 11.50 to 12.99 # per cu in
Class ‘E’ – 13.00 to 14.59 more # per cu in
Class ‘F’ – 14.60 or more lbs. per cu in

For non-supercharged pre-1968 flathead V8’s, in-line six-cylinder and straight 8 engines with stock production heads

Designations G/G and H/G preceded by car number
 Class ‘G’ — 5.00 to 10.99 # per cu in
 Class ‘H’ — 11.00 or more # per cu in

B. Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans (GS)
Three (3) classes of competition in this division for car equipped with super-charged engines.
Designations A/GS. B/GS, C/GS preceded by car number

 Class A — 5.00 to 8.99 # per cu in
 Class B — 9.00 to 11.99 # per cu in
 Class C — 12.00 or more # per cu in

Class requirements for Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans division are the same as those outlines for all cars in the street section, except as noted below.

Ballast: Permitted. Refer to Ballast as outlined in the Safety Regulations.

Batteries: All wet-cell batteries must be located outside the driver or passenger compartments and must be securely mounted. A maximum of two passenger car batteries is permitted to 150 pounds combined maximum weight.

Belly-pans: Belly pans are permitted in Modified Sports classes only.

Body: Gas Coupes/Sedans – Must have a coupe or sedan body originally produced by an American automobile manufacturer. Any foreign coupe or sedan may compete in this division as long as it meets all of the class requirements; a minimum of 92 inches stock wheelbase, fenders, frame, etc. Moderate customizing is permitted but bodies may be chopped, channeled, or sectioned not more than 4 inches total height reduction. Bodies cannot otherwise be altered in height, width, length or contour. Roll bars are required on all convertibles, all customized cars (i.e. chopped, sectioned, etc.) all Supercharged cars using fiberglass components, i.e., hood, fenders, doors, trunk lids, regardless of class. Highly recommended in all other classes. Removal of front body panels or fender bracing not permitted. The use of fiberglass bodies in the Gas Coupes/Sedans Division is not permitted. Lightening bodies by drilling holes or gutting interior is not permitted. Convertible couples/sedans with roll-up windows compete in the division but must run with the top up. Sedan Delivery, pickup trucks, Ranchero, El Camino, etc. may compete in this division. Pickup beds must be of standard height and width a minimum of 36 inches in length and have a full serviceable pickup bed. All cars in this division must have fully operative mechanical door handles to permit exit and/or entrance for either side. Bodies and/or frames may not be raised to gain weight-transfer to rear wheels.

Brakes: All cars in the Street Division must be equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes, operated by a foot pedal, mounted in the conventional manner. Emergency brake is optional.

Bumpers: Bumpers are not required; however, in lieu of rear bumper, a suitable (permanently attached) push-bar must be installed on the rear of the car. Total weight of bumper and/or push bar with brackets must not exceed 50 pounds. Disguised ballast will not be permitted.

Driveline: May be modified to fabricated to fit altered units. Refer to driveline Safety Regulations.

Driver: Driver must be in stock location. Seats may be to the rear to permit added leg room, but not to exceed 4 inches from stock location, provided no part of the driver’s body extends behind the rear axle.

Engine: Automobile engine required, however, year, make & model are optional. Any modifications may be made so the engine and/or component parts including clutch & flywheel. No more than one engine permitted. Engine may be located but not to exceed 10% of the wheelbase as measured from the centerline of the front spindles to the nearest spark plug hole. Engines may not be raised more than 24 inches from the ground, measured from the centerline of the front crank pulley to the ground. Rear engine location is not permitted in Street Section, unless it is an originally produced manufactured rear-engine car, retaining original engine. Modified-engine Corvair compete in Gas Coupes/Sedans classes. If modified and blown Corvairs compete in the Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans.

Exhaust System: Open exhaust, split manifolds and/or individual headers are permitted, but must be terminate in a collector, permanently and securely attached. A maximum of two outlets per car. All exhaust systems must be designed to route exhaust gasses in a downward and out–conventional–manner, away from the car and tires. Mufflers and tailpipes are optional. No flexible pipe permitted on any car running in competition.

Fenders: Gas Coupes/Sedans—must have four full stock production type automobile fenders. Exact duplicated of stock fenders made of fiberglass are permitted. Rear fenders may be altered for clearance to permit the use of wide slicks.

Fender Splash Pans: May be trimmed for header clearance, but not removed.

Flywheel/Clutch: The use of stock type cast-iron flywheels and/or pressure plates is prohibited. Explosion proof units, in lieu of the above, are mandatory.

Flywheel Shield: Required on all cars in this section except ones equipped with a pre-1961 Hydromantic transmissions. Non-supercharged care when equipped with a Torque-Flite transmission do not need flywheel shields.

Fuel Systems: Refer to NHRA Safety Regulations, Fuel Systems.

Frame: Must be stock automobile type frame. Properly reinforced stepped -frames are accepted. Cross members may be altered or relocated.

Hood: Required on all cars in this section. Side panels may be omitted. All carburetors, injector bodies and supercharged must be completely covered by the hood. Injector tubes and supercharger air scoops may extend through the hood are accepted.

Radiator & Grill: Required, Must be a stock passenger car type as large in overall frontal area as the original radiator, mounted in a conventional forward location.

Rear end: Quick-change rear-ends, locked differentials, or ratchet-type (limited slip) rear-ends are accepted, only if installation includes suitable safety hubs. Rear-wheel drive only; four-wheel-drive care are not permitted in Street Section.

Street Equipment: All cars in Street Section must be able to start under their own power> License plates, generator, windshield wipers/motors, fans and fan belts and horns are optional. Headlights and tail-lights are required for legal on the street operation are required for competition.

Suspension: Each car in this section must have a full production-type suspension system; on commonly used by automobile manufacturer, and equipped with at least one hydraulic shock absorber per wheel. Rigid mounted axles are not permitted. Excessive chopping and/or machining of component chassis and suspension parts is prohibited.

Transmission: Must have full transmission, either standard or automatic, with full shift-pattern and gears for transmission used. May be of any year, make or model. Any gear ration accepted. A minimum of 3 forward and 1 reverse required on all stick=shift (manual) transmissions. Transmissions must remain in conventional locations, determined by engine used.

Upholstery: Interiors may not be gutted. Must run full upholstery, equivalent to factory specifications. Floor mats optional. Bucket seats may replace stock seats (two required), only if they are fully upholstered. Rear seats are optional. Factory-type upholstery and/or paneling must be used in lieu of the above.

Roll Bar: Roll bars are required on all cars as designated in Bodies headings; refer also to Safety Section, Roll Bars, for construction information and requirements.

Wheelbase: All Gas Coupes/Sedans, Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans must retain stock wheelbase length and tread width for the type of car body used. Minimum wheelbase length is 92 inches. All 1948 to 1953 English Fords, Anglia series, although not meeting minimum wheelbase requirements are accepted for competition in Gas Coupes/Sedans classes. Ruling applies only of entry meets all other class regulations and requirements. Engine installations are restricted to small-block Chevys or equivalents: i.e., 265, 283, 327, etc. Larger basic blocks not accepted. Superchargers not permitted. Wheelbase must remain stock.

Wheels & Tires: Each car competing in Gas Coupes/Sedans class, Supercharged Gas Coupes/Sedans class must be equipped with automotive type wheels and tires suitable for street use. Magnesium disc-type wheels are permitted for use on the rear. Lightweight automotive-type wire or motorcycle wheels are not permitted.

Windshield & Windows: Windows may be replaced with Plexiglass of 1/8 inch minimum thickness.

It would be difficult to elaborate any further than you have, Skip! Nice job! 

[Straightliner59]

8 hours ago, Ace-Garageguy said:

If you read back through the earlier rules, that wasn't always the case. The 24" to-crank-centerline rule was instituted to stop folks from building stupid-nose-high cars.

Sorry...I don't recall what year (early to mid-'60s) but it's not there one year, it is the next.

Far as "sets the front ride height" goes, it doesn't so much set it as limit it. Sorta. It's a maximum, as you note.

Still, the front of the car can be raised and the engine lowered in the chassis to conform to the 24" rule...though why anyone with a semblance of a brain would do that, I just don't know.

However, the nose can also be in the weeds and the engine can be raised in the chassis to the maximum height...the reason being to get better weight transfer from the heavy engine being as high as possible, but better aerodynamics from the body nose being closer to the ground.

Once the trap speeds on gassers hit around 130-140, aero lift and scary, squirrely handling on the top end became a serious concern with all the air piling up under the front, so getting the nose down became the norm on faster cars.

At some point, I think around the mid-'60s, the rules changed to state that cars must sit level, or with a slight forward rake. I'm with you, though, those nose-high cars all would have been chasing Mazmanian, Montgomery, or SWC! And, they look idiotic!

[64SS350]

I followed the pattern that Ace and maybe someone else showed us on here. And yes.....these methods are not that hard and look great! (Thanks for posting)

Here's my build thread if anything on there helps, these are replicas of my friends 1:1. 

 

[Straightliner59]

1 hour ago, 64SS350 said:

I followed the pattern that Ace and maybe someone else showed us on here. And yes.....these methods are not that hard and look great! (Thanks for posting)

Here's my build thread if anything on there helps, these are replicas of my friends 1:1. 

 

I loved following your Flintstone Flyer(s) project. Nice work on those!

[64SS350]

I must say... watching and learning from so many on here has pushed me to new levels in building. So thanks to all who take the time to share your experiences and knowledge!!

[Straightliner59]

16 minutes ago, 64SS350 said:

I must say... watching and learning from so many on here has pushed me to new levels in building. So thanks to all who take the time to share your experiences and knowledge!!

For sure! Same here.

[Mike 1017]

Speed City Resin has a tutorial on how to build a straight axle. I have built 2 for A/FX cars.

speedcityresin.com/ModelNews.html

[bobss396]

I like the nose-up look myself. Some kits have fairly well nailed it, like the AMT '37 Chevy and the Revell Willys kits. Even the good old AMT '55 Nomad kit does it for me.

[R. Thorne]

Well, couldn’t keep from posting this picture of a focused driver and Bad car.

[Ace-Garageguy]

15 minutes ago, R. Thorne said:

Well, couldn’t keep from posting this picture of a focused driver and Bad car.

Nice shot. And notice the thing isn't stupid-nose-high even coming out of the hole at this point in its development, thanks to those whitewall-tired wheelie bars...which I've never noticed before on any of the SWC '40 Willys cars.  

[Mark]

That's a very late, match race version of the Willys.  S-W-C seem to have abandoned Gas class for match racing in 1965-66.  Note also the trimmed lower body.  This car is restored, as is the first one (that the old opening-doors Revell kit represents).

[afx]

The aforementioned Revell Willys gasser has nice suspension, I adapted it the Trumpeter Falcon chassis pan for the this Falcon Gasser.

Edited December 9, 2023 by afx

[afx]

For this project I just added spacers to the stock front suspension, I used the Revellogram 65-66 Mustang chassis under this '66 Falcon.