04 May Preparations start for Desert Rattler
Rod has started work on the vehicle he will be using for the forthcoming Desert Rattler Run – a 1929 Ford Model A that was previously used as a snowmobile.
“Unfortunately because the ’29 had been a snow runner there was rust galore and there were just so many parts that were not as good as they needed to be for what I was intending so I decided to do a complete strip down and a rebuild,” explains Rod.
“Since the beginning of the rebuild, it has been quite tedious and in the end I decided to strip the ’29 down to a chassis and begin a total restoration but with some modifications.”
So that’s what Rod has done! Here’s how he’s got on so far…
This is the DR stripped down ready for a thorough going over.
It was broken chassis cross members and other cracks that need attention
The front spring carrier and engine carrier was in dire need of repair
With the chassis now welded it was time to begin the added cross member repairs
Time to do a complete rear end rebuild, new crown wheel and pinion, axles bearings, seals, the lot
The new rebuilt internal assembly
The new differential with a Mitchell underdrive fitted. That is a 30% underdrive to make the DR go slower to climb hills whilst maintaining engine revs.
Brand new rebuilt brakes complete with backing plates from Snyders Antique Auto Parts USA were fitted to all four wheels
This is the transmission oil I use. The Penrite products are top of the range and work brilliantly. I have used their products for the past 35 years in all my rally cars and driver cars
Time to do a rebuild on the clutch housing
The clutch and brake pedal shaft was worn and had to be replaced so too the bushes in the pedals
The rear end is complete and ready to be attached to the chassis