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.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Yes. Look to the left.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

PM sent.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Check the yellow car in my avatar. It's a Rootleib kit

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.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

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:

http://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"

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??

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??? ;)

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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!

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That's a Rootlieb!

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http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...g/Trimotor.jpg

Hey, I like that green!:D 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.:)

Re: Speedster Kit
 

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.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Please keep the pics coming!!

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

Re: Speedster Kit
 

I am assuming you just made a minor typo and are meaning "gravity", ...and if so, Yes.

.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

How about "Center of gravy?"

Re: Speedster Kit
 

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.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

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.

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.

Re: Speedster
 

Re: Speedster Kit
 

What is the cost of the kit?
I would love to build one of these, and may end up with a spare chassis soon.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Those are Universals; can't answer the wear question because I've put only a hundred miles or so on them so far.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

The complete kit can be bought from Mac's and is $4960. It's much less if you don't want fenders or a windshield. You can also make your own if you are handy.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Thanks Sparky.
I could have checked their site, and called them, but nice to ask here.
Hope you dont mind, im currently using your speedster as my wall paper for inspiration.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Thanks, I'm honored!

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How about some more pics of Speedsters!

Re: Speedster Kit
 

http://nwvs.org/CarPhotos/CarThumbNails.shtml


http://nwvs.org/CommonBits/NWVSLogo1In.jpg

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Hi, Bill, I was just reading over one of your old posts about the Rootlieb speedster kit, and my dad and I are elbow deep in the build. I have kind of a novice-sounding question that maybe you can answer. The kit comes with a gas tank, which, if I recall has no filler hole in it, and with the brass (I assume) filler neck. Any recommendations for the best way about getting those tow pieces together? I ask because, well, I've got one chance to get it right and there's no shame in asking for help, right?

Thanks in advance for any you can provide!

--Dan

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Hi Dan,

My filler neck has an extra saddle-shaped piece that fits between the filler itself and the tank. Do you have something like that? I think they are soldered together; I didn't assemble my tank personally.

Re: Speedster
 

That is a BEAUTY!

Re: Speedster Kit
 

I dropped my speedster 4 inches by using a T rear spring and only leaving in I think about 6 maybe 7 leafs. For a rootlieb kit, this would be plenty sense there is not weight in the back of them. My speedster is a boat tail, that had the 15 gallon gas tank in the very back. It does bottom out when I hit a big enough bump. I haven't gotten to adding shocks yet, but I'm probably going to have to drop the rear end and add a leaf or two in the assembly.

My cars getting the upholstery done right now, so after this Friday I should be able to post pictures of it completely done :). Be looking for that thread this weekend or within the next week or so. I also only left like 5 leafs in the front spring. This dropped the front a little, but not a whole lot. I really only took out some leafs in the front since there wasnt going to be a whole lot of weight up there. No fenders, hood, or any go slow stuff up front.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Subscribed!

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Hi there,
I am building a speedster and looking at every component with the view of improving performance and improving handling whilst utilising as much of the original A components as possible
A dropped front axle has given me a headache as the tie rod is now too close to the chassis and the front brake shaft supports have needed extending up and made additionally stiffer.
At the rear the spring mounts on the diff have been relocated to lower the rear.
A quick change centre section on the diff has resulted in an open drive shaft with the radius rods (front and rear) relocated to the chassis rails and an F150 gearbox has slotted in simply using a Macs Speed shop bellhousing.
An alloy radiator reduces weight and the petrol tank is at the rear between the chassis rails for lower CofG.
Oh yes, the motor is moved back 4" and the wheelbase is 4" longer.
All these mods are resulting in the project taking a lot longer than anticipated as I don't have engineering skills.
Cheers,
Keith

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Another option is to work with Jim Husbey @ olympic speedsters. Great guy to work with. The pic is one that I worked with him on last year.

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Here is a pic of my speedster, 32 B engine, shorten frame, open drive shaft.

Mikehttps://www.fordbarn.com/forum/pictur...754281&thumb=1

Re: Speedster Kit
 

Here is my home made speedster. I'm a po country boy and couldn't afford the kit. I had a bunch of discarded parts and decided to try and make a purty out of them. http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/3145644-T400300.jpg

http://www.bluemelon.com/photo/3145642-T400300.jpg

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beautiful!

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Skrain,

Thank you, we have a lot of fun with this car

mike

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Re: Speedster Kit
 

Mine started as speedster, and I decided to fab my body rather than buy one I started with the chassis in my avitar, took 3 springs out of the rear, 2 out of the front, re rolled the front springs to turn the eyes over., and used 17 inch wheels. It sits a few inches lower all around, and has about 3 inches of rake to the front. Admittedly it is morphing into more of a Rod than a speedster though.