What I did next was the absolute worst time consuming pain in the butt of the entire project. Luckily for you, it is a Super Stock only thingy. According to the NHRA rules I had to reinstall the part of the stock Ford flooring between the new frame rails from the 4-link cross member rearward as far as possible. Now, from the new frame rails outward to the quarter panels anything goes as long as it is steel. I won’t spend much time on the tunnel piece because unless you are building a Super Stocker you “normal” smart people wouldn’t have to go to this much work. Make a flat panel and you’re done. I think you can see from the picture what I ended up making and, yes, it is the result of determination, bull headedness, and endless toiling. It does look kinda cool though, don’t ya’ think?

The remaining floor pieces were basically flat with a few of them having some flanges bent into them for stiffening and a means to secure them in the car. All of my panels were first constructed from white posterboard, which is a stiff, thin cardboard. It is easy to work with and holds its shape really well. After finally installing the custom tunnel piece and building the attaching pieces of metal from it to the frame rails I continued rearward.

The final payoff is near!

The pictures tell the story pretty well I think so I will just briefly cover how I made the various bends the old world craftsman way. The bench that I use for a welding table has a 1-inch thick steel plate as the main surface. By using a piece of ¼” thick angle iron about 24” long I could line up the marks on the piece to be bent with the rounded over edge of the table and then clamp the angle on top. By gently using a hammer and working from left to right and back again I was able to make some really nice looking bends. Here is another tip for you: I purposely did not make the bends too sharp because that makes it easier for cracks to start from vibration.

That’s it for this month, but I think next issue I will show you a couple panels I made in the wheel tub area that will hopefully prevent any rocks or such from building up and having the possibility of falling out upon launch. Also, I finished up the parachute mount, fuel pump mount, finish welded the wheelie bars, and who knows what else I will get done!

Thanks for reading and believe it or not Project Muscrate is going on five years of being part of DRO! I want to thank Jeff and Kay Burk along with the entire DRO staff for a great experience! Also, all the manufacturers and individuals who have been a part of the team along the way. And of course you, my loyal readers, all eight of you! If it wasn’t for you there would be no DRO and certainly no Project Muscrate. 2009 will definitely be the best so far and I’m expecting some big numbers and a lot of racing!

Always remember, there is always hope.
And, when in doubt….DO A WHEELIE!!!