21-06-2020, 09:23 AM
Hi Goldmountain
I like hot rods but think there is a balance between destroying a rare vintage car and making use of body shells and parts that come on the market. I think your build falls nicely in the latter camp so I’m right behind you!
Check out a rod called “Small Fry” built in the late 70’s here in Britain but shown at events in the States.
The Austin front axle set up is not the strongest as the king pin eyes are rather small and not deep. However it would be easy to fabricate a dropped tube axle with billet king pin carriers and spring supports. Morris Minor brake backplates have been used lots here. Grafted onto the centre of the Austin backplate they allow hydraulics to be installed. As Steve has mentioned Midget / Sprite back axles should fit but remember the host of other BMC cars that used the same axle design (Austin A30/A35, Austin A40, Riley 1.5) Also the small Fords from the 60’s (Anglia for example). As an aside BMC back axles had weak half shafts (don’t ask me how I know this!!!)
Good luck and do keep us informed of progress!
Cheers
Howard
I like hot rods but think there is a balance between destroying a rare vintage car and making use of body shells and parts that come on the market. I think your build falls nicely in the latter camp so I’m right behind you!
Check out a rod called “Small Fry” built in the late 70’s here in Britain but shown at events in the States.
The Austin front axle set up is not the strongest as the king pin eyes are rather small and not deep. However it would be easy to fabricate a dropped tube axle with billet king pin carriers and spring supports. Morris Minor brake backplates have been used lots here. Grafted onto the centre of the Austin backplate they allow hydraulics to be installed. As Steve has mentioned Midget / Sprite back axles should fit but remember the host of other BMC cars that used the same axle design (Austin A30/A35, Austin A40, Riley 1.5) Also the small Fords from the 60’s (Anglia for example). As an aside BMC back axles had weak half shafts (don’t ask me how I know this!!!)
Good luck and do keep us informed of progress!
Cheers
Howard