The 1925 T was originally hot rodded back in the 1950s to compete in the Signal Hill (later Shell Hill) Hill Climb in Long Beach. The car’s original builder, whose name has been lost in the sands of time, hopped up the four-cylinder engine with a Rajo BBR head—the racing version of the overhead-valve conversion—and then further modified it to run an overhead cam.
The original T transmission is still hooked to the engine and still controlled by the T’s left pedal. Behind it is a 1920s-vintage Muncie three-speed transmission, shifted by a lever poking through the floor, and out back is a two-speed Ruckstell rearend, engaged by another lever in the floor.
the distributor is protected from fuel leaks by an old "Swingspout" mechanics oil can split open and bolted to the frame.
http://www.hotrod.com/articles/hot-1925-ford-model-t-race-gentlemen-runs-overhead-cam-banger-12-forward-speeds/
Jesse: If you're interested, I have some B/W photos of the OHC Rajo taken during it's original build back during the '66-'69 time frame by my dad, Ellis Gray. Its original intent was in fact for the Long Beach Hill Climb but not in the car shown, however, the front Buffalo Wire wheels shown I believe were from the original '22 roadster, the rears are probably the fabricated wheels also used back then. I sold (traded) Wes Clover this Rajo engine and eventually a twin stick Gallivan head engine, also built by my dad, for some rare early equipment of Wes's after my dads demise in a traffic accident in '90. I understand Wes has recently passed away allowing the Rajo to resurface here. Would love to find a video of it running somewhere! ;-) -Steve
ReplyDeleteWow.... I"d love to share the images, and story and all the details! Sorry to take so long to get back to you on this, I've been at Comic Con for days
DeleteI have 7 pics that I've scanned. What's the best way to get the files to you? -Steve
Deleteyou might post them on any website or forum, email them, send a thumb drive... sorry to pepper you with options, but there are a lot of ways to share a photo. Your facebook, email, if you have a Tumblr, Pbase.com, etc.
DeleteMy email is jbohjkl@yahoo.com if you choose that route. Or you can send them through facebook at https://www.facebook.com/jesse.bowers.16