Project Junkyard Dog

[Joe Toller]

I am going stir crazy! I can't work on the car outside, and I see a couple more of these builds popping up, albeit all 75's. None in Division 6 that I know of yet though (I hope at least until I know what mine can do lol). I just want to get back to it! I'm getting nervous and ancy, and though I know mine is on a McBudget, my competitive streak is burning! I did order some front wheels, since the 54 Ford ones were too crusty for me, but not much else. It's not looking like it will be a mild winter either.

[Joe Toller]

Well, not much new here, just clearing up some unused pieces and whatnot to make room, I am planning on getting a converter from Mark Yacavone, and the correct 77-vintage cam (I have a 75-correct grind now).

I did pick up a new budget tip to share: alot of guys look for donut spare wheels, and the fox-body Ford guys have good 4-lug versions in aluminum. But, the 5-lug Ford/Mopar/AMC guys have an option too: 94-02 Mustangs (especially GTs) came regulalrly equipped with 15x4 aluminum compact spares, with the 5 on 4.5 pattern. They are very common and cheap (except on ebay), I bought a pair for $40. Check your local yards!

[goinbroke2]

This was brought up a couple years ago at our local track as it is a cheap alternative to aftermarket rims, here is the answer straight from Mike Baker;

From: "Baker, Michael" <mbaker@ihra.com>
To:
Subject: RE: T-Bird temp spare wheel
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 2005 08:03:41 -0600
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I would not think they would be legal based upon their intended use and speed. Only OEM or SEMA approved aftermarket wheels should be used in a drag racing application.
---------------Original Message-------------------------


Subject: T-Bird temp spare wheel

Question: Are the narrow aluminum "temporary spare"
rims from a Ford T-bird legal if they have frontrunners and tubes mounted on them? I need the "official IHRA position" on this question as I have a lot of people waiting for the answer.
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Now him saying "I would not think" is not a direct "no", but I think the intent is to discourage people from using them. What would happen at your local track? Depends on Tech.

[Sean Marconette]

The aluminum spares have been used on several stockers over the years, along with street strip cars too. I believe they are a full size spare, so with a good tire there should be no issues at the track. The original tire would be the issue at the track, as those are not rated to exceed a certain MPH.

Sean

[Joe Toller]

Exactly. The wheels are adequately load rated 15x4 wheels, it's the tires that are not suitable for high speed driving. A pair of 165/80R15 radials up front, on a slower stocker especially, would be a nice budget setup for under $200.

[Capri]

Many years ago, I was told by Travis Miller that the Alum spare wheel was NOT allowed to be run. I had them on my car along with a pair of centerline polished autodrag wheels.

Bracket racing nobody cared, or noticed. 1st points meet I got the "when you get home, you need to change........" I suspect Travis can update that statement from 1997......

[Joe Toller]

Quick question...I assume most of you in this debate were going faster than 14 seconds? I could see a faster car maybe not using them. Bear in mind as you weigh in here this is a slow car, and the info I am sharing is for a slow, budget-oriented build.

I sent an email to my tech director, I will go with his recommendations.