Dixie Flyer "Firefly" speedster photographs

3 minute(s) of a 91 minute read

Hi Vern/Phil

To give you a better idea of what the Portholes actually look like here is todays photo of the newly nickel plated trims in place on the bonnet (hood) side. I am still working on an idea for a compromise regarding the actual "holes" so more later. 

I have also added one of the right hand rear mudguard (fender). The first of these are due to go to the painters on Wednesday.

Re the AACA Award many thanks for your good wishes. It came as a great surprise and makes me feel very humble.

Hi again Vern

Thinking about your vapour locking problem with early Dodge Fours. Many of the people here find that they can overcome this by spacing the carburetor out from the side of the cylinder block by an inch or two. It is a simple matter of making up two flanges with a short piece of steel tube in the middle. We have some really hot days here too. Not being too worried about originality with my Dodge speedsters I have used an 1 3/4 inch SU carb on a similar spacer/adaptor to good effect. On the Flying Four I used a 2 inch SU.

My friend John Needham at Oldcar Gearboxes has an interesting conversion that converts the gears into constant mesh making down changes much easier and at the same time he lifts 1st and 2nd ratio which really transforms the gearbox into something that you can really use. Like a 40-50 mph second gear!

2-23-2010

Not a great deal to report. The four mudguards (fenders) are now with the painter and Aaron is working hard to get the rest of the body finished this week. Meanwhile I have not been slacking off. The dash board is now cut to shape and the holes for the minor instruments cut and those for the switches drilled. Last thing this afternoon I gave it the first coat of polish so should be dry enough to sand back and re-coat tomorrow. Our son steve is looking at the clock to see exactly what it needs for it to tick again and he is about to turn up a new (matching) rim for the tach/speedo. Hopefully some more photos soon as I find time.