1966 Coupe - time to upgrade!

[PaxtonShelby]

Well winter came and went and not a whole lot got done on the car. It is tough to get work done when the car isn't stored at the house. Today these showed up at my door. It is a tie-down kit from Street Or Track. The L-shaped brackets bolt to the front lower control arms and the other ones mount under the rear spring plates. This will make it a lot easier, quicker, and safer to strap the car into the trailer.

[Dan B.]

That's some rill cereal racecar gadgets there buddy!!

[RUTHLESS]

This might be the first time I have seen your car build in detail. Very nice!

I just wanted to share what I have learned from one of my buddies that transported cars for a living.
When strapping a car down properly on a trailer you don't want to allow the suspension to move so the best spots to attach to is the frame/body in some way. The suspension on most show and drag cars see the most punishment being hauled since the force of the road is amplified to the weight of the car inside the trailer. However it seems that not even U-Haul has their trailers setup for this since they use front tire straps so I just tighten down my shocks and air up my tires. I forgot one time and you could feel the car dancing around on the trailer.

You should see what the rails type drag cars do to strap the cars down. Frame to the floor so they don't tweak the chassis.

[PaxtonShelby]

Thanks Ruthless. I've heard arguments from both camps when it comes to strapping a car down on a trailer. Some agree with you, while others say you should allow the suspension of the trailered vehicle to absorb the bumps in the road. This setup is in the middle, as the rear springs get compressed a bit but the front suspension can still travel freely. Shaun at Street Or Track is a really savvy guy when it comes to these cars ( he's building an amazing '65-6 track car ) so I figured if this setup is good enough for him it'll work for me.

[Dan B.]

I always go to the frame and compress the suspension. I'm not a paid pro but net I've trailer way more cars than your average bear.

[PaxtonShelby]

My front springs are very stiff, so I'm thinking this setup will work really well.

[somethingclever]

Ron,

I don't think either front or rear will compress the suspension if you mount the plates as you had said.

I also would not strap down a vehicle above the suspension points....a good topic for another thread anyway.

Is that fuel line re routed yet or what? :)

[Dan B.]

Ron,
Is that fuel line re routed yet or what? :)

I'm going to guess that will be a no.

Told him to drag it up and let's get that thing done!

[PaxtonShelby]

John - Definitely a no on the fuel line re-do. My Dad's place, while dry, is cold and poorly lit. Hopefully I get the car home in the next week so I can get started on it.

Dan - I wish you lived closer buddy! I should be able to handle the fuel line in my little garage - as long as I find a little time. Hell - I haven't even installed the winch on the trailer yet...and I bought it the day we had lunch! Maybe I will call ya when I'm ready for a little mini-tub action...

[RUTHLESS]

Hell - I haven't even installed the winch on the trailer yet...and I bought it the day we had lunch!

Don't install it! I installed mine before I went to a track rental last year and had to use it to get the car on after I blew the head gasket. I am thinking its the winches fault. lol

[jaa55]

I don't know how I missed this thread, looking like you're making great progress

[PaxtonShelby]

Today I brought the car home and put the '14 back at my Dad's place. Wow the '66 is a dusty mess! Battery was dead but after a quick charge she started right up and after 30 seconds she idled like a champ even though she doesn't have a choke. The rain was getting ready to fall and my gas gauge was below "E" so I headed straight home. The tires really seem that they are well past their prime - even small amounts of throttle result in wheel spin. I think the tires - 15 years old now - need replaced with something sticky. Anyone have suggestions? I need 225/50/16's on it. The stickier the better - preferably a tire that will work well on a road course. I don't want a drag tire full-time. This car is built for the twisteys. Mark??

[RUTHLESS]

Toyo R888s would be the way to go but I am not sure what sizes they come in.

[Stangman701]

A Toyo R888 might work well for you. I have them on my car. They have decent traction for straight line and twisty action on the street. Are supposed to be decent if you get caught in rain as well. They need a little more heat in them than your average street or drag radial tire before they work well though. Might be worth picking up a second set of rears to mount some Mickey Thompsons on to really have a chance of hooking all that power.

[PaxtonShelby]

Thanks fellas - I will look into the R888's.

A second set of rears would be nice...but home improvements are eating up the budget right now.

[RUTHLESS]

Thanks fellas - I will look into the R888's.

A second set of rears would be nice...but home improvements are eating up the budget right now.

One good thing about the R888 is that they last a while compared to DRs plus they are used as a wet condition racing tire.

I know the feeling. Ever since my wife and I bought our first house two years ago its been none stop and I don't see any signs to our want list ending. Thank goodness the windows will be paid off come July. Then its on to the next project.

[PaxtonShelby]

Anyone have experience with the Toyo Proxes RA1?

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....omCompare1=yes

[transbuilder83]

cool ride

[PaxtonShelby]

Holy crap an actual update...

This week I am ordering new brakes all around and some other goodies. Pics and more info to follow in 2-3 weeks. Giddy up.

[gpfarrell]

No shit?