Meltdown Drags 2016

[Nightmist66]

Byron Dragway in Byron, IL is having the Meltdown Drags again this year. July 15-17. Open to cars 66 and earlier for racing. Car show is for 72 and older. Must appear period correct.

http://meltdowndrags.com/

I wasn't aware the pre-registration already began. I finally got my number, 485. It looks like there is going to be a full house again.

Who else will be attending?

I plan on driving my car in Sat. morning and racing. Hope to see some more FEs out there! 

[JamesonRacing]

I'm in at #396.  Should be there Sat/Sun, unless I get smoked by the heat and humidity again! 

[FordEver]

Bill Troth, Dick Monaco and i are planning, probably Thursday and Friday. If your in the area of North Central Illinois its worth attending even just to spectate. Very unique event.

[57 lima bean]

Even Ward Cleaver was on hand racing at the 12 minute mark..  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWcgvB1sHts

[Heo]

I probably be there as a spectator
Since im going to be in Indy the
Weekend before that
Wont bring a car with me from
Sweden

[Royce]

I got number 188 .. Plan on racing the 57 Wagon if it's ready..  Match race with the Drunk Monkey??? If that does not work out it will be something with a Y Block

[57 lima bean]

Royce....Will the car have the MEL engine or that horrible 385 series?

[Royce]

SHHHHH  It has a 385.........  for now!

[XR7]

They sure take their wheels seriously... 

[57 lima bean]

They sure take their wheels seriously... 

    Very.Some of the Gasser Associations only allow true period correct chassis set up and hardware.

[Nightmist66]

Anyone else having difficulties? After my intake swap, everything started going against me. My radiator started leaking, the trans didn't want to go into third gear very well, the fender roller I ordered to fit my new slicks will not arrive in time, subframe connectors still need to be installed, and the front wheel cylinders decided to start leaking.

Well, I got the new wheel cylinders and new shoes installed. Also got a new radiator, replacement 4 core. Everything fits with the radiator except the upper rad. bracket, so I have to modify the old one.

 The trans issue I was hoping to be the shifter. I pulled the Competition Plus out and tore it apart. No obvious problems, so I cleaned it and lubricated and reassembled it. Next I decided to pull the trans. I fought prying the driveshaft out for at least half an hour. I knew I was in for some problems then. After the driveshaft was pryed off the rearend, I had to beat it out of the trans. Then the trans finally came out. Upon disassembly, I found a twisted output shaft, broken spring for the 3-4 shift rail detent, wear on third gear teeth, and worn slots in synchro hubs where the keys are. I still had the original wide ratio box stashed away, so I decided to go with that since I can't get parts in time now. I cleaned it out well, swapped over my speedo drive gear, tailhousing with shifter plate already installed( also had new bushing and seal installed last year), put new springs in for the detents on 1-2 and 3-4. All gears look fine, just hoping bearings and sychros will be ok. Got the trans painted and reinstalled. I should mention both are small in/out TLs. I am going to try and get a new slip yoke also. I noticed the factory one has splines 2/3 of the yoke shaft. I figure if I get a replacement that has full splines, if/when I twist the output shaft agian, it should hopefully still slide and not bind like before. It's just time for the big in/out I guess.

 I hope to get the subframe connectors in this weekend at work. If all goes according to plan, I will still make it there, just with drag radials and a band-aided trans......

[JamesonRacing]

Hope it all comes together...good luck!  I'll be reinstalling the intake on the race car and will see if the oil leak is fixed.  Installed new front runners on a pair of vintage 15x3-1/2 slotted mags and have an old set of slicks mounted on steel wheels for the back.  Planning to be there first thing Saturday.

[Nightmist66]

Thanks David! Are you planning on bringing the racer then? I was hoping to line up with your nightmist street car.

[JamesonRacing]

Yeah, got the racer's oil leak fixed (had to R/R the intake, was a weep hole in the silicone china wall seal).  Slotted mags are on the front, steelies will be going on the back.  Would still be a good photo op

[Nightmist66]

Glad you got the oil leak figured out. Too bad you had to pull the intake though.

Got the car runnig last night after a couple minor setbacks, again. I went to reinstall the driveshaft the other night and the driveshaft went in the trans about 2" and stopped. Then it got stuck. I knew the output shaft on this trans was fine, so that meant I twisted the splines in the yoke too. Sheesh. Luckily I had a spare yoke on the shelf until my new one arrives, so I went to install it and noticed it used a different ujoint, so I had to put a new ujoint in too. Anyway, drove it home last night and drove it into work this morning. Needs a little tweaking with the carb and still waiting on the new yoke. Will try some carb adjustments tomorrow and see...

Would still be a good photo op

I suppose you're right.