For those that haven't heard about them HA/GR (HAMB Gas Rail dragsters, or HAMBsters) will have a start at the next Sydney Cruzin Nostalgia Drags. The guidelines for the cars require that they be built in the spirit of "The Bug" or "The Swamp Rat" and other early dragsters.
Bias ply tyres are required. Original or modified early chassis can be used or a chassis can be fabricated. A cowl must be fitted and a roll hoop.
Driver and engine must be situated between the axles.
Regular petrol (gas) must be used.
Engine cut off is 1962 and no aftermarket carbs etc.
Basically - what hot rod drags are all about!

A few friends are building them during Friday night BBQs.

Here's some pics from the first 2 installments...



1st episode...

Gathering bits and seeing what is servicable.
Test firing engines on the floor!









Surely that isn't Ezio Cacciotti forgoing a bowtie for a blue oval?


Both Ezio and Nick's engines proved to be runners (even if Nick's required half a dozen fingers covering manifold leaks)


Joe's engine will need a bit more work...



2nd episode...

When 4 became 5!

Here's the second installment in the Sydney HAMBster build up. With Joe Formossa wheeling out an old chassis there are now 5 HAMBsters on the go. Four will be running on fully fabricated frames.

I'll let the pics do the talking....

(click the thumbnails to enlarge)






























Nick demonstrating the fine art of the Squint Safety Goggle

Another HAMBster update. (click the small images to enlarge)
It doesn't look like much has been done (other than emptying Jim Beam cans) but all the rails have been stitched together and the front and rear ends are nearing final mounting.













Adapting the top loader for the early flathead.




The concession on non-period diffs is appreciated...











Can you see a possible pitch for sponsorship throughout this series?

looking good mat cant wait to hear it growl

now thats what it's all about few mates havin some fun
cheers
ron

rollin' rollin' rollin'
get them hambsters rollin'
HAMB on!

Well there's some advancement now. Axles and diffs in place, even a couple of wheels on.
Three will roll out to make room for another two to get rolling in the next couple of weeks.

Of course, Mr Beam's finest yet again makes an appearance.

this is awesome, would love to come and have a good look one day. Nostalgia is where it is!
T54

Nice stuff Matt - I often do my best welding after a few cans of JB too! I tend to stay away from any cutting implements though!

Quote:

Originally posted by Dasdubber Nice stuff Matt - I often do my best welding after a few cans of JB too! I tend to stay away from any cutting implements though!

You just gotta love the castor adjustment!

Time for another update from the HAMBsterworks Garage.
Click the thumbnails to enlarge

It wasn't that long ago when 4 became 5... now yet another chassis is being stiched up!


The production line now sees 3 cars rolling, with engines and gearboxes mounted.
A few shifters are attached and a few other trinkets are beginning to appear
on those not long ago bare bones.














Naturally a few JBs were sunk...


Followed by some precision work



James instructed Jack on the use of the Mr Gasket shifter on the toploader


The Cowboy & The Mexican had their birthdays, as did Debbie,
celebrating her 21st...


While Ezio attempted prove that you can indeed light farts it was left to Millie to work on his car.
I hope she didn't sign an AWA, we won't see much of her for the next few months.



[ Edited on 8-7-2006 by HotRodMatt ]

that has always been a dream of mine guys,

good luck n ill be keepin an eye out here

A micro update...

The HAMBsters continue to progress. Driveshafts and driveshaft containment systems are being developed.

Another front end is about to be mounted to the chassis. Engine and transmission placement are largely complete in the rollers.



Another set split...









Isn't this the essence of hotrodding? If what you have doesn't fit use what everelse you having lying around?
May not hold up to much abuse, even with the Corona balancing...

HAMBSTER GARAGE
Update 7 - 28 July 2006

Can you believe it? The chassis jig is in use again. That makes 10!
Add to that the 2 promised from Canberra and there's a field of 12 already.






With Nick's engine and box in the rails it's time to fabricate the suspended
rear end.





The ladies are always helpful, not only do they cook, crochet and knit you would
have recognised Debbie above TIG welding a chassis!


What is it they say about 90% inspiration and 10% perspiration...














And of course the distraction of Mark's "micro-merc" VW Type 3 Sled outside in the
icey night.

have you got some better pics of that type 3?

looks tops

Quote:

Originally posted by pete wood have you got some better pics of that type 3? looks tops

Just a micro update this week. Couldn't stay long as the little bloke wasn't in the best of spirits.
Some guys from Canberra are heading up this week to use the jig for his chassis. That will be the 11th chassis to come out of the jig with 2 more to come shortly.
Even Benny and Joe Gatt are getting into this with two rails built up for them.


Joe starts on the body of his car.




Continuation on the suspension for Nick's car.









Joseph has the shift and noise pedals sorted... what about a brake pedal? We don't need no stinkin' brakes.





Of course the kids had some fun too.
Jack supervising the installation and positioning of Nick's ladder bars.


Why do these shocks look funny dad?


The boys will have to be content with a lawn mower for a few years yet...

Update 9

Work continued on Nick's rear suspension set up and the front was hung along with the bones.




Joseph got his roll cage in place.



Joe got a good start on building the body for his car.




Ezio and Cowboy get to work on steeling a body.

Update 10

Steering, Zoomies and Body Works.

With Joseph's cage in place and the car a roller it was time to tackle the steering.





Yes... that is a Ford conrod big end holding the steering.

The zoomies








Joe made more progress on the body.






Ezio's car started with a cowl, now he and the Cowboy start on the sides and back.




A Volkswagen Notchback provides the donor metal for the rear panel.





Nick gets the hangers for the ladder bars ready.




Is this the dodgiest flywheel grind you have ever seen?


Mr Beam just keeps popping up!


The production line is still looking good.


Ezio trials a controversial interpretation of the rules...

Looks like a lot of fun Matt. All that work has made me thirsty though. Kids are growing up bud.

Update 11

Time to disassemble and fully weld Joseph's roll cage. Gotta get this devil to Rat Day under its own power.












Hey Cowboy, is that a better ride than a horse?







Work continues on the bodies and mountings for Ezio and Joe.













Ever patient Ezio starts cleaning up the mechanicals prior to reassembly.



They say everyone has driven a kombi... if you haven't you just take the steering and that'll do.



Nicks' rear suspension is turning into a work of art...






You think this little bloke has the prerequisits to become a hotrodder?

Friday

No need for words it was all go go go.
Thanks to Jimbob for the use of his camera on Friday night after stupid me left the batteries at home for mine.
























Saturday

Even more go go go than Friday!
A visit from the Canberrans and Victorian guys got their pulses racing.





Joe, that's not for drinking!
















It doesn't matter from what angle you look at the row of strommies... they always look good.






The night proved a bit long and cold for the Sherrif.










Even the kids were hard at it. James and Jack honing their fabrication skills.



So when is it going to fire?



Sunday

After getting it running at 2.30am Joseph got HAMBster Number 1 to Rat Day - under its own power. Congrats!






A hard earned sleep!


[ Edited on 7-9-2006 by HotRodMatt ]

Thats really kool
Great work

Marc