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down to the oldest)
2-22-2010:Today
we begin the assembly process to be followed by packing. Heads will be
assembled and shipped by serial number. Not all parts are ready to ship,
like head gaskets, intake manifolds, distributor risers and side plates.
These will be shipped as soon as completed. Cylinder head box will contain
the head, gaskets, and a small parts box with things like, rocker
arms, push rods, studs, nuts and bolts etc.
Be sure to inspect the
shipment for damage and completeness.
You have 30 days from receipt to
make a claim with Yapp Studios, Inc.
and actual damage claims must also be made with UPS. We will replace
, repair or exchange as needed. All damaged parts must be returned. Call me
before any return shipping.
Shipping these heavy
boxes with UPS has been 99% successful. While the carton may be banged up
and alarming at times, the content's security has been very good. There will
be a "PARTS LIST" in the box. Use it to compare what you should have
received.
The
INSTRUCTION BOOKLET
is still in progress and will mailed to you as soon as it is printed. If you
choose to begin installation before the booklet arrives call me. I
strongly recommend that you wait for the booklet for tips and procedures
before you jump in head long. If you you choose to install as is out of the
box there really isn't any problems.
My best, Charlie Yapp
(513) 724-0700
2-12-2010:
Assembly of the the Roof is a
bit behind. I have rescheduled the assembly for Wednesday February 17, 2010.
That day will be a training day for us to develop procedures and set up
machinery. I have purchased a new motorized valve grinding system from the
Neway Company. All the parts are in except for the brass valve covers,
which could throw a wrench in the project's finish date.
The brass valve covers
look great and were designed to use a common "O" ring as a gasket but the
rubber ring simply slid off after getting oily. So, we had to add a
machine job ($$) to each of these parts (a small groove) to hold the "O"
ring in place.
The intake valve is
angled at 12 degrees in one direction and about 4 degrees in another. Our
goal has been to create a combustion chamber surface that is square and
parallel to the valve so that a fairly even amount of metal is cut away for
the valve seat. this has been difficult at best, but Merv has finally found
the right numbers ($$) and we are on the spot and ready to machine the valve
guide holes in all the rocker boxes.
Jim Roof will join me on
Wednesday along with Matt Strayer to begin the work. I' guessing this will
take about 2 weeks to get done.
I ordered the special
shipping boxes today and will have to get the plywood bases cut to size next
week.
Above: Chief Designer, Jim Roof (left),
and Producer, Charlie Yapp (right), enjoying the sights and sounds of the New
Roof 101 Cyclone Four Port OHV. Check out the new "Y" header system
pumping a deep mellow snarly tone out through a "Smithy Muffler".
1-29-2010
Plans to begin assembly are underway. I
have high hopes of beginning the work about the 2nd week of Feb. All depends on
the machine shop. If all goes well shipping will be someway around Feb 26
through March 5th to those fully paid up. Testing of engine has been without
incident. The Front timing cover prototype is almost completed and will tested
on the same engine. The iron Lion heads should be done in a couple weeks and the
aluminum Lion IV will be up next. A fresh batch of "Equalizer" intake manifold
is ready to be machined also. C. Yapp
The Dream Comes True!
Updates are by date sequence, newest to oldest.
November 23, 2009
It RUNS . . .It's ALIVE!
 HERE
IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE
Thanks
Jon!
Yesterday 11-19-09, Jim Roof and I worked all day on
roller rocker set up and geometry of the valve train. We think we got it, but there might a be a touch of
room to improve it. The engine stand is self supporting and mobile. I been
working day in and day out to get all the elements assembled and ready for Jim's
visit. I just couldn't get it all done, but we had fun and learned more than we
ever expected.
Today (Friday, 11-20-09), I finished the wiring and
installed the ignition. Oil lines had to be made and installed . . . . I was
going to use an FS Ignition's "Zipper" but the unit comes with a "popout" cable
and I didn't have time to modify it. So I used an FS electronic Model B unit and
it worked fine. At 3:05 pm I went home for a bit to eat and check on
Donna. At 3:00 pm Merv (our most capable engineer) stopped by to see what was
happening. All that was left to do was time it, gas and water the beast. Merv
says, "let's get going" and I said "these thing take time". I got water can and Merv fueled her up. Everything was double checked and I hit the push button on
the solenoid at 3: 45 pm. It started like the sweetest kindest motor you have
ever heard and when we stepped on it she roared belching burning paint and oils.
The Rockers barely clicked . . . It was alive and I am so relieved. Every
part worked as planned, with no surprises. The low Model "A" oil pressure proved
to be more than enough. The manifold was set up with one 1941-53 Ford-Holley (six
banger) single throat carburetor for starters. Works like a dream! A lot is riding on this OHV and many people are tuned
in (you guys blew my website bandwidth with unprecedented "hits" of
over 10,000 hits last month and again this month . . . Thousands of people are watching us - NEAT!).
It has to run and it has to be spectacular. . .
it does and it is! We have successfully reproduced Robert Roof's 1929
Cyclone OHV, assumed to be the very first OHV on the market for Ford Model A's.
It looks almost the same, but we made it a four port and used modern valve
train. The volumetric efficiency is about the best you'll ever get with an "F"
head. It is designed to be an easy installation suitable for beginners as well
as seasoned experts.
Gentlemen . . . It is beyond my wildest dreams.
We have engineering here that will set a bench mark for
years to come, with eye candy to thrill you and your friends.
We did it!
Now, we will fine tune the engine, double check
everything and prepare a complete "out of the box" kit for dyno testing. There have been a few design improvements and changes
to the finish and parts package. I will detail these in a few days.
One last VERY IMPORTANT comment . . . I want express my
undying gratitude to the first 54 buyers (investors). You men not only will have
one of the most creative and well designed cylinder heads ever made for a
vintage car, you have also received one hell of a bargain. Thank you for your
positive support, it could never have been done without you!
We are looking forward to assembly, packing and shipping in
February. Final billing will come January 1st. Four-tiude and best wishes, Charlie Yapp
October 26, 2009
Men . . . we have a head . . . we have two heads . . .YaHooo!
Engineer Merv Humphries, project coordinator Charlie Yapp and
"Chief Designer" Jim Roof pose by the brand new Roof 101 Cyclone OHV
cylinder head for Model A and B Fords. Yes, we are beyond thrilled! On Tuesday, October 26, the Roof 101 cylinder head was
assembled at Charlie's shop. I'm sure that all of you that have been following
this project are aware that it just might be, that no other cylinder head has
been made the way the Roof operates. It's new, its different and it is so cool..
Test fitting some components. The
distributor fits!
Jim and Merv are reviewing some of the tricky workmanship. One
thing that needs to be discussed is paint color for the cast iron portion (I'm
leaning toward RED). We do not want you take this head apart. It can be
disassembled quite easily, but the valve job is integral with the two parts
(rocker box and cast head). If the parts are taken out, then a new valve grind
or minor touch up will be required, as it might be impossible to get all the
boxes back to the same exact spot. So we feel the cast iron should be
painted at the assembly point. On the other hand, many of you will want to have
the rocker boxes polished and that would require a disassembly. So, be prepared
to reassemble and do a light valve spin-in with valve compound to make sure the
valves seat properly. It is our estimation that reassembly will be 99.8
repeatable, which make this really feaseable.
This will be a dependable and strong engine component. It's
not complicated. The Cyclone is very easy to drop on your block.
The circular rings are rubber O-ring seals. There three sizes:
the 4 large one seals the intake throat (metal to metal); The 4 medium seals the
pushrod holes (metal to metal); and the small single seal O-ring seals the oil
entrance hole (hard to see). No paint or sealers are allowed on these machined
surfaces.
The roller rocker is install on our custom made rocker stud.
Springs, guides, retainers, lockers fit perfectly. Those 2 little split lockers
are difficult to install but we figured a way to do it. Between the three of us
we designed at least three tools to help with assembly: A valve guide driver, a
pin driver and an extra long polylock nut socket wrench.
I said these things before and I really do not want to wear
the words out, But the job done by all parties goes beyond my wildest dreams.
Merv Humphries (ABE-TEC MFG Inc. 513-724-6000, Batavia, OH) took his time on a
very difficult set of numbers. The two parts, head and rocker box, had to
match/fit at 100% to make this design work. He did it on the first official try.
We ended up with 2 good run-able heads.
I will continue to assemble the remaining parts and get the
heads on our test stand ASAP. That will be the next hurdle . . Stay tuned
. . . Will it really run? You bet it will!
October 16, 2009 Here are the latest photos of the Roof. The
prototype heads are machined. Jim Roof and I will get together next week
(10-26-09) and
assemble two heads. During this time we will double check our small parts,
gaskets, etc. The fit of the parts is outstanding. All the design work, careful
tooling and jig fixtures have paid off. Engine test stand is done. Now engine prep and parts
assembly begins. My Speedster chassis is also ready to accept one head. . .
.Still waiting for delivery of head and rocker box castings . . .should be soon.
  
August 28, 2009 I wanted to do a newsletter #4 but I really don't have
enough to put in yet, so I will wait for a while.
Merv (machinist) informs me today that the machining of
the 4 prototype cast iron cylinder heads is done. I will go over to get some
photographs in a couple days (doing 11 Rileys right now). Merv is also tackling
the rocker box machine program and should be doing these in a few days. Foundry
should be delivering 60 + cast iron castings in a few weeks and the aluminum
foundry has begun to fill our order for 120 rocker boxes and other parts. . .
though these parts will come in a bit slower.
Our new portable engine stand is almost done.
Basic testing and fit will be conducted on this engine. And one complete kit
will go to Texas for a complete Dyno run in sometime in November or December.
A note on some minor changes: The manifold block off
plates will be aluminum
and not brass To save money and weight. The Port Covers will not have a name cast on
them, to able to provide all "F" heads with these covers.
August 19, 2009:
All buyers should have received your Newsletter #3 in
the mail by now. If not please let me know. I want to encourage all buyers to queue up with your
"optional" parts orders so we can plan our casting and machining requirements. I
sunk a ton of money into tooling for these classy parts and I would sure like to
see them used on your bangers.
Optional parts: (new)
Model A side plate; (new)
Model B side plate; (new) Distributor Riser and (new)
long drive shaft (for use with stock A distributors and manual spark advance) ; (new)
Port Covers (No-name, to cover the unused intake ports) ; (new)
Extra Roof Badges; (new)
"Y" Exhaust header system kit; (new)
Front timing cover ignition system;
Note: bridge has been removed from tooling. 2 bolt side mounts to manifold. 3 bolt side is for carburetor.
2 bolt, single throat, Ford 1941-1953 six cylinder carburetor(s) fit directly
w/o adapter.. (new)
Carburetor adapters; (new)
Winged Distributor Speed Caps for vintage wires sized for the Roof; B fuel pump
block off plate. You might also want a steel crank hi-speed pulley.
Don't forget to get yourself a
Model B water pump.
Used ones rebuild nicely and brand new ones are available from MAC's. You can
use either the early "long" style (1932/33) or late short style (1933/34) pumps
but the
crank pulleys must match.
My steel pulleys fit the early long style pump.
All is well, but we're a bit behind schedule at this
point. 95% of all parts have been spec'd and about half have arrived at the
shop. All prototype castings have been made and approved. Casting orders have
been place for all parts at the various foundries. Those should start stock
piling in a month or so. The timing issue has been hampered by difficulty in
programming the complicated curving combustion chamber shape. The head has
actually been on the CNC machine for 4 weeks as Merv walks it through the
process. When he gets the program written and tested we should be back up to
speed.
The very special cloisonné Roof badges have arrived.
Polished brass with blue porcelain back grounds. Distinctive and a pleasure to
look at. These are held in place with 2 brass round head screws. The Intake
manifold and the side plates have a recess for the plate and just look
spectacular. The read, "Roof 101 Cyclone, Made In Cincinnati Ohio USA".
June 30, 2009
The team
Deb and Dan Gaier, Merv Humphries, Frank Schilling,
Jon Ledford, Phil (intern), Jim Roof.
A great meeting was held on 6-30-09 and
well worth the effort. The meeting centered around machining the
castings in an orderly manner. We discussed the importance of
appearance and ease of machining. Valve jobs will be the next hurdle.
The Intake manifold patterns (below)
are done and were turned over to Dan Gaier for test casting.
We do have head and rocker box castings
. . . but I keep forgetting to take a photo. Here is a cropped image
from the table shot above. The Boxes are heat treated to T-6 and will
have the flash and gates removed and sand blasted to get a cleaner
silver color. The cast iron head is heat treated for stress relief to
prevent warpage.
_________________________________________________________________
June 18, 2009:
Less than 6 months from conception . . . We have castings. Clear, clean,
beautiful cast iron castings. Four Roof 101 Cyclone cylinder heads
arrived today. They are very, very, very nice. The Intake Manifold
tooling should be done next week. Then off to the aluminum foundry. The "Distributor Riser"
part and
"Port Cover" part goes to
the pattern shop next week. This and the Port Cover pattern will actually be the
same as used on the Riley, with a name change. The riser is used to get the
manual spark advance lever up over the rocker boxes. The Port Covers are to
cover the unused intake ports on and "F" head like the Roof and Rileys. The cloisonné Name Plates:
a contract has been given to have these made and we should see them in about 45
days. The Ford blue color is inside polished brass lettering and edges. A brass
10-32 screw attaches the plates to the Intake Manifold, Side Plates and for use
as a radiator badge.
 (TM)
Name and design Copyright Yapp Studios, Inc 2009.
The test engine
has arrived and the Machine Shop is making a neat engine stand so we can move it
around and take it to shows.
Jim Roof and I will be at the Model T Speedster Meet in
western Indiana from Saturday noon through the early evening. We will have the
raw Roof 101 castings with us. Gentlemen we are getting close. A hearty thanks to our team of professionals. My best, Charlie Yapp
__________________________________________________________________________________________
June 12, 2009: All introduction
priced Roof sales will close August 30, 2009. We only made enough parts for 60 heads
and we are approaching the cut off.
Optional parts
Parts are
flowing in. Test Castings are coming off the line.
Here is a list:
Roof 101 cast
iron head casting was attempted
last Tuesday. First casting did not shake out clean. So the foundry is
redesigning their gating. This is normal and a second try was done yesterday,
but I have not heard the news yet. This usually takes several tries before the
foundry settles in on the correct gates and vents.
Rocker box cast
aluminum 356-T6 samples in. Perfect, no issues. . . . Really,
very, very cool !!
Rocker Box Covers,
cast brass in. Look good but need a minor change to gating. When polished they
will look like gold.
Manifold cover plates,
cast brass & aluminum in. Look good. Brass weighs 1 pound and aluminum is
6 ounces. Brass has a more sandy look and feel. Aluminum is clear, clean &
cheaper.
May change to Aluminum on these parts.
Push Rod Guides,
Hardened, are in. Perfect, no issues. Custom made. The very best.
Head studs
(grade 8) are in. Perfect, no issues. The very best.
Rocker Studs
are in. Perfect, no issues. Drilled for oil, rolled threads, heat treated to
180,000 to 200,000 psi. . .The very best.
Roller tipped Rocker arms
(1.5:1), balls, and poly-lock nuts are in. Perfect, no issues.
Side Valve Cover
patterns (Model A and B) were received at the Iowa foundry on Thursday.
 
Test engine was
shipped from Bob Bouldin's New York shop to mine this week.
June 1, 2009: Cast iron head portion of
patterns are done.
These are the talented creative
and professional good men that developed the computer modeling and tooling from
Jim Roof's hand drawn prints. From the left: GeoTech's President, John Leadford
did the Modeling, John's Father and founder of GeoTech Pattern, Dan Leadford,
made sure nobody was sleeping on the job and Shop Superintendent Frank Schilling
converted the modeling to CNC programming for precision machining of the "red
board" (red urethane plastic). Several others sanded the final patterns to a
high luster and made ready for the foundry. The parts shown are the water jacket
core box halves.
Roof 101 Rocker Box being machined on a CNC
machine. This part was set up on the machine table and took about 36 hour to run
through the program carving the pattern out of a solid block of red board. This
is really a dream come true! The patterns will be slightly modified by the
foundry for gating (where the metal flows into) and for the venting (where the
gases escape) before actual casting can take place. We are right on schedule. The other patterns
will be coming off the line this week and next. They will be shipped to the
three foundries we have chosen and test castings will be done and shipped back
to my shop for quality control and then off to the machine shop here in my home
town. Later, Charlie Yapp
May 28, 2009:
Pattern maker informs me that the ROOF 101 head pattern will ship to foundry on
Monday. Rocker box pattern will follow that next week. Side plates and brass
covers will ship about the same time. I'm going to look at all the tooling
tomorrow. I"m looking into "Cloisonné" (color enamel and brass)
name plates for the intake, side covers and as a radiator badge. Charlie Yapp
May
1, 2009:
Roof 101
Cyclone cast iron Head,
cast aluminum Rocker Boxes
and Intake Manifold
modeling is done and machining of the tooling has begun. Modeling work has
started on the Model A and Model B Side Plates
and the special downdraft Ford 81-97-94-92
Carburetor Adapter. We have found an off the shelf
adapter that will work with Rochesters, Webers, and even the modern small 350cfm
Holley 2 barrel carbs. The port size is: intake ports are 1.5" diameter and the center to
center bolt hole mounts are 2-11/16". Look for carburetors that will fit this size or
an adapter will have to be fabricated for smaller updraft carbs like the Model B Zenith
or Winfields.
    
4-10-09: Down Draft set up - These next color images show the final design for the intake manifold. It has an internal hot
water jacket. Down draft carburetors that fit directly are "Ford" Holley
single throat models from 1941-51 six cylinder cars and trucks (Holley 847-7HA
and 8HA-9510-A). 1960's Solex Jeep "F" head NEW replacement carburetor will fit AND we
have two adapters to fit Ford flat head V-8 Stromberg 81 -97 and Holley 92-94
three bolt mount carbs AND modern NEW Holley dual throats, Rochesters and more. Updraft? - just turn the manifold over - carbs that
fit are to be discovered. However, with a simple fabricated adapter almost any
updraft carburetor ever made can be made to fit.
 
The polished manganese bronze rocker box covers
gleam like gold. The intake and rocker boxes could be polished (by you) to a
high shine. The one cover shown is a just shown for a test fit. The logo and
chrome acorn fastener are not shown.
4-9-09: Today I accepted the quotes for aluminum
(356-T6) and bronze (manganese bronze) foundry work. Crystyl Engineering, Inc.'s
Dan Gaier will be doing this important work. Some parts will be sand cast and
others will be plaster cast (smooth finish). Highest quality is the goal and his
firm has the ability to make castings the car guys like.
The
pattern tooling, or the "modeling" as they like to put it is coming to a close .
. .The cylinder head and rocker box is done. The next to final model on
the intake manifold is done and spectacular. Jim and I wanted an invisible,
hidden, water tank inside the manifold . . . and now we have it (pictures soon)
thanks to Jon Ledford and his skills. Next up is the rocker box cover, side
plates, name plates, carburetor adaptor and carb block off plates. . . all
in all, quite a package.
The "Y"
pair of exhaust headers will be test cast shortly. They might actually be
available very soon. In
development is a new Model A & B front timing cover with a "45" degree
distributor dive (similar to the 1949-53 Fords). The basic tooling, created by
Dick McKee in the 1950's, is done but some more work is needed before test
castings can be made. But it's coming along nicely. One of the issues is how to
run the distributor drive. A prototype drive assembly has been developed and
will be tested soon.Until
next time, Four-Titude, Charlie Yapp
4-6-09:
Today I signed off on the models for the
cylinder head and the rocker box. Jim and I are excited to say the least. The
actual tooling machine work begins now for these two parts. This is expected to
take about 30-45 days. Then off to the foundry for test castings.Other
parts are still in development: Intake Manifold, brass Rocker Box covers, brass
Name Plates, and Side Valve Covers for both the Model A and B. The side
covers are an
OPTIONAL part. They will
look like stock plates in 1/4" thick aluminum with a recessed polished brass
name plate. Both covers will have a couple extra bosses for oil uses. The
Intake manifold is now an OPTIONAL
part for sales after 4-10-09. New images and details will follow when done.
The name
plates will read "Roof 101 Cyclone, Made In Cincinnati O. U.S.A."
3-30-09: We had a fabulous meeting 3-30-09 between the pattern makers (Ohio), our
foundry (Michigan) and the design team of Charlie Yapp (Ohio) and Jim Roof
(Indiana). We were able to have a hands on working meeting with the Roof 101
Cyclone OHV Four Port participants (machine shop could not make it).
We had a great lunch (Thanks Jon), learned more about each other and our
companies. . . All smart, handsome, talented men (grin).
Above is the finished and approved final model of the
machined Cylinder Head and Rocker Boxes. The rocker box covers are not
installed.
Solid
Works 3-D modeling is being used to create the pattern models and to try to
explain all its benefits would take up too much space. Let me just say that with
this software Jon could slice the head in any direction and move through the
model so that every slice could be be studied and measured. And yes,
we found some issues. If we hadn't used this software then we would have had to
commit to the pattern work, send it off for a test casting and then cut the
casting up in slices and hope that we could see all that there was to see. I can
tell you from experience that is not always possible or easy, but with the S.W.
we could see everything. We can only image what the old timers could have done
with this technology early last century. With each
new rendering, with each new update, the Roof 101 Cyclone is getting better and
better. When Jon is done with the modeling he will be able to generate all the
computer files needed to carve a complete set of patterns and molds out on a CNC
milling machine. . . And he will be able to pass along a complete set of
machining operations for the CNC machine shop to finish the head. The
combustion chamber looks like a jewel and each one is exactly 140.0803 CCs.
The Valve
Cover, side plates (optional) and Intake manifold (optional) name
plates will read "ROOF 101 Cyclone, Made In Cincinnati O. U.S.A." The
Rocker box is clever and original. Thanks to Robert Roof's original design,
reinterpreted by Jim Roof . . . There is no cylinder head in the world that
looks like or operates like the new Roof Cyclone. It is clean, simple, workable,
powerful and easily modified for additional power and speed. All the parts
(except one) are off the self products that your will be able to find anywhere.
. . At least none of us can think of an engine with this type of set-up . .
.Maybe a radial engine from WW-I.
We are
completely redesigning the intake manifold. Jim had the design correct but I
(and 75% of the buyers) wanted it to be heated. This required a water reservoir
inside the manifold. Jim, Jon and I have finally got it figured out so that the
water "tank" is invisible. New manifold photos will be
posted when I get them. Scott,
from the foundry, was able to help the pattern maker make better decisions
concerning cores, core prints, loose pieces and possible gating and venting . .
. trying to avoid clean-up and appearance issues after casting. In our
meeting we discovered a small stud/bolt boss had been placed in the direct water
path to the pump. We simply moved it to a more appropriate place and made the
corresponding changes to the Rocker Box. No harm done and it took about 3
minutes to do.
Nonetheless, the Roof cylinder head, in 60 days, is nearly a completed modeled
. . . This same process took over 1-1/2 years with the Riley
Two Port and 8 months for the Lion Speed Head.
3-25-09:
Things are moving along really, really
well. Some changes and tweaks are in the works.
Monday, March 30 we are having an extended meeting between Jim and I,
the foundry, pattern maker and machine shop. This will be to review
the models (below) to this point and try to head off any production
issues before we go to final patterns. I expect patterns to be nearly
done by the end of April. This manifold is hot water jacketed and can be used up or down-draft. The four (4) rocker box caps are not shown
at this time. They will be brass. The Rocker boxes are Aluminum. The
head is cast iron.
Above: That horizontal hole, on the side, just
by the 1st stud, is the oil entrance point. Water pump is 1932 four
banger. The 2 holes on the back end are core
prints. These will be supplied drilled and tapped to 1/2" NPT. Can be
used for hot water heater, temp gauge or to feed the water tank in
manifold. The Distributor mount is designed to accept your distributor. A
tall riser can be attached for those that want to
use the wing cap and manual spark control.
The 140 cc combustion chamber is done.
Each are exactly the same. At full lift there is .500" clearance
around 80% of the valve head, plus the spark plug groove makes it 98%. There is a .500"
clearance for the exhaust valve (hard to see that). The 4" diameter
"Fly Cut" over the piston is .060 deep for piston clearance and
excellent squish. You can not see it here, but the top (ceiling) of
the chamber has a slight twist as it travels from Intake to exhaust to add
turbulence. Note below: The two small round holes under the
manifold. These are water connections that will be drilled and tapped
to 1/2" NPT. There 2 matching bosses on the side of the head to make
the water connections.
Above: In this cut-a-way you'll see the
huge water jackets and the "ram" tube intake throat. The 1.73" dia.
intake valve seats at a 12 degree angle in the chamber.
3-6-09:
Jon Leadford (pattern maker - GeoTech) has
pretty much got the cast iron cylinder head modeled with "Solid
Works". He has begun on the rocker boxes and found a couple minor
conflicts with a wall thickness. So Jim and I will gather, on the 9th,
with Jon to think-tank the issue and find solutions. This is not a
problem just part of the process. This morning I drove out to Bren-Ko
Patterns (http://www.brenkopatterns.com) to see the new wooden master
for the "Y" exhaust manifold. Excellent fast workmanship. I have
approved the master. Now urethane castings, (cope, drag and a core
box) will be created. A test iron casting will be made locally. If
that goes well then the tooling will be shipped to Detroit for
production. Jim has developed a complete parts list
for the 101 and I have been getting quotes for custom parts and prices
for "off the shelf" parts. The project, so far, is on target with my
cost estimates.
1-28-09:
Jim has done about 5+
renditions of the head
in about 4 weeks or so. We have decided to change
out the stamped rocker arm in favor of a forged and machined roller
rocker arm. It's a nice upgrade that all of you will appreciate. These
are off the shelf Chevrolet (sorry) small block rockers.
We have a terrific
"trick" oiling method. The oil will feed into a compression fitting on
the side of the head where oil will travel to the foot of the first
rocker box. From here it goes to a hidden drilled cast in tube and up
the rocker studs where it is aimed at the push rod and roller tip and
drains back down to the rocker ball and then on out through the push
rod hole. Neat!
We have removed the "push
rod alignment bushing" from the print and replaced it with a "push rod
guide plate". This allows lateral control of the push rod and makes
ratio changes more flexible. Most importantly, it opens the oil drain
to full size. Most the suppliers have
been chosen. These outfits are suppliers that helped the Riley Two
Port maintain such great value and dependability in the field. I
will be listing them and their websites for your look-see when the
list is finalized. There is a short story
about the name "Roof 101" we've chosen and I will relate that
interesting story next time I have some time to write . . . . My best to
all and Four-Titude! . . . Charlie Yappd drawn prints. We thought that "hand
drawn" prints would be a nice salute to Robert M. Roof (Jim's
grandfather). Jim likes to travel down here to the Cincinnati,
Ohio area so he can be, as he puts it, "be close to the parts and
stuff that make things go". He is now applying the numbers to the
"final" prints. These will be used by all shops in the chain and the
pattern maker will have them converted to digital files and prints for
computer aided machine work. Jim and I have settled on
a high tech CNC machine shop in my area for the head and rocker box
castings. This is helpful because I can keep close tabs on that
progress. "Solid Works" software will be used for 3-D modeling by the
pattern maker and those images will start appearing here.
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