PART 4 Let’s Build a 330 MPH TOP FUEL DRAGSTER!

This Is part four in our series front half a 330 mph Topfuel Dragster. Finally I am making some headway and let a couple secrets out of why my chassis work so well. Follow along as there are subtle hints everywhere throughout this video! 

[@josephplatania5593]

Rob you are a pro. High quality takes time. The fact that there is no stress built into that chassis has to make the car behave so naturally. Stay well.

[@brianholcomb6499]

Mr Wendland, you deserve a ASE master tech certification for Top Fuel Dragsters! 😂😂😂😂 Nice job putting chassis back together! I’ve always tried to make sure nothing was binding, especially working on any race car chassis! Most guys completely forget that there’s going to be a human wheeling this thing, when building! Again nice job, I’m sure you’re mentors are proud of you, showing the correct way to build a chassis! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Sorry I’m sometimes a sarcastic bastard! ASE Top Fuel 😂😂😂😂

[@ScottMorrill27]

Thank you so much for taken the time to make these videos!!! I can't express how much I enjoy and appreciate them !!! I guess I'm just a NITRO NERD !!!!

[@billclark5943]

Probably no better feeling than a craftsman's passion

[@stevecuthbert8856]

You certainly enjoy what you do sir. It's nice to see someone take pride in doing it right.

[@specforged5651]

I really like you. A man that’s one of the best at what he does, that is actually willing to share his knowledge and not just act like everything you do is a big secret and be a dick about it like many. Hell yes you should have some trade secrets kept to yourself as well. You’ve spent the time and made the mistakes to learn what works and what doesn’t and you’ve earned the right to divulge info or keep certain things to yourself. Keep up the good work and thank you for sharing your knowledge and being a decent human.

[@1lapdown]

Rob, Your attention to detail is well placed. Check and re-check dimensions, be sure the parts are square and working with centerline laser as well as plumb-bob are all valid process to fit-up frames. I've built a number of aircraft fuselages over the years and this process is all too familiar and very similar to racecar fabrication. It is satisfying to stand back and know you have accomplished the task at hand with accuracy. Well done and great video! Thanks for taking the time!

[@oldschoolmotorsickle]

Aha, now I understand where all the up and down flex on a rail comes from: part of it is the floating frame braces, which allows movement without overstressing the frame. Thank you for the video.

[@bartarkis]

You almost said Mike Kloeber. Nice to see him ( at least his shirt and shorts) outside of Millican's race trailer. He sure made a fan of Brent Levistad when he stopped by his shop PFI. Thanks for your teacher's heart.

[@andyb9767]

Thanks Rob I really enjoyed it.

[@martinbyrne715]

I'm loving this series ,thanks for taking the time to show your work, it's much appreciated.

[@georgef1176]

It just makes sense to have your frame fixtures floating. that set up will make it true and square easier then clamping. You may need to pay attention a bit more. But it just makes sense. I’m gonna actually copy your table fixture horns. Such a good set up. Thanks for showing us your knowledge.

[@freeradical431]

love the center line and the plumb bob! Hopps Bore Cleaner removes carbon fast! No joke!

[@patrickdean9797]

brilliant can not give away all your secrets the ones you are sharing thank you i am never going to build a rail but is cool to know that the upper sleeve has some movement and that it cuts down on heat and stress from flexing lots of science very cool

[@robwendland]

You can use it on so many different applications!

[@patrickdean9797]

@@robwendland it is the right amount of strength and flexibility to go 300 mph and stay together and not be to heavy alot of engineering

[@milxl]

those tubes are really beautiful as is

[@ss1320ss]

Thanks for sharing Rob! You are a master craftsman, and a bad ass tuner. It's great that you're sharing the insights on Top Fuel to those of us that are hands-on racers.

[@robwendland]

Sure appreciate it bud thank you!

[@peteormond2828]

Thanks for watchin' ? Thank you for sharin' your skills with the rest of us.

[@hollaschracing3753]

I wanna just say i cant get enough of all your videos. I have always loved top fuel. The amount of tech tips a person can pickup and use is unreal and inspiring. Thanks :)

[@vrod665]

Rob I have been a long time drag race fan. From Saturday nights at Suffolk Raceway to modern day NHRA events. The cars are awesome, the drivers get the glory BUT I have an affinity for everything engineering related, down to the finest of minutiae. Seeing the detail that goes into these cars makes my engineering brain happy. Thank you for making the video, sharing stories and being freakin’ great guy’

[@abitoffcenter383]

Watching this brings back so many memories. The first NHRA mechanic/engine builder (Pro Stock) I worked for back in my 20's. Great guy, great mechanic! He had a unique style of answering questions, if it wasn't something pertaining to the job at hand. He'd almost act like he was ignoring you. But maybe an hour or so later he'd answer you, without warning. So you'd have better be paying attention. Anyway, I learned a lot from him. Both in the shop and out of it. Thanks Craig F. Hope you're doing well.

[@husq372]

Your videos are awesome Rob! It’s amazing to see all of the craftsmanship and fabrication it takes to keep those things running. You make it look easy! I appreciate you taking the time to make some videos and show us some really cool things we otherwise wouldn’t be able to see.

[@lagh84]

Nice to see someone who does it right. I have front halved several other type of cars (mostly sprint car chassis). There is only ONE correct way to do this type of work. I would be thrilled to have an employee that has the same ability to see the correct processes to control your work. I always had to do it all myself, because being a stickler to detail, I always said everything you do is about the details. Thanks for getting a smile outa me today.

[@robwendland]

Thanks brother!

[@TomChame]

Very neat, thanks.

[@cagedruss]

Whoa big boy. Us old guys need to watch what we say now on the interwebs. Saying "separate the boys from the girls" when you have Pritchett, Force and other competitive women now winning could get you in trouble. Lol.

[@robwendland]

I like trouble. Show me a good female top fuel chassis builder…. 😬🤣🤣

[@claysmoker1]

In one one! Lovin' it!

[@RandomAuto12]

The knowledge is priceless thanx so much

[@williamhanna2613]

thank you this is so cool keep them coming

[@gregschultz2029]

Thank You for passing on your knowledge !!!

[@user-of6kr8jm3l]

From London England amazing don’t stop love it

[@drakeherman16]

Rob new comer to the channel lovin your tips your a very detail oriented fabricator im a rookie on the tig but grew up around a tube chassis 71 vega 7.50 cert car ive always dreamed of building hotrods and im slowly on my way! Ill be watching all of your content love it!

[@Matty.Hill_87]

You're an artist man

[@ITigweld]

That's one Hell of a nice Jig!

[@metalworksmachineshop]

Very interesting 👌 😮 love the shop.

[@mikeznel6048]

That's neat. Awesome use of the grade laser too!

[@erniehenshaw4066]

Love your content Rob you're the man!!

[@edw102472]

Love your videos and the knowledge you pass on to us. You're a very talented fabricator and great teacher. Thank you for taking the time to make these, they're short and sweet and to the point.

[@crazyman3157]

Truly a art with a lot of hard work. Awesome to see the process and explained so well. Great job Rob

[@vehdynam]

Very interesting and informative . thank you !

[@mikeschwindt7407]

Top fuel cars continue to amaze me. I really enjoy your videos showing the behind the scene work that nobody sees. Hope to see you at the Mile High Nationals this a Friday night.

[@charlesmitchuson9884]

You the man rob !

[@tropicperformance269]

awesome video series, Rob!

[@ziggassedup]

Love the content.

[@tomanycooks]

really interesting. I'm enjoying your channel mate

[@rescobar8572]

🙏🙏🙏🙏 Thanks Rob!! Love your videos. As my son expresses to me that he'd love to do some of the things that I do, I stop and wonder if there's a little Rob... I share your vids with my son and he's started to pursue learning CAD programming. I think it was one your videos where he whipped up something on the computer and milled it out on your milling machine. I know that you've had an impact on his life as much as I have. He serves our country fixing Super Hornets for US NAVY. I just wanted to say thanks again for your videos! They motivate and encourage people of all ages.

[@peterman4118]

I'd work for you in a heartbeat. I like how modest you are and how you call it like you see it. More great content.

[@brandonlong9017]

The craftsmanship and attention to detail is unbelievable man! Keep up the great work! I hope one day I can meet ya and maybe get an autograph lol!

[@promodracer2191]

Nice Rob! CJ

[@kh40yr]

It would be cool if we get to see some passes of this car after the fix's are in. Would be even cooler with some before shots/clips. You don't have to point everything out, just let them run without saying much of anything. That way sponsors feelers and other assorted individuals don't get pissy. Thanks for the video Rob. Ha!,,every team must have a NitroBlender. The Worshams spit the whole blender empty at anything over idle. Could roast hot dogs over the header tubes. 4 sec dog. Yum. I'll take 2!!.

[@soulcontractor1641]

Still Watching, Still Learning!! It's Good What's you Doing, especially for the Younger Crowd!! Dean ( Soul)

[@DJ-yp4kc]

Very Cool Process...Good ole Turn buckles. Used them alot at work also....I follow Clay's Page as well

[@sterlingwilkey2124]

Awesome video, I wish I lived close to you. I've always been amazed how something so light as the frame can handle 10,000 hp

[@BEYTEK]

love it bro. looks like the subscribers are rocketing!!! been here since 1k

[@nitroracer-rollingthunderm9033]

Rob, looking forward to Part 5 ... Hutch

[@jvadragracingvideos187]

Very interesting... great work on the TF chassis.

[@robwendland]

Thanks bud!

[@thecommentary21]

RC dragsters. Cool.

[@chrisrigoni]

Thank You 🙏✌️

[@bb400dart2]

Yes thank you for explaining I would love to be your under study my be next year I will travel out there and help

[@bobqzzi]

This really is an incredible series. Thank you so much for showing this process

[@traitorhatergetarope3163]

Could watch this shit round the clock. 👍👍

[@timnell207]

Getting measurements down to within a very few 1/1000s with string and blue tape….amazing!

[@jimideez9829]

string don't lie.

[@kevintaylor9086]

The secrets in the experience.

[@kellyhallett7057]

Always bad ass

[@davidmays3333]

Jealous of your job!! Great work.

[@kennethbode2017]

watch a master at work

[@bcbloc02]

I think the clutch deal on these cars blows my mind the most.

[@gundysgarage6664]

Can’t give all the secrets! 👍🤙

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Did you fab those rail clamps? Slick device. ✌

[@wheelitzr2]

2 or 3 cars to do!?!? 🥰🥰 I'm guessing your going to crush our souls and not show building those cars... 😭😭😭 I've built $200k sand rails and off-road trucks and can guarantee that there are very few people on this planet can truly understand what your doing here and why. Thank you for sharing! Edit: You had me then you twisted the tube!!! 🤤🤤

[@thecommentary21]

This is youtube. Everyone are ektsperts. They watch a video of someone doing it wrong and you will never change their mind ever. They believe so and so did it right and you're a hater if you dont agree. Ive never professionally raced but I did race my 70 and half camero. It was just a street rod so I never had to worry about this stuff. We would toss in a ready made 6 point roll cage and called it good. I would be inclined to see how some of these techniques work for aviation though. I dont think anyone does what Im seeing here. This might be something for mike patey.

[@wheelitzr2]

@@thecommentary21 aside from aerospace I can't think of any particular sport that has this much relying on so little.

[@Erik-rp1hi]

Do you have to have the chassis stress relieved after it is welded? In aerospace that is what is required.

[@djfaber]

Straps on the blower for the drink mixer? =)

[@davedave2525]

Pipe??? Shouldn't that be tubing??? Pipe is measured on the ID and tubing is OD which I do believe you are using..... at least I hope so!!! Kick ass work sir!!!!

[@robwendland]

Ok!!! So if we are “laying some pipe” back in our early days as singles dudes, and we were going to measure that, we would have to measure our pipe from the inside to get an accurate size? 🤣🤣🤪

[@davedave2525]

I was just joking with you Rob as I did noticed you referred to it as tubing as well. You are doing some kick ass work and you sharing that with us is very, very much appreciated sir!!!

[@mikeznel6048]

What do you do with the old section of chassis? Would you be able to sell it to me? I don't race but it would be cool to have to fab up a little roller and put a 350 on it.

[@michaelpiecewicz9748]

I have a question someone might be able to explain to me. What does he mean by a hot spot? Thanks in advance

[@bikebuilder8567]

Seems like you could use a apprentice to cut and deburr all those parts? lol. and the tape ya put on after the doublers is to make sure those dont come off (by accident?) and ya only drill your hand once!!! lol

[@TheCharillz23]

Yup only one.. if you're stupid like a fox! Some dont learn.. lolol

[@jeffpickett9730]

Was that Chris karamasiss? I know I butchered that lol.

[@dsunds89]

It doesn’t matter how strong you make that spices you just created another breaking spot down the line and relying on that welds not to break. I would never drive that car with that splice he put in the Frame.

[@13699111]

Thank you for posting these videos . You have that old school ability to read feel how metal reacts at every stage getting the results needed from your build very impressive work .