UNCOVERED!! John Parson's II MUCH

[Steve Chryssos]

Everyone should run out and buy the May issue of Popular Hot Rodding. John Parsons and John Ulazek worked to write and photograph a front suspension technical article based on John Parson's II Much project.

But suspension tech articles can be boring--too much theory and not enough practical application. This article is unique in that it brings theory to life. Drawings and diagrams become actual parts right before your eyes. Check out the photos of the original Mustang II design compared to the II Much hand made parts.

And the frosting on this cake? You get to see a photo of II Much in pre-assembled form right before it was taken apart and sent out for paint. Check out the mil-spec finish on the wheels, the custom fab'd grille, one-off spoilers, and the incredible stance and ride height.

Congrats to pro-touring.com members John Ulazek, Brian Schein, Rick Klein and Katz Tsubai for making the suspension and this ground breaking 3D technical article a reality. JP must be doing something right to have the support of such incredible friends.
/Steevo

[TonyL]

wait. I have a subscription and still dont have MAY yet!

Howd you get yours so quick?

[BlazerSpeed]

yeah got mine today in the mail and wow....the transformation of the front geometry alone was amazing :jawdrop:

it is going to be an amazing piece of metal mastery when completed...who am i kidding it already is unreal.
Also congrats to the other feature cars, and their owners, I'm glad I can say that the majority of us got to see them here first.

oh and this might be kind of off topic, but has any one besides me noticed that PHR has had a Time Machines ride in about the last 5 issues? not to mention two chargers that were damn near identical (ride, stance, wheels, and interior) with the exception of paint and model year, that were featured in consecutive issues? oh well...
Derek

[Ralph LoGrasso]

wait. I have a subscription and still dont have MAY yet!

Howd you get yours so quick?

I didn't get mine yet either, and Steevo lives 20 minutes away! If it doesn't come by Weds, I'll have to take a run to the local speedshop to pick it up.

[Mean 69]

Who designed that front suspension system, anyway? I think it was a government computer program gone bad?! Some kind of stealth development deal I'd bet.

M

[jeff s]

Anything in the May issue about my business?

[parsonsj]

I got my issue yesterday too. The whole issue is packed with Pro-Touring and g-Machine cars. This is a dual cover issue: subscription folks get one with a Hemi on the cover, and the newstand issue has an incredible gold Chevy II (actually a Vennom) on the cover.

Much thanks to Johnny Hunkins for running the article.

Even more thanks to the Pro-Touring community here. The suspension is something I'd never have attempted with all the support of our car club here online.

So, as Steevo says: go out and buy it! Several members are mentioned by name in the article, but I really owe Katz Tsubai (he did the design), and Brian Schein (he did most of the machining). Me: I did the welding, bugged Katz and Brian, and wrote the article.

And finally, John Ulaszek did an incredible job with the photography. John has written and photographed many articles for GM Hi-Tech, but my suspension is his first cover shot. (hey, I'm countin' it ... even though it's pretty small!)

jp

[Steve1968LS2]

Yea, great story.. very well written and very informative!!

Good job John.. :)

More forum members will be in the next issue too..

[trapin]

Wow...this certainly is the hey-day for Pro-Touring cars in the magazines. My luck, in 2 years when I'm finally on the road, it'll be all over. :doh:

[astroracer]

Wow...this certainly is the hey-day for Pro-Touring cars in the magazines. My luck, in 2 years when I'm finally on the road, it'll be all over. :doh:
Ditto... Pro-Street will be on it's way back.

And Mr. Parsons?..... :worship:

[Steve Chryssos]

Anything in the May issue about my business?

Jeff,
I don't see anything.

[Steve1968LS2]

Anything in the May issue about my business?

Yea Jeff.. I did a nice thing in the June Speed Reading. I talked to your wife (you were outta town) and she sent me a nice high-res pic of the front of your shop (the pic with the ultima and the mitsu).

We got the press release too late for May so it is in June.. I do believe I am talking about you in a July news item also :)

The June issue will be better anyways.. it has a Camaro on the cover and you guys can critique my first two feature car stories ;)

[Steve1968LS2]

I no longer post much on this board, but JP told me there is one critical error in the article that needs to be corrected.

Rim width doesn't dictate how much scrub radius you should have. Scrub radius should really be less than 2.0", less than that if you have wide rim/tire combo. JP's II Much has 1.38", which will be reduced further in the future.

Ever noticed EVERY passenger vehicle manufacturered within the past few years has flat-face wheels regardless of drivetrain configuration? It is done not just to improve aerodynamic slightly to help meeting CAFE standard or to minimize torque steer on FWD and AWD. There are other important reasons for that.

PHR will fill in the rest with their next issue.

Yea, and if there is an error in THAT article then you know who to blame ;)

[trapin]

I got about 1/4 of the way into the article and then it started throwing all these calculations, algorithms, and formula's in my face and I suddenly found myself getting dizzy and woozy. Sounded good. But I'd rather look at pictures.

I know...I'm such a monkey. :rolleyes5

[Larry Callahan]

John!!! Way to go. I just got my issue today and just scanned through it. I'll read it tomorrow but way to go! I SO can't wait to see it. 7 months to SEMA! lol

[Steve Chryssos]

I got about 1/4 of the way into the article and then it started throwing all these calculations, algorithms, and formula's in my face and I suddenly found myself getting dizzy and woozy. Sounded good. But I'd rather look at pictures.
I know...I'm such a monkey. :rolleyes5

Yup. It's all about the pretty pictures. Wanna truly understand short/long A-arms and tall spindles? Just compare the Mustang II pix to the final design.

[awr68]

Now that was well worth the wait!! I just got the mag last night and went right to reading it....actually I have no idea what else is even in this issue as II Much always is first on my list!! Well one more year we both miss the power tour...but you are planning on having it at SEMA this year...correct?!?

Again HUGE CONGRATS and I can hardly wait to read next months issue!!!

[Bill Howell]

I received my copy today. Nice article John. I am like Tony, all that tech stuff makes my head spin a little. I do admire the effort, time and money you have invested though and you will truely have a one of a kind setup. Who knows, there may be a new business venture in store for you, Katz and Brian :naughty:
Nice little plug in the sidebar for this site too! :icon996:

[SicMonte]

I got my issue in the mail 3 days ago!! and what a set up...im a begining machinist...and I can wait till I get good enough to do that type of work!!!

[Rick Dorion]

Got my issue - great article, John! It mentioned your having Stainless Works headers - didn't you make your own ( which was in another article)?

[parsonsj]

Rick,
Wow, you read the article carefully. Yes, I did make my own. Stainless Works took my headers and reproduced the bends in 1.75 stainless (my originals were in 1.625 mild steel). Then I welded the new bends up into the set of headers you see in the article.

SW's machine is wild: it uses lasers to measure the tube and its bends, then produces a software program that the tube bender reads to make the bends. It's only limitation is that the machine needs a 4" "grip" between bends to hold the stainless tube for the bend. So I had to cut 2 or 3 "grip" sections out of each tube and weld the ends together. I welded the whole set of replacement headers up in a couple of days.

I made some design changes when I did that: I shortened the primary lengths to 32" (from 36") and pulled the driver's side in tighter to the engine (it would have hit the tire at full lock in the original design). SW also reproduced the rest of my exhaust in stainless, including merge collectors and beautiful polished mufflers.

I can't recommend Al Noe at SW highly enough.

jp

p.s. The original headers are in my "Art" collection.

[Bill Howell]

The original headers are in my "Art" collection.

John,
In every post almost you talk about the "Art" collection. Maybe you should consider having an auction. Rare art brings good money these days and it might help support your "habit". Otherwise you are going to have to build a bigger shop for your "gallery"! :lol: :lol:

[Rick Dorion]

My claim to fame is getting a letter published in that issue! Does that mean we're taking over? :) This is so inspiring. While I've been focued on the mechanicals, it is leaning me towards buying a welder and practice, practice, practice and do the body panel replacenent and other nits myself.

[JohnUlaszek]

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https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

[Ralph LoGrasso]

I finally got my issue yesterday, and read the article today. Awesome article and great tech is all I can say. II Much is going to be an amazing car! Huge congrats to JP on the article, I look forward to next month's issue.

I was at JP's place about 15 months ago, and saw the car in it's previous state: Mustang II and 4 link. The car was extremely impressive even then, and it's really come along way. I'm going to have to take another drive out there when you get it back from paint, John. :)

[David Sloan]

Hi JP
I got home last night from the garage to find my PHR mag. but was to tired to read so i pick it up this morning on my way to work.(My real job!)

Very good wright up! I must say!!! Now i can take it to the garage w/me an compair it to your car in person. I hope to learn from it as i want to do my next car w/ a full frame an maybe a custom suspension!

You will have to send us some pics. of your art collection!! We would love to see them!! Just send Marty some e-mail pics. He might show us out in the shop!!!!!LOL!!!!

[toddshotrods]

I took a peek a the article in a news stand today. I didn't buy it because I needed the cash I had in my pocket and they don't take debit cards. I am going to get it this week though. Looks like it will be one of those magazines I have that are literally falling apart from me opening them so much!

And JP, the stance is beyond awesome!!! Your car looks like it could munch down sports cars like popcorn at the movies! Just plain ol' mean looking.

[Roger Poirier]

Alright guys, you convinced me. I'm going to subscribe to what magazine? John Parson's II Much is in a whole new league. My jaw drops when I check out the pics over the past few weeks. What I like to know, what does his wife say about all this? She must be at her wits end, that or she gave up keeping a handle on him a long time ago. Ha-ha. I'm jealous. R.P. It is truly two much!

[parsonsj]

David,
Can't wait to see the car again next week! Tell Marty to keep those photos coming, he's really doing a nice job of showing me before and after for the bodywork.

Todd,
LOL! I love popcorn at the movies!

Roger,
My wife is pretty understanding, but she occasionally does lose it with me. I tell her that we are like Jake Blues and the Mystery Woman (played by Carrie Fisher) from the Blues Brothers. No matter how mad she gets at me, I just have to bat my eyes at her and she forgives me. Ok, so sometimes I have to bat my eyes and take a couple of weeks off from the car. :slap:

jp

[USAZR1]

I agree,Roger. I just sent in my prescription for two years of PHR. JP's feature article was the final straw. :worship:
I'm awed sometimes to be in the presence of so much talent.

[nancejd]

I think we should also not discount the incredible amount of support and patience that John's family has given. John, you're a lucky guy, not only do you have a cool car that all of us a drooling over, you have a family that I think everyone here would wish for.

[Conekiller13]

I've read the article about 5 times now. I would say it is the greatest Pro-Touring article to date. J.P. , I think II Much will unseat The Mule as the poster child for Pro-Touring. I'm feeling a little inadequite with My "bolt on" stuff. :injured:

[Steve Chryssos]

It's been a coupla years since the Mule was built. Now, there's probably a half dozen cars in the works that may represent the new pinnacle of Pro-Touring.
What will make II Much significant is the same thing that made the Mule significant: The lessons learned on the pages of Popular Hot Rodding. The Mule was built step by step on the pages of the magazine. Never before has one car received so much exposure. The lessons learned by the Mule build-up have helped us all.

In the case of II Much, before and after pictures are used to show what makes a great suspension, well, great. John and John ave turned boring suspension theory into kick-ass three dimensional hot rod parts. That's a great gift to us all as a trememdous amount of effort went into making those parts. As a result, we get to compare old vs. new, wrong vs. right, good vs. better.

Forget the formulas and calculations--Just stare at the pretty pictures!

Once we get past the "oohs and ahhs stage" I hope we will all convene in the suspension area and Parsons and Ulazek (who wrote and shot the article) can explain--in more detail--the pictures and captions used in the article. If you stare at those pictures long enough--I guarantee you will learn something.

[Salt Racer]

...boring suspension theory...

Hey, Careful now! Boring theory is what will make this car perform well.

This boring engineer does eye-candy type works once in a while...

[Salt Racer]

...I'm feeling a little inadequite with My "bolt on" stuff. :injured:

You shouldn't. A bolt-on car can become a serious contender if you spend enough time tuning it, and the driver's ability goes a long way. See my sig? The result is all that matters.

Good suspension geometry is only a part of equation. Once II Much gets on road, JP will have to spend considerable time fine-tuning everything. Only then, the car will perform at its maximum capability.

I certainly don't want people to think that you have to have engineered-to-death suspension to attain good performance and dismiss modified stock suspension.

[Steve Chryssos]

That is pretty sexy. What kinda rims are those? (Just kidding)

[Steve1968LS2]

Just wait till you guys read part II.. it's VERY good as well :)

It will be in the August Issue.. (had to skip July due to space restrictions)

What makes John's (Johns?) article so good is that unlike most magazine tech articles this one took months and months and months to put together. As such it is not your average tech deal that was done in a few days.

I enjoyed reading it as much the third time as I did the first time.. :)

[Steve Chryssos]

Uhhh.. Like I said: Just look at the pretty pictures.

[primate]

its an amazing article, but the title is misleading.... theres nothing amatuer or driveway involved in this suspension.
it has been read by me a couple times, and will be read a few more.

[67Sally]

A significant amount of time testing and tuning will be needed to get the right setup out of it. We are confident all the adjustment required is in the design, but finding the best overall settings will take time and effort. I can't wait for that part of the journey!jp

I (we) can't wait to read about your jurney.
W.

[JohnUlaszek]

I think John will be too chicken to drive it :)
I bet he leaves it sitting in his garage like a 3,000lb die cast model.
As cool as his wife is, she will probably let him park it in the living room.

As a matter of fact, I bet IIMuch ends up at car shows all over the country with little stuffed "cry" dolls staring in the fabricated mesh grill. John will sit along side in his lounge chair sipping a diet Sprite and telling everyone how it's so fast you could'nt reach a 100 dollar bill on the dash when he launches.

[baz67]

John,

Do not forget the trailer.

Brian

[David Sloan]

LOL LOL LOL!!!!!!!! John U. an Brian Your killin me here!!!!!!!

I can tell you from looking at the car in person every day for the past few weeks, that i love this car more an more by the day!! So much time an hard work went in to it.
I have the utmost respect for this guy we call JP!!! Most people would have given in an left the old suspension in it or lost interest in the project all together.

We may have a suprise for you guys by the 1st of next week if JP is ok with it. We will be seeing him friday4-1-05

[B Schein]

Preston do you have a link to any pictures of your car I remember checking it out one time when we were on the old board but that was probably well over a year ago.

Steve here is that picture that you are talking about. It is not me in the picture it is my friend Ben. I don’t have any outside pictures of the garage and cant take any since it was torn down last spring to finally build a garage that you could work out of, but know the new garage is packed just like this just 3-1/2 times larger.

Brian

[preston]

http://www.carter-engineering.com/preston67compcoupe.htm

Some of the engine pictures are from before the turbos. Car has headlights etc. now those paint pictures look good though, paint is already looking pretty thrashed. I suck at keeping things nice.

[derekf]

I sure wish we could move this hijack over to the suspension topic where we can go into greater depth.


The hijack was split from the thread per your request. It can be found HERE (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5895).

[Steve Chryssos]

Derek,
You have the power. :worship: