'27 RPU Project going together at Circle City - Pictures

[Bass]

I thought I'd share some pictures of the roadster pickup that Jimmy White at Circle City Hot Rods in Orange, CA is building with help from Grant Peterson.

He's been putting it together in his free time for himself for a couple of years now, and it's getting very close to being finished. I think it rules...and being that it's almost entirely handbuilt, but still very traditional in nature...it seems to be a perfect fit for the HAMB.

I met Jimmy at the Lonestar Roundup this past year, and have kept in touch with him since. A little over a month ago he gave me the opportunity to come out and finish up the bodywork and spray the paint on the RPU, so I jumped in my shoebox and headed out there for a few weeks.

As you'll see, the car is definitely a '60's style build...I'll try to give a few specs with the pictures:


The chassis is all handbuilt, and entirely TIG welded. This includes the motor mounts (tacked in this pic), shock mounts, and the diamond-shaped reinforcement plate where the frame was pie-cut:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723543.jpg

The kickup is pretty extreme...the rearend is '57 Chevy. Panhard bar is missing in this pic:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723564.jpg

Suicide perch, drilled backing plates:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723579.jpg

A close up of that steering arm. The "dimpled" holes are a repeated theme here:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723514.jpg

Battery box:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723490.jpg

Now that we've got some of the details out of the way, here's a profile shot of it put together:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723917.jpg

I'm going to split this up into a few seperate posts in an effort to make it load easier, especially for those of us on dial-up. Please bear with me until I'm finished...More to come!

[Bass]

Here's a front 3/4 view:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723899.jpg

And a rear 3/4:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62724471.jpg

The bedsides and tailgate sections are all aluminum. The two large lower/outer holes in the tailgate will get bullet shaped motorcycle taillights mounted from the inside:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723886.jpg

Back to the chassis, with the motor giving a hint of things to come:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62723857.jpg

Here's a close-up of that mill. It's a 292 SBC (283 .060 over) with an Isky cam, 461 heads with roller rockers, and Offy dual quad. The carbs have since been replaced with Edelbrock 500's. It should be a high winding little bastard:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62724823.jpg

[The37Kid]

Looks like the bed can carry four large pizzas. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Nice workmanship, but I don't understand why there is such an odd angle to the steering drag link, or is it getting a cowl mounting steering box? Thanks for posting the photos.

[Flattiesteve]

Theres some jawdropping workmanship there - makes you want to leave it all unpainted!

[Bass]

I'm fast forwarding a bit here through hours and hours of block sanding, but those of you that have painted a car before know what that looks like anyway.

Anyway, here's the color that Jimmy decided on. It's a House of Kolor combo...Candy Tangerine over Zenith Gold. I have to say that it's definitely one of the harder colors I've sprayed, but I'm pretty happy with the results:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62724845.jpg

The color absolutely comes alive out in the sunlight, but it's a little more subdued in artificial light. The wheels are 15" Halibrand on BF Goodrich bias plys. The rears were cut down to about 6" by Eric Vaughan (formerly of Real Wheels)...and it's almost impossible to see where he cut them down.

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62724881.jpg

After we got the body painted and set back on the chassis, Jimmy started on the headers. Check out the drilled flanges and belled tips:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62725029.jpg

Here's another profile shot..you'll notice that it's not channeled over the frame. Room is a big problem in a T, and every little bit helps. The car sits super low even without being channeled, with the door tops coming up way below waist level. The drag link has since been shortened to make it perpendicular when the wheels are straight...It connects to an old sprint car box with a 3-spoke Bell wheel:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62724918.jpg

[SamIyam]

My prayers have been answered!!

A New Traditional(TM) hot rod that isn't 2" off the ground and shows restraint in all the right areas and just the opposite with the rest.

Good job! I LOVE it!

Sam.

[Anderson]

Jimmy White is my hero.

[Bass]

From the top:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62725163.jpg

Opposite angle...you can see the cowl hoop that the steering box mounts to. The panel laying inside mounts above the cross bar on the cowl hoop and holds the coil and other odds and ends; it will be mostly hidden by the dash. The winshield frame is of unknown origin, and the bottom half of the posts are hand made from tubular and flat stock:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62725144.jpg

Here is the nearly completed driver's side header. The headlights are Deist on fabricated mounts, the radiator is custom aluminum. I didn't get to paint the grille shell because the insert hadn't been made yet while I was out there:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62725520.jpg

Last picture...I really think that this thing looks good from just about any angle, but this is probably my favorite:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62725542.jpg

Jimmy still has to do a mind-blowing amount of chrome for the car, and he was planning on powdercoating the frame in a chunky silver metallic. He's also planning on forming a pair of aluminum seats and matching aluminum interior panels.

I was totally blown away by the attention to detail and the fabrication/ workmanship on this car...and I'm really happy that I got the chance to spray some paint on it.

If anyone has any questions I'll try to answer them...if I can't, Jimmy checks in every now and then and I'm sure he'll be able to.

-Brian

[Deyomatic]

Is this the Jimmy White of DeadEndCruisers video fame?

[Bass]

Yep, same Jimmy. I got to ride in his Model A Coupe while I was out there. I think the pucker I left in the seat is probably still there, too. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

['Flyin' Dutchman']

[ QUOTE ]
Is this the Jimmy White of DeadEndCruisers video fame?

[/ QUOTE ]


Yes it is!

And that's some beautiful work that those guys made on that RPU!! I remember that car sitting on a frame jig or somethin' in their old shop where they used to be.

[Dat Dirty Rat]

The fabrication on that is beyond words....Jimmy rocks!

Dirty

[Retroline]

Very neat work, He needs to show the quality he can produce to run a good shop.The color combo works too.Good luck keeping the Halibrands shiny.

[johnnygringo]

man that is some seriously mad skills that dude has

thanks for the pics

and hella nice paint job by the way

[FORDY 6]

Top notch!

[buzzard]

Very, very cool.

[roadstar]

Yes yes yes!

Quality workmanship, attention to detail, PAINT!!

And it still has attitude and a vvery traditional style and feel.

yes yes yes!!!!!!!!!!

[Tudor]

man that is nice - that guy is taking his time and doing it beyond kick ass.

That kind of work really motivates me to step it up

[BELLM]

Very nice!. Excellent craftsmanship, one of the nicest cars I have seen in a long time. Beautiful paint. Thanks for sharing.

[flt-blk]

Thanks for the pic's. Sounds like you had a good time in CA.

Now when does the Bass-O-Matic 49 get that coat of shiny
black?
TZ

[Macronan]

Outfrickinstanding! Not much more to say....

[AHotRod]

BASS:
Excellant pictures and story, I enjoyed reading it.
The car speaks volumes of the care and craftsmanship that has created it.
Do you have any pictures of the Hemi coupe Jimmy has?

AHotRod

[krupanut]

Just totally bitchin'!

Jimmy is one of the nicest guys around too.

WOW!!!!
Clark

[JimC]

Mr. Bass, you pack a mighty mean "gun!

[saltflataddict]

Thats is amazing. Jimmy White rules!! I love the detail and time he took. That will be one of the best damn rpus ever..Nice work Jimmy.. can I sweep floors too?? I need to learn!!

[dixiedog]

question from the slow kid in the back of the class!!

Is the tie rod square stock?

[zman]

Very cool.... Inspirational even...

[klazurfer]

Man , I wish I could build something as NICE as that ..
Excellent Hot Rod , THANX for sharing http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

[Slag Kustom]

very nice work im glad to see paint on it and not another primer black car http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[whitewallslick]

Sure looks square in the first pic. WWS

[Dreamweaver]

Now THAT makes me feel inadequate.

That's truly one awesome rpu.

Props to you on the paint, looks fantastic!

[Buick59]

Hey i thought it was top secret still!!! When I was taking pictures.....Grant told me it was a secret. It was good to meet ya Brian. And when I move down to Cali next month Im gonna add some pucker up marks on the set of the coupe.


What a beautiful roadster. People.........you have got to see this thing in person.........it's tits.



Mike

[Bass]

It was good to meet you too, Mike. I called Jimmy the other day to make sure he wanted to post pics and he said to go ahead. It's still got a few surprises, so the cat's not totally out of the bag.

The square stock tie rod was just to roll it around...You can see that it was taken off in the last picture of the header. There's a proper tie rod with heim ends on it now.

[bobbleed]

That's Fantastic.

[4t64rd]

Is Halibrand still in business? Do they have any plans to repop those wheels. That's the look I am going for with my (now back burner) '27.

I love this little truck.

[NealinCA]

Bitchein'! I agree with alot of the comments made. Traditional details, shiny paint, good proportions, and very nice craftsmanship make one a great package.

Looking forward to the final product.

Neal

[cleatus]

Very cool to see that style rod built with that level of craftsmanship - between that and a handfull of others I've seen recently, I believe I see the start of a new trend?

Very nice paint there too Bass! (and I thought you drove all the way out here JUST for the Asphalt Invitational).

[Lefty]

Real nice..... damn, did you rub that?

Any good Cali stories?

[BIG RIC]

AMAZING!!!.......My jaw is on the floor!

[Django]

Bitchin car and I love that color. I'm sure the computer does it no justice...

[Levis Classic]

Hes one buildin bitch!!!! A great RPU

[injectedA]

It's all been said above. I will add that just when you think it's all been done? BS. The man is an artist. Looks like no other. So nice.

[Evel]

I got to get to his shop and film ...Thats it I'm coming down this week!!!!


Cole Foster, Bob Bleed and Jimmy White,,, Are my FUCKIN HEROS!!!

evel

[Tman]

I just saw 5 things I like better on his T than on my own! That is amazing work!!!! BTW, Nice paint as well Bass!

[Detonator]

Beautiful. Totally made my day.

[av8]

! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[chad]

Breath taking!

[hemi coupe]

I would really like to thank all of you for the nice comments, it really helps to hear the positive reinforcement. Bass lit a fire under my ass, that rpu will be done really soon. I have not done anything else in the shop but work on that thing. I need to finish it. That car has probably been 6 years in the making, four in planning two in building. Living in so-cal, I have been able to be around different styles of fabrication. Off Road racing is really big here and I have always admired the fab that goes into off-road trucks & race cars in general. So having my love for traditional hot rods and race cars I decided to mix them both. I also have some really good help from Grant Peterson, and other friends that come by the shop. Back to Brian Bass he came, he saw he conquered, He put up with my pickiness for a month and pulled it off. I am really pleased with the paint job, hopefully in a couple of weeks it will be done and I will post the finished pictures. Sorry about the rambling I am just on the hot rod high right now. Thanks again for all the nice comments.
Jimmy White
P.s. If you have any questions feel free to ask.

[AHotRod]

Jimmy:
Can you post some pictures of your Coupe you drive?

[hemi coupe]

I cant post any, because I dont have a digital camera at the moment. There is some pretty good pictures on deadend cruisers. If you would like I could possibly send some to you as well. Thanks for asking.
Jimmy White

[modernbeat]

Are those 15" Halibands? Or some type of Halibrand look-alikes?

Looks great.

[Bass]

Since I know Jimmy's not the best with computers, I'll help him out a little with your request:

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62822506.jpg

Move along...nothing to see here...

http://pic3.picturetrail.com/VOL19/1983783/4570839/62822463.jpg

(Disclaimer: No drinking and driving was actually taking place in that photo. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif )

[Bass]

Jason, those are real Halibrands and have the name cast into the front face of the wheel. They are aluminum though...so I think they're probably not too old.

[AHotRod]

Thanks Bass!

Oh by the way, Mega-Kuddos on the paint work!

I'd love to have that Hemi-Coupe in my driveway.
AHotRod

[38Chevy454]

I think it has been said already, but very nice work. Makes me even more happy to wear that Circle City Hot Rods T shirt. This is going to be a real nice car when finished with the quality of the building and fabrication, outstanding.

[saulgoode]

Wow, great job, I can't say anymore about this ride that hasn't already been said. I'd like to know how the dimpled holes were made? They look killer.

Saulgoode

[coupeHEAD]

and I thought Jimmy's coupe was cool. What a builder!

[fatluckys]

WOW!

[Lefty]

I forgot to mention how good the photos turned out.

And oh yeah I just noticed that the media whore in you managed to squeeze in a few sighings of the Texas shoebox in the background.

[Paul]

that's probably the most right roadster I've ever seen.

just beautiful.

I think I'm gunna cry..

Paul

['Flyin' Dutchman']

[ QUOTE ]
Jimmy:
Can you post some pictures of your Coupe you drive?


[/ QUOTE ]



It's shown in the "feature cars section"...

We also have a pretty cool wallpaper online...

[Jeff Norwell]

It should be a high winding little bastard:






.....Bass


http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif....that is E-F'ING drool kool!!!!!.....simply outstanding!!!!!!!! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif