Projects The "Keep on Truckin' " '34 Chevy Build

[cactus1]

After four years of gathering parts, and a year and a half of actually building, I am finally to a point where my truck is starting to look like something.
I am not much of a wordsmith, and my computer skills are weak at best, so I will try to keep this brief...


This is my first build so I am learning quite a bit along the way. The HAMB has been a great resource for both technical and visual inspiration, so I would like to thank everyone in advance for the endless knowledge and especially all the historic photos.
I've always wanted a real hotrod, though I can't say I've ever driven or ridden in one. Hopefully sooner,rather than later, that will change.

I am missing some early pictures because my old computer took a dump, but as with most of the early Chevys, mine was just a pile of sheetmetal. The original swap meet purchase included a complete cab (in pieces) , an original radiator and grille, a bare 1 1/2 ton frame, some misc. hardware and a title.

Here we go...

BTW, sorry for the thumbnails. I don't know how to post regular old pics.

[torchmann]

I can tell by looking at the floor and seeing concrete that you my friend are way ahead of my projects, I can't remember where all my parts are. Kudos.

[cactus1]

Parts list: '57 283 backed by a T-5
'39 Ford rear converted to open drive and hung on a T spring
Wide fives
F-1 steering box

[damnfingers]

I think it's lQQking great.....

[cactus1]

I was originally trying to work with the original crossmembers, but as I worked my way from front to back, they all got replaced.

[greaser57]

Look'n good........................Rich

[Mat Thrasher]

Nice work. The cowl looks nice and solid. Have you started replacing the wood yet?
Mat

[cactus1]

Thanks guys. I have started replacing wood. It is fairly slow going, and when I finish one element, I tend to move on to some other aspect of the build to not get too frustrated with it. I am going to try to post another batch of pictures tonight...

[cactus1]

Overall the cab is real straight with the typical rust issues ( door bottoms are gone, visor is rough, the cab lower panel is beat and the rockers very rough, though I did find replacements for them and they are even the same color!)


As far as wood replacement, I am kind of taking the road less traveled and basically replicating the critical shapes of the wood members in cold rolled 11ga. The A and B pillars are made in this fashion. I bought one new A pillar to use as a pattern $$$ but had enough left of one B pillar to figure out it's shape. There are also all kinds of brackets that held the cab together originally, and I had one side to copy.


The skin will attach with screws or steel rivets depending on the location.

[1bdsinner]

My favorite cab.. I have min in avatar...I would take that year of chevy cab over a ford any day. I think the body lines on the side and the roof are so much nicer and well different since everyone goes ford. Look'n Good.

[cactus1]

More--

[29bowtie]

"Looking good, always great to see another Chevy being built. I just looked at a 33 cab, fenders and grill shell last weekend, possibly a new "future project.

[cactus1]

The hinges were shot so I repaired them. I also have started to restructure the doors. I have the original window regulators and latches,too. It's amazing to me that this stuff all managed to stay together over the years. The fellow I bought it from bought it in pieces. I have no idea how long it's been apart.

[Ghost28]

Nicely done, and great fabrication skills. You are well on your way to a nice ride that I am sure will enjoy...ghost

[cactus1]

Thanks for the kind words everyone. This was the first time I saw the door swing on its hinges, and my wife gave her a new name... I was listening to a lot of Gn'R that week.

[Mat Thrasher]

I give you guys that build early Chevys a lot of credit. I started a 34 Olds and got burned out on replacing the wood. So I sold it and bought a 34 Ford P/U. Keep up the good work.
Mat

[cactus1]

I will be the first to admit that I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this project, and a wooden car should probably not have been my first choice but, too late to turn back now.

My next project is a '27 T roadster. It's rusty, but at least it's all in one piece!

[JeffreyJames]

Originally Posted by cactus1

I will be the first to admit that I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I started this project, and a wooden car should probably not have been my first choice but, too late to turn back now.

My next project is a '27 T roadster. It's rusty, but at least it's all in one piece!

Yeah, I think I am in that same boat. I bought my '31 Chevy with out really knowing what I was getting myself into. I think it's a bit more difficult because you can't just open up a magazine and emulate a car's stance that you like and couple that with the fact that most the cars need extensive metal work to become rigid and it adds up. Just now I'm getting started on building the car that I got a year ago. I had thought I was making progress but in reality I was collecting parts and not really building anything.

Now is the time to get my hands dirty and start pecking at this thing to get it read for the delivery at Christmas. I think the fact that you have the resources to go with ford suspension and such will definitely make for a clean set up. Look at the '31 ('32) Chevy that Hooker Hot Rods built. That car is the one that really made people take notice these days. It wasn't just loved by Chevy guys but by all.

You truck is going to be pretty spectacular. I hope that your progress stay stead because I am keeping an eye on this thread.

[cactus1]

Jeffreyjames, Is that the car for your father-in-law? I think I remember reading a post about that a while ago...anyway, thanks for the vote of confidence. And for the record, I just about shat myself when HHR posted that coupe for the first time . I had a feeling that was the car you were referring to as soon as I read your post. I can only hope my truck will turn out half that nice.

65 stepside, No rust and good wood?...you are shittin' in tall cotton my friend!


I can only post a couple of pictures at a time. I am assuming it is because they are too big. That must be where Photobucket comes in, huh?

Anyway, this next piece is part of the roof above the door. Above it is a nice piece of wood to ensure that the rust has a nice place to grow and prosper. i tried to repair it. It turned out alright, but I still have the other side to do.*Patience*

[trakrodstr]

Cactus1

Sorry for the slow response, I finally took a close look at your build. What can I say? You're the Man, building with your own hands. I can't say the same — and for that reason — my hat's off to you.

A Chevy in an OLD Chevy....cool. Even though I'm a Mopar fan, my first hot rod was powered by a '55 265, or whichever year did come equipped with an oil filter boss from the factory. It powered a '50 Ford (oops) business coupe, it was a wonderful car.

Keep up the outstanding work and stay warm.

Trakrodstr
aka charlie