Register now to get rid of these ads!

Hot Rods Modified Murray - Race to the road! Progress in Review!

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by scootermcrad, Jan 19, 2010.

  1. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Too many threads out there for this build. Time to put it in one, don't ya' think?

    I've been getting a lot of requests for updates but haven't had a whole heck of a lot to report on, accept a bunch of "invisible work". In other words, stuff that demands a ton of time and elbow grease, but basically work that nobody will ever see.

    Lately I've really realized what a long haul this has been! Can't quite figure out where all the time went. I worked my A$$ off in 2009 and it sort of shows, but expected a lot more for the time I put in. I don't know how some of you guys turn cars out as fast as you do, but I've learned I'm not capable of such a feet. Maybe it's because I'm so damn anal retentive, or maybe because I just bit off way more than I could chew with this project. In any case... I'm STILL GOING and STILL WORKING!

    The good news... I'm finally to the point where I'm on the back slope of the battle. So I thought I would try and just do one thread to keep adding updates to until this thing hits the road.

    So what does it look like right now?? (brace yourself)

    [​IMG]

    Believe it or not, I've hit another major milestone. I'm ready to start putting primer and paint on stuff. Very exciting! Been talking to a lot of you about primers and paints. Since I can't afford to have anyone else do all my prep and primer work, I have to learn that too. But what the hell, right?

    Like I said though, it's been a long road to this point, so let's review where I've been...

    The whole thing started with this thing, a 1931 Ford Model A Deluxe Town Sedan.

    [​IMG]

    What on earth should I do with this thing?? A concept was born!

    (don't laugh at my sketch! HAHA!)

    [​IMG]

    Then some design work to figure out what had to happen for the body and chassis to work out. I had to design everything at once and be careful with proportions.

    So here's where it all began! September 2005 I posted this!! WOW!! Scary!! Can't beLIEVE it's been that long!!!!!

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=110340&highlight=murray+metamorphasis

    Then it was on to making it all a reality. Spent weeks just trying to figure out where to make the cuts for the body to come together right after it was all cut apart.

    [​IMG]

    Here's the related thread on all that business...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=114472&highlight=modified+murray

    The it wasn't long after that I found I had an early Hemi addiction and it all started with this junkyard 331...

    [​IMG]

    Read more about this boat anchor here:

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116867&highlight=modified+murray

    Then it was back to building! I started the surgery! The start of 1,475,562 cuts! (give or take! HA!)

    [​IMG]

    Here's the thread...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=122073&highlight=modified+murray

    Then the car got shorter in length!

    [​IMG]

    And here's how that process went down...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=130741&highlight=modified+murray

    Since the length was where I needed it, it was time to give it a haircut!

    [​IMG]

    What a crazy mess that was!!! Here's how the top got shorter...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=132010&highlight=modified+murray

    Then there was part 2 of the chop

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142240&highlight=modified+murray

    Next it was time to build a frame for this thing!

    [​IMG]


    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176245&highlight=modified+murray

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=166415&highlight=modified+murray

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=181043&highlight=modified+murray

    Then the body had to go on a diet so it could build some muscle in the subfloor department...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=182485&highlight=modified+murray

    Then it was time for some REAL suspension work!

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=197116&highlight=modified+murray

    Then I had to make some decisions on the front end of this car...

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=203332&highlight=modified+murray

    The car became a roller pretty quick after that! That was a VERY exciting moment in the life of this car! HUGE milestone!!! It's really where it's identity really started to take shape.

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204670&highlight=modified+murray

    Then I found out the car was going to be WAY TOO LOW in the back! So the kick-up had to change...

    [​IMG]

    What a pain in the ass that was!!

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=207490&highlight=modified+murray

    From there it only progressed though. Got the engine mounted with the first set of crappy engine mounts I made!

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210769&highlight=modified+murray

    Next it was all about securing the body to the frame and making a firewall for this thing.

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=214385&highlight=modified+murray


    The car was moved several times during the build. Seemed like I was moving once a year and that certainly didn't help progress much and it even forced things to get done incorrectly, and only called for some RE-DO's in the future. It became a California resident...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=217621&highlight=modified+murray

    Then there was just a TON of mock up and whatever I could do from my single-car garage at my apartment.

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231732&highlight=modified+murray

    Then, because I just couldn't get enough moving, I decided to move AGAIN! This time into the current shop, at work.

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=236947&highlight=modified+murray

    Then it was time for stripping... (HA!)

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246947&highlight=modified+murray

    Then getting ready for media blasting...

    [​IMG]


    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=250398&highlight=modified+murray

    Next the piles of work just kept piling up. Fixing mistakes, planning, figuring out how to fill in the wheel wells, etc...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274108&highlight=modified+murray

    But all this lead to serious progress! The night it first breathed life into it's lungs! But also, this is the thread where the steering and foot controls came together. Crazy amount of work went into the cowl structure and controls for this thing. Too much!

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=315373&highlight=modified+murray

    Then came HUGE heartache.... (and wallet aches!!)

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325984&highlight=modified+murray

    Took me a long time to recover from that one, both mentally and financially, but the progress continued despite the setbacks. Just killed the schedule... AGAIN!

    Progress was showing, none the less!

    [​IMG]

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=373215&highlight=modified+murray

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396351&highlight=modified+murray

    Then I found out this car was not a Murray AT ALL! But a Briggs bodied Town Sedan...

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=349243&highlight=modified+murray

    Next there was another HUGE milestone: The new Hemi came to life!! What a day that was!!!

    http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=406632&highlight=modified+murray

    I really hope I got all those threads in order and didn't miss any. Let me know if I did.
     
    Last edited: Jan 25, 2010
  2. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    So things have seriously been crazy since my last real update. Been doing a ton of welding, grinding, smoothing, a BUTT LOAD of hand filing, etc. etc....

    Work slowed down quite a bit over the holidays. Was ill for a little bit and still recovering from that. Also did a road trip across the country over the holidays and did some other traveling as well. It's been crazy and it's kept things from progressing as quickly as I like. But life stuff has to be handled before work can continue...

    As you can see from the fist post, the car is compeltely blown apart. Been getting the frame ready for prep and primer. Trying to get this car to a rolling state again so I can reassemble it and get the remaining parts I need to make it a drivable car. I'm close guys! Really close! All it takes is money and time, right!?? :eek:

    Here's what I've been working on...

    The frame is ready!

    [​IMG]

    The rear axle is ready...

    [​IMG]

    The split bones are ready...

    [​IMG]

    The radiator mount is completed...

    [​IMG]

    I even drilled the axle...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]


    At this point it's just a matter of getting paint supplies, cleaning up a few more parts, doing some prep work, little filler here and there to vistually smooth out a few things, and laying down some primer.

    The body is FAR from being complete and ready for final prep work, but it's all about getting the chassis completed and ready for the road. Then the body will come after that.

    I'll keep the posts coming and I will be adding to this thread. Wish I had more to share at this point. Just been a lot of elbow grease since the last update.
     
  3. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Some more pictures of some other tasks I had been working on...

    Made push bar pockets so the push bar can be removed easily and/or changed if I don't like it...

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Finally finished the front crossmember and added sort of a skid/deflection plate, type of thing, since it's the point most like to hit. This front crossmember is insanely strong now!!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Even though it's sort of low on the priority list, I've been sort of thinking ahead to the aluminum roof insert. Just trying to figure out how I'm going to make this thing. Mostly just for a change of pace. Did a few paper towell models just to think about the panel construction for the outer skin...

    (Here's the buck)

    [​IMG]

    My arts and crafts project...

    [​IMG]
     
  4. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    Cool, I actually never knew how your front suspension worked. Sort of an underslung type setup huh? All that shit is really trick and definitely more then I can chew. I think it's going to be awesome and can't wait to see it painted. The suspension is going to look so damn good in a thick coat of black. Now the body I am not sure where you ended up in your color conquest.
     

  5. Malcolm
    Joined: Feb 9, 2006
    Posts: 8,032

    Malcolm
    Member
    from Nebraska

    Scott, I've been following your build for the past few years and I've got to say I am completely impressed at how you've stuck with your vision and kept going. Way to go! It's got to be a great feeling to be this far and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel!

    Awesome build, congrats. Is there a certain show/event that you have as a goal to drive it to?


    Malcolm
     
  6. scottybaccus
    Joined: Mar 13, 2006
    Posts: 4,109

    scottybaccus
    Member

    My friend,
    You may recall that I launched my project not long after you, maybe 6 months. I have used your progress these last few years as a pace setter for my own. We've both faced interference from work, family and finances, and we've both recovered and trodded on. I must say that it's been a tremendous pleasure to watch as your creativity unfolds, and it is there that we part ways. Your project is more ambitious, truly artful, but not the slightest bit afraid of putting down some real power. Mine is simplistic, crude and perhaps it will have worse manners. I think it is fair to say that the differences your creativity demonstrates are commensurate with your tremendous talent. I was showing your car in one of your early threads to my wife yesterday. "Is he a professional builder?" she asked. The question didn't surprise me as much as the answer. "No. He's self taught." Rock on, Scooter! I'll do my best to keep up and I promise there will be a match race waiting when we do bring them together. Loser buys breakfast! ;)
     
  7. 41 Dave
    Joined: May 23, 2005
    Posts: 2,594

    41 Dave
    Member

    Scooter, Thanks so much for doing this summary thread. All I can say is "WOW ! !" Sure makes my "A" Coupe look like a . . well two different types of rods. Keep us informed as the Modified Murray takes to the road.

    41 Dave
     
  8. AAAAAHHH!!!!!

    THE PICS WON'T OPEN HERE AT WORK

    ...

    AAAAAHHH!!!!!


    Can't wait to see all your work come to fruition- again, this is one of my favorite builds!
     
  9. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,021

    chaddilac
    Member

    Wow! I've missed the modified scooter!! Good to see you're getting some work done! Looks great!!
     
  10. thunderbirdesq
    Joined: Feb 15, 2006
    Posts: 7,092

    thunderbirdesq
    Member

    Nice little condensed version of the build! I remember when you were just thinking about cutting the car up. That thing is a work of art, and your frame looks super sturdy!:cool:
     
  11. ynottayblock
    Joined: Dec 23, 2005
    Posts: 1,954

    ynottayblock
    Member

    Ive enjoyed following this Scooter, its going to help me more than you know. Glad to see everything all in one place now. Keep up the good work man, you're getting there!
     
  12. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Frame and body will end up being the same color in the end. I'm leaning more and more towards a "slate blue" color. And as you mentioned, gloss black for the suspension parts as well as various other components. I think the contrast will be a good one, between the "mechanical parts" and the sheetmetal parts. I'm definitely discovering that it will take a LONG time, even AFTER it's on the road to get all the color details as well as chrome pieces, polished pieces, etc. all correct! I know EXACTLY what I want to be polished and chromed, but it won't be until after all the shake down runs are done.

    Thanks buddy!! I appreciate the words!!

    I really wanted to drive my Dad into the LA Roadster show for Fathers day last year, but I got too far behind. I figure this year it's a VERY realistic goal and would love to drive my Dad to that event. After all... if it weren't for my Dad none of this may have ever happened. I think he deserves that honor! :cool:

    I have no idea how to reply to that! Makin' me blush man! :eek:

    I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm my own worst critic and I know all my fabrication flaws, screw ups, and things I would do different if I could. Trying to learn all that I can and push myself as much as I can. Those words really mean alot to me Scotty! Thanks man! We indeed will do breakfast one day!! :cool:

    Seriously, you guys! Thank you for all the nice words!

    I have to say that I don't think I could have learned all I have learned (which still seems like very little compared to what I have left to learn!!) without the help of soooo many people on the HAMB. There are so many people here building AMAZING friggin' cars! I can name at LEAST two dozen very influentual builders here that have inspired this build and made me eager to learn new things and sharpen my skills.

    Again though... the help I have gotten here, the friends I have made, the things I have learned, rather the car gets done or not, it's ALLLL been worth it!! The appreciation to those who have helped is never-ending!
     
  13. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Thanks man! You KNOWWWWWW I've learned a ton by watching your build as well!!!! LOVE that car!! Your work has given me TONS of ideas!!

    And sadly yes.... I will not be making the LSR. :(:( I'm too far behind now and don't really even have the vacation time to do it anyway. But, it will be a great goal for next year. Austin will still be there next year, right?? There are so many people I wanted to hang out with at that show this year. Hope you guys can wait until next year... :eek::eek:
     
  14. you are nothing short of amazing brother! i can't believe how far you have come on that ride, it's looking outrageous and can't wait for a spin!! don't worry, i'll let Dad go first ;) oxoxo
     
  15. where is the pics of that back apron that you promised me would be awsomly built
    tk
     
  16. Ruiner
    Joined: May 17, 2004
    Posts: 4,141

    Ruiner
    Member

    Wow, I started my shortened '31 Plymouth at the same time as you started on the A...unfortunately, life kicked my ass more than I could handle and I had to give up everything and eventually sell it...congrats on sticking it out man...
     
  17. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    That is an EXCELLENT question!! I haven't finished the panel yet. In fact, I've been pretty stressed out on how I'm going to pull off that panel. I started it and had to take a break from it to do some thinking on it. Here's how far I got on it...

    (sorry for the crappy cell phone pictures. Camera was out for repair at the time)

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    Still have a lot to work out with that panel, but the real issue is making it removable and still look correct while blending into the rear lower side panels. Will require some tricky flanging and some interesting contour pieces to make it all work out.

    This panel became low priority until it's time to start the finishing details on the body. I'm a ways from being to that point.
     
    Last edited: Jan 20, 2010
  18. Not only well built but well documented......Thanks, I enjoy reading and learning....
     
  19. chaddilac
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 14,021

    chaddilac
    Member

    WOW... the old apron will look cool! I see your vision for it! Nice!
     
  20. Tetanus Shot
    Joined: Jan 8, 2006
    Posts: 1,082

    Tetanus Shot
    Member

    so stoked for you buddy, looks like you might be driving this thing by summer after all!
     
  21. zman
    Joined: Apr 2, 2001
    Posts: 16,730

    zman
    Member
    from Garner, NC

    Bitchin' build... nice to see it all together like this...
     
  22. ok all is forgiven
    i actually got one from another hamber and it came with the seats too ;)
    tk
     
  23. I too have been following your build and am quite impressed. It really is coming together nicely.


    mikethegreek
     
  24. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Great! Hope you didn't pay too much for it! Wish someone would repop that piece...

    ...in case I screw this one up! HA! :D:rolleyes:
     
  25. scootermcrad
    Joined: Sep 20, 2005
    Posts: 12,382

    scootermcrad
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Yeah, it just might happen man! Can't wait to go for a drive and start going places in this thing. Not to mention I owe SEVERAL people rides since so they were so generous letting me bum rides to events so I didn't have to take my daily driver. :eek::eek: You included, (along with about everyone else that comes to breakfast on Saturday! HAHA! :eek::eek:)
     
  26. Church
    Joined: Nov 15, 2002
    Posts: 2,839

    Church
    Member
    from South Bay

    Looks AMAZING!!! Can't wait to take pics of it some day.
     
  27. Ryan
    Joined: Jan 2, 1995
    Posts: 21,632

    Ryan
    ADMINISTRATOR
    Staff Member

    If you told me about this car and didn't provide images, I wouldn't be interested at all.

    Seeing it in images, however, changes things. I love it. I love the thoughtfulness, the dedication, the smarts, etc... Great car.
     
  28. Eric, You live here now?
     
  29. JeffreyJames
    Joined: Jun 13, 2007
    Posts: 16,628

    JeffreyJames
    Member
    from SUGAR CITY

    DO you think you have it in you to build a bare bone 40's hot rod like an AV8 with the most basic hot rod parts available at the time. Lets say, you could not use a welder on the car at all as long as the parts were in good shape.

    I would pay to see it because I feel like the engineer in you would want to make things stronger and better hahaha!!!


    Seriously though Scott, this thing is incredible.
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.