This is sure to be good. Pretty cool to see the car documented through each stage and then follow along as the latest version comes together!
Typically, I like to do these build threads in real time. Usually, I go out in the shop, take some images, and come right into the office to upload and update the build thread. However, the day that Brian's car arrived I was struck down from an incredible tooth ache... I was then sent to an oral surgeon to have my wisdom teeth removed (all of them) which, in turn, lead to some complications. So, for the first two or so weeks of this build I was either in some gnarly pain or hopped up on enough pain medicine to kill a horse. In any case, the point is... I'm back tracking a bit here. And these photos might not quite be up to my normal standards as when I took them, I honestly thought I was a war correspondent covering the construction of a drone being readied to attack the rebels. Fuckin rebels... Anyway, while Keith waited for motor parts he decided to attack the dash. The dash that was in the car was just a flat piece of aluminum. It was huge and kind of awkward. Check it out: Easy enough fix though, right? Keith ordered up a reproduction '32 dash and had it in in short order: So much better...
Proportionally, another problem the car had was that the windshield was just too damned tall. You can visualize the issue from this old image of version one of the car: So, the obvious issue is to chop the damned thing. Unfortunately, I was under the knife when Keith did that and didn't get any progress shots at all. When I finally did get out to the shop is when my battle with the rebels got really heated... I was certain that I was dodging bullets while taking these images of the final product: Nice and tidy now...
Keith did some other detail work as well, but again - I had an excused absence. But that pretty much gets us caught up. Today, Keith is tackling another visual oddity. When this car was channeled years and years ago, the builder just welded a piece of sheet metal to bottom of the body and then rolled it under the car - giving the car an odd "rolled pan" all the way around. Now, Keith could take the body off, cut rolled steel out and start over... But in a weird way, that would kind of destroy the personality of the car. So, it was decided that he would keep this historical work and he's now building an exhaust system to kind of disguise the rolled steel from a profile view.
Anyway, that's where we are now... And I'm really starting to fall in love with this little roadster. It's hard to explain, but it really feels like a race car. And I love me some race cars... Updates will now be more regular.
Such a cool little car with so much local history, glad to see its getting attention after years of service. Any plans on making the trunk operational or will it remain sealed?
Nice!! My next question is, do you feel less wise than before?! I know you'll keep us posted, so please carry on, Carp
Okay, my favorite build so far. The other two have been great but this little rough and ready roadster really speaks to me. Thanks, --louis
I've always liked this car. Some of my favorite pictures I took of it are from the Revolution at the power plant. It's amazing though how much better it looks with just a new dash and windshield chop!
I am really liking the proportions, it reminds me of George Zaft's A roadster from the early 50s. I do have to ask, is the grille insert going to be replaced with a stock insert? As cool as the aluminium grille is it detracts from the car and looks out of place on what to me looks like an early to mid 50s roadster.
Good question. I think B is emotionally attached to the insert... What I think we should do is put a regular insert in the shell and then fab up a way to clip on the "holy" insert. That way, you can run both.
I like the grill insert. Gives it character. He decides not to use it I would be interested for my A. --louis
Lookin' like a nice turn-around for the roadster. Rexroddin'! I'll be checkin' the progress, thanks for the updates. Gettin' it down a bit and the 'bigs n' littles' are already helpin' a ton!
Looks great. I really like how more builds are being "featured", especially from the top notch inspirational builders the hamb gathers. Its a real education on how its done. Subscribed
So... Headers... Keith got the idea to build a set of ankle burner headers to kind of hide the body roll that happens at the bottom of the frame. Already posted this image, but for illustrative purposes: So, we need exhaust caps. Keith started with a wood buck the same diameter as the end of the exhaust bell: He then welded in a mount: And once done, we got: Clean and flush... Elegant even... The wing nut is temporary as we are on the hunt for a period piece. I love the end result though...
If you're thinking of using a much bigger wing nut, the ones they used to hold down the back seat in VW buses work great. I used them on my roadster exhaust plugs and love the look of them. They are approx. 2" wide. (Example: http://www.airheadparts.com/vintage...rdware/wing-nut-middle-or-rear-seat-111881281 )
The Jalopy Journal
