Projects ‘31 av8 coupe build

Just waiting for the new tires to come in so I can get the stance right. I will most likely be stepping the rear up some. Right now I just have the reverse eye T spring in the rear. Not quite low enough.

 

Looks like a hell of project. I love 27s. I’m going to be patching my original decklid at this point.

 

Started clamping and tacking today. Everything’s fitting up pretty nice.

 

That's probably your best bet. Mine was shot full of bullet holes. Here's how it came out.

 

Ya for sure. Your car is looking awesome! Nice work.

 

Thanks I got it on the road this spring. Those guys in the west don't know what rough really is. We have to build from air !

 

Awesome! You’re right about that haha.

 

Rolled outside to see what it looks like with some wheels and tires I borrowed from a friend. Thinking a couple inches lower out back and a slightly bigger front tire. These tires are 7.50s and 4.50s.

 

Yep to both. Ever think about a slight channel ? Like just the depth of the frame?

 

Ya I don’t want to channel this one at all. I think I’m going to run aprons though

 

Looking good! Gives me inspiration on my coupe that is in very rough shape.


Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.

 

Hey Mitch. we're doing my subrails this week, could you shoot me some measurements? I haven't been able to find what we need, yet. All the old threads have lost images or no longer exist and I'm not seeing anything recent with decent info.

 

No problem. I will dig up the pictures and measurements that I went by. They seemed to work out pretty well.

 

I have a pair of '30 quarters, they sat upside down... rusted the trunk edges off...
rusted through around the mounting bolts... let me know.

 

Those would certainly help. I have one side pretty much straightened out. Really not looking forward to fixing the other side haha.

 

Out west we have big beetles called Stink Bugs that run around like that. Worser news is that rake increases with the weight of the engine and front stuff. Have you checked the load limit on the little tires you expect to use? That alone can void your insurance if they're paying attention and a chopped coupe will definitely not get a pass. My experiences in Mass won't expect anything else. Good Luck: Fred A

 

Those front tires are 4.50s. I’ll be running 5.50s and the back will come down a couple more inches once I get the right spring in there.

 

A little more progress tonight. Tires came in. Got some 5.50s for the front so they’ll be a little bigger than the tiny 4.50s I used for mock up. Got the wheels all stripped and ready to go to the powder coater next week too.

Been doing a lot of welding and grinding on the chop. Almost finished with one side. I also made a plate and tail light bracket. (Got sick of working on the chop for a little)

 

Heres some period inspiration for ya
Circa 1956...I actually get the feeling looking at that pic Highboy was more than fenders off it was the ride height as well...

Posted in a thread by Hamber @dechrome

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/1956-ataa-lawrenceville-nationals-in-b-w.781435/

Your onto something real good by the looks of things @kustomitch...


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Nice build, like it!

 

Some awesome pictures in that thread. That coupe sure does look a lot like what I’m going for here. Thanks!

 

Wish there was more pics...there are a lot of priceless historical threads here no question...I believe @dechrome was the Photographer too...he hasn't been on in quite some time but he sure was in the thick of the Cool we celebrate here...

 

I wish there was too. I love going through all the threads and old magazines with pictures like that. Tons of inspiration. Sure looks like he was in the thick of it all.

 

Beautiful build so far, watching and taking notes for my av8 swap. Have you already set your engine?

 

Thank you. I actually just mocked it up tonight.

 

So I got the engine and trans mocked up. Going to make some mounts and get the ‘32 k member fitted this week. Wheels and tires should also be good to go this week along with the brake drums (Getting them turned).

 

VERY nice work on that chop can no wait to see this one finished. I bet you are just having a lot of fun watching it all come together.

 

I'm digging it. I chuckled when I saw you wanted to have it on the street by spring....this spring. Reason is I said the same thing every year for 10 years. I FINALLY got it [avatar] on the street this last summer but I stopped chuckling when I read your thread...you're really going fast on this car. Good luck!
PS....there's a model A decklid in the HAMB classifieds for $450 if you're interested...forgot who's selling it.

 

Thanks! Sure am having fun with it.

 

Thanks. I feel like I’m still on track for spring but we’ll see. It won’t be finished finished but at least I can enjoy it for a while. Thanks for the heads up on the deck lid. This original one fits nice so I’m going to repaid the bottom edge.