Hot Rods Rich's Coupe - a ten year odyssey

I did not plan on using ignition wire covers on the valve covers, but decided
I wanted the option. This meant I needed to make new larger blisters, I seem
to do everything twice!

I made these out of 19 gauge CR steel instead of alum like the others. I also shaped
the hammer form to mimic the slight curve of the hood panel to stop the possibility
of oil canning.

 

Theese pics are out of order in some places, but I had no pics in some places, and
no print explaining in others!

 

looks great rich!

 

A friend stopped by to see how things are going.

 

I wanted to finish up in the trunk. First I had to weld a strip of 16 gauge to the upper
trunk edge to have something to fasten to. I used 1/4" nut certs for that.
I could than make a pattern of the shape I needed, also used scratch awl to locate
fastner holes.
One of my favorite saws, uses 1/4" blade . It's an old Enco with multi speed , a couple are slow enough
for metal.

 

Finished panels
I also finished the divider panels, and welded those in.

 

Man, you do nice work.

 

Wow Rich! Like Terraizer said, you do NICE work! I love your panel and metal work. Superb!

 

Here's some shots that I missed before. I did go back and edit a few in, but
it's getting out of hand. photo bucket screwed up my pics with the dialog
making it hard to follow what's next.
Add to that my COPD is getting worse slowing me down.

 

Some more pic's:


I did add more supports to the ladder bars.

 

This Shows the different wood required for the roll down rear window.
the window regulator is housed in the rear shelf that I removed for more leg room.
I fabbed a new drain pan, and ran the drain out thru a predrilled hole that I
made for that reason.
The window regulator uses the back shelf for mounting the roll up regulator.
I adapted it to the new panel I fabbed support the regulator. It will be visible
when I finish the interior metal.

 

I was finally ready to fiinish the panel work in the cab. I'll just post the pics
as I installed them.

 

More pics

 

That's beautiful!

 

Very nicely done!!!

 

That car is so solid it's gonna be quieter than a new Lexus.

 

All I can say is WOW!

 

Anchor the seat so that it doesnt slide forward and crush you against the steering wheel and give you broken ribs when you have a minor crash against a concrete mailbox. yes, that is the voice of experience. I knew of a sweet old lady who died from a car hitting the passenger rear fender and she fell out and hit her head on a curb when the door popped open. The car was quickly repaired. Two minor wrecks with injuries. Seat belts seem to be important, bear claw latches too

 

Thank's guy's !
Here's a few pics of the emergency brake install.I didn't want it on the floor,
not much room there. It's a 40 brake handle, I just made some brackets to
mount it with. really happy with the placement, and works great.
I also have better pic of the bolt on shock mount. The frame has had xtra steel
welded inside the web to beef it up. Any bolts going thru frame have a
tube welded inside.

 

Very nice stuff!

 

Did you put some kind of lube between the wood and the new panels to prevent squeaks in the future?

 

There won’t be much movement with the metal
Structure I built inside. Has been quiet since it’s
Been on the road.

manyolcars: the seat is anchored very well. The
seat belts are not attached to seat, and would
stop the seat from moving forward. The seat has it's own ratchet locking
system to keep it from moving. This is why I put a 3 point belt system in.

Rich

 

Here's my system for cutting holes for my gauges, or any circle.
I have a nibbler that I mounted in a box to catch those pain in the ass
c shaped cut pieces. It holds the nibbler in a fixed position. The
holes needed for this are 5/16" center stud, and 1/2" for the cutting head.
You hook the piece on the outer hole, than lock it down on center stud.

 

This is finished piece. The next view shows cutting head. I use a
hole puncher to make things easier. Here's the final design.

 

Ready to cut. Panel welded in. Finished piece.

 

Smarter than the average bear!

 

Ingenious

 

If anyone copies the nibbler cutter, you must face the cutting head towards
the outside of circle slightly. You can add a fence, and cut straight pieces of
sheet metal. cuts very easy, leaves smooth edge.

 

Finaly ready to get the frame painted.

 

Some pieces ready for assembly.