Projects Omaha Coupe 33 3w 9" chop, built in 1954 Salt, Drag, and Show

30 Years ago as a teenager a buddy and I came across a hammered chopped Ford coupe in a South Omaha alley, after dreaming of this car and trying to track it down. November 2020 my dream came true. I got my hands on the old racer that has been come to be known at the Omaha Coupe. For a time it was also known here in Omaha, NE (1958-61) as the Orange Crate.

My plan is to learn as much history and share it here. I have already started collecting parts and building to bring it back to its former glory days. The goal is to take it back to the Bonneville and run it on the 130 mph USFRA streetcar course and take it to the drag races and various vintage Hot Rod events.

My buddy has encouraged me to document the history, the build and its future with video. He has offered to help and do the editing. He seems to have the ability to make me look like only half the idiot that I really am. so that is a win.


If your interested in my journey please click on the intro video below

 

Here is photo of my Dad checking out the coupe after we got it moved into its build spot

 

Stellar !! Love seeing Omaha, Nebraska history.

- Papillion Lavista class of 89.

 

...wow,...that's a wicked lookin coupe,..enjoy the build and we'll follow along.

 

Epic Kool factor here... $

 

Too Cool! Gotta watch! Good luck! Go man!

 

That thing is killer!

 

Think I'll just sit back and watch.

 

Cool. I’m in.

 

That is cool as hell. I'm a custom guy, but that's as wicked as it gets. I understand your drive ( obsession?) to get it. Post often so we can watch, please.

 

This is really going to be great ! Fascinating history for sure.

 

Props from East Omaha!

 

Such a rad car. Good idea sticking with the USFRA 130 Club. So many folks go down the Bonneville wormhole not realizing how hardcore a real racecar they have to become to run SCTA

 

Bad to the bone!


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Thank you

Gross High 1990

 

Thank you!

 

Thank you! Going to press hard on this one. 30 year dream

 

Thank you East Omaha!!!

 

Thank you . I would like to build the Main hoop, halo and A posts bars to the right speck for the SCTA rule book. If I wanted to go faster and add I would not have to go backwards.. But the 130 course seems like the right fit to keep the vintage. Also planning to put in on the street and like the idea to be tied to a decent cage.

 

Great looking coupe and super story. So glad the last owner didn't do any thing with it he had no idea he saved it all those years for you. Congratulations.

 

83 years young Tommy T Bird comes to the shop and shares some history of the Coupe while Howdy William owned it. Also shares some of his racing and car building history. Very fortunate to call this man a friend.

I hope you enjoy

 

Subscribed!!


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Thank you ! They moved around the county about 6 or so times over the 50 year span they owned it from 1970 to 2020. The family took it with them every time it was there prized possession. Very blessed to have got my hands on it

 

That is a true mail slot rear window..... Cool car

 

@creams

.. has some b*tch'n shots of Howdy Williams. Grand Island, and etcs.

Coupe looks quite ( . ) ( . )'s .. right ?? You see these already ? You know @creams ?? Vice versa ??

 

Tom....loved the video. Let me know if I can help with anything.

 

As I was watching your video, I thought about how priceless these kind if connections are. Thank you. I've been laid up in my recliner for the last couple of weeks, and that's probably the best 17 minutes and 27 seconds I've had lately.

 

Thank you, I have seen those . My friend Eric made contact with him . And he sent my friend Eric the originals . We made copies and sent them back . My buddy has offered for creams to come see the car . Sounds like it may happen when the weather turns ..... @creans if your see this . Open invitation to come up and see this thing ! Thank you for thx photos ! It was very nice of you for us to let us copy them .

 

Thank you ! I appreciate it . Your welcome to stop by the shop if you would like and check it out . I see your right down the road .

 

Thank you so much for the kind words . It means a lot . It was an honor to be able to film that with Tommy .