Even though I did a lot of work on the original Superbell coupe, I really like yours. Your proportions are better.
If the interested parties want to settle this debate once and for all, you could take that sheet metal brake to a paint store that has a paint spectrophotometer, it would actually be a better match than the car because the sheetmetal brake hasn't been faded from exposure to sunlight. Good luck with your project.
I only saw the use of orange in the military and that is on aircraft. First there was orange strips on KC-97s and KC135s. one stripe on the front of the AC and the other just in front of the tail section. The second time I view this orange is on Coast Guard boats and AC. The paint being a lacquer base is a puzzle, why would the military use lacquer paint, with all of the work involve?
I hesitate to even comment on this because the car is already painted so it is no longer relevant. International orange is a color used throughout the world for aviation purposes (also known as aviation orange) and must be identical for easy identification. Therefore there is a federal specification standard and a military specification standard that details the shade and what is required in it. Note code 12197 in the link: https://www.milspeccoating.com/Federal-Standard-595-Colors-s/41.htm
After many attempts to find the original paint and many conversations with Frank (who has the car now) and a multitude of color mix, the final color is a standard Boeing Aircraft mix. I doubt the two cars would ever be parked together and I was really not attempting to build an exact replica. The final choice simply came down to 'I like this one in the sunshine'. Believe me you will see it coming. Thanks to Paul for posting the recent photos. I will post more as things progress. Jim
Not only knocked it out of the park but it is also a game changer. Can't wait to see it on the road..........
As a kid 18 or 19, me and my good buddy were driving our old home built hot rods to the Merced Street Rod Nationals (1981-ish). I drove a 1941 Coupe and my Buddy a 1940 pick-up, from Visalia, Ca to Merced, Ca, at the time it was a trek for us. somewhere on Freeway 99 around 10 miles before Merced, in the rear view mirror coming up on us really fast was the Super Bell Coupe, with Jim at the wheel, Jake in his bright yellow coupe and Pete in the California Kid, they all honked and waved as they flew by us! What a sight, these cars were like celebrities hauling ass down the freeway! I will never forget that sight!!!
Here’s a few of the Former George Wilson of Temple City 34 Coupe that he sold to Jim Ewing which in turn had Caulfield Automotive-Temple City-No El Monte (Presently Weedeter Hot Rods-Henderson, TN.) build this “Literally” Cutting Edge Coupe. many people were involved The chassis was by Mike Hoag & Sherm Gunn @ M&S Welding-Irwindale. The visual art in this build is the body work by @Weedburner 40 Jim & Dale Caulfield and nose by Ed Belknap. Fantastic job on this build!!!!!!! That’s dedication.
The orange car has been at the upholstery shop the last three weeks and is supposed to be finished this coming week. That gives me a few days to finish up the odds and ends. I plan to drive to Nats North in Kalamazoo for its first outing. Time permitting I will post an update. I have a set of Ewings trademark wings but do not plan to use them. In respect to Jim I am not a pilot and the car is not a duplicate but a facimile. I did find a very simple wing in chrome that we plant to appear in each of the bucket seats as a nod to Mr. Ewing and a reminder to those who remember him and the car. Below are a few more recent shots.
Wow! Really nice. The profile of the original is not great, but from any other angle it is one of my favorite ‘33/4 coupes.
You have created a stunning "Tribute" to Jim's coupe. Some of your designs I, personally, like better than those on the original car. Both cars are head turners though. Great job.
I certainly appreciate the work and craftsmanship that went into recreating this iconic car...but is it really all that HAMB friendly? Recreating a car that was built in the 70's, a car that was designed to be the "cutting edge" of STREET RODDING with that custom sculptured grille, just doesn't say "traditional hot rod" to me. JMHO
Its traditional today. All of the cars from back in the day were built to be cutting edge, and today they are the traditional examples of cutting edge cars from Days gone by.
I have used the original superbell coupe as a guide in building cars my whole life. I never liked the spun discs, but the rest of the car always seemed to be just about perfect. My latest car is built as a personal interpretation of that car. Even my sliding roof is my way of throwing the car for a curve, kinda like what i always thought he was doing with its wild grill area. You did good, building a car to Honor this piece of history. Heres a pic of my weirdo car, i hope you like it.
Being from the area where the original SB coupe build took flight, looking back on what info I have been able to add from both George Wilson, the late Jim Ewing and of course one of the builders Dale Caulfield aka @Weedburner 40, I’ve gotta compliment your tenacity, determination & substance in nearing the completion of your build. GREAT JOB!!!!!!!!
The Jalopy Journal
