I researched fabric bodied cars extensively a few years back...There were a lot of cars covered with Pyroxlin-coated canvas (DuPont Fabrikoid). After corresponding with some guys in the Bentley owner's club, I found that this material is still available in the same colors, grains, and weights as were used in the 20's and 30's. It is sold as a book binding (much the same way Fabrikoid was marketed) and produced by Ratchford in the UK. Back when I was planning out a fabric-bodied speedster, I called them up and ordered some samples...the fabric is fantastic and easily workable - plus no having to mess with aircraft dope. http://www.ratchford.co.uk/Maincategory.aspx?id=22
gwhite, That is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you very much for the link. I will order some samples from them....
It has been a while and not pouch progress until last night. I have had one of those weeks were I really wanted to come home and drink all night. Decided I would do something productive instead. Went from a chassis to this design in about 5 hours. My plan ( as of right now) is to spend a little time building this simple body and get this sucker on the road. I have been working on this for way to long.
Got some more work done.... I may order some steel in this week and get this thing covered and into paint! Had to cover it in paper before I left it for the night.
I machined my T hubs with a little step to center the chevy wheels. Only about .030-.040" Just enough to grab the edge of the wheel. I then drilled the chevy wheels for the T bolt pattern.
This is awesome! Subscribed! Here's a terrible pic of an A speedster I built about 7 years ago. Custom body from a fellow in LaPeer, MI. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Steel coming in tomorrow. I may add a back seat to make this more of a touring speedster! Will do a mock up and see how it looks.
I had an idea two nights ago that turned out to be a really good one. I was able to secure the parts for said idea today.... It's going to be awesome! I will post up some pictures this weekend.
Man, had to turn the deuce around on this one. Missed the start but I'm glad I found this. Very enjoyable, story, pics and history. You're progress has been great, keep her going!
Well after a little measuring of my 46 chevy 2-ton shop truck I decided to try and find a hood off of that to turn around backwards and use as the back of the body. I quick search and I found one about 10 miles from me. I picked it up yesterday and spent about 2 hours today cutting it down and welding the two halves together. I am really liking the shape. Now I just need to find more time to work on it!
You had mentioned that you were going to do a rumble seat, are you still going to or has that changed?
Still going to do a rumble seat. I may also look for another hood to use as the belly pan. One of my big pet peeves about speedsters is that the body always stops at the frame and doesn't wrap around the bottom making it look very unfinished. Will see how that pans out. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Another hood located and should be to me soon. I was on vacation all week, so all I got to do was think about working on this! May get a few hours in tomorrow... Maybe. After lawn work and installing the AC in my new office.
Pick up the second hood tomorrow. Got the rear of the body secured tonight and the rumble seat hole cut out. I have some very creative hinge work to do as I have decided to have the rumble seat drop down and slide forward behind the rear seat.... Cause why not. It would be easier to have it open up like other ones, but I don't like easy!
And some more progress. The rear has been on and off a few times. The rubble seat moves forward just like I wanted and the rear belly pan is starting to take shape. I do hope I can keep up the momentum. I would like to make it to The Race of Gentlemen. If that doesn't work out I will maybe try for the Newport hill climb..... I'm just not saying which year!
I'm getting a little closer... Made the gas tank tonight. Will make the back seat maybe this weekend. Trying to get all the stuff figured out before I skin it. Easier to reach in the side and mark things! Ordered the leather for the seats and side panels. But.... I have to dig up my yard this weekend and fix a sewer pipe.... May get a few hours in on Monday, maybe!
Finished out the gas tank. Complete with baffles. We had a piece of scap with some hole cut into it from the water get so I cut it down and welded it in. Also made a little bowl around the pick-up to help with any particles that may get into the tank. Drilled holes in about an 1/8" from the bottom so most of the fuel in the tank could get into it. I am trying to get this thing done by October 10th..... Hopefully life doesn't get in the way too much!
YA GOT TO MAKE NEWPORT ON SUNDAY , BE TONS OF SPEEDSTERS THERE. IF I CAN HELP YOU ON THAT DISTRIBUTOR IGNITION LET ME KNOW BE GLAD TO HELP.. JIM L.
Wow, loving this buildup! The old SU carbs huh? I have lots of experience with those things. Gotta sit on an angle as you've discovered. Can't wait to see the finished car, should be a heap of fun to drive.
Didn't snap any photo's yesterday.... I did get the steering column mount made. The gas tank into position and holes cut into the body for the filler neck and the pick up. Seats made. Finished the floor board. I am getting very close to putting skin on this thing. I hope to get all the internal stuff done so I am not working around the body work. I'll post up some pictures this week. I might still be able to drive this in October... Might!
Here is something dumb to think about. The myth busters just flew a plane that was skinned with duct tape. Not suggesting you do that but you could use it to make patterns for your fabric sections if you are still considering using cloth. Cover the sections, remove as a piece add 3/4 inch or so for what's called the seam allowance then cut your fabric accordingly. I was talking to a fellow who built a 5/8 scale WW I Spad replica and he said the fabric he used was uncooked or unheated Dacron. Once it is cut and fastened in place you use a heat gun the get the curves in and the wrinkles out.
With the use of the hoods I am sheeting this in metal. I did find some cloth to cover the wood.... And I may start another build to do that some day. Thanks for the input. I will look that up and get a sample in just to see how it works.
Well, Between a section of fence and two 6 foot stone columns being knocked down at my house and having to dig up and replace a section of sewing pipe in my yard I haven't got much done on the speedster this week.... Hopefully I'll get some time this weekend, unless my wife tells me different!
The Jalopy Journal
