Well.... I have been away for a long time. Sold my 53 Buick and wanted to go fast...built a vintage Audi.... It's my DD and rocking... I got the bug for something traditional...Got a good deal on a 1930 model a sport coupe and a frame. Could not pass it up. The plan is a budget build, and turn the sport coupe into a roadster. gotta be traditional. I'm on here to learn and read. I will post as I do things, but this is in no way an expert build thread. And yes a 30 Sport Coupe fits in a 1985 Suburban....Kinda.....
Welcome back, Good luck with build, stick with it and have fun. PS, good to know about the A into a 85 Burb, I have an 88 .
It kinda fit.... I used a few ratchet straps, but I got a good deal and vintage steel is hard to find... I had to jump on it. The frame is a bit tweaked, but I intend to box it. I'd like to do a flat head...but I have a line on a 350 for dirt cheap....I can't help but feel like I would sell my soul putting a 350 in it. I need to read...any advice on where to find a good write up on frame prep? I will not Z it or anything like that.... I want a nice clean build with clean lines..
I found a few good deals on flatheads...There is a merc flathead for a bit more in Denver... My buddy will give me a smokin deal on his sbc... Right now gettin the frame straight and making a roller is the number one priority.
Glad to have you back, Mike. Body looks solid... Frame straightening is just one step beyond the boxing, (2 steps back?) Anyway, the least of your planned project. Too many guys chop sport coupes into 'would-be roadsters', or Coupesters. Refreshing to see a real Sport Coupe! Will you be fendering it? (keep plan open for a possible 4" box in rear, before boxing: That frame sits higher off that rear axle than you may think!)
I don't think I will do fenders. Frame has a slight tweak in it. Fixing this will be first, then finding a front axle... rear end etc..
Ok, let's talk flatheads.... I got a line on a 36 flathead with transmission and a line on a 49 merc and a 52 flathead...which would be best? I know they are all very different.
The Lincoln flathead has more cubic inches. You might even find one in an old heavy duty truck. But high performance parts might be hard to find. I think I'd just go for the latest model flathead I could find.
Well I would reach for the merc first, but I may also want to know which engine was already in the best condition. For instance if the merc was stick and the ford was not then it would be ford all day long for me.
I think the merc is turning freely...what is a fair price for a 49 merc flathead missing the carbs? I don't want to be insulting
Can't help ya there, I am a tight bastard and figure anything needs to be overhauled. LOL Probably in the 800-1000 range? Just guessing.
If you can pull the heads and inspect the bores, decks and if it passes the visual, you might go to $500. I'm sure you know to check the stroke if your looking at a Merc.
That's what he wrote....so $1500 is out of the question....maybe $800-1000 with the performance parts? minus the carb. Has not been run for over 10 years and leaks oil. Would recommend a minimum of a complete resealing maybe rings and gearings to ensure all is in good shape. It also includes chrome plated water inlets, Offenhauser aluminum 4 barrel intake manifold and Edelbrock finned aluminum heads, and homemade engine stand. $1500 -- obo.
"I think the merc is turning freely...what is a fair price for a 49 merc flathead missing the carbs? I don't want to be insulting" "Carbs" If it's missing more than one that would increase the value.
Left a message on the merc....waiting for a call back. I will call again this afternoon. I saw this and it inspired me. I will try to match the quality...but this is an amazing build. Has the perfect stance etc... http://www.hotrod.com/cars/featured/1009sr-1929-ford-model-a-roadster/
Your car to use as inspiration is truly almost perfect. I found one I liked and made mine close to it but better I think. lol Could not be happier, hope yours turns out as you wish.
It is a work of beauty and a true craftsman. I am thinking grey...like audi tt aviator grey... the frame and interior metal will be zinc chromate like in an old b-17 bomber... brown leather bomber seats....
Running to Denver today to pick up a running 36 flathead with trans, a dual carb set up and a mercury crank... Wish me luck..
This one has an Almquist intake... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/junkyard-find-almquist-flathead-intake.358265/
Gray is good color on those cars. Often overlooked. Maybe better on highboys, but still a good choice.
This is zinc chromate.... http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y2...812690303938930782_n_zpsjkiu0do0.jpg~original
a bit...but I am thinking post ww2 build... what would a guy do after the war? This paint was inside most ww2 fighters and bombers.. Probably easily accessible as surplus... I'm also tracking down some ww2 fighter gauges... 36 flathead was running around then and cheap... 40 ford rear end...
looked at you link again and the third photo over was a less yellow shade of green. That is a pretty cool color to go with your light gray.