This is a 29 Special Coupe that I picked up locally. Initially the plan was to just sell it and move on to something else. After advertising it and taking it to the swap meet, it got very little interest. So, I decided to revamp it a little. 2EA4C741-6994-46CE-ABD2-B3719A0B2F99 by elmitcheristo posted Dec 16, 2017 at 9:11 AM A81193E6-4330-4662-9965-5180A68462EE by elmitcheristo posted Dec 16, 2017 at 9:11 AM 64C59969-03A6-4335-8777-4F7C81DE41B0 by elmitcheristo posted Dec 16, 2017 at 9:11 AM She was definitely not going to win any beauty contests. I started by adding some '40 wheels with Merc caps. The tires are 700's and 600's. Then I cut out the old cowl section and replaced it with a cherry one. It was actually a pretty simple swap. I cut the subrails at the door and the A pillar right at the dash rail. She is now in the process of getting a 5" haircut and a back window section from a '28-'29 sedan. EC707239-A7C0-44D2-9BDF-DA7764769558 by elmitcheristo posted Dec 16, 2017 at 9:11 AM 5D5E9844-E352-492C-B0A9-FA43FE2484EC by elmitcheristo posted Dec 16, 2017 at 9:09 AM
So I am guessing that you plan on keeping it then. If so, what are your plans for engine, trans etc??
Check the rear window section before you buy... not sure about model As but a '33-'34 coupe and sedan have different arches across the back... flatter one fits coupe... extra 1/2" or so arch fits sedans...
At this point, I'm not really sure. My current choices range from a 354 Hemi, a 59AB Flathead or a hopped up banger. I'm probably going to stick with a '39 box, '39 pedals, and a '39 rearend. This is all stuff that I have laying around my shop, it's just a matter of the little parts and pieces to put it all together. If I'm being honest with myself, it will more than likely be the flathead 8 just because that is what I know and have the most of. I will not be keeping this one. I have got projects stacked up and just enjoy building them more than owning them.
I see what you are saying. It was not quite that severe with the "A". The curve is not noticeable at all and the belt lines all matched up. I did use as much of the original sheet metal as I could and the panel from the sedan was not much wider than the window.
The stock trim that runs from B pillar around to B pillar is tough to find, as a loophole maybe try this... When I was building a '29 cabbie from a sportie I noticed that the sheetmetal's radius that wraps around the rear quarters is very close to the radius of the '30-'31 cowl band... very close, the cowl gets narrower as it moves forward, the band has a larger radius toward the rear edge... set the larger radius down onto the quarters and panel above the deck... this lets the tighter radius set against backlight / rear window panel... most '30-'31 cowl bands are stainless, but the '30-'31 big trucks had steel bands... you will need [2]... HIH....... steel cowl band pix if needed...
That one took me a bit to process, but I get what you are saying. I am assuming that you were able to come up with 2 AA cowl bands? That would really make a difference. I've been trying to figure out an option for "the missing body line." Thanks for the info!
Dented stainless bands are, well, free... use them to fine tune the thing, where to weld in studs or nuts... steel bands are usually rusted at the bottom [straight] and you will need to cut one end off anyway... spose you could sand blast and etch prime the stainless and paint over it...
Just a quick update. I’m still hammering away on the body work. Picked up a shrinker/stretcher from HF to finish up some patch panels. And (fingers crossed) tomorrow I will have the drop axle finished up. The jig is about 90% complete. Still need to brace up the perch alignment pin and mount it to the press. I’ll let you guys know how it goes.
So, winters in Oregon means constant rain. Ive been working on indoor stuff and getting back to this when I can. The rear fenders were pretty trashed. I walked behind my shop this morning and found a pair of solid (kinda beat but definitely better) fenders that I didn’t even know i had. Got one on today and then slapped on a little paint.
Very cool, I just picked up a 29’ special a few weeks back. Does the sedan rear window fit pretty good? And where did you find plans on an axle drop fixture? I need to make one aswell. I feel your pain. I swapped a 54’ ht chevy for the solid running driving 29’ special. A lot of guys I talked to say the same thing. Those are pretty rare, thats a nice solid car. You should try to sale or trade it and chop something else up. Put it out there and crickets haha oh well I have been searching trying to find different looks of the chop, all steel with the trim or put a wrap back on it. I think I like the steel look better. How are you planning to finish the top?
The Jalopy Journal
