Hot Rods Rich's Coupe - a ten year odyssey

Rich, I'm struggling figuring out what you did there with the insert. You show 2 different types of hold down systems, right? And ended up using 1 of them, the 2nd one that has some sort of black vinyl cap that snaps down over the channel, correct? How does it retain the material? It's probably very simple but I'm just not visualizing it.

 

I used the popular 2nd system for the fabric insert
which is available from Julianos. The first part of that
post I tried to show alternate methods of making the hold down track look more like a 32 or later hold down track. I should have explained it better.

The Julianos kit is what I ended up using. You pre fit
the aluminum track, drill all the holes to hold it down. On the inside of the track you lay down 1/4”
Foam. I stretched the fabric over that frame I made
out of 4”x4”s I than lay it on the roof , locate the
holes for the track, and start installing the track
right over the stretched fabric . I use a razor blade
to trim the excess material on the outside edge
of the aluminum track. The track holds down the
stretched fabric. Now just snap on the vinyl cap.
The vinyl cap will hide the cut edge of the fabric
insert.
Sorry for the lack of info in the original post.

Rich

 

Excellent, thanks!

 

I've got to say watching you accomplish a great deal with health issues is inspiring for the rest of us dealing with our own. No more excuses I've got work to do.

 

Just a little addition to the fabric insert post. I used square drive screws to hold the track
instead of pop rivets. I like to be able to take things apart if needed. They were # 6 3/4" long
screws. I can't remember if they were round head or bevel headed screws. McMaster carr #
90395A152 or 93945A004. If you use screws you have to drill all holes,and then remove
track, and drill holes larger so threads don't catch on track.
Rich

 

Checking on your progress.
Getting closer!
Your old buddy Chuck helped you put your body on 50 years ago and this time, too. Well, that's really something.

Sent from my VS835 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Yes, Chuck is my oldest friend, and back then he
had a 34 5 window Coupe. Now at the age of 81
he has a 57 Chev 2dr sedan.
This is the same garage, I’ve lived here 51 years!
Rich

 

Reminds me of the first hot rod I built. This was very early nineties. Went through several intakes from single carb tunnel ram to dual carb tunnel ram to the single carb. Ended up with red engine and wheels before I sold it.



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32fenderless:
You built your first car with a lot of attitude!
I love that look, good stuff thanks for showing it.

Rich

 

Needed to get the wiring in before setting engine. I used American Wire to do mine.
I made the dash removable with 2 quick connects, and pop out ignition switch.
I made a small under dash panel as I had a lot on the dash already.

 

quick connect =good idea

 

I really like your instrument panel and the quality of workmanship on every part, but have you considered using something besides the mill finish aluminum for the under dash panel? Either paint it black to match the main panel or use black diamond plate to match the firewall.
Just something that caught my eye.
Great job!

 

Redrodguy:
All good points . I had meant to polish that piece,
but went on to finish everything else , and never got
Back to it. I don’t mind if it stands out. That diamond
plate is. 1/8” rubber mat . I wanted a stark looking
floor to go with the bead rolled panels. I’ll get some
pics of the finished interior up pretty soon.
Rich
I have no idea why this is in italics!

 

OK, time for another stupid question. Is the mat glued down to the Dynamat, or just laying loose on top of it. Thanks!

 

Blues4U:
I fabbed piece of 16 gauge for the firewall, and has a piece of rubber mat glued to it.
the floor rubber mat is not glued down, and is held in place by the seat, and the trannie
cover. No problems with it moving around. Those openings in the lower corners are
for acess to wiring ,and are covered with painted black plates.

 

Some more pics that show the mat held down with seat, and trannie cover.

 

A few more pics:

 

Rich, I'm a late arrival, I was tipped off by Jim 32 with a "you gotta see this thread, the guy is Phenominal--- and he's a local guy". I absolutely agree with Jim, the car and your work is out standing! I'm in favor of your well educated approach of being able to make a lot of pieces "accsseable", so that if ever have to go back and "adjust or even replace". But what REALLY amazed me, was half way through the post, that you are severely restricted by COPD! I've got two friends our age, one, an avid hot rodder with 2 really nice cars with the same "hose" restrictions, and honestly, they've both "given up". My extreme respect, not to just your vision and your talent, but to your decision to carry on. Can't wait to see the car finished, BIll Rinaldi

 

the chequered plate pattern on the rubber is great.your a class act Rich !

 

Thanks Guy's ! Will try to get some engine pics up today.

 

WHERE DID YOU GET THE MIRRORS

 

Fantastic build, and color, congrats!!

 

That color!

Sitting on the edge of my seat here. Can't wait to see what happens next!

 

nunattax:
I picked that miorror up a few years ago at Kalamazoo car show. I'm
looking at these:
https://www.amazon.com/Polished-Sta...77980613&sprefix=peep+mirrors,aps,157&sr=8-22

Rich

 

Getting it together:

 

Lets see if I can post a video of engie start up, I'm taking the video:

Rich

 

More Assemly picks:

 

Video works fine

 

Loubang:
I still have trouble making it repeat. I'll check later, I have a couple more I want to post.
Rich

 

Tried it for the second time and since working fine on my PC.