Quick recap: While cleaning my old roadster (the one I had originally brought over from home (langley BC) to Australia where I’m currently living) I had thought I got something in my eye- fast forward 12 hours in a crazy amount of pain I had a bug of some sort lodged under my contact lense destroying my cornea. Fast forward again a week- oh heavy meds to kill this bastard with about a 99 percent chance i was going to loose my eye. Fast forward again several weeks- healing process good and slow, Progressing and doing a lot of thinking. And searching! I found this 31 roadster on gumtree (aus Craigslist) and rang the guy... don’t know why I had no money at the time and I hate tire kickers. But he answered and we chatted. He was a great old guy in his late seventies and had just lost his eye sight in his left eye. That sparked a conversation leading to a great phone call. After some bartering and selling of my old roadster I became the new custodian of his 25 year long daily driver. I was Happy as Larry. Oh and I got about 90 percent of my eye sight back. Win win. So let’s SEE what we can create from this solid platform... Some may recall my old one I brought over last year, now sold but will be building for the gentleman- stay tuned. And the new one.. Okay wheels- new 5.50 fronts and 7.50 rears Mounted on some original 35 wires. Few spoke straightening and rim lip bashing they were straight and ready for paint. Repop caps and Original Lyons white walls Before After
Lost some weight Put the top on and took it on it’s maiden voyage. Didn’t sleep... new car feels. Watched the sunrise Drove around all day learning how this old works. There might be an extra stick on the floor making the drivability much better.. so I drove and watched the sun set.. and watched the boys surf this wedge. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Being 6’7 my lanky limbs needed to fit somewhere. I removed the old seat and make a very simple ply frame to outline what I was after. Adding some holes and strapping I fit considerably well. I really wanted to sit low and back in this car as I plan on running a pretty heavy chopped screen and top. The leather arrived this week and will take lots of photos as I tackle (with help) the seat and rumble Upolstery. Next was the floor, this car actually has a wood subframe and door frames- annoying but in the future I can swap out if needed. Adding stain and difference techniques (screw ups) it came out better than predicted. I then tapped the edges and applied a 2pack epoxy and let it sit for a week. Then sanded and added multiple coats of 2k clear I will seal the bottom and add this piece the support both pieces. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I needed somewhere to put my beer, dig around the shop found some stainless round stock and quickly whipped this up (I will add two 90deg pieces for the can to rest on.) and properly finish and polish better. Testing ... Success Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I plan on running a later Merc wheel and f1 box. So I pulled a wheel of the wall and gave it some love. Used a dremel and grinned out all the cracks I was just screwing around with this and added gold flake to the face. Undecided still. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Next was a Signal stat for the 39 coloum will be using. Painted and Bakelite polished. Should look nice behind the wheel. Maybe same colour as wheel? Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I will follow this with interest. I have always wanted a roadster or roadster pick up, but at 6'4" I have yet to sit in one and feel comfortable. Nice job on what you have done.
Testing a chopped screen for sizing with seat and foam. Plan on chopping slightly more off and will be doing a top and window panels to suit. Now, I will play around with guards and grills. I have a commercial 32 grill that could look cool.. or leave what’s there. Guards off or on... possible off with one piece splash pans. Have original 39 Pontiac tail lights and guide 628-c lights I’m currently sand blasting and getting ready. That will mount off a chopped headlight bar. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
The motor is this actually runs well. Now I haven’t really owned a banger as they tend to get replaced with a flat head. But I like this. It’s needs a good clean, gaskets replaced, electrical redone, electric fuel pump removed and so on. I have a stainless flange plate and will make a simple and tasteful set of headers and possibly an intake. Lots of banger reading and learning. Would love to wake this up slightly with maybe a new head and dizzy, recommendations would be greatly appreciated! It has a Mitchel’s splitter box that came installed from original owner. Amazing the difference it makes on the over all drivability of this, I do have a 39 box that I could possibly put in as well if it would create a bigger and better difference as well. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Quick burn to the beach before Upolstery late this week. Stay tuned. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
My mate who’s a furniture Upholsterer helped me get this seat sorted, now he hasn’t done much automotive stuff but considering that I believe he’s done a great job, will post better photos when the rumble seats done. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
you do nice work, the little detail's make a car your own. but the one big detail still await's you, get that front end outa the clouds
Hahah you’re definitely on the money- been waiting about 2 month for shipping from the States- purchased some 32 kingpins to go with my 32 spindles I have and will make a jig to drop a model beam for it, unless I can find a nice 32 heavy. I plane to try and run the mechanical brakes with the dropped axle. Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
I love your ride and the little touches are spot on but I’ll say the white wall treatment takes away from overall lines. Your green spoke shot to me looks better. Lower in front and just a rake job would so to speak would be bitchin. I’m not bashing at all but not familiar with that white wall treatment. Sweet little ride and enjoy. Good stuff. Maybe I need some education on the white walls.
Nice build. Not trying to put your car down in any way, but I'm a bit distracted by the whitewall treatment, but can appreciate the uniqueness.
That car is kick-ass, love the stance, the look and thanks for the idea for a beer holder. Best of luck with it.
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