Most of you know this car or have seen the car in person, but you probably have not seen the original build photos. I thought you would be interested in seeing some of the vintage pics from the original construction thanks to Nick32Vick for getting me the photos! This is a very well constructed car and it has been really interesting to find the details as I take the car apart for service. I have been doing some updates not to change, only preserve or improve the aesthetics of the car. I did not realize all of the strombergs were not chromed, it was really hard to tell with all of the shiney stuff, but all 6 97's are now chrome. Going through the old photos, the car at one time had a complete chrome rear end, but sometime in it's life it got a different rear and is now painted. I now have the rear end and suspension out. The rearend housing, wishbones, driveshaft hoop and all assorted nuts and bolts are at the chrome shop. I will post an update when everything is back in, I just wanted to let you know the Cockroach gets driven regularly and is getting it's TLC that it deserves. In the mean time, enjoy the vintage pics of the build. Chopt34, the caretaker.....
Huh.... well, damn that is cool! I wondered who ended up with that car. Thanks for posting the update! Malcolm
Thanks for the comments guys. I don't know if the shiney stuff will be back in time for the Round Up. Danny,if we do make it to Austin, it is only going to be a one day trip. I will send you an e-mail if our travel plans change.
I love that little car... I didn't realize how similar my build was to it until I saw it at the Joliet Good Guys!
The cars do have a similar look. The channeled roadster belonging to Stephen Fields also has a similar profile. I picked up the chrome yesterday, I decided to have my valve covers for another project plated while I was at it. Since that is going to be a while, it will make for some nice garage art in the mean time! I started reassembly, but I do not have any other good photos yet since everything is wrapped up to protect the finish.
Thanks Nick! the pictures you sent me really got me motivated to get the rest of the parts cleaned up and shiney. I got most of everything back together today. I had a chance to clean up the underbody while I had the rear end out (sheesh, I still can't believe the whole floor is chrome plated; first pic), the rear section is really hard to reach with the differential in place. When it is all set down on it's wheels, it really does not look much different since most of the rear end is out of view, but it was just the right thing to do. The last pic is the shop foreman patiently waiting for me to finish up.
The Jalopy Journal
