I'm Back! Just a quick little update to keep you all amused. It only took 3 years, but Matt finally got the title to this car. He looks happy.
The progress is never as fast as you;d like, but you can see that this is a labor of love. Fancy new pedals
Great story. I would have had to do the same. Some of us don't have the money, space, or capability to build a rare car like that. At least you can see it being built and are friends with the owner. I recently joined this HAMB thing to just look around a little. This thread and others are taking a lot of valuable time from my own builds. But I was't really doing much anyway! THANKS!
Thanks for posting this story great work and i,m glad he pick a sbc for the motor so sick of the poser crying that it must have a flathead back in the late 50,s (i,m 66 yrs old ) they same type of people would be crying that you should get rid of that flathead and put a sbc in it
andy m, wow, thanks for dealing with the rough crowd on here. we are not all bad. you take alot of flaq on here for not even owning the car. the fact is that another 32 ford is being saved from a certin rusty death. people have their own opinions of how to build a car. if they were all the same, that would be boring. it was saved, thats all that matters. kinda suprised how little progress has been made, but all good thing take time, and they had their work cut out for them. thanks for posting!
I would have liked to see that olds motor go in like was originally planned,it would have blown away many sbc powered cars. I had one of those motors in a 53 olds 2 door sedan and 350s could not keep up with it.
Hey, I just re read this whole thread and I'm calling B/S on this story. It starts out with you guys meeting at a gym or work-out center and I ain't seen nobody in any of these pics that looks like they have been workin' out! Just kidding, this is a great thread and thanks for keeping us updated.
Matt's careful progress on this project is commendable. But he isn't building it exactly in the 'new' textbook manner! (Is Dave still the owner?) All hot rods were built by individuals, and this one's no exception. Besides, my money says Matt will change some things after a few runs...It's surprising how the history eats into most 'hands-on' guys. Great job, Andy.
Well, its been a loong time coming, but I have some updated photos to share, for all of you folks that have been so gracious about wanting me to keep you posted on this epic saga that I created. Back in 2011, I met a journalist by the name of Jerry Heasly at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals in Chicago. I was showing my Camaro, and I got to tell him the story of how it came to be mine. It is a truly unique story. Then I said "If you think that's cool, I have an even better story". Short version: this story here with my photos was published in his last book, which came out about a year ago. His website is www.jerryheasly.com. Since last I posted here, Matt has moved to a new home, new job and new garage. Most of the work has been to restore the structure of the inside of the car. There will be wood where it was when new, and there will be some changes made to the power train and the suspension. First, check this out:
Moving along, as you can see, the front of the frame is still a work in progress. This car will be a driver, so no detail is being overlooked, and the details never end. I am simply in awe of Matts talent and his skill. The original gauges wil be retired, but the rest will be restored. The steering wheel will be leather wraped when complete.
A lot of fit and finish work has to be done, but progress has been made. The original grill in mock up mode.
What you see is not what you get. The three carb setup is being restored, so a temporary 4bbl was installed to test the motor. Borla mufflers will go on when the pipe-bending is complete. Running boards and fenders are waiting their turn... more details.
It runs, but it will look very different when done. The insides will look better too. Real leather, ooohh. Sneak peek of the next project, with the '32 fenders stored on the roof. Ed gets to dream about the past, and look forward to the future.
The rumble seat are required a lot of custom fabrication work, but it's almost ready. Last one for this year, the original foot step for the rumble seat. I doubt that too many folks will want to ride back there, it does not look like it would be too much fun. JMO See you again in the spring! Keeping up with this story for the past 4 years has been a real blast.
Kudos to Matt for taking such a rusty piece of crap and turning it into a bitching street rod! I have no doubt that with his talent and tools that in the end it will be just as sleek and smooth as one of those very expensive fiberglass bodies. I really like the filled in sunroof! Looks like it will be every bit as comfortable and dependable as a brand new car! Who wouldn't love that?
Ed gets to dream about the past, and look forward to the future. [/QUOTE] you can tell he's lovin' it!
I just read the entire post and love the work. Matt is very talented and thanks for saving the car. I, not being much of a bowtie fan think the 283 three carb setup looks bitch'in. Also love the fact he's keeping the rumble seat as most guys just trunk them. Keep up the good work and I'll be watching as it inspires me to get back to my own project. Thanks for all the time and effort Andy.
Heck I forgot about this one! Thanks for the update, the car is turning out pretty cool and I'd ride in that rumbleseat in a heartbeat!
The Jalopy Journal
