Well, I figure after collecting parts and working for about 3 years, it's time to start a build thread. I picked up this run down chassis a few years ago. I started pulling it apart immediately and got it down to the bare chassis. Started getting some parts together and got most of the front end together. I rearched a factory front spring and got some hydraulic brake parts. Then I shipped off to Navy boot camp and a school. And that's how the car sat for about a year until I came home and brought it back to Norfolk with me. I reassembled everything in my new garage and went back to work. I found an 8ba locally and picked it up. It looked a little rough on the outside but turned out to be a decent motor. I got it cleaned up and put back together. I did a little more work on the chassis like modify some f1 shock mounts. Then I went on a 9 month deployment. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Before I left, I pulled everything back apart and managed to fit my Yukon and a model A chassis in my 10x20 garage with an engine stand, engine lift, tool boxes, and benches. So while I'm out to sea for this whole time, I was able to get some Internet and searched for parts. I was searching for a 28-29 roadster body but kept coming up empty handed. I started looking into Brookville bodies and found a dealer in Richmond. Within a couple of days, I had sent a deposit to Joe Smiths Early Ford and was now just waiting. Waiting to get back home, and waiting for them to build my body. I returned home In December to a pile of parts I had ordered. I went back to work and got everything set back up the way it was before I left. I modified my f1 crossmember and made some engine mounts. Everything fit so the engine came back out to have my flywheel and new clutch installed. Then the new starter. Then everything went back in. My tires showed up and I had my wheels powder coated. I also sent the heads out to be sandblasted. When I got them back I put the new head studs on and bolted everything together. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
I put my new Brassworks radiator on and had to make a few adjustments for fitment. I used my old cowl for mock up so I could start modifying my f1 steering box. When my headers got here I realized I needed to shorten it a little more. I went with Sampson block huggers. Then after months of waiting, Doug emailed me saying he was picking up the body. I finished up some lay minute things and got the car ready for the body. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Last weekend was the open house at Joe Smiths. I rented a trailer and made my way up to Richmond. We brought it home and dropped it on the frame. We pushed her in the garage and that's where she's been sitting for a few days. Hopefully I can get over there today and get some work done. I need to make a notch in the firewall about the size on a quarter and it will be all ready to bolt on. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Very cool man! I love reading these builds, but I hate that you guys all make it look so easy! haha! Thanks for sharing your build and most importantly, Thank you for your service! Cheers, Biff
Thanks for the kind words guys. I'll try to update regularly. Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Looking Good! I had no idea that the chassis was that far along. It looks like you could drive this to the Open House next year.
Looking great! The Brookville bodies sure do give a project a leap forward. Chris, please tell me...how do you like the body? Have you gone over it and looked at it all pretty closely? Have you found any areas that you're disappointed with at all? I'm considering using a Brookville body on a future project. Many have said that they need "work". I'd like to know if this is true or bs. And if you don't mind, and when you can, would you roughly tally up the total for the body and all the related components such as windshield stanchions, latches, etc? Some have said it can add up to $10,000. Again, I'd really like to know if this is truth or conjecture. Thanks very much. Lots of luck with the rest of your build!
Here's a few progress pics. I removed the smooth cowl and put my original gas tank in. I painted the firewall. I filled in my key hole for the trunk because I'm switching to a rumble. Fitted the windshield. We rolled the car outside the other day. I need to get the glass put in my windshield frame, get a few nuts and bolts, figure out a seat, and tie up some other odds and ends like the ebrake and she will be good to go. Obviously I need to finish the paint, but I can't decide if I want to go with black or blue. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Damm , i love those simple roadsters!!!!!!! No need for 32 parts !!!! The only thing i dont like, are the headers..... They look too street rod to me
I can't stand the headers either. As soon as I opened the box I should have just sent them back, but I wanted to start the motor. I haven't finished the exhaust because I plan on changing the headers to something more traditional. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I originally ordered a set of them but canceled the order because they were going to take too long. I have a set of flanges and a 36 driveshaft that I may put to use. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I have a t spring but I'm not sure if I'm going to use it. I was able to get it pretty low with the flipped a spring and removing a couple of leafs. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
Here's a few more pics. I'm going to roll it outside tomorrow and take some more pics. I still have to finish up the headlights and tail lights, wiring, ebrake handle, seat, and some other small stuff. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
The Jalopy Journal
