I started it about a year ago.......'30 "A" 2-dr sedan body I got from my buddy JD (Econo45-HAMB) in Kansas City. I've made steady progress, and it's a roller now, and have been documenting my build. I'm way past due in sharing my build, so this morning I decided to begin. I'm going for that early '60's street/strip HotRod look, complete with a 401 Buick and Hurst slicks. Inspiration for my project is the old Gabby Bleeker Austin bodied Altered raced back in the early '60s, I love that old bitch. I built a frame jig to work on, attached the body and began replacing all of the body panel areas on the lower half. Once that was completed, I took 4 1/8" out of the top. Then I built a jig that I could slide and adjust (one-man-operation here) so I could section the body 15". Glenn
I then aquired a Model visor from one of my HAMB brothers, and proceeded to break-in my hole-saw collection. I needed to fill the 'shortend-roof', and a trip to the bone-yard yielded a roof from a Chrysler Concord. I have them deliver the entire roof section, and I laid out the diamensions, and cut away. It fit perfectly, and has a very nice curve....lays on nice. The roof area above the doors near the visor was all damaged or missing, so I made new pieces, and welded them in. Glenn
The firewall had your typical spliting of the sheet metal where the support braces went into the firewall. I used 16 gauge sheet metal, and hand formed new pieces, marked out the area of removal, cut out the bad areas, and welded in the new pieces.
Nice work Glenn. Did you by chance go to the Nationals in Tampa? I did not see the car at the fairgrounds, but he was at the hotel on Friday night. It was very similiar to what you are doing. It was blue and it was narrowed, badass looking ride!
REJ, Thank You for the complement. My car is not finished, building every piece by hand takes a loooooong time Glenn
That's nice work Glenn. I was considering doing a similiar project with the same type of body mods. Beetle
Nice! No wonder we haven't been hearing much from you lately. You've been working! I hadn't seen the photo of the early "Gabby" car you included here, but his later stuff got lots of press back in the day, and they were always favorites of mine - not to mention very strong runners. A buddy of mine had a "shortened" '29 sedan back in high school days. I always thought it made for a cool look (if done right). I should have a photo of it somewhere. I'll see if I can dig it up. Don't wait so long to give us the next update.
Bettle, That would a neat project also. It takes balls to build outside the box, and most folks just can't do it Glenn
Stan... I've been around, just to darn busy to sit and resize photo's and write the story. Bleeker's Car was the 'Bad-Boy' ! Glenn
Looking good Glenn.I have always had a fascination with Gabby's car too,since it was local to where I grew up.The car survives,and makes appearances on occasion.That car was feared.Oh,and the Al's Speed Shop on his car in the pic you posted was based in Aurora,Il.He was the biggest speed shop from what I understand,even built chassis and helped to start the wire wheel revolution on dragsters. I like the "Caveman".Get r done!
Artist Drawing by HAMB member 'Drewfus'. my brother-from-down-under! Many, Many THANKS as he has tried to put my ideas and e-mail pictured parts togather.