El Bombero Hardtop Model A roadster build **UPDATED 3/31**

After finishing the sedan a while ago I have been working on a lot of different projects. We are still working on our house remodel. Lots of little things to do. I have been working on this roadster project off and on for a few years. I finally decided to finish the car. The main thing I wanted to do was build a hardtop out of old roofs I had kept over the years. The idea was to make what I have work and make the top removable. I have a lot of parts around to use up and thought this would be a good time to clear the shelves. Here are some older before pictures.

 

I guess I'll have to stop buy and see the progress.

 

Here are some pictures of the donor tops. One is a 1950 DeSoto. The second a 1955 Olds. The third is an unknown rear section from a swap meet.

 

A picture of the unknown rear.

 

Here are a few of the initial cutting.

 

Interesting idea. Look forwards to seeing what you come up with.

 

Some pictures of the first trial fit.

 

Looks like you got a long way to go, if your going to drive that to LA this summer!!

 

The pictures don't tell the whole story. Yet.....

 

A few more.

 

Last ones for tonight.

 

looks great mike

 

I have no doubt this thing will turn out great... looking good so far!
No Rolling Bones type front suspension?



Malcolm

 

Gonna be cool. Will be down in a few weeks in your area. Will call ahead of time and come by.

 

No Rolling Bones front suspension. That was/ is for another project. I'm trying to clear out some long term projects that have been sitting for too long. I built this chassis years ago with a flat front crossmember and 32 bones.

 

A few shots of the chassis. I didn't take a lot of pictures as I went along. It's your basic chassis. 4 inch dropped axle. 32 front split bones. 36 rear split bones. 47 Ford rear spring on a custom crossmember. 59 Ford 9 inch rear. I went with the old reliable engine and trans. 350 with 700R4. 47 Ford front brakes.

 

Some more recent pictures of the top.

 

Looking Good!!

 

Here are some pictures of the hood i'm working on. When I built the chassis I moved the front crossmember forward 1 inch for engine clearance. This caused a lot of trouble with the hood. I thought about no hood at all but I think the car looks a lot better with a full hood. Besides, who wants to show off a small block chevy. I know there are many different ways to do this. This is the way I did it. I used two hoods. I also rolled a new top and welded the bead from the donor hoods. It worked out pretty well. I will use lunch box type latches for the top.

 

This is the steering wheel I worked on yesterday while taking care of my kids. Tough to do both. It's a tired 40 wheel and a boat wheel. I need all the room I can get in this thing. The boat wheel rim is 15 inch, a little smaller than the stock 40 wheel. The rim on the 40 wheel was toast so it was a perfect fit. I welded the steel structure together and will use epoxy to fill the gap.

 

Couple more

 

I have been working on a lot of the small things as I can. Finally got the 47 column modified to fit, connected the steering and have been making some steel body structure. I also installed the gas tank. I try to keep plugging away bit by bit.

 

lookin good, like the dash

 

nice work

 

Yesterday I made the shift linkage and bent the shift arm to clear the dash. Mock up is done. Time to weld weld weld and grind grind grind. Started taking it apart this morning.

 

Sunday teach'm and his son AJ stopped by and I quickly put them to work breaking down the engine so I could clean and paint it. A little later in the day, his dad also came over. I put him to work also. He started to take the rear axle apart. They all worked very hard and got a lot done. It's nice to have help. Today I finished welding on the chassis. I also finished up the welding on the rear. Next I cleaned all the grime off of it.

 

I think I know those guys!!

Looking good!!

 

Interesting build. The roof is a hoot! Gary

 

Hellooooooooo... anyone home? Gary

 

I have been working hard on the body. I took the top over to the sandblasters the other day. Turned out great. Now I can finish welding it and bodywork it. Lots of loose ends to tie up. Also got the rear patch panels in. I didn't like the dash cluster the way it was so i'm in the middle of changing it. Pushing hard to get it ready for paint.