Projects Pounding out a T roadster

Man, you work a lot quicker than I do. Is the back panel from Howells? I've been debating buying one myself to save time making it since it is available and already has the beads in it. $75 isn't too bad if it fits and looks like it fits pretty well.

 

It came from Ecklers/Macs via eBay as I had a coupon.

 

It would have been one of the easier panels to make though. These cowl sides are beating me up. I think I was trying to hard to get them done and got in a hurry. I may just start over if I can’t get them sorted out.

 

That is a tough piece. I wimped out and bought a repop driver side panel and cut off the cowl side area. It needs a decent amount of work but it helped tremendously. I found a really nice original piece for the passenger side on eBay a couple years ago. BTW, if you can use the false door section from that panel, it's yours. May just knock out the rear panel here then I could form the bead by hand if need be.

 

I might still have a stock T firewall, interested?
SPark

Nevermind, went back and looked and looks like you already have one. Been enjoying your build.

 

Nice work justabeater37! I'm going to start a similar project soon and this is just the inspiration I need. I'm subscribed.
Jim

 

Slow progress is better than no progress. Have to make the rocker panel a separate piece and fix the spot where I cut too much off, but oh well. On to the other side.

 

Love your project. Looks like you are gonna make it!

What is the NOS 32 part? A big truck crossmember? I can't quite figure it out.

 

Yep BB. I figure I will likely modify it for a future project if I don't sell it first. couldn't pass it up though.

 

It is altogether wonderful to watch this all come together. I have never been any good at sheet metal work.

 

I just think of metal as a liquid form and how would I push it there if it flowed. Once you get that idea, it’s a matter of trial and error to see what it takes to move it where you want. Sometimes it’s a bend, sometimes it’s a stretch, sometimes a shrink. If you can wrap a present for Christmas, you can envision where what needs to happen. If it wrinkles shrink it, if you can relieve a wrinkle by pulling up the middle, stretch the middle. If it needs a fold, bend it.

 

The biggest thing is it’s just metal. If it doesn’t work, start over. There were lots of failures before success, even on this project. I am just a hack with a hammer and a whole ton of stubbornness.

 

And some days it’s just dumb luck. I made two panels for the driver side still not happy with the second one being as it had to be two pieces. And then come out this evening and within a half hour the passenger side fell into place.Now mind you, I still have to fold the flange at the firewall and finish the shape there. But for a half hour I’ll take this panel.

 

And where I ended the night.

 

your doing great very inspirational to those of us who want to do similar things thank you for your posts

 

Looks good Doug. I am subscribed.

 

I tried calling Howell's yesterday to cheat the cowl panels. They never answered the phone all day. I called both numbers and got a busy signal, except around noon when I got dumped to an answering machine. I left a message and never heard back. I am pretty hard pressed to send money to them with that experience and their track record. Your mileage may vary.

 

Made a little progress. Work thinks I need to work 8 hours a day. I only signed on for six. Kind of limiting my shop time lately.

 

Very nice metal work! Hobo Jim

 

Thank you for the compliment, but I am just a hack with a hammer and apparently good photo skills.

 

It is simply amazing watching this built from the ground up.

 

Amazing what a hammer can do with the right hand holding it.

 

Badass, man!!!!

 

Great build! I'm in. Don't fret the other 8 hour work day, you have a career in metal shaping. Write a book and make some videos; you can make a living at what you love! For now keep the good advice flowing.

 

keep at it ! looks great...

 

That was good! Metal shaping skills, and witty! What a combo!

 

A little progress on the jambs to get ready to build doors. Going with mini bear claw latches for a secure closure. Hope to be on the doors this Sunday.

 

Made a little progress on the passenger door today. There needs to be more hours in the day. I only got about 5 hours in the shop today. Finished welding the rockers, made a heel board for the seat to tie the bucket together good and solid before starting the doors.

 

Need to get the latch in, then time to make these two into a door

 

Great thread! Love your work.