Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post: Rebirth of a Roadster? Continue reading the Original Blog Post
Whatever you do, don't put an interior in it! That's the first step down the road to a Chip Coddington-mobile. The next thing you know you'll measuring the panel gaps with a micrometer, and putting in a computer controlled billet trunk opener. Don't do it!
Jay, I have always wondered, why it has one yellow door? Is there a story there? I love that car, it was a big inspiration to the one I built many years back
I like it a lot,yes do upholstery, is always a good thing an big plus too comfort an enjoying riding around! Have no idea why anyone would think another way, in less they have iron butt ,don't like pertty women riding with them,an no art eye. Cool rod!!! PS; a few techs I did ;https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-sew-at-home-upholsrety-hot-rod.604077/ and https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/hotrod-folding-top-a-how-too-do-it-tech.857951/
Best wishes on a renovation of old reliable. I am sure no billet, computers, or silly wheels are in the plan. The big Caddy freshen up is a major event by itself. It is so cool that the early cheap-o build has served you so well. Rock on bro.
I'm tearing down the '31 as we speak. The frame cracked and I'm getting her fixed. I can't weld, but I can turn a wrench and I have a good network of people that can come drink my beer and help but there's some upgrades I'd like to do. This gives me inspiration that if I don't get around to something this time, I can hit it again later
@Jive-Bomber Jay - Not that my opinion matters ... but: Overhaul the 331 Caddy ... YES Swap to Deuce frame ... YES Quick Change Rearend ... YES "Real" ('50s Hot Rod) interior ... YES Fresh black paint (including the passenger door) ... NO !!!
I would love this roadster on '32 rails...but inasmuch that this is NEVER just a nut-and-bolt 'changeover', be forewarned that a big job like this will denote a serious possibility in that the project may be shelved for a few days here, a week there... Please consider possible pitfalls. God forbid this to end up being 'reborn' to some future 'new owner'! Gads....
Me likes it just the way it is. Freshen things up and keep her goin! I pulled my leaky 265 from my 32 pickup thinking a quick fix with a fast rebuild, huh, did I misjudge that. I'm have been months now and a pilot bearing away from the install, ugh!
You have to build it the way you want to, but I would say install a toploader, a third pedal and overhaul the motor, then call it good. Keep it on the A-frame. That's just my opinion in the matter. I hope you keep us up to date and create a rebuild thread.
I am in the same dilemma, the '40 pickup we bought in our second years of marriage (flathead stock running gear), that took to the 10th year of our marriage (350 4 speed tri power, car dash, deluxe grill and no hood) to drive again. And drive we did, Texas, SpeedWeek(s) Billet Proofs, Paso's Back to the Beaches, Ventura, then it died from being road hard and put away wet (and I am a crummy builder). And now it is in our 37th year of marriage. But this week I put a shade over it. I had started and stopped the rebuild a number of times, bad carbs, bad wiring, rear shocks, the list was/is long. But do I paint it, right now the 'patina' is just a bunch of rusty metal. And do remove the front fenders that have a Watson laid out flame job and put them away? Is back primer become the same as the pastels of the 2000's? Good Luck To You, Sir.....
Damn man if you do that, I might finally be inspired to actually finish mine. Shiny and clean was always the plan!
Sounds like you have a bad case of the "While I'm in there's". Your list is only the tip of the iceberg. You'll see other things that will bug you and the list will magically grow... The next thing you know, a whole winter has passed, its roadster weather again & you aren't close to putting things back together. It'll drive you crazy. Do the engine now. Then to tackle one major upgrade each winter & drive all summer, every summer.
Knowing what I've seen from you, seeing the Roadster @ Our PRC RR,The Asphalt Invitationals, I'm sure that there will be no major speed bumps as this will be a build that you'll enjoy all over again!!!! 15 years has been along time since 02. Post plenty of pix of the revamped rod. Hopefully I'll see those AI stickers soon .
O Grasshopper you have learned much on your journey of Hot Rod wisdom . Your mode of transportation has grown tired refresh it with your gained knowledge . Make it strong and safe .
Any interior work for me would be a worn out leather interior from an A that got restored. No pain, frame yes.