Projects The bucket of ugly! A de-uglifying thread...

Sorry it's taken so long to respond...we've been battling ISP gremlins since Saturday.

Going with Ron Pope's standard frame configuration, the body will be channeled apx. 2.5". Also, my body is 3"-4" wider than a conventional body.

What lengthening and wrapping the door opening under to the frame does for me is it changes the motion of getting out of the car. On a car with a normal width silled door, both my leg(s) and cane are away from the trunk (most of the weight) of my body...requiring a good bit of unsupported/unassisted lateral movement while squeezing between the door surround and the steering. With the widened opening wrapping under, by simply turning on the seat about 45 degrees, I can get the right leg and my cane on the ground closer to my trunk...allowing me to simply stand with more support, and walk out. Plus it would allow an easier wheelchair transfer.

The current set of plans are more or less Version 3.90413728. Version 2._ was "Z"ed, not channeled, and not based on an existing frame configuration. Unfortunately Ron did not want to tackle a "from scratch" unconventional custom frame...and I could not find anyone else to build it and issue a MCO, within my budget. That generation also was low enough not to need the air suspension for kneeling.

 

To be honest, I probably do not have the skills to do it and make it look good. Plus I do not know about having the conventional ribs on the passenger side for the existing door, and the new size and shape ribs on the drivers side.

 

Like we used to say in the bodyshop about paint matches, You can't see both sides at the same time !!!!
dave

 

I've been trying to figure out how to do a swing/slide out seat for over 2 years. Between my size and the lack of anything solid enough for a foundation, I've had no success. Then there is the added complication of wanting a bench seat. But I've not abandoned the idea totally.

 

I hear ya, but that is a bit bigger difference than a slight color shade difference...especially since I'm more than a bit OCD when it comes to symmetry. LOL

 

If you were to have part of the seat base that swings on a short arch that latched in and out to hold it. It would not have to move far to achieve it purpose.
Jeremy

 

There are some really solid industrial tool box drawer slides available. Why not use something like that for 1/2 the bench ?

 

How about using the swivel bucket seat brackets from a 76 Chevelle Laguna S3? With the help of Google, I see they were also used in a few more models. http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222499

 

Guys, Gary
Things are so easy for you now. I just got on evilbay and typed in T bucket radiator. For $130 you can buy an aluminum radiator 19"X24" with brackets that can be mounted on top or bottom of your frame depending if you want UGLY or not and side brackets that look like they would fit a '32 Ford grill or maybe a T grill with little mods. and painted black nobody but Me and maybe Pat Ganahl would know it is not an old part.
You know I would really like to see a '50 early'60 style bucket done right with mostly aftermarket stuff. All you would really need is some '48 or earlier Ford running gear, rims, brakes and all and any '50s engine and you could fool almost everybody. I'll bet you could do it for a few thousand $.
Okay just daydreaming.
Gary

 

Going to use my '46 Ford axle tubes, maybe with a V8 quickchange center section if all goes well, but I've cut off the housing ends and welded Ford 9" bearing retainer ends on and will get a set of 60's/70's PU axles (for my '50 Merc rims) resplined to fit and give me better rear brakes and a bulletproof rearend. Going to use my Ford Fairmont overdrive toploader with the 4 speed Jeep shifter that's hanging on the wall, so for a quick glance it may pass your criteria.

 

You know Gary if anybody knows what I'm talking about it's you or maybe Kiwi Paul.
Gary

 

Garys, I think you guys are both right on here. And I also think it could be done for a few thousand.

 

This is kinda what I'm shooting for as far as proportions and style, being smaller than Marty Hollman I should be able to sit a lot lower.

 

A lot to like there Gary. Interested to see what you come up with. Keep us posted.
Gary

 

Here is one on another thread. Cute wb. Sorry Chip I keep bringing you early '60s thread back to the '50s.

 

This is actually the screensaver on my compooter from the Petersen Publishing Archives, I keep looking for more info on this particular car, where is Chip when we need him?

 

There is also this one from the early 60's that graced the cover of a record album (Ventures?)

 

Strange how things work out, neighbor was just here and saw my screen saver and said that was her cousin's car, Gary Hendrickson and she had a magazine with it in there, January 1963 Popular Hot Rodding. So this was a 60's build, will try and scan the article. ,

 

Isn't that something. Neat little car. I dig the wood firewall

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Do you know what the weight capacity on those is?

 

Actually, that was my first thought, but they turned out to be too bulky. They would have to be so close together to fit in the bucket that there would be no room for them to swivel.

 

I have another "What would you folks do?" question. This one is about wheels & caps/covers/etc...but I think this one has a bit of a twist. I know the combination I'll be starting out with is not technically correct...what I'm looking for is what is least objectionable. Partially due to personal preference, and partially due to budget.

I am a wire wheel nut. Some years back, in an effort to feed my wire wheel addiction, I picked up 3 modern made to look old somewhat rare high end Lincoln wire style wheels. 2 of them intact, 1 missing a couple spokes. Size 15x6.5"....

In the spirit of using what I have, until there is not something more critical to be gotten, I'm planning on using them for my front wheels. The issue at hand is what to do on the rear. It is almost certain that I will be using painted 15x8"steels, but how do I finish them off...Baby moons only...baby moons with trim rings...full moon discs...Lancer 4-bars(a family tradition)...????? Oh...and I will not be running white walls any time soon...another budget issue.

 

I'm not too sure, I have never looked into it.

 

That one is also my main influence for proportions. It's also the first hot rod to really catch my attention back when I was kid going through my uncles old hot rod mags.

 

Some more current that caught my attention....

Not quite Tweedy proportions, but to me this one defines simple elegance.



And another from the mags back in the day

 

I've no idea what your [zandoz] limitations are ,but I'd think that w/a bench seat & wide door on the passenger side, getting in & out wouldn't be that difficult , it would mean you'd have to slide across the seat , but that's about it.... the reason I say this is that the steering wheel & pedals would be an impediment to entering on the drivers side ...just thinking out loud..
dave

 

Here you go.....

http://truck-hardware.orrorr.com/viewitems/drawer-slides/heavy-duty-full-extension-slide

 

With the stretched body, the planned enlarged door, and a small size quick disconnect steering wheel...there should not be too much obstruction with driver side entry.

Going with a right side entry, the shifter and transmission tunnel are pretty much fixed obstructions. Additionally, my body already has a bigger than stock, but still small door on the passenger side...that would have to be closed up to do an enlarged door.

I had originally hoped to use just the original passenger side door, but beyond the size of the opening, the problem that I never found a solution for was the need for solid hand holds to use to assist in sliding into position. Yes, with drastic reinforcement it would be possible, but that would be beyond my means.

 

Hmmmmm....I'll have to do some pondering on those.

 

Well, heck Bill, I can come out of the closet now too as I have a bad fetish for wire wheels too. Although my Roadster has a set of Halibrand (excuse my spelling ) copies I got imported from America I do own a couple of 15 X 10" old Truspoke rims that are covered with surface rust but I would get powder coated, I would like a couple of 15 X 4.5" for the front. Maybe if you keep an eye on evilbay or swap meets you may find a couple of old truspokes the right size to match the front ones.