I started building this toward the end of 2011, and although I had it on the road (temporarily) in early 2013, it wasn't close to finished. I almost parted it out early last year, I was entirely exhausted by the project and my lack of workspace, but I resolved myself to muscle up and finish. I'm about 95% there.... I'm not going to post an entire build thread, but if you are interested in seeing some of the process, there is an album here: http://imgur.com/a/AjO14 If you folks are interested in seeing more, I can post more pictures. *I know the car isn't exactly 100% traditional (I have an IFS without fenders ) so if this is the wrong thread and mods want to pull the post, please do - you won't hurt my feelings too much! *
I like the windscreens and cowl lights. Has the grille shell been narrowed or is that an optical illusion?
Thanks, I'm currently looking for a slightly smaller steering wheel, so if you have suggestions in the 13" range I'd love to hear The grille shell is standard width, and I haven't made a decision yet about what kind of grille I want to go with - I'm thinking speed mesh, I always liked the look of the HHR Brookland's Special
Something most builders never think about is modifying a steering wheel. It's no different that welding any other part on your car. Find a spoke wheel center you like and a rim the size you like and marry them together. To save some finish work in your case you could do a leather wrap to match your side panels. By the way, I like your car. The Wizzard
I like the way it is.........except for the steering wheel. Are the springs wrapped in leather? Kind of cool
Man, that's a really good looking car. MG wind screens ?? Of course I hate the IFS and steering wheel, but I can't knock you for your substance of style. Rolling on a lot more then I am. I have a really traditional steel stool with casters, squeeks every time I sit on it. It would look good with your steering wheel on it though. I could use it as my back rest. Everyone has their choices ... traditionally the beam axle rules ... even when I know there were early examples of guys at Mirage and Bonny' juggling with early IFS stuff. Enh' well .... who cares ? Again, great looking car. That's it for me. Roll it if ya' got it. Vroom, vrooom !
Thanks guys, love the feedback. I wrapped the front coils and the steering rack boots in leather because I didn't like the look. To be completely honest, if I did it all over again I would have gone I-Beam. This was simply a case of thinking I wanted something then realizing I wanted something else as the project went on. I like the idea of fabricating my own steering wheel, I'll have to get on the hunt for something I like. Maybe I'll try and find/build something like an old bomber yoke to go with the seats. The headlights are from a '32 Ford and the windscreens are Brooklands Aeroscreens, similar to what the old Bugattis used to run
Years ago I seen a home made steering wheel I thought was Kool. It started as a Dragster butterfly wheel that used a simple 3 bolt hub. He had just added a full circle rim in place of the 2 hand holds. Something like that and the wrap to match could work very well for you with those seats. The Wizzard
I like your car, it looks good and the front suspension with the leather boots, makes it look quiet race ready! But why do you want a 13 inch steering wheel?
Like it but the steering wheel looks out of place, I would suggest a aluminum wheel like Sweet . They are for sprint cars and come in various sizes. Or maybe a Nardi wooden rim one. In sprint car racing they decrease the size of the steering wheel to compensate for the drivers side because the seat does not adjust. There is so much to like about your car , wind screens, wheels, seats, I even like the IFS . I would be a happy man if it was parked in my shop. That's just my humble opinion . Frank
Where did the wind screens come from? Love them and have been looking for a pair. I have never been in favour of independents but the boots really take care of that. As others have mentioned, the upper end of the steering column and the wheel are the only pieces that don't quite match. Beautiful car overall. Wuga
This is just for inspiration: Last one is a home cast copy of a boat steering wheel, maybe a 50s Chris Craft.
With those wheels you could just say that it is an Indy roadster. I am certainly not a purest in the strictest sense, at least not when I am building one for myself. Most of the time I lie to see a solid axle under a highboy but I like yours well enough. More pics for me please.
Here are the wind screens I purchased: https://www.vintagecarparts.co.uk/products/460-container-brooklands-aeroscreen The 14" steering wheel I originally had in the car was just far too light for my taste. The rack & pinion ratio is way too many turns lock-to-lock, and unfortunately there aren't any other ratios available. About a week ago I picked up the Grant wheel in the picture for about $75, its a 13" and the steering feel is 100% better, so I'm going to stick with that size. I wish I were able to handcraft aluminum like that! The seats were made by Rex Rogers in Loveland, Colorado. If you're interested in getting ahold of him, I have his contact info. I believe his shop is called "Custom Auto" - He will do custom work and really does a fantastic job.
Not to rebuild the car for ya but they do make small 4 spoke wheels and a 4 spoke wheel would look real good in there. Think 1/4 midget here.
I like all the steering wheel input, I'll be sure to update you all once I get it sorted out. Here are a couple pictures from this weekend's car show - I'm only going to post the pictures that I plan on buying from the photographer since I don't own the rights. The lovely lady in the passenger seat is my girlfriend, and she is holding her dog, Chewbacca (Chewie). Winters QC! Halibrand gas cap and license plate holder were made by Crafty-B (www.crafty-b.net)
Neat lookin' car, and everyone has already picked the things that most of us would like to change. I hope you enjoy riding around in your car - I know I would love to. Cheers. Edit: Just seen your latest post - two questions; 1. Are your headlights the 10" ones that are available from the same website you mentioned sell the windscreens? 2. Is it just me, or do your front wheels look like you have quite a deal of toe-in and positive camber? They don't look like they're running true with the rears. (I realise there's some parallax issues due to depth of field, but it just looks a bit out). Still like your car.
The More I look at you car, the more I think of this car: And with some hood sides and a small tonneau cover, you would be full on race ready. Akton daily drove his car, and raced it. Yours look like it can be a double duty car! Is it optic illusion or are your brooklands to fare onboard, or are you ain't centered in your seat? I too like the idear about the 4 spoke midget steering wheel, center in Alu, slightly polished, but not shinny
Thanks! The headlights are just the '32 Ford stainless units you can get from Speedway or various other spots. The camber is very close to 0.0, but yes there currently is a little bit more toe-in than there should be
We're both craning our necks to try and see around the crowd haha! The street was still pretty crowded as we were leaving the show.
That car looks awesome, I love the look and stance. I too love the headlights and would like to go with that size and placement on my roadster. What is the actual size? They can't be the standard 7.5" '32 headlights? I'm thinking they are the 9" commercial lights?
I really don't think that the wheel is a deal breaker I was just making a suggestion if you wanted to go a different route. The car is finished really well by the way better then most of what we see toodling around.
No, they're the 10" diameter version - these should be the ones: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/1932-Ford-Headlights-Stainless-Steel,3023.html I actually looked all over for a set of the Bugatti style vintage headlights, which I really love, but there aren't any replicas and the originals are $$$$
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