COE 1941 Ford COE build

COE Stuff... Dropped off all the removable panels for the white dye... We'll see... The truck will go to him in the spring for the non-removable items. Talked to him about the headliner which isn't removable as it's all glued in... He thought some new super duper glue he's tried could adhere a grey piece onto the headliner for a different design... I'm not convinced...

 

Who's *** is that??

 

Another *** shot... I've removed the back gl***, cut off the remaining roof panel and slanted the rear quarter, triangle shaped windows into the c5's targa bar. The look is respectable. Now to figure out a donor rear window plug/gl*** and all the metal that needs to go back into the roof from the donor gl*** to the targa bar... Yes, I'm quite afraid of this step and wondering if I'm even headed in the right direction.

 

6" chop

 

Oh ****... Now I've been upstaged.... check out the latest episode of Full Custom Garage...

 

While the C5 is at the frame shop, I think I'll wire up the seat heat in Buford. I bought small, round rocker style switches which will mount on the plastic seat skirts with just a 3/4 hole. They have pretty small wires compared to the heat harness wires on the donor seats... Should I be using a relay?

 

Wouldn't hurt!

 

Ok, opted for some rust repair on the Coronet... seems Virginia cars rot in different places than New England cars... With the rear gl*** out, I found rot under... Not a tough fix...

 

Next I need to decide if the patch that will be seen will run all the way to the fin...

 

decided to go all the way to the fin with the patch... Now I need to figure out how to weld it in... I'm concerned that if I weld in that valley adjacent to the fin that I won't be able to grind in there enough to get it all flat... maybe weld just from the back side?

 

Oh, and my air hose on my fancy dancy retractable reel has developed a tumor... Any good fixes for this?

 

Constant flexing at the ferrule has caused a break in the inner structure of the hose. Cut about 4" off the hose and install a new threaded end.

 

Looks like some fancy crimped setup... Do I reuse that?

 

No way to re-use it, so it's trash.
Here is the style I use: https://www.mcmaster.com/hose-barbs/metal-push-on-barbed-hose-fittings-for-air-and-water/

 

got it, thanks...

Now for a little different use of 59 Dodge sheet metal...

 

barb, barb, barb, barbbarbaran... All fixed... Used the smallest clamp I could and coated it with liquid electrical tape to aid in not stabbing myself or a paintjob with it...

 

I wrap the joint with self vulcanizing tape, holds up fairly well. (over the clamp)

 

If you have a place nearby that builds hydraulic hoses, they can crimp on a new end onto your hose.

 

I wondered about that... I think the last real parts store that did that was replaced by a vape shop... :-(

 

It's official, the COE is going on a road trip... I just booked a place at Lake of the Ozarks for August and plan to attend the Spam Drags in Asbury, MO. Any of you other COE guys so inclined?

 

Looks like the Spam Drags are the week before Frog Follies, which I always go to. Pretty hard to do 2 shows a week apart. You would be welcome here in central Wisconsin, if you want to drive a bit out of your way.

 

Thanks for the invite! I would really enjoy meeting and getting to see all the craziness that happens in your garage first hand. I think our schedule is a bit too full for a detour of that magnitude. Loose plan visit friends in TN for a day or two, drive to Lake of the Ozarks, stay a couple days, go to Asbury for Friday night M&G, stay at local hotel, dragstrip on Sat, drive back to LOZ Sat night or Sunday, stay a few days, head home.

I certainly have a few items to work out...

1) Make sure the COE is ready to tow 3600 lbs as we are taking the boat with us. The last and only time we towed with it wasn't pretty. I've made considerable cooling system changes since then.

2) Boat ramps! Yes, it has a transfer case, but still no front driveshaft. I gotta be prepared for that.. I have some wacky ideas that include a flex plate and a starter......

3) I hope to only drive during the day because of bugs and wildlife...

4) Wondering if I need to do something to avoid stone chips to the nose...

what say you guys that have long distanced your pride and joy?

 

Ok, the COE has functioning heated seats now! I was armed with the wiring diagram for the donor 2005 Mercury Montego and some aftermarket 3 position seat heat switches. Simple 3/4 holes in the seat side plastic for the switches and a little wiring....

 

I'd like to go to Frog Follies this year...Hmmm, wonder if I can get off my lazy behind and get my COE roadworthy again by then? More importantly, I wonder if I can fix the broken garage door spring that blocks the COE's exit? ha!

 

Frog Follies too? Am I just ignorant of some rub between Hamb and Spam?

 

... I just went and read the Frog Follies site... sounds like quite a show... 4000 cars pre 49? Wow.. The pics that flow by showed at least 4 or 5 COEs...

 

Big show, nice sized swap meet, cheap food and drinks, sign up early and get a t-shirt. Campground located next door (might need reservations), Follies is in a park-like semi-wooded setting...at least it used to be. Haven't been there in quite a few years.

 

It is still at the same fairgrounds. The show is put on by a very active club, (E'ville Iron) with tons of support by the surrounding community. There are no "promoters" trying to make money off the participants, so what's there is relatively inexpensive, unfortunately their food availability leaves something to be desired. (mostly just burgers, fries and ice cream until 5pm then nothing) They have an evening dance on Saturday, but unless you are a participant and opt for the free supper (ham sandwich, potato salad and ice cream) you are forced to leave the fairgrounds to find food.
All in all, I find it worth the 550 mile run (each way) every year!
Edit; Also, very little power parking and snobbery.

 

Random thought of the day: Do I need to change my avatar to a painted version?

 

In my case, I need to do more work before I have any need to change my avatar. Progress has been slow this winter.