Projects Building My First Roadster in San Francisco

No news from over here at the moment. I've finished painting the rear spring, and I plan to paint the frame and rear axle after the holidays. Figured I'd drop this snapshot of the car in the driveway to keep things interesting.

Also, a question: does anyone have a good source for 1939 Ford pedal bushings? I'm going to try calling Van Pelt in the morning, but I know they're hard to come by. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

Thanks everyone. I think I secured the right ones. We'll just have to find out when they get here!

In the meantime, I've been scouting some fun photo locations for when the car is finished.

And wondering if I'll be as jovial as this jalopy jockey when I'm tooling down the road?

Here's the current garage scene. We're getting there!

 

I was talking to my brother yesterday and he asked if I was planning to do a year-end post on this thread. The answer, of course, is yes. I'm about to board my flight back to San Francisco, and I'm planning to do some typing while I'm on the plane. With any luck, we'll have a little round up assembled soon. Hope everyone enjoyed the Holidays with family and friends!

 

It's now 2025 and it's time for a long overdue update. The last two weeks have been filled with so much good stuff, from family and friends to travel near and far.
When I was back home, the photo lab sent my scans from my trip to Missouri. This grainy 35mm shot from the passenger seat of @BigJoeArt's Turtle Deck T was one of my favorites. I'd like to think of it as a look at the exciting new year on the horizon.

While I was in Detroit, I was able to check out some architectural gems, including the freshly restored Michigan Central Station, which is now owned by Ford.
The level of detail was incredible.

Later in the trip, my dad and I visited Cranbrook Academy of Art to take in some Art Deco flavor.

I was especially impressed with the materiality.

 

And we also paid a visit to the FLW-designed Affleck House, located just down Woodward.

Certainly a forward-looking abode for 1941.

 

Although not hot rod related per-se, these buildings got me thinking about the time period of my roadster. They gave me an uninterrupted opportunity to think about shape, form, and—above all—craftsmanship.

Speaking of craftsmanship, it was fascinating to finally check out "Miss Pepsi" up close on Belle Isle. Power comes from a pair of Allison V-12s. The hydroplane had all the makings of an early Sprint car, from the aluminum cowling and Bell four-spoke wheel to the louvers, upholstery, and track nose.
Looks fun, doesn't it?

 

For the final leg of the Holiday break, Gen and I road-tripped down to Ventura, California, to check out the Channel Islands National Park. Along with all the hiking and exploring, I was able to inspect some long-lost vintage tin.

I really liked the flathead Willys mill that's been converted into a saw mill.

In Ventura, I came across something a little more refined.

Lastly, we have some signage from Los Alamos.

 

So, what's happening on the car you ask? Well, longtime readers will remember that on January 1 last year, I hit the ground running. I was measuring driveshafts, narrowing tie-rods, test-fitting oil pans, and sending out spindles. This year, I'm kicking off the year in the same way.

Tonight, I finished masking the rear axle, so it'll be getting paint this weekend. And the most exciting part? The frame will be too. I plan to paint all weekend and, as it drys, reassemble the rear spring. Yama's coming over on Saturday, so we should be in for a fun afternoon.

If all goes to plan, we could have the chassis rolling again next week. Hope everyone had a great New Year.

Also, sending good thoughts to my Southern California friends during these scary times with the fires. If there's anything I can do to help, please send me a PM.

 

Tonight's update in picture form.
Rear axle, now with Appliance White bells.

Hitting the rear leaves with graphite spray. As I painted, I felt like I was in the belly of the whale. Tomorrow, we're doing more painting!

 

Amazing what a difference it makes!