The last few years or so have been rather bad on a personal level. I got a divorce and needed to relocate, lost a few friends due to how life works, including one friend taking his own life, losing my home due to a fire, and just a rough time. One friend ended up relocating to Oklahoma, and couldn't take several items with him. On a bit of positive, he ended up giving me an incomplete frame and several parts. I had the luck of sourcing parts from various people over the years, and I decided to build a hot rod as a way to help my mental health. Ironic in some ways, I know. So starting with the frame, I began welding it up. I was able to source a 1956 Pontiac 316/317 V8 with all related drive train, 41 ford front axle, a decent set of 16 inch wheels and made it my intention for a nice period hot rod. So my progress has been slow, but I think I am ready to post about it a little. I have several bodies, from a 1920 T coupe, to a 41 ford truck which belonged to my late grandfather. I have been thinking of going the 41 ford truck route as it needs pulled from its place its been sitting since the late 1950's. I know some may scoff at the idea, and it may get removed, but this is the story behind my build.
Sorry to hear life's been 'challenging' but good on you for carving out a bright spot. I'd be interested in your build, so please keep posting. I will mention that for me, a clear area around the project really helps me mentally, so I can step back a bit and look at things. I'd want to clear out the clutter so I'm not tripping over stuff. Some can work in tight spaces and high stepping, if it works for you, great. There is a recent thread in the OT section to give you some incentive. https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/bobber-truck-pics.1336889/
My brother decided to use my space for storage since he decided to move back Ohio from Texas. He should be getting his stuff out soon.
I never thought it was anything close to malice. I agree, my father allowed him to put stuff in my space because he owns the building. Hopefully he grabs his stuff soon enough.
I like the idea of the 41 PU cab. Moreover, I like the idea of moving on, new project, new life. You know what they say, "When life gives you lemons, slice up one of them for a nice Gin and tonic and throw the rest at bicyclists".
Not gonna lie; you fit the bill as a genuine Plugger. Keep PLUGGIN' away and you'll get there sooner or later!
The cushman bed is very small and fits between the wheels and on the rear frame. Its basically a ready made bobber bed.
Sorry thats it's been a bit, but progress is slow. I had to relocate the rear spring position, but with that squared away, I am just trying to finish up the frame. If anyone is going to be at Goodguys Columbus, I will be scrounging for parts. Mostly front and rear shock mounts and headlight mounts, but anything can help.
Busy hands keep the mind clear and calm . Wish you all the best keep building and moving forward with your life .
Keep at it! Good start, and remember if you can do one thing every day, no matter how small, you’ll get it done.
Hmmm, build plan, check, engine, check, rear axle, check, front axle, check, body, pending, paint, pending, upholstery, pending, insanity defense in case it all goes wrong, check, rubber room, check. Carry on.
Decided that the trans mount was too brittle to weld when it kept melting through no matter how low I set the welder, so I turned to bar stock, drilled and will bend it for a set of biscuit mounts. I went ahead and grabbed some 16 inch wires to see what it might look like, the other options are 15 inch steel wheels, and if i can find one more 16x 4.5 wheel, id have a set of those as well.
Good fortitude brother. One of my kids is really intense and when we go back and forth I encourage the following (lifted from a podcast) Good stuff - Joy, observation, gratitude, curiosity, reading, good sleep, exercise (exertion?) being outside Negatives - jealousy, worry, greed, fear, poor sleep, not connecting with humans, inactivity I know the drive of a good project, the thinking, scrounging, research, planning, the manual involvement, making progress - all of that checks a lot of the good boxes.
I like the whole story brother. The Pontiac Hammer seems to fit your drive and inspiration for the build and your life.
Leon... Very inspirational. Life isn't very nice to us sometimes. But with the guts and persistence such that you possess, we can get through it all and move on to better things. A new chapter. A better chapter. And maybe even a little fun. All the best to you!
Sometimes ya just gotta keep the feet mov'n! The truck cab might look bitch'n but on that frame i think it's gonna need some serious slice and dice. Have you pondered on running that '20 T body?
I have 1913 touring, and 1920 coupe bodies, but both require a good deal of wood. I also have a little bucket (old homebuilt) body laying around, but the cab comes with a title and the others do not. Also, the truck belonged to my late grandfather and it has a bit of emotional attachment.
Having the emotional attachment certainly adds to the motivation. Title in hand is a serious bonus. Can't wait to see how it looks!
Life has been beating us up too and I've been using my project to focus on something that I want and that I can have control over.... best of luck
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