Projects Look what followed me home. 40 Ford Standard Coupe.

Me too. That’s the plan.

 

That’s very reassuring, I’ve had my class M since high school, but haven’t even looked at my old BMW in over 2 years. I hope to get back on my horse soon. I drive daily in my car without incident . Have only felt symptoms during hard braking situation once. But it’s the action of turning my head quickly that brings on the vertigo. My brain is supposed to eventually ignore the bad signals it’s getting from the severed vestibular nerves. I’m just not there yet.

 

Thank you. The encouragement I’ve received from you and others have really made a difference. It started some years ago when I wrote a short blurb about a low rumble causing everyone at a back yard bbq to look up to the dark clouded skies for the source of the ominous sound. To my pleasant surprise a B17 suddenly popped out of cloud cover and made a low level pass directly above us. So low I could see the exhaust streaks under the wings. All four Pratt and Whitney’s working their magic .. And hearing the excitement of those around me commenting calling it a plane. A plane? So cute. That my ignorant friends is a B17. And you’ve no idea how fortunate you are just to see it fly above us like this. I wrote the story from my father’s perspective, he was 12 years old watching formations of over a 1000 B17’s as they lay waste to his country Germany. The comments flooded, and I realized. I might be on to something. So I began to write.

 

I won't go into the same details as you have being I can only use 2 fingers to type with, but to say we have parallel stories is close enough. Hunting for the "just right" 40 project over 30 years. I've built a couple for customers and in my younger days had a Very Nice one. I knew better than to start with a Hulk and refused to pay for a Cherry stocker. This was my Christmas Gift to myself 3 years ago.

It had sat over 20 years after a Stop Sign runner took out the Right front fender. Prior to that it was a standard 70's very nice "Street Rod". Not my thing but I knew it would be an easy build. I blew off everything Street Rod related, Reinstalled a Dropped Axle as it should have and like you installed the Correct Motor in it. This has been my vision over 40 years.

The high back Valure covered seats are gone as well and thanks to the HAMB a stock sedan seat is now back in their place.

Almost 50 years ago I tucked away a set of Hillabrand wheels for just this build and now they have a proper Home.

I was at the point of building a Custom Fit proper set of headers when the ugly age-related Health issue reappeared and moved my project into Resting mode again. I swear it won't be another 20 years. It can't be, I doubt I have another 20 years to go.
Keep up the good work and I'll see you on the street, maybe at a stop light on the Crosswalk line?

 

Godspeed in your recovery brother. I’ve been dealing with the ringing and vertigo for a few years now too. I had it bad this past June and July but it’s chilled out for now. Not fun for sure. Good luck on your build and I’m rooting for you.

 

Yup, but it takes a good while to adjust. I have / had the same condition and it takes a few years. I'm OK but never feel totally clear headed. Strange I feel clearer after a few beers!

Chris

 

Beautiful just right. Thank you, for those thoughtful words and great pics of a true traditional hot rod.

 

That’s going to be a very cool ride when done. I’m pulling for ya!
Dan

 

I just reread this and it sounds like you really are coming around...? So happy for you...and as said we look forward to you bringing this 40 back to a vintage period in class...no matter the timeline...it's a perfect base for it...I'm sure the fellas Dad would smile at the outcome. Not that it matters really but once let my ride go I'd be comforted if the next owner had a grip on the period it represents...and keep it along those lines...I did and still am proudly...

Again a wish for a continued full recovery @highboy...

 

Hey I know what that's like.
But if you get tired, I wear a size 13.
Lemme know,,, I'll help.

 

Thank you for sharing your journey. Great project. Wishing you all the best

 

Hello Sir. May your heath improve as much as possible. We seem to have a few similarities in common.
I as well worked in heavy construction, as an Ironworker for 50 years. Running an impact gun rattling bolts,( as tightening is known in the trade) banging away with an 8 pound beater, welding machines crane engines roaring, often all at the same time has indeed taken a toll on my hearing. As well as unmuffled Harleys, race cars, and really loud obnoxious bayou country all night Honky Tonks. I too have a 40 Ford coupe as well as a 392 Hemi, with 6x2
Strombergs on an Edlebrock cross ram. I am well along with the 40. I have taken a hiatus from the 40 to finish a 31 Ford coupe that is crowding my shop space. Fortunately I have enjoyed excellent health for the most part. I do believe you will finish the 40 and look forward to any build posts you may share with the Hamb. Good health be with you Sir.

 

Beautiful piece, thanks for crafting such a heartfelt and powerful post. People who don't understand the therapy aspect of this hobby should read your work. We've all faced some adversity, many of us lost our parents way too young and all of us have dealt with the frustrations of chasing the car. You have extreme examples of all of these.
I'll spare you my points in common with you, but rest assured, there are many. Just this week my cousin Douglas passed away, just 5 weeks after his very late cancer diagnosis. I remember his 60's muscle car, last we spoke was at our uncle's funeral. Him reminiscing that my car was the exact same drag pack car his HS buddy drove. He told stories of battling with his son during their father/son build of the kid's hot rod. Great conversation.
Then his time on this earth was suddenly over.
Seize the day, do what you can, make progress (even teeny bits) and it will feed your soul. Thanks again and all the best to you.
Did I mention my Dad had a '39 convertible back in the day?

 

Your story brought me to tears.All the best to you bud.F**k cancer.

 

Nice 40. Best of luck to you. As someone said 40s are very therapeutic. I have been driving mine for 54 years now. I smile every time I get behind the wheel.

 

What? Sorry could you repeat that?

 

“Then his time on this earth was suddenly over.” That was the sentence that hit me, with its messages on multiple levels. Thank you.

 

Great to see you moving forward on such a cool project. Keep moving forward, no matter how slow you go.

 

Kick ass

 

54 years. Haha, that made me smile.

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

I’m not going to pass any field sobriety tests. That’s for sure. Sadly. That was one of my forté’s. Yeah, it’s the, not quite right in the head, sensation that bothers me most. At least now, when people say that about me. It’ll be accurate. ‍

 

Wow. Moving story, and hits close to home for me. I am a former bodyman & a musician for the last 30+ years, so the ringing in my ears is constant. I too have a '40 DeLuxe coupe that I longed for since childhood. Unfortunately, it's stashed in the shop, waiting for its turn. And it's a pretty major project. Plus, my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 2 years old (she's 41 now) and she's had seizures ever since. The music has slowed my progress on the car projects, but I'm making headway. Just keep moving forward. Good luck.

 

Sorry I quess I do prattle on

No reason to repeat that. I was just trying to offer you encouragement. I do prattle on. I understand. too much information. It wont happen again.

 

Great story, glad you came out ahead. Have you seen that 40 that parked near the Sausalito rowing club? I’m a musician and have played there often

 

Not at all, I was referring to my/your loss of hearing. I guess it fell short as I’m reading your message not hearing you say it.

 

And after the length of my original post, if I accused anyone of prattling on….. I would be an a$$hole.

 

No I haven’t , but I’ll keep my eyes peeled. If it’s near salt water, is it suffering its harsh environment ?