Hand fabricated roadster.....

Pickup that is. I'm going to attempt AGAIN to post some pictures of my roadster pickup I have hand fabricated from scratch. The only thing I started with was a 28-29 gas tank, and side stanchions. It's a long way from being finished, but I wanted you guys to be able to check it out in the process. I've been working on it for about 2 years on and off. Suicide front axle with stock 40 ford I-beam. Split wishbones front and rear. 2x3 tubing for the frame, all the mounts on the frame were made to look like I-beams. Cadillac 390 for a mill, with a stock hydromatic trans. I want a manual, but I can't seem to afford the tranny or adapter at the moment so stay tuned. I will stop rambling, if you have any questions just ask.

 

Can't believe nobody's replied to this yet. Looks good from my end of things, but i'd have used a "real" 390 if I were you. Hehe

 

I like it... and whatever you do... don't paint it!!! (just shoot some low-sheen clear over all your handiwork)

If I have you make me one... will I get it faster than a Last Refuge version?

 

I dig it and hope to pick your brain someday when I manage to get my mits on this 28-29 cowl up North...

 

thats looks pretty sweet. I agree with decker, you shouldn't paint it!

 

I'm assuming you're reffering to the ford 390 as being the "real" 390. However I will beg to differ, Cadillac motors rule. Lab studies have proven girls get naked faster when you have a caddy 390 VS. a ford 390

As to build a body for you faster that last refuge, I read that thread and I can say I could get it done "before california turns into and Island"

And no it won't be painted right away, but someday it's going to have an oxblood, black and brass combo. All the components, and engine black the body and frame oxblood, and the small stuff brass (speedo ring, brass rivets throughout, you get the idea) Oh and tooling leather seats, ultra thin style.

 

beautiful indeed.

 

This... http://rodandcustommagazine.com/featuredvehicles/0509rc_1929_ford_roadster_pickup/index.html although beyond the budgets and realities of mere mortals is the coolest RPU I think I've ever seen... and I wouldn't have painted it either. But it's your ride dude... and it's perty damned sweet.

Congrats... and keep us posted.

 

Decker, I would have to agree that is one of the finest hot rods to be built in years. I wouldn't have painted it either. I have a long way from even considering painting mine so it will have plenty of bare metal glory in the future

 

-J- -- Really excellent effort, and the 'drilled beam' details are as handsome as they are clever.

I look forward to seeing more of your RPU as work progresses. Thanks for sharing.

Mike

 

I'm really diggin the whole drilled beam theme. Gives it a steampunk-ish feel too it. Really cool and different.

 

Ah Yes the knukle dragger. feel free to give me a call if you need a extra hand on something.

 

Are the motor mounts welded, or is it more like a hinge?

 

Time well spent cool project 390 Caddys have balls

 

Love the I beam theme too, nice touch. Not sure about the front spring mount tho. Are the U bolts going to wrap around the whole beam or just through the plate?

 

Not sure what you were asking about the engine mounts? Hinge? But at any rate its solid mounted and bolted through mounts on the frame, rubber mounted too.

As far as the mount question for the front spring it will bolt just to the plate, there will be no u-bolts. Just a plate with studs welded to the bottom of the lowest leaf similar to a so-cal setup.

Lance......Thanks again for the props buddy. Wanna throw it on a flatbed for me and bring it to hunnert?

And in case anyone is wondering.........It will be aptly named the Knuckle Dragger.

 

Oh and frank.....Please forgive my ignorance what the hell is steampunk-ish? The curiousity will kill me.

 

-J-... get on the road to the BBQ today, wouldja'?

Nice work for sure.

Don't listen to anyone who says the Ford is the real 390... that caddys better in every single way.

 

Nice work, though...

I have a question about the front suspension. it looks like the spring is sitting on top of the frame and has no room to move down, seems like this could be a problem unless you don't really intend to drive it...

 

Great looking ride!
Where did you get measurements? Or did you just wing it?
I'm trying to find specs for 29 - 30 A roadster pickup bodies.
Good luck finishing your truck.

 

Seen this in person at the Messaround, looks good.

 

J, Do you have any more pics of the body build?

 

http://steampunkworkshop.com/

 

how hard was making that body? I have been thinking about doing something like this someday. In my ignorance I think making say a a T-roadtster body wouldnt bee too diffucult as they seem to be pretty simple (not a lot of crazy curves and stuff)

 

Well done, and lots of good ideas! Thanks for sharing the pics, I have to go out in the shop now and work on the car..... copying some of your ideas... hehehe

 

Hmmm, maybe that's my problem with women. I've had plenty of 390 Fords over the years but never a Caddy.
Pretty cool and quite an undertaking, kudos. I too though am curious about that front spring.

 

Anymore pics of the suspension set up?
The build is looking real fine.

 

WOW! Thanks for the link. That guy is amazing. Makes me think of the stuff in the movie "Brazil".

I think there is another thread with the build-up of the RPU body on here somewhere. Cool little truck.

 

I just meant if you unbolted the block mounts would the frame mount actuate on the bolt?

 

hi j,

enjoyed seeing your car !!

did you build it using factory dimensions or make it how you wanted it??

thanks, gary