Ok guy's I'm finally going to do it....My first traditional build. I just need a little inspiration .............What to build??? I really like look of the early fords coupe or sedan, 28-thru 34...But I probably don't have the cash. I do have a good running flathead V8 out of a 49 ford f1 with only 58,000 miles on it complete with 3 speed. I know everyone says to build what you like, but I'm not sure what I like yet? I also really like the look of early 50's especially 2 door hartops,tail dragger and wide whites? just another old fart 60 going on 16. So how about a few pictures,words of inspiration,advice, comments?
Go with a Model a 30-31 coupe or 28-29 Sedan. Keep it on the original Frame and try not to get too crazy with suspension mods like z-ing the frame for right now. If you can get a complete car that would best. Strip the fender or not and throw that flathead in after modifying the firewall. Switch to juice brakes and call it done. I can't stress enough to keep it simple so you can drive it relatively soon.
Thanks Jeff, Good advise for sure I'll keep an eye out here on the hamb.....I think I am leaning towards the28-29 sedan option. Do most people go with 40 ford juice brakes or can you use f1 truck brakes?
Nobody else can decide what would turn you on. Just start searching around for available cars or tin. It's a good reason to go out on Sunday drives, don't you think? You'll know it when you see it.
Buy the book How to build a traditional ford hot rod. Stick to that and you will have a nice traditional ride that will be worth something.. Use the HAMB board often, these people in here have great knowledge.. Good luck.. Keep us posted..
You can use the 40s and the later brakes. Plenty of tech thread if you start looking. 28/9 Sdans are one of my favorites, I am working on one right now in fact. Remember, coupes and sedans of that era are pretty small inside. You may want to find one or more you can hitch a ride in to get a feel for what you like.
x3^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The "How to build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod book has so much valuable information in it... don't tell anyone else but they should sell that sucker for $100.... It's worth it!
Chris Casny Coupe- http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=377521 Can't go wrong with a roadster-Jim Khougaz http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=111619 This thread ought to be inspirational as well- http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=422177&highlight=1940
Another nice one: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396196 <TABLE class=tborder id=post4310299 cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=6 width="100%" align=center border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD class=alt1 id=td_post_4310299 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e5e5e5 1px solid"> <!-- / message --><!-- edit note --><HR style="COLOR: #e5e5e5; BACKGROUND-COLOR: #e5e5e5" SIZE=1>Last edited by bobbooth; 12-09-2009 at 10:37 AM. <!-- / edit note --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e5e5e5 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #e5e5e5 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #e5e5e5 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #e5e5e5 1px solid"> </TD><TD class=alt1 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #e5e5e5 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: #e5e5e5 0px solid; BORDER-LEFT: #e5e5e5 0px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: #e5e5e5 1px solid" align=right><!-- controls --> <!-- / controls --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
A model A is cheaper than a 32 - 34... But forget the details for now...decide what you like first... go to shows .... you might decide on an early 50's car .... or even later... Don't start on a project and change your mind half way through that you really like another year and model...
RATROD STEVIE ... First thing I'd do would be to PM Ryan and ask him to change your H.A.M.B. username ... perhaps drop the "RA" and swap the "O" with an "A" (i.e., TRAD STEVIE) ... All joking aside ... the boys have already given you some great advice & inspiration ... and definitely pick up a copy of the Bishop / Tardel book:
Start with changing your user name. The Stevie part is okay but the rest sucks. (That being said, I'm sure you're a swell guy...)
After you change your screen name, define what you like. Roadster? Coupe? Sedan? Custom? Then get on Ebay & Amazon & buy some books. Find out what you like, what floats your boat. Then build it.
what is traditional? build what u want and drive it who cares except some that think if you are not like them then you are not traditional?
Here is a tip that I have used,go to a few car shows and take a lots of pitures put them so you can see them all. I found that i take more pictures of what my next project will be.Im an old fartbeen at it for over 50 yrs. this seemed to work good for me. CREAMS
In all reality, what it boils down to is what you can afford. If you're the kind of guy that likes building more than driving, than anything is possible. If you like driving more, your pocket book will dictate what you do. Look around for busted projects. Somebody's broken dream might just be your e-ticket to happiness. I've seen way too many jump in this hobby, just to be disillusioned by the amount of work/money/time it requires. Oh, and don't let friends influence you either. You'll end up building something you don't like, and something they won't buy.
It's all about what you want. Take your time, look around and ask questions. I was like you 4 years ago and didn't think I could afford what I wanted. First, know what you want and then go for it! YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO. The people here are the best in the world and have all the info you will need. The Hamb changed my life! Good luck, if you have the time check out my build. David
I agree 100%......change your user name...drop that ratrod shit!! Ok, that is out of the way. I agree with what most others have said about finding out for sure what YOU like before doing anything. Search the web for pics of hot rods etc. Make sure whatever you decide on that it is what you want, and not what others think you should build. Good luck...keep us posted.
Build what really turns you on. I went through a few cars that were cheap, got them home and never did anything with them. Now if I buy a car to build its something that I really want or the case of my latest project what the wife wants. Good luck in your search.
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