I got the windshield back this week (Thanks Old Beet) so I could install the mouldings and dash permanently, and then steering column and steering wheel. Reading the little magazines for inspiration, I always loved the look of a large, skinny, shiny fifties steering wheel in a coupe, so that's what I had to have. I am using 1957 ford wheel, with a mid fifties column. I got everything installed and pushed it out of the shop to clean up, when I realized: I got steering, brakes, fuel !! What the hell am I waiting for?? I jumped it, turned the key, and RUMBLE ! I took it down the street about 100 yards, and then I came back to the driveway, sort of waiting for a problem, but nothing, just RUMBLE ! So around the block I went. I know every bolt, every nut, every part of this car, and I am driving it for the first time ! Going thru the gears, I thought: There is not a single -1-800-rodder that can feel what I am feeling now. Nothing wrong with having a car built if you got the money, but this is a HIGH ! I opened it up a bit in second, it got squirrelly real quick ! The steering was very pleasant, even with an aggressive caster, it turns very easy. I still have some idle issues, but it ran surprisingly well with the air cleaners on. I think they restrict enough to give it some more fuel. I have ordered some larger jet and carb bases with idle jets for the secondary, we will see how that works out. Anyway, thought I share that with you guys. Next: Roof insert RUMBLE !!!!!!!! Gotta love a cracked Model A shield !! There is that...large, skinny, shiny fifties steering wheel.
Looks great. I am about a week away from doing the same thing. I know what its like listening out of any strange noises but the buzz is great.
Rolf, All the fella's back in the old country would be so proud if they could see you now. You make a fellow Swede feel proud. Good on ya! Can wait to roll with ya. It's been a long time coming and you have raised the bar my friend. Awesome job! Ya sure you betcha!
Rolf, For some reason when I started reading your post I got a picture of a '58 Chebby in my head. Tha's just wrong, I already knew what you weren't building a boat. So sorry for the bad brain pic. The little guy is the tits bro, I love it. Coupes is where its at. Now just tunning'n'tweaking and cruising. Well a roof insert if you must Congrats the little coupe has got it in spades.
Congrats of the first ride!!!! The pride felt when driving a creation you built, especially the first time is unreal! And as ussual, with every pic i see of your car i'm more impressed with the details and cleanliness! One of my favorite A coupes!! Tony.
Yeah, thanks guys, it's a pretty good feeling. I have built my share of muscle cars etc, but this is cool. I have lot's left to do, but it's good to know that it is a DRIVER ! I hope to see a lot of you guys on the road this summer.
Looks good Rolf. I've especially enjoyed your build posts and followed your lead about the ChryCo van seats. Looking forward to the comfy-ness of the one in my 31. The big steering wheel looks really good. One of my all-time favorite cars - 5 window Deuce running a Desoto from back in the day - ran that same wheel. That first drive is special. Like you, I realized my 32 was to the point where I could drive it. Lit er off, drove it a block down the street and back. Really a weird - but nice - feeling. A little bit of a surprise too, like in, "I'll be darned, it runs, steers and stops." My second trip was like yours. A few days later I drove the 32 to work about 4 miles away. Turned out to be pretty foggy in places. So much for the little windshield wiper, both sides of a topless roadster windshield fog up. Anyway, I rolled the throttle on, the big Buick starting pulling in second gear and next thing I knew the car was sideways on the looked-dry-but-was-really-damp-road and I was looking at the two lane country road over the door. Creepin' up on the horsepower/handling curve is a decidedly good idea. Was for me anyway....
C9, amen to both, and your endorsement is much apprichiated. One of the reasons I joined this board was because of your "business-like" posts. Yes, I am a little scared to stomp on it, it feels like it has gobs of torque, and I don't want it to do a 180 on the street so I am going to get to know her slowly, just like a woman. A little bit at a time, I will find an empty parking lot or something... (You know, just like a woman, to see how far she will go )
Good to hear you've made the "maiden voyage". It's about the best time in a build. You tend to forget all of the little aggravations and all is right with the world. Now, get the finishing details ironed out and put some miles (smiles) on that beauty. Frank
Ho---leeee----smokes! I drop in and check out your site every few months to check your progress, and unfortunately, it'd been a while since i'd been there... Man-o-man it is turning out nice! You have absolutely nailed it. I mean every aspect! That is the perfect hotrod!
SWEET RIDE You have gone from being one of my inspirations to some one that I am now envious of, but still a inspiration to me. Keep up the good work. Still a few years away for me. Jim C 30 Coupe 425 Nailhead SWEET RIDE
The Jalopy Journal
