Projects Found at the local car show yesterday...

That was my thought about what the body started as and what class it probably raced in.

The "stock" cars had full size bodies while the "modifieds" had cut down bodies normally using what they could get cheap or free.
If it were I'd research dirt track modifies for the time frame you believe it was raced in and put it back together in a way that it was period correct and had the look that it was in the running for best appearing car at the first race of the season. Not overdone but nicely done.

 

I was thinking North East modified too. Them boys carved some wicked looking creations in the early days when they were still using (parts of) production bodies.

 

That was my first thought as well!

 

I am going to meet with the owner tomorrow and try to get some better pictures of interior, under the hood, and some suspensions.

I am going to contact a friend in Maine that may know more from the period.

 

I've seen pictures of racers from down south using old pickup cabs with the hood stuck onto the back like a turtledeck, I think once the supply of late 20's and early 30's coupes dried up, people got real creative making bodies for these old racers. This one does appear to have a lot of work done to it, not all saw cuts and pop rivets.

 

What pictures do I need to take tomorrow to be most helpful in identifying the frame? Front and rear horns (ends)?
I noticed a fair amount of rust in the rear for the rear frame.

 

Don't forget the main 'run' of the frame, it might be '30s Ford, Chevy, etc. Also see if the steering box is in there...
Front cross member may tell a little more, even if it's 'purpose built'.
Interesting, these 'one-off' builds...

 

The bumpers tell me it "was" a round track car. Single seat is also a clue...

 

Went today between rain showers to get more pictures.
I am going to post pics in multiple post. Please let me know what you think.

 

I have no clue what this could be...

 

Where is that last thing mounted? Looks like a hand pump to pressurize a gas tank but the car looks way too new to need that. Frame looks Chevy/GM to me based on the upside-down U shape instead of a C-channel that most Fords used.

 

That is what the owner said "for more horsepower..."

 

I think you should get it , where I am not the only one dragging junk home . maybe we could use the same lawyer .

 

I have an undisclosed location where projects live.

 

Interesting front set-up. I noticed the dead perch on the left with the weight jack and drag link on the right. The model A spring in the rear says it probably had a quick change. It was likely a serious race car at some point in its life. Definitely someone put some effort into its construction.

 

I have mixed feelings on this car. Mainly because I will replace so many parts that it really will be very little of what it started as. In seems when finished I might have the front aluminum, grill shell, and the trick fuel cap. I don't know how much of the steel body that can be saved.

 

48 Chevy? I see 49 Chevy in the rear fenders, but the cab and bustle seem earlier.

 

Hope you plan to get it. Check to see if that steering box is early 1950's Studebaker. Bob

 

Here's what we thought it was made of.A 1949 2 door coupe. Narrowed like crazy, also shortened. This thing is about the size of a VW, maybe smaller. Wide enough for one person. You can see in the pics that the steering wheel is as big as the windshield.

 

Someone's sure put a bunch of work into the body it has just not aged well.

 

Yeah, I thought it was cool as hell. I just couldn't see pulling the trigger on it. It would be neat with a cut down 37 ford hood and grill on it. I'm not a fan of the west coast nose.

 

I think I am going to pass on it. I have researched and studied since Saturday. I just don't think there will be enough on the original car left.
But since I have been on this site I have found a new respect for the real hot rods and work put into building these cars. Thought about buying the nose and putting it up in storage.
Thanks to everyone who replied. If anyone wants the owners contact info. just let me know.