Projects 33 Ford 5 window coupe build - 50's style

If that is your exhaust pictured next to the battery box , you are going to cook your battery unless you provide excellent insulation. Could cause a explosion / fire.
Vic

 

Working on the rear firewall -taking a lot longer than it should. Have had to take everything apart, the gas tank out, truck lid off etc. So the start up is on pause for now.

 

Thanks for your concern. The picture makes it look like the battery is closer to the exhaust than it is, but the point you make is a good one. Have put in an aluminum heat shield on the side of the battery box, and will be wrapping the exhaust pipe. Hopefully this will solve the issue, but it is definitely something I will keep an eye on as the coupe is put on the road.

 

Built some panels to close off the trunk area - used 18 gauge metal. The side panels are on the inside of the trunk braces to provide clearance for the gas tank.

 

Love the “vintage” interior! What a great score!

 

Getting ready to put the gas tank back in. Here is the base for the tank.

 

Great read, hope you are driving soon.
In 56 had a 3 w with a 32 grill.

jim

 

Thanks, Jim. Using a 32 grill on this build because that is what guys like you used back in the day. Just finished the gas tank install, tight quarters with the trunk panels but it came together. Two bolts on each side go through the floor.

 

Looks really good Steve.

 

Thanks, Ron. Working on the interior panels next, want to get the bench seat in and the doors back on. Thanks for the help with the window install on the driver's door.

 

Making the upholstery panels for the side and rear, and test fitting the bench seat.

 

Coupe is aout 98 percent finished, just working on a few minor details. Started another 34 project a few months ago, so progress on the 33 stalled. Here is a pic from today.

 

Another pic..

 

Looking good, when is the first drive?

 

BlvdBill - that coupe was the inspiration for my build. The picture you posted is a later version. That coupe was first built in Utah in the late 50's, and was flat black. As far as I know it is still around, saw it on Ebay 12- or so years ago.

Duke - got to work on the registration process and then put the coupe on the road.

 

Another angle.....

 

Reminds me of a certain gold [now black primer] 34 five window in the Omaha area..Behold...the original Olds powered Goldenrod. I took the photo at a local Wed.night cruise 2 years ago.

 

Lee at LG Speed and Custom in Victoria, B.C. reversed the 16 by 5 rear rims. Gives a bit more clearance for the tires from the quarter panels.

 

You got the wheels done. How much room did you gain Steve?

 

Only an inch, Ron, but the reversed rims look cool - after all, this is a 50's style build.

 

It’s an inch more than you had and like you say, they look great. Speaking of great, I love that B/B shear. Top line Canadian made equipment.

 

Here are more pics of the coupe in post #344, this time in flat black. I saw this pic in 2000 and it is the inspiration for my 33 coupe build. Has the same drivetrain - 53 Cadillac motor, 39 Ford trans and 40 Ford rear. My coupe retains more of the stock look, and does not have the modifications done to the other car - in the cowl area and at the rear. I believe that coupe is still around today. Anyone know anything about where it might be?

 

Isn't this the same coupe?

 

Isn't this the same coupe?[/QUOTE]

Yes, I believe that is the current version. Here is another pic of an earlier version.

 

A lot of people have commented on my use of a 32 grill on the 33 coupe - some like it and some don't. Having seen a lot of photos of channeled 33-34 Ford coupes from back in the day with deuce grills, I decided to go that route and do not regret it. Here is a photo of an example in Ontario, Canada in 1957. This coupe had a stock 32 grill - mine is sectioned four inches (it came that way from another 50's hotrod) and to me keeps things in proportion better than a stock length grill

 

This project is basically done, but they are never really finished are they? Going to run the stock 4 bbl carb on the 1953 Cadillac motor, and then switch to an Edelbrock manifold with three Holley 94 carbs. Door panels and seat come from a hot rod built in this area in the 60's - that 33 Ford coupe is still going strong and I am honoured to have acquired these interior pieces.

 

Using 1941 Ford hubcaps. Was going to put cycle fenders on but like the fenderless look better.

 

Looking good, when is the first drive?

 

Still a few things to do before I put the coupe on the road. Shameless plug here, but Dustin aka Duke has a 34 Ford coupe for sale listed here. Check it out.