I recently got some cash flow from selling a project and am looking to buy an old t bucket or roadter. I came across some decent deals on some cars with fibergl*** bodies. Whats the deal? Is it lame? Is it worth it? Do they ****? Positives? Negatives? Should I hold out for steel? I was thinking if I could score a descent car cheap with fibergl*** I could keep drive it and keep an eye out for a steel replacement. Would a swap like that be tough?
Not everyone can find steel or have the money. Although gl*** is damn high too. If you get gl*** you will ALWAYS be reminded of how uncool it is. **** em. Don't try to hide it though and if you get something made of gl*** I wouldn't go through the trouble of replacing it with steel later. Just drive it, enjoy it. Steel is always gonna be cooler.
Gl*** 27 Ts are cheap and simple. I had planned to build a rod based on a Speedway 27 roadster body to drive and replace later with steel. Then I found some steel, and ditched that plan. Look on ebay and here in the cl***ifieds, steel is still out there, esp truck cabs, their cheap. Got my cab for $75 delivered! Once you get started you'll be hooked. I'm collecting parts left and right. Can't wait to start buildin'!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VINTAGE-1942-FORD-PICKUP-TRUCK-RAT-ROD-PROJECT_W0QQitemZ120026439153QQihZ002QQcategoryZ6221QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1952-International-Pickup-Rat-Rod-NHRA-Pickup-Harvestor_W0QQitemZ290025084924QQihZ019QQcategoryZ31846QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem I think this guy is a H.A.M.B.er http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/35-chevy-pickup-project-rat-rod-hot-rod-g***er-hamb_W0QQitemZ170025481883QQihZ007QQcategoryZ5348QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
There are lots of HAMB guys with gl*** cars that are bad as hell, if it's afforable and you like it and want to have some fun with dont worry about what other people think. Because you know what, the people that say something are the people that don't even have a car but want to tell you what is cool and what is not. Just make sure what ever you get it has a Gennie Shifter
i have a gl*** 32 and every one asks is it steel,,,,,,,,,,,,,i tell em if you cant tell and need to ask does it matter..............i would rather have a solid new gl*** car than a peiced together bondo rust bucket now for every one who is going to jump on my case yes a solid steel 32 would be sweet but too much money and if ya have to ask??????????????/
For a gl*** car, youll have gound wire issues, and youll have to watch for stress cracks everywhere it bolts together. For a Steel car, well.......... Rust, Rust, Rust. They stress crack too, just not as likely. Like the others said, it doesnt matter as long as your happy and its safe. Buy your dream car/project, dont settle for something you wont be happy with. Also, I would really buy a car just to sell unless you get a really good deal. Youll end only getting 75% of what you put in a car out if you sell it (and your not a pro builder) + enjoyment of the car. So really, get what you want, build it safe.
Not all gl*** cars are the same. A high quality gl*** body will cost about the same as most steel bodies. '32's may be the exception. I gave 15,000 for my gl*** sedan body before any custom work was done on it. The best bodies use aircraft grade resin and are not cheap. For a good primer on gl*** bodies go to www.redneckstreetrods.com and look at their site. They produce the best gl*** bodies on the market. I was once talking to the owner of Street Rods By Michael (Michael), and he told me that he had two gl*** '32 bodies in his shop that were both ready for paint. The non Redneck body took "3 gallons of bondo". The Redneck body took "one cup" for the whole car. They do a demonstation at shows where they jump up and down on the roof and fenders, and swing on the doors, with no damage to the car. You can't do that with steel. I personally have no hangups about a gl*** car, although I do prefer steel. I say just build what you like. Doc.
I don't know how many times I have been ask if my roadster is a kit car? is it gl***? is it steel? even is it a dune buggy Like everybody has said,,if your happy thats all that matters,,,, BTW,,,it's not a kit,,it is gl***,,,it would be nice if it was steel and HELL NO it ain't a dune buggy! HRP
Opinions are like ***holes, buy what you can afford and like. Only you have to be happy with it. Steel guys here "is it a kit" gl*** guys here "is it real". My opinion.....if i can hear it rust i aint interested..........but thats only my opinion.....and who the **** cares about that. Just have fun and keep it real.
The 'gl*** vs. steel wars have been going on forever, and my thinking is: who cares? I've seen people bragging over a ****-ugly steel car that I wouldn't be seen dead in. By the same token, how many checkbook rodders have we seen that get all warm and fuzzy over Minotti-bodied or Rat's Gl*** cars as if they did the bodywork themselves? Build a car with the right stance, the right look and drive it and nobody will care what the body's made of and neither should you. Buy what you can afford, be it original, repro steel or 'gl*** and have fun.
if you have money type in....1929 ford model a roadster kit look!! its the whole damn thing for....2 GRAND buy it now!!! holy chit!!!!hurry HAMBERS!!!
Every fibergl*** body i seen needs extra frame work and they are often ****py for the money meaning theres tons of body work to be done on the like pin holes waves and rough edges. and usually the gel coating cracks and peels. This is just from what ive seen. for 6k I`d expect a really good body not a wavy turd.
My first modified was a Zipper body.I am verry inpressed with there qualty,not cheep but well worth the money. www.zippermotors.com I am no a 6 mo. wating list for another Zipper body,should have it by the first of the year. #1 was a 292 L-6 with a P.G. and 8" Ford #2 will have a 454/turbo 400 and 9" Ford. Fred
The Jalopy Journal
