Projects NOT THE TYPICAL '30 ROADSTER BUILD

That is exactly the same issue mine has. The degree of the mitter is off. Even with the insert brackets off and just mocking up the corners, there is a large gap on the inside of the mitter. The upper bar also has slight upper bow that I am doesn't help.

I am going to adjust those brackets and see it I can get them to line up a bit better.

 

I had to twist the angle brackets to get the miters to align. I just used a vise and an adjustable wrench to do the twisting. I spend over an hour tweaking them once I figured out the problem.

 

Thank you for sharing. I can see how that will help it.

 

Spent the weekend color sanding the doors and putting them together. Figuring out where the bumper stops, how the dove tail pieces and body sockets go together.

The upper and lower number stops were easy. They fit right in
Original latches worked nicely, so after blasting, a cot of paint and some oiling, they work great.




The bottom rubber seal went in without much of a fight. The tool I used to straighten the channel worked like a charm. I am glad I addressed the channel before painting. Just need to trim it to size in a few days.



The dove tail pieces were a *****!!! A lot back and forth and t******* od the rubber pieces until every went in as it should.



After a final wiped down. A lot of dust and dried up color sanding water in pictures above....the doors are ready to go and be installed onto the body

 

Added some of the bling bling.
Original to the car and restored cowl band.



These clips were a PITA to get on but they really help holding the band in place at the corners

 

Looks great! You have to be getting excited to see it coming together!

 

I sure am. Every step forward feels like a great accomplishment I never though I was going to reach.

 

Windshield time!
I received the gl*** from Sanders Reproduction Gl*** and couldn't be happier. Not only the price was great but their quality was top notch.
I had them do the windshield and the rear gl***. 1/4" laminated for the front and 1/4" tempered for the rear, and all for less than $300 including shipping. and insurance
I sent them a template for the windshield and it worked well.



I aligned the top corners as best as possible by adjusting the brackets. Not perfect but much better.
I am using a top so finding the placement of the snaps for the top was important to me.

It was hard to find accurate info. The best I was able to find and for those in need of it.
From left corner towards the right, looking from the outside of the car

Snap # 1, 1-3/8"
Snap # 2, 11-3/8"
Snap # 3, 22-3/8"
Snap # 4, 31-3/8"
Snap # 5, 33-3/8"
Snap # 6, 43-3/8"

Snap #5 and #6 are for the windshield wiper. I will be using the original vacuum motor and cutting the wiper arm to fit.

For the finger pulls at the bottom, the measurement I found was 11" from each corner.

For setting tape, I used the cork/rubber based with canvas backing. Looks very close to what they used originally and it is much easier to work with than the rubber type. These guys were quick to ship and great customer service too.
I used 1/16" thickness

https://www.restorationspecialties....**-Setting-Tape-Sold-By-The-Foot_p_36892.html



To bond the rubber seal corners, I am using Black Shoe goo. I chose not to miter the corners but instead do them at 90 degrees. I felt the corner looks better this way, since the bottom and side seals are not the same thickness



Once I left the seal seat overnight for the rubber to expand/contract then I cut the rubber seal to the desired length and applied the shoes goo to the edges. I taped both sides seal with clear tape and leaving sit overnight.
Tomorrow I will trim off the excess seal and should be done.


I learned that if you wet the tip of your finger you can shape the shoe goo with the finger and the glue won't stick to it. It works almost like play-doh.



I had Sander Reproduction Gl*** add the correct windshield bug for the '30 Model A to the corner of the windshield.
Yeap! I want it to look as stock as possible but chopped and leaned

 

Is Sander Reproduction Gl*** a local shop in your area or do they ship? I had the hardest time finding someone to cut a Deluxe 30-31 Roadster gl*** for me. Finally talked a local gl*** shop into it and it is okay, but definitely not correct

 

Here is their website.
They have the correct templates for Model As and their packaging for shipping was outstanding. I am in CA and they are in WA so that gl*** traveled a long distance.

https://www.sandersreprogl***.com

 

I didn't realized how dusty my roadster is until I took these pictures....The sun makes it look even worst...Better get washing this weekend.
Windshield is mounted and looking good



The upper corners improved some. The p***enger side better than the driver side. I might do a bit more adjusting to the driver side bracket



The leaned windshield looks good...



Before t******* the bottom corners I measured twice!



Corners still seal well and don't stick out too bad.



I am going to do some final t******* to the corners after the seal settles down and this task is done!

 

Looking good!

 

Spent sometime this weekend making the final fitment of the grill shell...color sanding it, and getting it all put together.





I realized I never cut down the grill trim, so out came out the cutting wheel again.



I have to say, I am very please with the way it came out. I still have to install the lacing but it sure completes the look of the roadster right.
The grill shell is made by Brookville and the grill insert is an old Vintique insert. Fitment is better than others that I've seen out there but not as nice as an original is.
The bezel is a new Vintique reproduction and fitment was terrible. It sat a good 1/4" too high on the grill. I shaved the front tip, a lot, just for it to sit flush.



I have a quail and a greyhound ornament., both reproductions I am still deciding which one to run.
I think, for now, I like the way that the quail looks.
Decided for the red Ford emblem to pick up the red on the wheels.



Got to color sand the headlights still so I can put it the whole front together. Looking forward to that.

On another note, I ordered the leather from Relicate and it should be here soon.
My dad wants to handle all of the upholstery, so we are now ready for the next journey in this project.

 

Let there be leather!! It smells sooo good!



As I take the picture, my pops and I are cracking up wondering if we can turn this into a seat and door panels....better yet, useful seat and useful door panels
My wife says we better because we cannot use it as a rug., it is too big. Little does she knows how much this rug costs...
My younger daughter says we can always make curtains out of it or dresses for her dolls.
My older daughter reminds us all that our dog is no longer with us to make him a pillow out of it.

Got to love the confidence we all have going into this...

Anybody with a deluxe roadster out there that can measure the width of the pleats in the seat?
18 pleats, ***uming 2" -2.25"?

 

1st test for tuck and roll. One pleat is 2-1/4" and the other is 2-1/2". The other pleats are just there to practice making the pockets and getting the sizing right.
Most likely I will do 2-1/4" pleats.
Practicing stuffing the cotton and finding the right amount of cotton to use....
Currently using 2 thin sticks of melamine to sandwich 2 layers of cotton and feeding it inside the pocket. I am still not happy with the amount of cotton as I think it needs more to look fuller.
I am using 2 layers of 2-1/2", each layer, but i think it needs one more layer....maybe a 1-1/2" layer sandwiched between the other 2 other layers...



Getting the right size for the pleats, crown, seam allowance has been a learning curve to say the least. Adjusting the tension, speed, and sticth size is good and ready to go.

Need a beer or 2, or 3...time to take a break!

 

My dad is at it...so far, so good! Long way to go but super happy, thus far.
He is enjoying s***ching up the interior. I can see that he is doing it with a ton love.
Never say never, but this roadster is not leaving my family.

All the measurements we took were worth it. I will post those measurements, later on, in case someone wants to follow them and not to figure them out.



In the meantime, got the lights color sanded and polished. Need to go to the hardware store and get some stainless steel bots, washer and nuts so I can get them on.



I didn't want to replace the original tags so a little bit of elbow grease is all I did



I really like this fog light. There is something about that yellow gl*** that makes it very cool.
I think is going to look cool light up at night.



Once I get the hardware that I need I will be able to install them and get the grill and front finalized.

 

Looking great!!! I love that you and your Dad are working on this car. It makes your build even more special. Great do***entation that will help many others for years to come.

Can't wait to see the finished project.

Brian

 

This is coming out very nice! Still watching this one!

 

Thank you Brian! How's the AV8 coming along?

 

Thank you. It means a lot!
Stay tuned, more to come!

 

The AV8 is coming along nicely. I'm about to pull the body off for the last time for painting of components. Then wiring, brakes and everything else. I need to update my thread.

Can't wait to see your car on the road!!

Brian

 

I can't wait to see this finished, such a great thread. Lots of inspiration!

 

That pleating is looking great!

 

Thank you all!!!
Super excited to see the interior coming together!

Used some of the larger left over pieces to make new shifter and hand brake boots.
A lot easier to pattern and s***ch following up the existing pieces. The black ones are the original Lokar boots.

 

Well, we are half way done with the bench seat, and I have to say it looks damn good! I think my pops is doing an amazing job! Super comfortable too.
Love the distressed look, the warm tones, how well it complements the body color, but most important, it is my dad's work! The fact that he is doing it for me, and giving it his best.

I am doing the measuring, laying out the cuts, and marking every panel to be sewn up...but this...is all him.
I am so glad I took on this build. What a great journey it has been.

 

I have the same directional unit you have in my roadster. I was told it was made for tractors.

 

I heard same thing, tractors and buses. It looks good, I am glad I was able to wire it correctly.

 

My understanding is you do not get a left or right flashing on the controller. Both lamps flash together.

 

You are correct, you don't get left or right, the controller has "Front" and "Rear"
I wired mine so the Front is left and Rear is right. They flash individually only when that side is on.

 

Love how the upholstery is turning out. Looks really good!! Thanks for keeping us updated. I enjoy seeing your progress.

Brian