Projects 32 5W Build - The $4K Swapmeet Body

Little touches like this are phenomenal. Really set the car apart.

 

I mocked up a 37 Ford Woody bumper that I picked up at Turlock swapmeet.


I have a strip of black tape across the bottom, as I think the bumper needs to be trimmed off to give it a slimmer look, similar to where I was headed with the 40 bumpers.

 

I hit some milestones with the new steering box project.

I assembled the 100th new steering box:



And finally got somewhere with the new sector shaft forgings




In that we finally have a fully machined and dimensionally correct sector shaft




Now to machine a small batch and send them off to heat treat. This is what helps to keep the 5w project progressing.

 

Dang! Color me impressed! Wish I had just a small amount of your talent.

Dave

 

Right? Damn impressive all around.

 

VERY Impressive! Proof that we can still build stuff in the USA. Bob

 

The bumper fits perfectly. It might even be fine untrimmed.

 

I agree. Though the trim is going to be just one of a million little details that will set this car apart.

 

Not me, the bumper needs shortened. Good design, just to long.

 

I'm with you on this. I'll keep fussing with it until it's "right"

 

Normally my response would be to hang it on your shop wall…but in LA traffic, a bumper might be a good idea!

 

I wanted a chrome 40 Ford horn button, so here is what I came up with. A 2-1/2" freeze plug, with some grooves cut on .060" centers to mimic an original plastic horn button. I will send it off for plating, then epoxy it to the cut down plastic horn button.

 

I've taken a liking to the ribbed horn button & steering wheel & I'm sure your quite aware the dash knobs, window cranks & door handles are out there with the similar design if you so choose, toss in the 32 bumpers & you've come full circle.

 

That's AWESOME, Neal.

 

I’m sure you’ve thought all the other interior accoutrements through as well. Do you have a set of those flippy-knobbed Chrysler handles? That would be my pick.

 

I'm doing an eclectic mix of 49-57 Ford/Mercury parts. 49 Mercury door handles and window cranks. 49-51 Ford pedal pads, gas pedal and inside rear view mirror. 55-57 Thunderbird ignition switch, headlight switch and cigar lighter.

 

I love the horn button.
Have you considered producing more than one?

 

Dude, you're sick. But in a good way.

 

Your creativity is amazing!
Who looks at a freeze plug and see’s a beautiful horn button!
Way to think outside the box.

 

I agree, it does look great...but if you have access to a lathe, why start with a freeze plug versus a hunk of aluminum rod stock or plastic?

 

Because it was already the right size and shape, cost $2, and I spent 10 minutes machining the rings. Plus, it's steel, so it will chrome plate easily, which was the whole goal of this project...a chrome 40 Ford horn button.

I'll try harder next time.

 

I think it's perfect!

 

hahha I was going to say... why reinvent the wheel if the freeze plug gets you 90% of the way there.

 

Ha! I’ll take one.

 

Some guys look at a hunk of material and see an afternoon’s work. Some guys look at a freeze plug and see a horn button.

 

I can't wait to watch this interior come together. Already looking incredible.

 

Love that “horn” button

 

I am also working on getting the engine buttoned up, but I had valve interference issues with the Potvin 3/8 cam and Edelbrock heads. I worked up a fixture to bolt the heads to on the mill. Hope to get them cut this weekend

 

Jeez, tough crowd...
A lot of platers won't put anything into their tanks that has/had galvanize or zinc on it (like freeze plugs). Those contaminate the tanks which yields bad plating results.
I turn my knobs and such from aluminum or stainless, then polish them with 3M mirror paste. Chrome plating has gotten cost prohibitive around here (northeast) and it's poor quality...your $2 freeze plug could end up being a $50 chrome horn button in the end.

 

Drop that horn button in some muriatic acid for a minute or two and the zinc will be gone.