I have been researching the alternative to wood frame bodies, in my case a 1928 Chevy sedan that may end up as a hot rod. Many articles discussing the subject here and other websites, describe using different methods of using steel (tubing, custom contoured sheet metal). The question I have is could fibergl*** or carbon fiber be a viable method of building a fairly rigid body frame, with strategically placed metal tabs for body metal attachments? The body I have, on initial inspection, has good wood in the frame. And the pieces could be used to make molds from. Just looking for input and discussion about the idea.
Interesting thought, and if you're good with the smelly stuff I ***ume it can be done but to me it's at least (if not more) involved as building a steel frame.
Why not keep the wood? I’m going to great lengths to give my speedster the look of wooden frame rails like the original builder did with his recreation. I have to use a steel frame that I had bent up as C channel due to the weight of the V8 Ford flathead. I have several aged oak beams that will be fitted into the steel rails to give the look of a wooden frame on the outside.
Wood frame? sorta like the Flintstones? Get rid of 95 % of the wood if you can, the squeaking will drive ya nuts .
I’m not against keeping the wood skeleton for the body if it is solid. Just looking at options to wood. Concerned about twisting and cracking when going with a more modern engine (other questions to follow about that). I don’t have access to a fully set up welding shop, and was pondering on alternatives to wood. My stock of good wood is oak that was cut and cured in the mid ‘60s. And as I would like to build the 2-door into a ‘60s style hot rod, would like to have more stability in the body. The other car, a 1928 4-door sedan, has a new wood kit and is complete parts wise. So it will go back to a stock restoration.
I came across this kids’ channel at about the same time I started on my speedster build. I was just amazed at his skills, but nothing too fancy as far as equipment. Just mostly determination. If one puts their mind to it, anything is possible.
That is a thought. I read on the AACA website about an epoxy called ‘Kwikpoly’, but doesn’t seem available any longer. Appears to be a soak-in wood hardener. Don’t know about the product stiffening the joints in the wood. As far as covering the wood, once the body is in the shop can determine if there is any spacing between the sheet metal and wood to accept layers of gl***, especially on the joints. Plus, need to pick which project to start with. First, the Impala I’ve owned since 1983. Needs a transmission rebuild and want to upgrade the brakes with new lines and master cylinder. The 1928 Chevy sedan destined for an original restoration. The 1928 Chevy, still under tarps and the one being discussed in this thread. Possibly powered with a spare 348 I’ve got in the shop.
So the car above followed me home today. Found out that the wood skeleton is new, mainly oak except for the roof bows. This is the first of two ‘28s I am getting. The 4-door is going on the 2-door frame because of the original completeness of the undercarriage. The second frame is almost complete, except someone in the past removed the rear end by cutting the rear shackles, and the front spring mounts were cut. Frame is OK. So this is the frame (not pictured) destined for the hot rod. Question is what newer rear would have the right width for a ‘28 Chevy, and could handle up to 250 hp? The body for the hot rod project (the ch***is is going to the original restoration project):
The Jalopy Journal
