Hot Rods BENNETTS ‘Pacific-Indian Special’ ‘29 Roadster on ‘32 rails

Bit more of a play around with the dash trying to figure out how to get it sitting in the right spot, right angle, and at the right height. I’m trying to utilize the top dash rail piece to the windshield will still seal at the bottom. I’ll be scratching my head with the corners.

 

just love the colours

 

Still stumped of the dash. It sits low, and my knee are high. I want to section the top and get rid of the bulge. I’ll sleep on it and come back fresh in the morning…

 

Deeper inset to clear your knees if the fuel tank is trimmed out ?

 

Shorten up your legs.... then you don't have to raise all the equipment in your shop you sasquatch!

 

I never looked at this way! Seems easier! Hahaha

 

I’m trying to use the factory tank! If I can

 

Difficult to tell by the photos for sure, & shameful to cut that dash but there appears to be 2" or so between the bulge area & the so-called glove box area on either side of the center cluster that could be trimmed & moved up with the glove box still functional yet providing the kneeeed room ! At first glance the modification may even be unnoticed & could save a good percentage of the patina if so inclined, just a fleeting thought.

 

I actually tapped this out to see. About an 1 1/2” id get- probably worth it!

 

A lot more trimming, sectioning and hammering later I got one side done. Starting to like the profile it’s taking. Lots more to go.
Also can anyone identity the luggage rack? Dodge? thinking for making it removable to long trips. I want to fold it maybe something with a double hinge you’d see on a cabinet. But keep it too the era.

 

Just caught the sliced up dash! Fuck that rules good job!

 

Thanks Tim!

 

Saw the video on your Youtube channel. A lot of work but it looks great!

 

Nice fit on the dash panel, unique for sure !

 

Takes a real man to cut one up!

 

Definitely was and still more to go but we will get there!

 

Thank you sir

 

Hahah. Risk the brisket! Got the reward

 

Planning on getting the other side of the dash finished off and fitted. I pulled my rear end pieces out and will start that process so I can get the rear crossmember setup for clearance for the quick change. Big shout out to Pacific Quick Change too! Very excited to get this under the car.

 

Getting all the rear bits and pieces ready to setup the rear end with the QC. I want to put this together then mock up to get a gauge of heights before I modify the rear crossmember for the QC clearance. Bell ends will be painted black.

 

Time for some chassis work. Now if you have been following along you know I had to repair the rear rails- then created hammer formed pieces that add as boxing plates and tie into the rear cross member. Well now I’m running a QC so I need to remove the factory ‘32 crossmember and swap in a model a one that I’ll also be using a Model ‘T’ spring I setup. Lots more to come.

 

Laser beams! Mocked up the model a crossmember in position- will end up blending and following the flange making it look as if it were meant to be! Bit worried about height but we will figure that out.. yes it would have been easier to just remove the 32 crossmember and fit the model a one- but it’s not in the jig anymore and I spent so much time making those hammer formed boxing plates and hot riveting in that I thought I’d keep it! Let’s see how it turns out!

 

Welded and blended. I will carry the flange or ‘lip’ of the crossmember through to the frame.
I will continue to do a bit more before cutting out the lower 32 section. It’s basically a morph of model an 32. Hind sight should have just popped in a stock model a crossmember. Oh well, challenge is to make they appear ‘stock’!
Game on!

 

When I was in engineering school, one of my professors said the three steps to good engineering are make it work, make it simple, and then make it pretty. I think you have it nailed on all three steps.

 

Something along the same lines I'll need to do on my avatar at some point but for different reasons, using 1/4 elliptical rear springs but need extra travel clearance for the big gangly Ford 3/4-ton rear. As always,----- another factory looking transition on your project.

 

That crossmember looks fantastic! Good eye.

 

I like his philosophy!

 

Looking forward to see what you come up with

 

Was able to spend a few hours today roughing in the front side of the crossmember- I utilized the factory lip or flange off the 32 crossmember. I used this to blend in the radius of the crossmember. Paper template helped me connect the two pieces and weld/ blend it all in.

The back side (important side) as it’s some what visible will be tomorrows job.
Pulled the wheels down to prep for primer and paint- the V860 ones are missing the clips for the hub caps so I will need to source those if anyone knows?