Projects 32 5W Build - The $4K Swapmeet Body / The Old Chrome Coupe

That would be the a dream come true for me, but there is nothing in the works at this point. I would love to know how to make that happen...

 

It would be great for people outside of the HAMB world to see it.
We’ve been absolutely spoiled getting to see it get built on here.
The details and pictures have been awesome.
Thanks again to Neal for taking the time and effort to share it with us.
Very much appreciated.
Cheers.
.

 

@Royalshifter will know

 

@NealinCA
You started your build thread
In Feb 2023 , It does not Look that any one directly connected with " TRJ "
Visit or Participate here on HAMB Broad ?? One of or the Biggest
Pre 64
Hot Rod's Traditional & Kustoms's .
I would say send a Email , But for many of Us have sent several with No replies !
Good Luck to you if someone has Direct connections With TRJ TO MENTION YOUR BUILD .
Same with few others one's & also @AULIZ work & build

 

There are a number of folk who have contributed to TRJ on here, I don't know all their handles but @J.Ukrop is a**** them. I believe Steve is a member here too, I don't know the best way but someone will have a connection.

 

The fact this isn't a Featured thread is also something to be addressed.

 

One more try on the full ch***is. I bought a new tri-pod, as I was having problems focusing on the chrome...it kept coming out blurry when I was further away trying to capture the whole thing.

This one came out better


Which kinda reminds me of this...

 

featured threads are completely automated. If it’s getting a lot of traffic it’s shown as a “featured” thread

 

I'll say it came out MUCH better... About as PERFECT as it can get! Just wondering how the owner of your next photo got his hot rod back down on the ground SAFELY... If my hemi was in this ch***is, you'd need a CRANE...

 

Is the body still in bare metal, have you thought of a clear plastic one, like the 1940 Pontiac?

 

Actually if you set your camera on a tripod and take a photo of the ch***is with out the body, then set the body on and take another photo with the body on I can combine the two and make the body see threw!

 

It would be cool to drag up an angle of it in bare metal, then photo the chrome at that same angle, then over lay the color in. Tri layer cutaway.

 

Yeah I could do that easy peasy. I actually thought when I re***emble the model A for the last time setting up a camera on a tripod for photos and making a ridiculous photo cut away

 

DAMN!!!! Thats Beautiful and organized to ROLL easily up in my trailer!!!!! LOL

 

Gettin' real late - Wanted to wish everyone and their families on the HAMB a MERRY CHRISTMAS! Mike Connelly

 

Wow! That could be the cover shot for Hot Rod magazine in the '50s.

 

DAMN that is Beautiful!!!!!! Progress on the body????

 

I don’t see how you know where you’re going with all that reflection!!!! Lol!

 

Man, that thing sure sits good!!

 

I figured out that I needed to plan out door panels and arm rests before paint, as the arm rests needed threaded inserts welded into tje inner door structure.

I took a trip over to my friends place that's doing the body and paint (about 2 hours away). I mocked up some interior panels with the seat in place to figure out arm rest position.



I have had this pic saved for a while, as I really liked the trim and the arm rest.


The universal aluminum trim came from Krist Kustoms. It is pretty easy to work with and polishes nicely.



Back to the arm rests. I bought some 53-54 Chevy arm rests. The screws come in from the bottom at a 30 degree angle. I needed some threaded inserts to weld into the door at the correct angle. I know i could have just welded nuts in at an angle or something simple like that...but I like to overthink most things. I set the mill at 30 degrees, made a spot face on some 3/8 plate, then drilled at an angle.


Then tapped 10-24

And then bandsawed them into blocks


The inner door structure needed to be extended a bit for the front screw hole on the arm rests, so i made a template and cut out some 19 gauge



And welded that in place with the threaded inserts plug welded in behind


First mockup, figuring out door panel patterns with tape


And then the first mock up of the aluminum trim taped in place


And with some black and white poster board to get a better idea


I was planning to do black carpet along the bottom, but I'm kinda liking the white-black-white, so thinking about another trim strip along the bottom and white naugahide below. I know it's not as practical as black carpet, but not much on this car is practical anymore...

 

I really like your attention to every detail on your 32. I cant wait to see this finished.

 

that's the biggest understatement I've heard in along time, but man oh man is it worth it!

@NealinCA I'm loving the trim idea's, those arm rest nuts just won't give you trouble & look sooo neat, it will make you smile every time you fit one of those rests! Thanks for the updates!

 

Knocking it out of the park again! WOW!

 

Amazing!

 

Build CAR... PULL Tires OFF... DIP CAR IN CHROME TANK!!! DONE!!!!! NEAL, your work is immaculate and i envy your skills.... Continue on please....

 

Merc handles? I’ve got some in a box. What year, 1949?

 

Yes, 49-50 Merc handles. These have the square shank like 32-48 Ford. 1951 the handle looks the same, but went to splined shank.

 

The arm rest nuts are the second rendition. I made these first, only to figure out they would interfere with the window regulator arms.




The second set worked out way better anyway, plus I'm getting to use my "new" DoAll bandsaw a lot. I don't think I posted a pic of it once I repainted it and moved it into the machine shop. It's always a tight squeeze getting my forklift through my workspace. I did just realize my old 1957 Towmotor forklift will be 70 years old next year!





Moving the saw in required a giant chess game of machines, cabinets, shelves, etc. It did finally force me to clean up and organize where I ***emble steering boxes. I moved in an upgraded cabinet/work bench and then finished t******* out the wall and added a little decor.



I've gotta soak in the view of an empty workbench, as that will be short lived. Me and flat surfaces have a rocky relationship...

 

Wow!

 

Man your coupe is awesome! And you are a very talented guy! I just hope I can get my car built up right. I’ve read so many post and have gotten so many different ideals I’m afraid I’m getting off track. Anyway awesome work and a great read!