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

Yeah...for sure. I am planning out the upholstery and just got a quote on that. Yee haw!

 

Here's some reference pics for your viewing pleasure. You can get an idea where I'm headed...

 

Chrome instrument panel on painted dash will look great.
I agree chroming the dash is over the top and will not allow the chrome instrument cluster to pop off the dash.

 

That's exactly my thought.

 

can't wait for the the trim

 

I hope you plan on getting the appropriate 'zebra' shirt to go with your interior when you debut this car!

 

You may remember I made some simple jack stand points out of 1" square tube that bolt under the back of the running board, picking up the last 2 frame mounting holes.



If you've ever worked on a full fendered 32 Ford, you know it's difficult to get jack stands under the rear frame if you need to pull the rear end.



I wanted to make something fancier for the 5W, so I could have them plated. I figured out the center section of a Model T front axle had just enough straight I beam to make 2. I sawed, milled and drilled then did some grinding and think I now have something worthy of sending to the chrome shop...and they are made from old Ford parts!



And my frame is back from powder coat.



The plan is to dry sand it, fill any imperfections, spot prime, sand, seal then paint both the lavender and dark purple outside portions and then clear the whole shebang. My friend doing the body and paint felt that the powder coat would get in around the K-member legs and other tight spots better than he could do with paint.

 

Love the jack points you made. On my coupe, I did the exact same treatment to the frame. Way easier to keep clean, and it holds up to rock chips.

 

I'm sure the show circuit vehicles can benefit from the powder coat treatment but have heard from several owners that drive to various events have found it chips & creates a starting point for corrosion & peeling much like any painted surface, there may be various quality levels of coatings most are unfamiliar with, however looking at farm implement & lawn furniture that utilize similar coating systems it appears they are far from ideal in the real world.

 

Not all powder coat jobs are the same. Just like with any coating, paint, chrome or powder coat, proper surface prep and the correct product for the application make a difference. There are corrosion inhibitive powder coat primers and UV resistant top coats. I have some vintage steel lawn chairs that I had powder coated 10 years ago. They still look great.

 

Thanks Neal, I had often wondered about the level of quality powder coatings available, it would seem the newly manufactured goods are in the best world for getting good clean surface prep & procedures but then we have little clue as to the finish provided.

 

You could continue with the axle parentage and put some lightening holes in those too…

 

Gathering up components to rewire the 5w. I did kind of a quickie job to get the car to the Roc and GNRS 18 months ago.



I am practicing cable lacing, as I want to go that route up under the dash and some of the engine compartment wiring.

 

One Half Hitch over and over and over...... But man it looks great. Worth every hour.

 

The wiring is going to look so nice with that extra touch.

 

Did that on a 29 I built awhile back i built.came out nice.nevermind the temp zip ties

 

This build is just killer................so good

 

It's the obvious AND subtle details that will set Neal's 5 window apart from most hot rods...

 

Any chance you will make the Roc this year?

 

@NealinCA, I think we need a tech thread on how to string-tie like that. love it.

 

I sure hope so. That is the plan, but there are a lot of factors out of my control (paint, striping, upholstery, gl***, chrome) from here on out.

 

I recall seeing the cable tie method on video here on the Hamb or elsewhere, hopefully someone will know

 

I started with what @Ryan had written here:

https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/the-lost-art-of-lacing-cable.1269693/

And continued down the rabbit hole from there...

I bought a roll of Breyden 103-2 black lacing cord

https://www.breydenproducts.com/shop/aerospace-lacing-tapes/103-2-microcrystalline-wax

Watched some videos and gave it a try.

 

If you really want to lace the wiring harness in accordance with government standards, several publications are available including SAE AS50881 - Standard for military aircraft wiring design and installation. I have a copy, but unable to locate it presently. It is just a pamphlet but it gives you very detailed information. With all the QUALITY work that has gone into this car it deserves the best.
Tom

 

With all the chrome work on this car, a fella would think Neal actually has a military grade budget. Adding another layer to the wiring shouldn’t break the bank.

 

Makes you wonder if there is non-conductive chrome thread!

 

I found this 40 dash at a swap meet is was perfect for the car .it was just another back 40 but I would say its the black 40 with the chrome dash . the guy I got my 32 5 window had some extra parts for sale but also had a chrome dash which was the only thing he would not sell

 

Wait a minute...Neal definitely does not have a military grade budget! I am building this car on as tight of a budget as I can...and still build a legit looking late 50's show car with all the bells and whistles. Part of the reason I'm 8 years in on it so far.