Thrashing on my dads 33 truck - PICS

looks like some good progress.

 

Holy ****! That red one is bar none perfect. Absolutely awesome!!! Its nice to have one to compare and contrast with. Keep up the progress.

 

JJ,

The friend who owns the red one built it decades ago, I believe it was his very first build and it remains timeless.

I'll be thrilled if my dads build is a fraction of the red one.

A huge thanks to Ol Deuce, Rats***, Lowriders Art Gallery, jalopykid and a lurker for the tools, the parts, the help and the good natured harrasment

Thanks

 

You guys are making good progress,keep it up. When you say your changing the firewall, are you going to a 32?

 

Thats the plan so far but I'll have to do some more research. I thought I remember reading/seeing a flat firewall stamped to imitate a 32.

 

If you take out all the spot welds, pull the '33-'34 firewall out you can put a '32 back in the hole. also you could turn the fire wall 180 for a recess. 2 cent chg.

 

R,

My dad and I priced some repop steel ones, *****in, brookville,.... ouch! We both know who has the firewall "stash" but he always seems to have projects/plans for each and every one... damn hoarder!

Turning the existing firewall around sounds possible and it fits the budget better.

Your tank looks great, the fairing really makes a difference.

Thanks again for the help, my dad flew home today with a copy of Vern Tardel's how to book under one arm and a big dumb "deuce grin" on his face.

 

Are you guys running fenderless? I think if you turn the firewall around you're giving up around 7" of cab space. On my truck set up for BBC with a superchager. I only had to push my grill shell foward 4". If you're running fenders I'll shut my mouth. I just know how small these cabs are and every inch counts.

 

Mat,

Thanks for the information, I'll take whatever recommendations I can get.

My dad demands it be fendered.

Weve moved the front crossmember ahead just under an 1". I like the stock firewall but it has about 6" of interference at the kick out and valve cover.

Thanks

 

Good for you and your dad finding a way to work together. My father and I could never come to that place. In his later years we talked about restoring a Stearman airplane together but he was gone before it happened. He started his Air Force career learning how to fly in a Stearman when it the Army Air Force and flying consummed his life before retirement.
I hear you on the room available in the '32-'34 trucks, it's at a premium. the '32 firewall subs***ution is a viable altermative but ,like you said, ouch on the cost. I'll look forward to your future progress.

Frank

 

It's never too late to work on relationships.
You guys are cranking that one out pretty fast...Great build!

 

I am just asking but why not get some 18ga body steel and make your own firewall if it just going to be flat a couple of bead rolls and about 40 bucks with a few hours work and you would have the firewall you need. Am I wrong on this I fab alot of my own panels I have never had to do a firewall though is there any reason why he couldn't guys?

 

It is great that you and your dad are building a very cool truck....

 

Thanks for the comments,

russnunn,

I don't know why I never even thought of fabbing one and I'm not a checkbook builder. I have access to brakes and bead rollers and we still have a load of fitment stuff to work out but I guess I have no excuses not to Thats a far better plan considering the cheapest gl*** ones I've found are $275 and BROKEville wants $500 for steel.

At least if I make one out of steel I can fabricate a solid set of mounting feet.

Thanks again guys

 

Brokeville lines theirs with gold. Expensive but they do build nice stuff.

 

now there a cool pair of truck's Scott
your Dad's 33 is looking good
lots of good memories for both of you

 

Wow, cool build. I second making your own firewall.

 

I stopped by the shop last night and looked over the firewall templates already on hand and I decided on a plain panel with a couple of bead rolled vertical lines.

Then my friend mentioned doing a few dozen louvers for cheap... and then a hood to match....

now how the hell did that happen

 

nice looks cool

 

This truck's going to look pretty hot when it's done.

 

I hope you don't rule out modifying the stock firewall. I was looking at your pics and it shouldn't take to much to make everything fit. A friend up here modified a stock 32 firewall for his sedan so his nailhead would fit. Looks really sharp...and not store bought.

 

jk,

Nope the stock firewall is destined to be a wall hanger! I talked to my dad last night and likes the idea of a louvered firewall and a hood louvered hood to match, done deal as far as I'm concerned. If he changes his mind, by that time the truck will be in Seattle and HE can pay to have it changed out.

 

That works! Have you and your dad started planning for the next trip?

 

With the louvers on the firewall, won't you have the heat from the engine bay making it's way into the cab?

It would be cool looking, but I think you'd need a flat panel on the cab side to seal it off.

 

Dan,

2 panels, I'm thinking 20ga with 3 vertical bead rolled lines run 3/4 the way down the firewall and a couple conservative rows of louvers, with enough flat areas for a few line of pinstriping; Fastened with painted ****on heads, flange the edges of the second heavier panel, weld in set back 3/8" off the front panel with thru nuts tacked on the backside (underdash).

Thanks

 

Damn nice project. It's great to see ya working on it with your dad too!
He looks a little sad sitting in the cab with no motor yet though

 

Thanks, I owe a couple of friends that helped with parts, tools and talent.

He is only "sad" because he realized picking that fat *** Y-block as a power plant created a bunch more work. He thought there was plenty of room. Yeah for a banger motor maybe!

 

Scott, Like the mill you will be using ! That Y-Block will be a great one to have under that louvered hood. Also like the full fendered theme. Looking forward to more progress on your Dad's truck.

 

Thanks 41 Dave,

I've been reading and sorting thru information on the Y-block website, I have a lot to learn about these beasts. Not your generic SBC to have rebuilt, fewer and fewer competent builders in my area each year.

 

Been following your thread.I also am wanting to put a Yblock in my 34. I am thinking of using a wheelbarrow as a firewall recess in my firewall.Thats cheaper than buying steel and making it yourself and its already smoothly shaped.