I am working on a 48 coupe and I am looking into shaving the front and rear bumpers. Are there kits available with filler panels or am I looking at having to fabricate them? Any help would be great. Thanks
I'm not familiar with how the 48 coupe looks behind the gravel & splash pan so maybe put up a picture so we can help a little better. I'm sure if it were just "holes" you would just fab up some small pieces to weld them in, but I imagine by saying "filler" you're asking for maybe a rolled tailpan and front pan? I know it isn't the same year and this is a tudor but something like this?
ZomBrian, Those are right along the lines i'm looking to do. Ive just seen so many of them I thought someone was manufacturing them somewhere. Joe
They may be. The back looks like it could just take some little squares or what have you, but this front shot... ...looks like you could just "mold" the splash/gravel pan to the fenders and for the front use some pipe/tubing large enough (diameter-wise) cut in half* and welded to the front. You know what I mean? *cut in half length wise, making two halves of a circle. If the material used (pipe/tube) is too thick, use the pipe as a form** to shape it. **form meant as to take the sheet metal and bend it over the pipe/tube leaving you with the pipe/tube "shape" but in sheetmetal thickness.
The pipe idea would work, I can see that. The rear would be tougher but if I can find no manufacturer, I'll make one out of patches. I just could not figure out how to roll it with both the roll and the arch out of one piece. either I dont have the right tools...or skills, story of my life
Just use the concept. Somewhere might have an entire rear pan or someone may know of something else. As for equipment, check this thread out: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=235784&highlight=homemade+tools You could PM HAMBer 4t64rd and ask what he did/used if it could help you. Here is a shot from his album. He may have a solution to the front as well.
The rear is came on the car that way when I bought it, looks like it was made out of 22g-24g steel and beaten into rough shape with a rock, and frosted with bondo. When I start the bodywork, I have a short EMS piece, and I'll extend it down past where the splash apron was using something... probably the roof off a 90's jellybean shaped car. ugh... The front is a fibergl*** "chin" from Fairlane that fills in between the front fenders. I took a pieces from and 80's Lincoln Town car, and used it to make the "floor" of the grill area.
Do you really want a "kit car" anyway? A car composed of aftermarket kits is exactly that and it will look like that too.... a kit car.
It's not hard, it's just new to you. The tools? There are fellows on here who have shown how to do metal finishing with things left on the side of the road, so what I would do is scope out some of the metalworking threads, maybe a couple social groups, and see what's what. It sounds like you have the desire, and besides, who wants to pay for something you can accomplish with your own two hands? Have at it!
Thanks 4t64rd, Those are good ideas on the front and Ill start searching junk yards for a combination that will work from other makes. I'll also start searching the front yard for an appropriate rock. Just kidding, but I get the point and will plan on hammering something out. As for the kit car commenter, All I hear on this board is people buying front end, suspension and brake kits. A filler panel kit does not seem to me to be too much prefabrication... but who am I, just an idiot with a wrench and a dream.
It's whatever you decide Joe. I think what Tommy is trying to say is you would have a lot more gratification doing it yourself, like a Rubic's Cube...everyone had one, you either figured it out or peeled off all the stickers and made it looks like you did. I like the bumpers. Here is Rik's page for some more inspiration: http://public.fotki.com/Rikster/11_...like/ford_custom_cars/46-48_ford_custom_cars/
I agree and will do it myself. Ifound a couple of tech threads that have done it and it would seam easy enough, though time consuming. But I'm really doing this to consume time anyway when it gets right down to it. Joe
for the rear of a 47/48 ford you can use the 41-46 ford full tailpan ems part number 8 it will give the full roll pan look and weld into the factory location with out modification to any other part call bob at ems of you need more help
I hear the same thing too and it bugs me some. That's why I spoke up. The guys that I emulated in the 50s had no kits or 800 numbers to use. They learned along the way with help from the older guys. I used my share of disc brake kits back in the 70s which were just bolt on brackets. There is a hell of a lot of information to learn on the HAMB. Much more than an 800 number. It's a mental thing. Do I want to find out how to build my own car or do I want to ***emble a kit. Hagan makes a "kit " to french head lights. Do a search and see what most of the HAMB thinks about them. You can pick them out from across a football field. I'm really not trying to be critical. Just trying to get you to think like a hotrodder.
Ya Tommy, I understand. At first I though you were being snarky, but on reflection it does make perfect sense. So does the other side. With regards to brakes and such that have such a bearing on the overall safety and operation, I can understand using a kit that is proven and reliable, but with regards to looks... well... If my car isint uniquely me... I should have just gone and bought one completed already. Thanks for the input. Sorry for my snarky reply. Joe
ZOMBRIAN YOU GOT CL*** , like the way you are helping the kid. Thats what makes the HAMB great . THANXZ.
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