Does anyone have some thoughts of doing a '36 3 window using a JB Donaldson fibergl*** body? It seems so hard to find an original and these gl*** bodies really look good to me!
I didn't even realize they were being made. I'm not a fan of fibergl*** myself, especially when there really are a lot of good steel ones out there rotting away that deserve to be saved. I couldn't really imagine driving around in a gl*** car, seems like it wouldn't have any soul.
If the price is right (whatever that is), and YOU actually want a '36 and YOU are not worried about resale....DO IT! Can YOU live with 'gl***. That's the only question. I could.
Roseville Rod and Custom did a tan 36 3 window a few years back and it was top notch and I think it was a gl*** body--beautiful car
I have been thinking the same about a '36 or '40. The original (and in the case of a '40 repro steel) steel bodies are just so expensive. But what is the total cost of 'gl*** body with a chasis, drivetrain, and simple interior, has to be well over $25K if you do it yourself and keep things simple (ie no 800 HP engine). A truly rust free garage fresh last on the road in 1977 '40 was on the auction site and went for $22K and still needed a full re-do or at least a $4-5,000 minimum to get it road worthy. A $5-10,000 rusty one could take years to fix in your spare time. Gl*** looks good if done right and is rust free to start with, all new no surprises. I cant make my mind up either. But I still want a original one. Im gonna keeep saving my pennies for Henry steel.
I would have no problems using a J B donaldson body . A lot of guys don't like fibergl*** bodies , but at least it makes access to rodding more affordable, most rodders don't have $25 to $30k to spend on a steel body. I'm based in Australia 95 % of all new street rods being built over here are gl*** , resale on these cars has been good if the car is a quality build. Cheers
While fibergl*** is not my first choice for a car I couldn't find a steel 36 so gl*** had to do, my 36 is a Fairlane body and after 20 or more years it still looks good[
Street Rodder used a J B Donaldson body for the road tour car about 3 or 4 years ago. They put out a book too, featuring the Donaldson body on a TCI ch***is. ("How to build a 1935-40 Ford Street Rod.") Turned out nice. Big budget and pro builders. You would still have a lot of parts to source out but you would end up with a nice car. '36's are just cool!
Im into real Henry steel, but you go with what you can afford, im betting a gl*** body almost ready to paint is going to be a hell of a lot cheaper in the long run than an old body thats going to take a heap of work. Go with what you feel is right, after all its not us guys on here that are building this car.
I would think that buying a stock Henry would end be the cheaper option.Buying the fi-gl*** body is just the initial outlay, it's all the other parts that add up....buying a complete car gives you almost everything in one go and you know they fit.The JB car bodies are nice but I see quite a few 36/5 3 window coupes coming up for sale over there at not bad money....Id save up and deal on a real one if Iwere you.
This from an earlier HAMB post / thread: http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=183098 Maybe going to Mexico would be the place to find your '36 3 window... Better yet, make the illegals drag a good one with them as an "entry fee".
As others have said you would still need quite a few small and not so small parts to complete a fibergl*** car, like a grille for instance. Everything adds up, time and money. Market demand and resale value would absolutely be lower on a gl*** car. Make yourself happy the first time.
I would much rather spend the money and time on a steel car than a fibergl*** car. Look in the cl***ifieds for yourself and see if a gl*** car brings the same $$ as a steel car when you need to sell it.
http://www.jbdonaldsonco.com/jb3windowcoupe.html JB is a friend of mine. Also Jim, the sales lead is a very good friend of mine. These guys are incredibly decent fellows. Donaldson is a bit of a nut for fibergl***, so all prejudice aside for the materials used, the quality is very high and well done. I was considering buying one of his 36 roadsters until I found my coupe body. Both of those guys are hot rodders, they get it. They also understand that the original stuff is getting harder to find and also a better investment than Gold.
If resale of gl*** cars are that much less get a finished one that suits your tastes. On the other hand patience can bring a worthwhile project your way. Just believe!!!! As if that makes it easier. If you build with the gl*** body, you will never have to worry about rust or dents. Besides, when in motion 100% of the public will think it is steel. 2% will judge you when they find out it's not. Forget them. But, when you do find a steel one to work with. Think of the joy it will bring. Worth the wait for me. Good luck.
As has been said buying a complete steel car is the way to go if you can. It will cost more upfront but you wont have to try to source every last doo-dad for the build. I bought a body only and it took me many years to get it on the road as I had to build it piece by piece. You will save time and money if you have most everything you need in one package.
MAD 034 X2. I did a gl*** Downs 32 Ford Vicky once with a TCI ch***is. Both were junk in my estimation. The car was a featured car in Streetrodder magazine once so it was fairly decent. The happiest day in my life was the day I sold it. Gl*** may be cheaper initially but as previously posted it takes a lot of cash to buy all the pieces you need to finish one. The real big hit you take is when you go to sell it. I see steel 36 five windows for sale quite often. I'd bite the bullet and buy one before I'd go gl***. Just my opinion.
I found mine 3 years ago with a want ad in The Early Ford V8 club magazine. Older restoration from Calif for a very fair price.
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