This is my first real posting to the site by a FNG. I have been sitting back trying to absorb like a sponge as much as I can. After reading the posts and tech articles,I could only hope to learn half as much as most of you guys have forgotten. I am amazed at the talent that is on this site. With that being said this is my first "real" build. My first project was a 29 Ford RPU that started with a fiberglass body. I learned alot and got to work on it with my Dad. My family grew up in the back of a street rod. Rod runs were our family vacations, so for the experience I wouldn't change it. As for the fiberglass body,for me it had no soul. It was a pre-HAMB build. Had i know about the site and tech articles, I would have searched harder for a steel body, and probally would have come out cheaper.Blame it on inexperience. But you live and you learn, and I respect the craftsmanship of a well put together fiberglass ride. The move to a sedan was brought on by a growing family. I decided to go with a hiboy style and unchopped to maximize the needed room to haul to little ones around.There is something soulful about grinding and welding on 70+ year old metal. I wouldn't change it for the world.I am learning how to post. The roof is out of a Ford astrovan that I turned around. The dsh is out of a 29 Chevy. I had to weld some top corners on it to get it to flow better. I am running a SBC, 350 tranny and a jag rear ( before you insult me the rear end was free). I plan to finish it out in Hot Rod Flatz olive brown, with a black tuck and roll interior.I want to thank flamedabone for all the help. This guy is one of a kind, and I feel fortunate to be able to pick his brain for guidence. For this project I hope to be on the road by end of Feb., after all, all I lack is finishing it up.
That looks like a fantastic start, I think a lot of us are here to learn as much as we as you said, I know I am.I think that the brown paint is a nice idea.Keep up with the updates. Nick.
I wish I could have come to the HAMB with an introductory post like this. You know how to make an entrance. Nice. Welcome.
Looks great! I really like your body style choice, and the dash! I totally agree about all the great help to be found here....I'm building my first "real" build too (also a '29, but a coupe), and I couldn't do it without the HAMB! -Corey
whats the deal is with the body in the first pic ? same car ? was it some sort of display in a surf -skate shop ? just curious ?
i'm curious as well as to the history of the car. looks like there are some recognizable logos on there.
I got the body out of New Jersey from another hamber. From what I had been told it came out of a surf shop that had it inside. It had a ton of cool 80's surf/skate logos and slang on it that would have come from the Z'Boys. I took a ton of pictures before sanding it down. There were some pretty good art work on it. I toyed with the idea of keeping it for a while since I do surf and it is different but, I am looking to make this my daily driver, and in order to do so it needed a good bit of work (patch panels, roof insert, etc) since I still have to haul to kids around.A good portion of it would have to come off to weld in the patch panels. Thanks for all the input.
great looking car...I like the rear nerf-push bar....Do you have any pictures of the frame ??? if you do put a couple of them up ......I would like to see it.....
Congrats on your project! You've got a nice build going on there. I really like the idea of olive brown for the finished look. As mentioned above, keep posting update pics.
Here are some more pictures. The chassis is a 29 model A. I am running a 5" tube drop axle up front, and a early 80's model jag independent rear. I changed my original front shock set up to one out of Speedway. The first setup had all homemade shock mounts. Functional but not pretty. I lost all my original pictures from the original build, and apologize for these crappy few off of a cell phone.
Here are some updated pics. Firewall is almost done. I mounted the taillights on custom mounts. Thanks to 29 sedanman for the idea.
Good job, looks really good. (I especially like the little blonde helper inside the car!) Sounds as if your family's hot rod history is being passed on, which is great. I'm just starting a '29 coupe. I found a '56 Corvette 265" motor that I'm going to use. Having had flatheads, both bangers and EV8's, I'm actually looking forward to the mouse. IMO, you don't have to apologize for your 350. "Run what ya brung." Or something like that.
Nice build. I'm just starting on my 29 Tudor also. Keep us updated with pictures as you go along. Rod
Looks great. Before you close up that floor I'm sure it's already in your plan to weld in good solid mounts for the seats and belts for that precious cargo. You have a plan, no doubt. As you are "hauling the little ones around" with the joy and meaning to your project, if their mother rides along, or not. Here's wishing you joy whils't cruising and attending the shows, with the family tradition that you were exposed to as a kid, being continued. Keep on keepin' on. .
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