That's how it is: if you're eyes are on the 612, you best not blink! Ha Ha!! Here's a couple shots of it at the World of Wheels. Was nice to step back and get a view of it from more than six feet away!
Been a while since my last update, so I figured I best get on with it. Got the F100 box and column in. Started with a wedge, to kick the box over and into position; but it just wasn't getting it. So after much screwing around with it, I finally just lopted off the flange and replaced it with a Tardel model a flange. Now that wheel is right where I need it! Besides that, I really like the look of the A flange bolt pattern, so it was win-win. Then I started on the sub-frame; and built a frame for a column drop behind the dash. Used a column drop from a Chevy(?) that's a nice little chrome piece that you'll never see 'cuz its tucked up behind the dashboard! As per Titus' advice, I chopped the lower hump out behind the seat, re-re-located the seat pan, and gained another six inches or so in leg room! Every little bit counts in these t's, right? Thanks Jeff! Next up: I'm making the decisions I need to make for the pedals, then finishing up that ugly cut-out in the dash!
My apologies to anybody out there following the roadster build! Progress has slowed a bit, with semi-warm weather coming on, and getting a couple things done to the sedan to get it ready for spring. That's my driver, so the warmer days have got me looking to the other half of the garage these past few sundays!! Also been waiting on picking up a couple parts here and there before I move ahead. And money. Always the money thing. Waiting now on my shifter from speedway. I'll get that in, then finish up my subframe and seat. Have decided to go with some Ansen style pedals, 'cuz I like the look of the masters out there on the firewall! Not having much luck in finding a pair set up for early ford masters, so I think I'm gonna make my own. Once I get the pedals figured, things should get rolling along again. Spent sunday at the shop of Youngster (here on the hamb), and was unbelievably inspired. Amazing craftsman, and a true gentleman. The things Ron accomplishes with humble resources and shop space leaves me speachless. Good to finally meet you, Ron, and thanks again for the mountain of knowledge you kindly shared with me! -marx
Had a day off work yesterday; so I got a bit of time in the garage. Decided to tackle a couple of things I've been putting off all winter: cleaning up and stitching up the firewall, and boxing-in the notch I cut out for the steering box. Still need to box-in the cut-out for the distributor; but I've got a slick idea for that one (ok, I didn't think of it!), so that'll have to wait for a bit. Big thanks to Titus for advice on bending up floor panels! Only done the two triangular pieces on the toe boards so far; but it worked out real nice.
Finally got the firewall buttoned up yesterday. Found what I was looking for last week at the Buick swap, a lone headlight bucket, brought it home and split it in half. Grafted it into the firewall, and now I've got a stylin' inset for my distributor, that I can still reach easily into for pulling the cap off. Can't wait to get the wires on it! (idea taken from a conversation with Titus; not my own brain)
That's awesome man, I did the same thing with the headlight on my T roadster to clear the flathead fuel pump. Looks good.
Update time again! Took a bit of a break there to get some yard work done, but the pull of the garage cannot be ignored. Borrowed an Ansen pedal assembly from Titus, so I could make a set of my own. Borrowed (also from titus) a pair of 40 Ford masters, and made an assembly to fit them nice and snug on the firewall. Way more fun than ordering a new set, and saved me some money in the process. Money better spent on some go-fast goodies. I think they worked out perfect for the space I've got, and the dual Fords look plenty cool sitting out there! One of my pet peeves is deadlines. I hate them. More than just about anything. They take an otherwise fun project, and make 'em seem too much like work. Having said that: I've now set the Minneapolis Messaround as my goal for driving this thing. So expect progress to pick up a little bit. Goddamn it. Now I'm gonna log off, and get my ass back out to the garage...
Perfect! you chrome plating bill is gonna be expensive, 2 master cylinders, the whole front end, valve covers, headers, man! JEFF
Finished up the subframe and made up some cardboard templates for the panels. Cut up some 16ga. panels and took 'em out to Titus' to roll some beads in 'em on his handmade roller his dad made some time in the sixties! Thanks again, Jeff! Brought 'em home, bent them up, and got 'em tacked in. So now the floor is done from the deck forward! Onward to the trunk...
sweet, did they all fit when you were done bending the edges? keep up on the steady progress, cant wait to see it done, and remember if you need any help, ive never been to your place and can lend a hand whenever! Jeff
Thanks Jeff! Yup, everything bent up pretty clean. Worked slow, and my new bandsaw made it a hell of a lot less work. Beats the heck out of burning through cut-off wheels every 5 to 10 minutes. Could have bought one years ago for what those wheels have cost me. As for help, I'm gonna likely need some help plumbing up my brake lines and clutch pretty soon.....I think I'll take you up on that!
Been stressing over this seat-pan all damned winter. Trying to get it sitting just right; what to do to finish up the sides of it so it looks clean and as stock looking as possible; and getting it nice and solid wouldn't hurt either. I've mocked it up and started side panels at least 3 times already. Always hated it, and then just moved on to another thing to think about it for a while. I pulled it apart again and attacked it from the beginning on sunday, and I think I finally got it worked out! Sorry if this is too many pics of a fairly mundane part of the build. Seat-pans aren't real exciting, I know...
The Jalopy Journal
