Projects 32 5W Build - The $4K Swapmeet Body / The Old Chrome Coupe

Probably repeating myself again, but for whatever it might be worth my late brother having worked it several L.A. high end shops in the 90's era. had a favorite color called "Egg-Plant" he always felt in his words it basically had just the right color hues & depth worthy of reserving for the perfect build.

 

Has all the right tools and is a master at using them. Not always the norm these days. Nice work Neal!

 

Trying a 40 Ford bumber on for size. I'd like to find the flatter commercial rear bumper. Might be sedan delivery or station wagon. Anyone holding one?

 

It's really hard to beat a '32 bumper! The '40 bumper kinda disappears on your '32. It looks clean but obscure. I have '32 bumpers on my '32 and '40 bumpers on my '40! The '40 had '49 Plymouth bumpers when Dad bought it in early '65. They got pretty tattered after many years so I put new Drake bumpers on it back when they cost $95 each!

Dave

 

From that angle, it looks like it’s made for it !
Goes with the style and seems to flow with the hubcaps nicely.

Until I saw post 333 above, I would have agreed with you……….but not anymore……..
the disappearing bumper thought I agree with, but helps make it a hot rod…..

 

The bumper looks good, it will pop out once everything is a uniform color. The stance and presence is on point.

 

Neal, if you like it that's all that matters, but I think this is the first thing you've ever posted that I don't care for. I would prefer a 32 bumper. If you like it, though, go for it and enjoy it.

 

I too prefer a '32 bumper.

 

I've seen a 41 bumper on a 32, and I never would have guessed it would look good. But it does. I think if you are using a later bumper, it probably coordinates with a whitewall style car better though.

 

This car is shaping up to be the Perfect '32 5-window in my own opinion.

 

Just out of my own curiosity, have you ever taken a photo in between the bumper changes with just the rotated rear fenders and tank? I am debating the no bumpers vs finding bumpers and brackets for my 3 window project. This is way nicer than mine will ever be though.

 

Either '32 bumpers or custom fabbed nerfs. I can visualize a set of '60s period nerfs on your 5W. This is a great build and will be the '32 you've always wanted. Looking forward to the completion.

 

I like the '40 rear bumper, is it stock width or has it been narrowed?

 

It's a stock 40 bumper. I think it needs to be 7/8 size to get the look I am after. It's just a little too bulky, but I really like the smooth curves with the beanie caps and 49 Ford trim rings. I'll see if I can make it all work. If not, I'll bolt 32 bumpers back one it.

 

Neal: Your so crafty why don't you just fab up a pair to your liking?

 

See what you went and did. Now the wheels are turning and I won't be able to sleep tonight...haha

 

I found my 7/8 scale 1940 Ford bumpers...


Now I'm sure 1942 (only) Willys bumpers will be easy to find...

 

Every Gasser built had then removed.

 

I know this is the wrong pile source of parts, but.............

They are still available new and are much like a Willys.

Another Observation is a '32 Bumper matches the flats and curves of the Car. Flat in the middle and curved on the ends. Looks like the Top Turret shape and mimics the trunk to fender aspects. Maybe that's why they look so good? A '40 is one big curve, even the Deliveries carry some significant curve. Nerf Bars might be too flat or not carry out the look you want. Or heaven forbid misshapen or too big.

The Car is absolutely shaping up to be stunning (already is). This will be an interesting conclusion as to what bolts onto there. Looking forward to seeing it, your stuffs always thoroughly thought out and agonized over to get that "just right" finish. Deviation is always a tough road, but no doubt you'll make it "just right"

 

I think the rounded end bumper ties in with the body lines in the rear quarter as well as the beanie caps and 49 Ford trim rings.

We'll see how it looks once I get the full width bumpers made up, but I'm not surrendering yet.

Neal

 

Now you're cook'n with gas!

 

Very cool

 

I like the look of the '40 bumpers on your Coupe! Now for the question.................. every bumper modification I've seen on TV is done on a CHROME BUMPER no time was spent having the chrome REMOVED, they cut and weld, how does this effect the weld bead and plating process later on?

 

That really works, keep going

Just skipped back a few pages, for some reason Ive not been getting email update's on this. What a gorgeous build this is, so many nice touches

 

I'm not sure about what you've seen on TV, but I can relate my experience with this 40 bumper. I sanded and blasted the bumper as clean as I could get, but still had issues with porosity. Next one I will send to the chrome shop to have them strip the plating. Also, the spring steel did not want to weld cold. I called @JCARRILLO for advice, and he recommended preheat with a torch, TIG weld with ER70S rod, post heat with torch, then hammer the weld to relieve it. I followed that procedure and had no cracking in the weld.

 

Thanks for the update, looking forward to seeing both '40 bumpers on the car.

 

I think you're onto a better look with the sectioned '40 bumper.

Glenn

 

Neal, absolutely bitchin 5 window, bumpers and all. Same treatment for the front bumper? What are the cut off ends for?

 

Maybe that’s the next niche part you can supply: thinned, narrowed, and flattened 40 bumpers to fit 32’s.

 

I am making up a narrower, flatter (less arc) center section that the thinned up ends will weld to.

No thanks, I'll stick with steering boxes. Plus, I'd rather have the only pair. ;-)