Projects 32 Hiboy- "My 32 Spitfire"

That's amazing! Really an inspired build. This is Lacy from Coker Tire, by the way. How did the wheels turn out? I never got a chance to see them before they shipped out.

 

Great build and awesome detail. Best '32 I've seen in a long time.

-Saint

 

Man I gotta tell ya ..... I am HOOKED on this thread. You are truly inspirationanly!!! Your attention to detail is amazing MAN!!! Please continue the VOO DOO dat YOU DO!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

I cant get enough of this thread.

 

Love the battery box

 

It just keeps getting better!!!

 

32 Spitfire, It's getting nearer,GREAT!

Nick.

 

What ammo round was the can from? Looks too big a box for 50cal rounds. Was it 20mm? I'd love to have an ammo can battery box, just all the ones I find seem too small.

 

Part #25 (As Paul Harvey would have said "And here is the rest of the story")

The first part of this was the battery box and this part is the cooler/tool box!

A few weeks ago as I looked at the trunk, I got the idea to install two of the old metal ammo boxes. I knew we needed one for the battery, and I got to thinking that I really didn't have anywhere to secure a few tools or odds and ends on a trip. Then I got a really good idea - what a nice place to store a few cool beverages and my little soft cooler fits right in as you can see in the photo! So this evening, I installed the other ammo box on the left hand side of the trunk. It is identical, and I painted it with the same old airplane primer. The nice thing on the 32 Fords is they have a large trunk area, and I think this helps sets it off nicely. The vintage ammo cans seal very tightly with a rubber seal and secure whatever you put in them.

Chief mechanic, Doug, stopped by at lunch and put in the brake fluid and bled the brakes. He also checked the alignment of the front tires. All checked out well and he instructed me to put the tools away and clean up (always the important jobs you know...maybe he needs to go on another trip!).

Thanks everyone for the encouragement and support!!

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

I forgot the last photo.

Thanks again!

32 Spitfire

 

I'm curious also, Ive seen 7.62 (mini-gun) & 5.56 hauled in cans like this, but can't say for sure what these held.

 

My dream is to contact someone in Hollywood to do a movie on "The Few" American pilots who fought with the Royal Air Force before the US entered the war. It would be a great movie. Thanks

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire[/quote]

Sir, I would have to strongly suggest you visit the WWII museum at Duxford, United Kingdom. It is absolutely THE pinnacle of ANY aviation museum I have ever been to. Period. Some of our English chaps would be more than happy to help you pursue this. I saw it when I was stationed in the UK a few years ago.

WWII history is alive and well in the UK.

 

slepe67 & Slinter,

The ammo cans are called the "GI Saw Box" for the 223 ammo.

I would just love to visit the air museum in Duxford and actually see and hear Spitfire fly!

60's shotrod,

Nick, We are getting there! One step closer each day (well most days..ha!) Thanks again for all your encouragement!

Gassman 57,

Thanks so much! We will meet up soon.

100mph WHEELSPINNER,

The old ammo boxes are so well made and lock down securely too. I was very fortunate the Optima battery dropped right in.

choppintops,

I'm really just a rank amateur but have had some very experienced people keep me from getting into too much trouble!

wild willey,

I love that "Voo Doo dat you Do" ...I just added that to my already crazy vocabulary!

wingnutz,

Thank you!!

ST. 515,

Saint, that means a lot ot me.

41 Dave,

We are doing our best to build a car that honors those young men and that very special plane. Thank you!

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

Part #26 Firestone Tires & Custom Rims

customlacy (Lacy at Coker Tires),

I was going to wait until the car was done to show the rims and tires but I saw your post last evening. Here is a photo of the front and back Firestone tires with the stainless rings and V8 caps. As you know Lacy you had the rims custom made for me and then custom powder coated satin/flat black. I think they turned out very nice and really appreciate all your help!

Lacy can be reached at Coker Tires 1-866-391-4849

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

If you want to hear one fly..take a look/listen at this....fantastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wpq4Tu2NnrQ

 

32 Spitfire, Wheels 'n' tyres are lookin' GOOD! Hard to beat Firestones in my opinion.
The ammo boxes look good too, just the right use for 'em too!

Nick.

 

Nice!

 

Part #27 "Busy Day in the Eagle Squadron Hangar"

I went down to the hangar this morning to get a few things done. It was quiet, and I was enjoying a cup of coffee when Doug came flying up in his Mini Cooper. Soon we were doing the final front-end alignment and then he started checking out the speedometer. We took a little break for lunch and low and behold the mail lady delivered a box from Baxter Ford. Inside was my new fuel line that Bob at Baxter Ford had made and CNC machchined risers. We needed to get a little more clearance on the alternator. Doug said let's go put them in!

So Doug removed the carburetors (while I handed him the tools...you know the story...he needs to go on another trip...can't say any thing - look how big he is!) and installed the new risers. They are very nicely finished and bead blasted to match the Offy intake.

Then Ervin Beachy showed up to work on the deck wood. I asked Ervin how I could help, and you know the story....hook up the sander...find a 1/2 inch drill bit....sweep up the shop!

He got both the flat wood behind the seat and the curved deck wood final fit and the first coat of finish on both of them Next week he will be back to coat them with a quality marine finish. Then we will bolt them down to the Brookville body.

In the photos: Doug is giving me a stern look when I pick up a wrench!

Doug working on the intake/carbs. (The one photo of the motor and carbs, they are not bolted in place permanently yet.)

Ervin drilling some holes.

A sneak peak of the curly cherry with the first coat of finish..... love figured wood!!

Oh, I got to clean up the tools and sweep when everyone left..... I'm great at that!

It was a fun & relaxing day in the hangar.

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

I just found this thread and I've got to say, you get the wink of the eye and thumbs up, seal of approval. Keep up the good work.

 

Man, oh man...I love it !. I haven't spent much time on the HAMB this year so I missed this one. I'm glad I found it. I really appreciate all the thought that has gone into your build. Thanks for sharing.

Ed

 

I love this build...Very cool and very traditional...Great thread!

 

32 Spitfire, Today is a GOOD day and this just makes it BETTER!

Nick.

 

Part #28 "Detail Week" (Weeks)

Doug and I worked on many small details all week. He finished up on the risers & carbs, which turned out very nicely. Doug as always was very particular in making sure the manifold, risers, and carbs were in perfect alignment.

I got the cowl seal installed, the proper transmission sending unit from Classic Gauges installed the T5 transmission, the "perfect" alternator belt in place and the "Ford" tag installed on the firewall.

Many small steps to the finish line.

I want to thank Frank Wallic who makes those awesome bomber seats and other specialty rod products, and Gary at Cornhusker Rod & Custom who is always very helpful. These two have really helped me and kept me out of too much trouble!

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

Wow! and Agreed! Nothing more to add.

 

Great build, super clean, everything is nice.

 

Thanks BISHOP and Itchy-Pit ..this H.A.M.B. site has been an awesome source of information and inspiration on this project.

I forgot to mention last evening that Bob at Baxter Ford built the manifold and carb set up. We just added the risers for a little more belt clearance on the alternator. He is one very talented Ford guy, very nice and helpful!

And it's "Classic Instruments" at:

http://www.classicinstruments.com/

32 Spitfire

 

32 Spitfire, Small steps but GOOD 'uns!

Nick.

 

Part #29 "Woodwork"

Ervin Beachy showed up this afternoon and installed the curly, cherry deck wood and the wood behind the bench seat. He had previously applied a special finish on it to bring out the woods' natural figure. Then he put on three coats of satin marine sealer to protect it from the sun and rain.

I know it seems odd to see a chisel and wood chips when building a "street rod" but Ervin used his old english-made Robert Sorby paring chisel quite often when he was here. It's his favorite chisel!

Just to let everyone know, including you custom rod shop owners, Ervin is now offering the wood floor boards, curved deck wood and the wood behind the seat for the 32 Ford roadster. He now has patterns that fit the Brookville body very well and should only require a very mininal fitting once you purchase them. Ervin offers the wood in oak, cherry, maple and other local hardwood or can supply almost any exotic wood from around the world priced on special request. We could also email photos of the wood ahead of time to meet your approval.

I used polished stainless steel carriage bolts to fasten the deck wood down. You could also use stainless steel wood screws from underneath, but I like the look of the bolts on top.

Have a great weekend!

"Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few"

Winston Churchill


32 Spitfire

 

32 Spitfire, That wood is GOOD! Your friend is a very skillfull man, your up-dates look GREAT as always.

Nick.

 

Wow this would have to be one of the cleanest builds I've ever seen.
Awesome job there 32 spitfire. Not far to go now.