Projects A few pics of the Caddy Flathead '32 loadster project

Iv been working on this car for about 2....2-1/2 years now, it started at all repro pieces from several manufacturers with some pieces being seconds. I bought the rear quarters from Rod-bods as seconds...what a pain in the ass, these came untrimmed and both quarters were slightly different. I had to split the passenger side in several places in order to fit it properly or to a point where I could sleep at night. It sits on an original '32 frame with a 33-34 x-member, '32 big beam front axle, 33 front bones, F1-front brakes and a 46 Ford pick up open drive banjo. The motor is a '48 Cadillac with the original 3 speed laselle tranny.

Just thought I would throw a few pics if it up...I dont really snap too many photo's while im working on it, but Ill try to take more and post as I go.

Pete-

 

Just found some more pics of the rear quarters. I had to trim the quarters before I could start making the inner structure that the gutters weld to.

Pete-

 

Nice work - very ambitious! What is that dash insert? That looks cool....

 

Dash insert is a '32 Studebaker Rockne piece. I removed the brass face and made an aluminum engine turned face and installed convex gauges. All the gauges needed new mounting brackets to secure them.

Pete-

 

Just found this pic. I made stainless steel headers using Victory flanges....welding stainless SUCKS!

Pete-

 

Damn - that is going to be rad.

 

My new best Friend Pete!!! Definitely a killer project as usual and I can't wait to see it unfold. But what I am so very thankful for is the pics of the quarters. I am putting roadster quarters on my 5w and one of them was untrimmed as well. Little photos and knowing people that have been through the process helps immensely! Keep it up!

 

Awesome! I'm slightly jealous of that intake though,haha. Please keep us updated.

 

So the carefully fitted pipes didn't want to line up anymore once you started welding?
Haha- went through the same with my roadster. I feel your pain!

Awesome project-can't wait to see more pics (not on my cell phone)!

 

wow love the (what looks like ) divco milk truck wheels..and the louverd trunk how many louvers are on it

 

Looking good. Hope it turns out as nice as your '34

 

Fitting caddy motor was also pain. The fan assembly is quite long, longer than it needs to be...so If did a little finagling. I pressed the fan hub an additional 1-1/2 onto the shaft and made a new fan pulley a 1-/12 shorter using the stock one and a nailhead crank pulley. I also moved the front cross-member forward one set of holes so the fan would clear the radiator.

Here's a few more early build pics.

 

JJ,

The quarters I used were second..seconds, Brookvilles are much better. Mine were missing lots of technical characters such as the B-pillar wrap around features so I had to use the shrinker/stretcher and make them. Let me know what you need for photo's, ill shoot as many as you need.

 

This thing is awesome! Keep snapping those pics!

 

Pete, good looking ride you have there. Need a distributor, I have a Mallory Dual Point for that beast!

 

I appreciate it Pete! I'll let you know!

 

Very cool Pete !

 

Very cool build !

How much is the windshield chopped?

TIG welding stainless steel rocks! MIG probably sucks....

 

I chopped the wondshield 3 inches.

THe stainless was tigged, that shit moves a lot.

Pete-

 

Pete you sexy bastard, it looks sweeet. An extra e in sweet for ya too!

I love the last windshield pic. I like them different, as we have seen the same thing over and over. Are those Donks? You boys in the hood are right on!

 

Hell yea, dinks, i mean donks are in! Im going to mess with windshield ideas at a later date but for now im going to run the stock style one.

 

Lets see a couple more shots of this!

You by chance have any extra 32 firewall feet laying around? I need a pair...

 

Looking good Pete!

 

Nice Pete!! You gonna drive that one cross country also????

 

Pete nice work. Thanks again for the cowl and doors. I think I'm addicted to rust! I see you have a piece of rr track on your cowl. I have a few that I've turned them into anvils. They work quite well. george

 

...superb build so far....I especially like the railway/anvil piece on the cowl....haha

 

I believe you can get them from Brookville.

Frank

 

Looks good from where I'm sitting!

 

Me and a few of the boys are headed back West in 2012, maybe B-ville or El-mirage...ill be driving the new roadster there.

Pete-

 

Pete, have you thought about going with fiftyv8's timing cover and valley plates? The let you do away with the bulky fan and fuel pump( the timing cover does).

They also upgrade you to a modern crankshaft seal.

I have an extra set if you decide you need them...