Damn. Everything looks so easy happening in that shop! Great blending of old and new, matching up the boxing to the x-member, use of real Ford rear crossmember rather than a plate or tubing streetrod lashup...love it! Alteration without visual offense, Zen oneness with Henry's aesthetic. When you get there...could you show just how the seat back hangs in there?? I think I'm missing some simple little hooks in mine...
I'm flattered, thanks! Mine was intended to be a pretty basic shop truck that could have been done in the '50s. Keith Tardel understood exactly what I wanted, and originally suggested a flathead. The cost of building one was prohibitive to me at the time, though, so we recycled the 265 that came out of my '36. It was probably overkill to put a Chavers interior in it, but I'm glad I did. I'm sure that Steve will build you something terrific.
I sure will Bruce, will take a photo. If I remember correctly it is pretty primitive, the are just two metal U clips shaped kind like a bobby pin that the round rim on the seat spring just hangs on. Then the bottom of the rim had two more flat clips wood screwed over the rim and into the wooden slats to keep the bottom from flopping. This thing was untouched inside and still had the seats and original black shiny paint everywhere. The glass was still all in the truck before it was field dressed and disassembled in the farm field for transport. A guys name was scratched neatly on the inside vertical door facing so some young man had autographed it years ago. Truck has a 30 over 66 283 with rochester tripower. Ditto for me on the flathead plus I know zip nada about keeping one running. The 5 speed is a v8 wc camaro with new 3.43 gears in a 36 reared. I hope it is a freeway flyer so I can drive it anywhere. When I am done I am going to post a list of all the hambers and ford barn guys that helped me on parts.
With the older cast iron bell housing and throwout bearing arm we used, Steve hasn't quite figured out how to squeeze the original pedals in that narrow space. I am still hoping to use the original floor mount pedals (34 car). I will take pictures of everything at the Open House this week and post on the HAMB. will put the photos of the truck up here.
One thing we have covered up is Dr. Marvelous, in his infinite patience, moved the cutout indentation piece on the firewall over about 4 inches and tigged it back where you can't tell it has even been touched unless you have a stock one right next to it. He also started new reinforced bolt holes in all the fenders.
ELpolacko strikes again! The truck looks excellent, and the chassis work is (as always) top notch. Subscribed to see what wonders still await.
And we're about to start another one. My tenant Robert was taken by Larry's truck here he wants one of his own. I will start a whole new thread for this one. Sent from my Dick Tracy Two-Way wrist radio.
Ya, typical ELpolacko understatement! "Oh, we'll just make a whole new front section for this fender (difficulty level about a 14 on a 1-10 scale) and hammer weld it in so you barely see the seams...". You know I hate you, right?
I was just getting ready to say that. That's a dandy "patch panel" indeed. Lots of stuff going on, and done in a single piece to boot. He's one hell of a sheet metal fabricator, that's for sure. Make sure you post a link to that new truck build when you get it going. Inquiring minds will want to know about it.
Bit more progress... fender patch is welded in. Need to close the wire edge. I ordered some 25mm stock to make dies from for my Pullmax, took a while for it to get here. In the mean time Dr Marvelus fitted the multi-ton splash apron, radiator and hood. The big truck spreader bar was also cut down to fit.
Need to get the steering, brakes and clutch figured out now. Then after the first of the year we can get back to the sheet metal fitment.
The truck looks amazing,the work from your shop never disappoints and you continuously keep raising the bar! HRP
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