Projects Building My First Roadster in San Francisco

Thanks Tim! Regularly posting on here helps me keep the project rolling, even if it's just the little stuff. Don't worry, this car will make its way to the Midwest one day. If not, you're always welcome here in San Francisco.

Thank you for the offer! After coughing up some serious money for the leakless four-bolt water pump, I'm really trying to get an A head.

Thank you! I knew those would be able to find their way into the build somehow. One of the thumb screws was bent pretty bad, but I was able to drive the car to the hardware store (my favorite activity) and buy a new one. It'll be fun to have those on there.

Book, movie or magazine article—it's all about the cast of characters who have turned this into something a little bit bigger than an old car project.

Hell yeah! We've been having fun so far, and I know for a fact that we have a whole lot more coming.

I agree with that wholeheartedly, although I'll be the first to admit that this car is far from perfect haha. As you guys can tell, I just love collecting vintage pieces and putting them back into play. Every piece of every one of these cars has a story to tell.

Thank you for coming along for the ride. Next time you're here, hit me up and we'll take the roadster for a spin.

Go man go!

Hahah I'm telling myself that! I'm trying to do a bunch of work now so I can enjoy the car later.

Glad that you're here to share your knowledge! I think regardless of our ages, it's all about getting out there every chance we can to make progress on these projects.

But hot rodding makes you wiser!

Hahah Methuselah must have been into some ultra-traditional style builds.

 

It's Friday and we have updates!

First and foremost, I'd like to say a big thank you to @nickthebandit. He and I did some trading and he revamped my Franken-Stromberg 48 with all the correct parts.
This carb won't be used on this chapter of the car, but it possibly may make its way onto a future version. Or, if you need it for your project, let me know and we can work something out!

I've been hustling pretty hard over these past two weeks, although in some ways I feel like my pace has slowed down. I'm focusing on the details and trying to check a lot of little boxes.

One of those boxes was fitting, staining and sealing the wood kit. I had to whittle out one of the top pieces and then make it all fit. Boy, I'm glad that this is a roadster and not a closed car!

Note the bronze screws keeping the wood in place. Believe it or not, these came with some vintage porcelain door knobs that I just so happened to have on hand. Yeah, I know I need to fix that rip in the seat.

While in the woodworking mood, I followed you guys' advice and made a pair out of a dowel rod. It's the little things!

Oh, and how about the tack strip? I painted it semi-gloss black and outfitted it with flathead screws and stainless finish washers. Not only does this make the car look more complete, it helps with longitudinal strength big time.
Here's another angle. While bolting in the cowl band, I had to remove the floor. Well, when the floor was out, I took that opportunity to get the foot rest finally situated correctly. And, since I was down there, I decided to finally fit the floor mat that I got off Craigslist in Michigan last fall. It took some trimming but I have it how I want it now. To be honest, I liked the look of the gloss black floor, but now that I've driven it with the mat I'm sold. Again, it's just another step that makes it feel more complete to me.
After sitting in the sun yesterday, the mat has smoothed out some.

 

On Wednesday, I drove over to Concord to hang out with @SAVAGE. Always great catching up and seeing what he's working on. While I was there, I picked up my car's new (old) horn.
Thank you, Aaron! (Janky wiring put in place for testing purposes.)



Yep, it works!

Other than that, I've just been enjoying the car. Yesterday was one of the first days that I've been home that I didn't do anything to it other than driving it. (I did tighten one rumble seat hinge bolt.)
Last time I was here I was broken down. It's been beautiful driving weather here in SF. Anyways, that's all for now!

 

Oh, I do have one more shot from the road. Looks like somebody knew I was going into town. I think street cleaning is tomorrow?

 

Thank you for the info. I was under the impression that it would work just fine on 12V as long as I didn't lay on horn.

I was thinking about taking one from @Tribalmonkey's book and mounting it on the base of the steering column. It'll add some visual interest to the B-side of the engine while still remaining out in the open.

 

Thanks for the horn advice, everyone. Hopefully I'll get to dive into it this week.

Also, I took the weekend off from roadster construction to go backpacking in the Sierras with my friends. It was a great opportunity to take a step back and return with a fresh perspective.



Speaking of which...

Today's update isn't much of a "Building My First Roadster..." Instead, it's a "Driving My First Roadster in San Francisco." Here are some Monday night highlights.
Parking against the grain at Fort Mason.

Bangers and bridges feat. Karl the Fog.

Finally got to try Avellino Pizza today. Tasty NY-style pie and a nice patio. At this stop, I got to meet a handful of folks who were interested in the car and its history. One of them recognized me from my motorcycle days. Small world!
Here's the car in front of the Chapel of Our Lady, which was built in 1864. I was expecting Cousin Ben to start the service at any moment.

Fin. That's all for tonight! More updates happening soon.

 

I have a handful of hot rodding updates, and I figure there's no better time than Friday night to post them up. First and foremost, remember that time I went to Nebraska earlier this spring? Well, that was for a project. A big project. I'm excited to share that that project has been printed and is hitting mailboxes around the globe as we speak. Friends of the H.A.M.B., I bring you Slot Mag.

Slot Mag is a hot rod, custom car and all-around vintage magazine sandwiched inside the almighty chopper magazine known as DicE. I'm honored to say longtime H.A.M.B.er @Kid Rocker chose me as Slot Mag's Editor in Chief.

The first issue is dedicated to "The Omaha Coupe," which was originally built and campaigned in the early-'50s and is now being brought back by @tdog of South Omaha Speed. You know how much I love telling stories, and this is one of my favorite pieces I've ever written.
Best of all, the story runs 16 pages and is loaded with historic photos.
If you'd like a copy, you can scoop one up here.

Oh, and the magazine is sponsored by Jalopy Journal!