Hot Rods Getting the lines right....

The next thing for me is to find a nice way to hide the lower radiator hoses and the part of the radiator that extends below the grille.

 

Depending on yr. prefered matl., I'd tape some 3/8" foam onto the hoses & tank for 'standoff' then bend up and weld a tin splash shield, or lay up a glass one. (Assuming you can't locate a stock one to modify)

 

Lines came out great.
For the "chin" piece I would just create a metal piece that extends the lower lines of the grille shell to the top edge of the frame rail. That defines the top and back edge. Then a front/lower edge like a '32 ford filler piece had. Could make it flat, angular or my favorite, curved from the front edge to the bottom of the grille shell to compliment the shape of the shell.
SPark

 

I have to agree. Spot on

 

Looks really good! Side note: like the pivot bike too.

 

Looks great! But I am a curious cat. Wonder what it would look like with a chopped flat windshield layed back. ? Lippy

 

I’d think something similar to the stock A front splash pan would cover that all nicely

 

Thank you all for your suggestions. Since the shapes in this grille remind me of the many unique grilles on vintage race cars, I looked at pictures of these old cars as a guide on how to finish the lower area. Some old race cars had a panel below the grille and between the frame rails. I started making one of these out of aluminum that would extend out and around the spreader bar. Before I had completed it I tried it and it looked too overpowering for the grille. So I'm going to try reducing the size and shape of this panel.

 

it probably won't look too overpowering once it is painted black. maybe try making it in cardboard first.

 

Thanks. You are absolutely right. I am doing this partly to learn something about working sheet metal. I'll finish the panel and paint it and then decide whether or not I like it.

 

Just spray bomb it black and see how it looks, then you can wipe it off with thinner to finish it. Frank

 

The chin needs to the old time racer look . Looks great .

 

something like the factory cover ?

The challenge would be getting the side to both , blend in and cover the hoses.

That is an interesting bottom tank configuration, pretty cool!

 

So many great ideas! Thank you. I had not thought to look at what went below the grille on the original car. Maybe less is more in this spot.

 

Excellent reasoning and excellent execution on the line of sight and the panel below the grille shell. Me like!

 

I'm in a rush but here's a little attempt at something related

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also look into any splash apron that can be adapted. this chevy one has really cool lines

 

@hfh
A bit of taper at the front and some louvers to pull it together a bit...

 

Moose has got the look

 

Love the new lines.

 

I think you might try a V in the spreader bar just my 2cnts. worth

 

Bitchin look.

 

Lets take a look at that idea... I hope that @hfh doesn't mine me playing around on his thread. It's a great looking car and I couldn't help myself.

 

That looks good as a stand alone part, but I don't think it really compliments the rest of the car. I think the car would benefit more from a modified deuce or model A filler panel. You have some great angles to work with (angle back of the shell, angles from the lower leading edge back and up). To me the flat panel just hides the frame rails and does nothing to accentuate those great angles you have going.
JMO,
SPark

 

Here's one that's a little more "Real World"

 

Moose I like that look Frank

 

Thank you Moose and all the others for your most helpful comments and suggestions. I need to get back out to my shop and get to work now. HFH.

 

What happens if you make your filler piece roll under inside the frame just in line with the bottom of the radiator and leave the spreader bar exposed? I don't have the technical skills to show you what I mean on the computer but I think there should be a gap between the spreader and the radiator.

 

I really like the look of the Riley Grill on the 29. The V windshield and Riley grill works off the coach line on the 29 cowl . It also takes away from the look of a cookie cutter cars.
The original reason people put 32 grills on there hot rod is because it had the radiator in it that supported the V8s remember these were built on a really tight budget. Then everyone wanted that look so people would think their car had a V8 in it wether it did or not.

 

I really think this Hotrod has a more elegant side and may look better with louvered hood sides perhaps 3 or three strategically placed rows maybe with side exhaust exiting cutout areas on the side panels or down and under...even though I really like to see engine...Good job @themoose

It needed some digital love...

I'm going to even go out on a sacrificial Limb and say this Hotrod may be well suited to a nice set of polished E & J's. And guess what Hamber @edwardlloyd is on the downslope of recreating primo copies of these...Just a thought...