Projects It's as bad as it looks

If the metal was really hot when the fire department hosed it down, then it could have been hardened, and be very brittle. IF that's the case, there could be headaches when working the body straight, it will just break when it's hit with a hammer.

 

well said!

 

How about this..... Throw it on top of a brush pile and start the works on fire. Then let it cool down slowly

 

Good luck to you, a very desireable car to devote your energy to.

 

The metal still seems malleable where the roof has been worked. I don't think it got hot enough to harden. I'll tell you different if I end up welding multiple cracks.

 

Look on the bright side...........you don't have to remove any old paint.You can do it. Good luck.

 

if you were smart enough to sell your other car to tcb, you will do good with this one. its a round

 

LOL, that made my day. At least you are more than realistic on this. Good luck with it however you end up doing it.

 

I'm wondering if you had to sell your gasser! This thing is going to cost a fortune to build.Not to poop on your party "BUT" a burnt car is going to be tough!

 

Naw, put some frame rails for a truck under it and build that dirt tracker. Pretend the dents were hits and bangs on athe main straight in front of the grand stands and have fun

 

Good for you! Your spirit is still alive after having to make a difficult decision. That car will be bad from the brink! If you happen to be looing for a frame and running gear there's a complete chasis near me for sale.It has a running flathead,and drive train, susupension and brakes. It looks really solid. They want $2900 Canadian.

 

My 37 was burnt from the cowl on back, then sat outside for about 10 yrs.i made a sweet little rod out of it for very little money. I didnt spend a lot of time on the body and it still gathers a crowd.

 

Oh yea , good luck to ya!

 

Don't let the naysayers rule the day. Some of the best accomplisments have started with an impossible dream. Keep us informed as you proceed.

Frank

 

it has a real nice patina from the burn

 

I like your attitude, if I have anything laying around the shop you could use I will donate it to the cause for the price of shipping. Just send me a PM!..................
edweird, nice '37 .........

 

I love a '40 Fords! Good luck saving that one, looks like you've got a lot of time ahead of you. In the end it will be worth it if it works.

 

I'm not looking to have it done next week. I may get the metal work done and pass it on if it's going to be put on hold indefinitely. I really just wanted to see if I could save the car and learn something new in the process. If I get to be the one that drives it, cool. If not, hopefully I'l get a ride in it someday.

And yeah, I did have to sell the gasser. My consolation in that is the buyer said he has a 392 he's going to replace the SBC with that I put in due to budget constraints.

I can live with that.

 

thanks!

 

I'll have to watch this build. I love a watching the tough ones.

 

It"s still a Forty....what else can you say. Try it you"ll like it.

 

I have over the years rebuild several fire damaged parts for customers. It can be done it is a little more touchy to work with depending on how hot it got, but one good thing is you have pattern material to make new panels now. Go for it & keep us posted. First thing I would do is get the doors & trunk fitting then start from the floor up you definitely will need a good base to work from have fun & lots of pictures please. As George Perpard would say I love it when a plan comes together.

 

I'll be watching this one. My 40 tudor sedan hasn't burned but it does have rot where the rear fenders mount.

 

Go for it. Look at the El Matador, it was a lot worse than yours and look how it turned out.

 

I've spent about 8hrs over the last two nights working on the roof.
I started by knocking it back into something that resembled a roof with a rubber hammer.

DSC03423 by 1/2done posted Oct 22, 2017 at 9:59 AM

Then I started to shrink and planish working from one edge. toward the other.

DSC03434 by 1/2done posted Oct 22, 2017 at 9:59 AM

You can pretty much tell where I left off.

DSC03426 by 1/2done posted Oct 22, 2017 at 9:59 AM

I have a shrinking disc ordered from Wray Schelin that was shipped today so hopefully I'll have it before Christmas and be able to work on final smoothing this weekend.
I also scored a frame, complete front axle, spare beam, 2 sets of bones split and unsplit and rear leaf springs for $200.00.
I think I did alright.

 

My initial thoughts were hydrogen embrittlement to the cooked metal. I know nothing first hand about embrittlement but only what I have read. But you proving you have the determination to do what you set out and save one from the crusher. Awesome start man. Roof look great. most of us are to timid to try this at home.

 

wow, the roof came out well!some cars look worse after a hailstorm..
Very good job!!

 

Nice one man - hey shit happens to all of us and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I sold my car when I had my first child and waited 8 years ( thats a lot of reality TV envy) to buy my next car - two years since and everytime I walk into the garage I dig what I see and dream aboutr the next step in the process every night before I fall asleep. Good luck with that project and keep the dream alive brother!

 

The roof is proof that thing can be beat on, and not crack the metal too bad. Incredible job. You will have alot more time than money in it, but thats what it's all about.

 

I am very impressed. the roof looks great!