Projects Just another first time AV8 build… the “Grandaddy Coupe”

Damn FC, most of my advice is unsolicited.

 

My word... Beautiful place to start! Like 'back in the day', an almost new California car.
Rodder's dream.

 

I haven’t really kept up on this thread, and I really should start posting again. A lot of work has got done since the last post.
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‘39 banjo I rebuilt, 3.78 gears. 46-48 brakes. AV8 rear spring & shackle mounts from Millworks.

F1 Steering box flange welded and box rebuilt. Highly recommend the kit from Van Pelt for this one.

Front end mocked up. ‘33-‘36 axle dropped 2.5” by Andy, roundback spindles etc. Still trying to finalize a plan for mounting the split bones.

Steering box installed in frame & got the column secured to the brookville dash. Seems a bit flimsy… thinking of adding some reinforcements?

Wide fives & Firestones. Stance is pretty damn close. Decided to go with Houdaille shocks up front and rear. I’ve also learned the expense of new/rebuilt lever shocks and can’t believe I’ve given away some really nice ones

ALSO, how the hell can I add photos along with the text in the post? Rather than having all the thumbnails at the end

 

Stance is tasty! This coupe looks sooo... L.A.!!!

 

Love it. Looks like the same basic recipe i am using for my sedan

 

Select Edit at the bottom of your post with the pics, then select More Options and you will see the pics you shared and you then select Insert every image as a Full Image...then select save changes...done...

Nice Hotrod...Black is Beautiful...mismatched tires are a nice touch even if only temporary...and I always like Cycle fenders up front or the Half fendered look, meaning rears only even though again likely temporary...

As Mike said the stance is spot on...

 

Thank you mike! I'm pretty happy with it so far, I still got some messing around to do with the front spring, but its close!

 

Since I love doing things twice, I took the front end off again and made some proper spring spacers from an old leaf spring. One at the top and two on the bottom. You can’t see them so I’m happy. I also popped a Model A wishbone on and I think I like it better than split bones. I gotta make spacers to go in between the axle and wishbone but that shouldn’t be a problem. Hoping to keep up on the posts , when it’s done it’ll be cool to go back and read all of it start to finish

I also bit the bullet on a br***works radiator so that’ll really move things along…. In about 4 months when it arrives I’ll shorten the torque tube and driveshaft after the radiator is in and the engine is exactly where it needs to be. I chipped the axle because why should we have nice things

 

Thanks Stogy!!!! I’m pretty happy with it. I kinda like the mismatched tires too I think I may run it for a year full fendered for a while and I’ll eventually take them off. Cycle fenders are definitely on the table

 

Glad I found this after jumping off Instagram! Looks great!

 

Look at those BIG Pics...

 

@sloppy jalopies...

I did a mod for Sloppy recently with this combo and low and behold you did just that...too cool...

...Update...I see you already saw it as Fifties chimed in already noting that...neat...

 

Thanks man!!!

 

A few more photos I forgot to post… I really love these air cleaners from Grace & Co.




Shortened the ‘39 column mast and steering shaft. The banjo wheel looks right at home. The color of the wheel hub compliments the gauge colors perfectly. I couldn’t be happier. Its since been attached to the dash with a bracket I made.

 

Well… I guess you could say I haven’t really been keeping up with this build thread….. I had to look back to see where I left off…

the torque tube & drive shaft have been shortened etc. got a bit creative with a jig & and clamp and all appears to be nice and straight. All the brake lines are finally done. I’m running one of the new 3-bolt dual masters so it took me a bit to get the routing to a point where I was happy. Not crazy about using modern stuff like the residual valves, but sometimes you gotta go with it.

The rear is in, and if all goes well it won’t be coming back out.

Once I shorten and finalize the drag link the front end will be completely done and be a full roller that steers as it should.

next is to build the engine & transmission etc. as well as figure out the exhaust.

 

Got it out of the garage for the first time ever last weekend and I’m pretty stoked!!!!

 

Looks great!

 

Looks great with the fenders! I say keep ‘em

 

The fenders look great...Another vote.

 

Definitely keeping the fenders for a while!!!

 

You have talent and a great eye . If you decide to move to South Florida, look me up . I could use someone like you . Your ingenuity and quality of work is fantastic. I know guys that do this professionally and they do not compare. Keep it up . Great job .

 

thank you, Gary!!!! That is quite the compliment and it’s always nice when your work is recognized. If I ever move to South Florida, I’ll let you know!!

 

Thanks so much for telling your story and sharing your great pictures!

 

That car looks great already.