Hello all, I'm not sure if this message is appropriate for this group but I obviously thought I would put it out there. If this is not the place, could you suggest one? I have a 'hot rod', the Little Monster, (so named by the local newspaper) that I got from my dad. He built it in the early '50's. I earned it by working for him one summer in his collision repair shop. (I'm 61 years old.) He started with a '37 Ford Tudor. He removed the top, grafted on '41 Chevrolet front fenders to the front and rear. I'm not sure what the rear deck is but the only original sheet metal pieces on it are the dash and the hood. The rear seat is positioned behind a second windshield as on a dual cowl phaeton. Access to the rear seat is by two steps in the RR fender. Getting to the point, the car has been sitting idle since I went into the Navy in 1968. The '41 Flathead that he installed has not been run since then. The car will require major restoration to all components as well as the sheet metal. Before I begin this project I would like to know if keeping it as he built it, with '37 running gear and the '41 Flathead is a viable option for a driver with an occasional road trip. If not, are there any modifications that might make it usable without changing its character? I do want to update the electrical system to 12 volts. Also, I would imagine upgraded brakes would be beneficial. Thanks, David
As original, the drivetrain will survive, the elctrics, your choice, brakes would be adequate but an upgrade won't hurt anything. Pictures, pictures, pictures!! Please.
To answer your question , yes, this is the absolutly best place for your question. But you will be "tar'ndfeathered" if you don't get some pix up (If you don't know how, just ask and there will be help!)
Just make sure it stops good and put it back the way he built it. It's a piece of hot rod history....and you shouldn't re-write history. Oh yeah....post some pics!
Right On Brother (I'm 62!!) man o man my Dad tried to give me his '40 Chevy 2 door sedan, shaved door handles, trunk, hood, mild kustom and like an idiot I said no (I was working on a '38 Ford at the time). Good Luck with that car and like almost everyone has said.... PICTURES PLEASE!
Sounds like a cool project, and great family history (I wish my Dad would've hung onto ANY of his cars). Make sure it runs, stops and steers, and drive the heck out of it. I might upgrade to a dual master brake cylinder, but I wouldn't worry about the 6 volt electrics. I've got the original 6v system in my shoebox and have no cranking problems (I have no plans for a radio either). As everyone else said, post some photos and enjoy the hell out of the car.
There's a set of photos on the 'Metal Shapers' forum under Little Monster. If someone will explain how to post them here, I will put them here also. David
Wild lookin' ride! Best of luck getting her going again. Are those '53 Chevy tail lights turned sideways (with the clear lens swapped out)?
Thanks to whoever posted the photos. Ne**ussian, you're correct about the tail lights. I remember my dad saying that he originally wanted to put headlights on the rear as well as the front because he didn't want people to know whether he was coming or going! I expect DMV regulations nixed that one. If anyone can identify the headlight bezels (doors), one of them has gone missing so I need to find a match. Also, although they do not appear in any of the photos, he put parking/turnsignal lights on the tops of the front fenders. They are similar to an early VW Beetle turnsignal ***embly but much narrower and considerably older. Both of them need lenses so I need to ID them so I can look for spares. Thanks to all for the comments and ***istance. It's a special car to me. David
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