Projects My New New Ride

Thanks heaps X38, this is the type of info / knowledge I'm looking for - someone who has done this before from scratch. I have been searching the web, the Hamb and youtube and have armed myself with lots of information on chassis setup. I will give you method a go, you will see my progress over the next few weeks, thanks again. Glen

 

I recently purchased a rootlieb one piece 34 bonnet from a local hotrodder, plan is to punch it full of louvers using Big L. Today I mocked up several designs and will probably go with two rows per side as in last mock up pic, with angled louvers, I punched several angled louvers 14 degree, 12 degree and 8 degree, will probable use 12 degree angle, a few pics. Glen

 

Cool

 

Punched 74 louvres into bonnet today, by myself, Big L performed awesome. A few pics. Glen

 

Been busy lately working lots of hours saving for a repo 34 grille and doing kitchen renos, but I did purchase a cowl vent, now just have to install it. Glen

 

My favorite word!

 

The point of no return, hacked a hole into my coupe today. Now the fun begins. Glen

 

Not a lot of physical progress on this ride due to home reno projects and working heaps to fund everything, but I've brought heaps of stuff e.g.
- So cal front brakes - hidden disc type.
- Steering column, steering wheel, steering box, tie rod, drag link and spindles.
- Full wiring harness and 2 speed wiper kit.
- Original bonnet sides, front aprons and headlights.
- Steel tube to build a roll cage
- Still saving for my quick change rear.
I recently decided to fabricate a new decklid full of louvers, started with the frame - a few pics. Glen

 

I love the direction you are going with your car and I am glad that you posted about it because I want to follow this build and see how she comes out. Don’t beat yourself up about not doing much her your fixing to hit the start of spring and the weather will be perfect for swap meets and shows so you can get out in the shop and have some fun! And I have seen several fiberglass bodies in my time but that has to be the nicest one I’ve ever seen!!!

 

Another great build, it must have hurt to make that first cut!!

 

Hotrod #2...congrats and wow you're flying on it...looks really awesome Glen...I like that rim and tire combo on the A too and the choice for the 34 is awesome as well...

 

Thanks for the awesome comments guys, I spent a few hours in the garage today making a little more progress on this trunk frame, needs more welding and tweaking but coming along- a few pics Glen

 

Don't scratch the paint!! Can't wait to see that area Full of louvers.

 

Your skills as a fabricator are admirable, you might need to drive it for all to see!

 

Awesome car/build.
How will the cowl vent seal?

 

I was studying a 32 3W body made by the same people (C&W Components) a few days ago. Beautiful finish, minimal seams and super tight door gaps. And doors that opened and latched really nicely. Best bodies I've ever seen (on any continent)

 

Great job.

 

Thanks, I think it's awesome to. My plan to glass in a gutter like an original unit, I will fabricate it in steel using an original rubber seal as a template. Thats just another job on the list, after I've done this trunk lid I will fab one for my 31 then it's back to the 34 for a roll cage as I recently purchased drag spec CDW tube and some bolt together joiners, Glen.

 

This is a beautiful build! The layout and shape of the louvers are perfect. I love the color and had to go back and re-read to see that it's still gel coat. It would be a great final color if you are looking for votes. Thanks for sharing.

 

That car is way too nice for a patina/distressed paint job. Please paint it a nice shiny color of your choice.

 

Sorry guys, I'm not the shinny paint type, although I like shinny cars, just not mine. I don't like washing cars and like the used / dirty look. Not neglected or rat rod look, just a car that's driven. I want this car to look like its been dragged out of a barn. Anyway lately I've been working nights so only working about an hour a day on my trunk lid, got it hinged and the handle mocked up. Just need to finish weld and tweak all gaps before fabing the louvered skin. A few pics. Glen

 

Started fabricating deck lid skin recently, used the brake to fold the edges then the shrinker to form the shape. 1st go was unsuccessful and was scraped, I needed to remove the two inner bars in order for skin to sit properly, still lots of tweaking and fine tuning to get it right but I'm happy with the gaps and how its looking so far. Tomorrow I will punch some louvers, finish weld frame and hopefully tack weld skin on. A few pics, Glen

 

Nice work, hope to see the car in person at a show or cruising the highway!

 

Thanks Outback, maybe we will catch up some day, I'm near Pakenham Vic, where are you located. A few pics of todays progress, punched 152 louvers into my decklid , Big l performed faultlessly again, happy with results so far, still need to tweak lid sort out gaps and weld to frame. Only issue from today is I found out trunk lid opening was not perfect, the right side is 1/4 inch shorter, I only noticed on the very last louver - noticeable in pics. Lucky this car will be patina and not pretty so its not a major issue. Glen

 

I have been busy sanding for hours and hours lately, happy with results as this is the first panel I have ever made from scratch. Still more sanding to go but its gunna be well worth it. Only issue is, when its done I have to fab one for my other coupe. Glen

 

It’s looking good!!! And trust me all the hard work shows

 

Looks great.

 

Good looking build ya got there. Needs a Hilborn injected flathead though. He he.

 

I thought about a flathead ( and still might use one, good ones very limited in Oz ), but have settled on a small or big block chev with a supercharger. I have a 671 blower and 1500 hp power glide already and feel that this combo is suited to the type of ride I'm building. This build will have a full bonnet and engine will not be seen so engine choice is varied, I like old skool but I also like awesome power and fast - time will tell. Thanks again for awesome comments, they spur me on so please comment ( either good or bad ). Glen

 

Primed deck lid to prevent surface rust as I've done enough on it for now. Took a pic of all my rides today as its the first time they have been together outside ( although Topolino body left in garage ). Glen