Hot Rods ROADSTER LUST, IS THERE A CURE? YESSIR! SEE BELOW. (Update 6 Aug)

Not much time today but did manage a few things. Since I kept some things from the sedan, like the front floor, it fell right in place.
Put the Wise Guys low seat frame and foam in and sure couldn’t drive it sitting that low. Wheel was as high as my face, and I’m not about to mess with it. Raised the frame about three inches and moved it forward and things got better. Still going to take some fiddlin, but it is pretty comfortable. Going to take some mods to the foam to get away from the contemporary street rod look, but it’s doable. The back’s top roll is now just at the top of the body. Not going to use the center arm rest. Plenty of leg room and good ergonomics.
I had hoped that the neat seat I recently picked for my pickup would slide in but it’s too wide.
Dang, it would have been perfect!

 

Hello,

Yes, we would like to have a open roadster. One, it would fit in our small garage after we get rid of one of our paid for daily drivers. Two, it would satisfy my wife's penchant for a convertible for just about any type of cruising around. She has been at “convertible lust” since 1949-50 when they lived in Pacoima and she got a taste of cruising around in a 47 Buick convertible.

So, over the years, I had to ward off the roadster choices and convertible choices we both saw as the next purchase. We saw plenty of convertibles at dealer’s showrooms and cool roadsters at the local So Cal car shows/rod runs/picnics. We even saw some for sale as we drove into Northern California during our longer road trips for vacations and photo shoots. In our 20s, it would have been a new project for a roadster, but it did not fit our lifestyle open road adventures at the time. (a place to sleep, security for camera gear, and long distance comfort…etc.)

Jnaki

Now, I get satisfaction by spending some time drawing roadsters that came from various sources, a cut down station wagon, a sedan delivery, or a truck turned into an open roadster style RPU. Money well spent on a nice powerful laptop with storage and accessories will comfortably accommodate my style of writing, photographs, and certainly a blank slate for drawing.

So, where are the roadsters?


The latest roadster for street and dragstrip, if there still was a street roadster/modified roadster class...


Here is one for my brother’s idea of a Hemi powered RPU for our last build...

 

Tried a Scotch Brite disc on the heaviest rust (on the other door) and it came off good, so that’s a relief. I have one of those SCT Contour tools for the big panels. Thinking that I will do a panel or two at a time and spray it with my touch up gun. That way I can keep it at a slow pace, and when I have time.
Anyhow, I threw on one of the top irons and I definitely will have to use the 2” posts., so they’re in my future.
That rust colored piece of material is part of a leather sofa I salvaged.
Lots of wear and graining. We’ll see.

 

If anyone knows of an original model A roadster body for sale, please let me know.

 

I've had my Corvette since 63 with both tops. Had my Sedan and a 34 3w coupe but i have been wanting a 27 roadster for over 50 years. At almost 79 I am building one. Go figure !!

 

Well, at almost 77, I hear ya! It’s an addiction.

 

Started a separate thread on this, but thought I may get some other input on this one.
I’ve had this on the shelf for years, and since the roadster came with the Brookville solid roadster dash instead of the stock version, I may use it with some of the many sets of gauges I have.

Can anybody identify it? It resembles the old GMC truck insert.
Is it modern or old?
Paint the center or make an engine turned panel for it?
Use old SW’s, new black face SW’s, new white face/old style SW’s , or off white Autometer?

It needs some TLC to the off centered switch hole and the little irregularly indexed indicator light holes.

Anybody have pics of one in use?
Thanks!

 

So what became of the sedan body ?

 

It was traded for the roadster body and extra parts straight across.
I kept the wiring, floor, insulation, floor mat, and all the running gear.

 

Could have been from a boat ? JMO

 

Cool

 

I found this on here. Credits Sugar City Speed Shop

 

Glad you got what you wanted man. We all fight that urge on what we want vs what we have. Glad you found a good trade man and can follow the dreams. Its only once around and make it count brother.

Congrats man, look forward to seeing where you go with it.

Ill stick with my Roofs so you roadster guys can have fun....

 

Just checking in, with nothing much to report. That 283 SBC from hell for the 40 swap is kicking my butt.
I did get the 3” chopped windshield frame swapped for a 2” one! THANKS, STEVE @hotrodhoodlum !!
I started to install the trunk latch but couldn’t get the notch and holes located properly on the inner panel!
Only get one chance to cut it correctly and I sure didn’t need any MORE problems with stuff (283).
Took a chance and called Brookville, and talked to the man himself, Kenny!
Couple of days later here comes a dimensional drawing with locations of the slot and the attaching screw holes.
One less potential problem.
What service!
Hopefully some real progress soon!

 

Kinda liking the chopped, full fendered early style look now, since I used to have a highboy.

Sorta like these, or Baskerville’s






I kept the gennie front fenders and boards from the sedan, and have picked up a set of Wescott rears. Thanks to Tom @DueceMr32

Propped one up to check for tire fit. Pretty good. The 34 rear crossmember and 37 spring help drop the body. Thinking about reversing the spring eyes.

 

That was sold by GRACE and Co.
He's selling new air cleaners that a bunch of people seem to love, they sell out fast.

 

Thanks. I have a pair of his air cleaners for the roadster’s Edelbrock Slingshot when it goes on.

 

Got home from the trip to hell and back, aka the Louisville Nats. But that’s another story for another day.

So today I mocked up my new top bows and tack strip, made by Oak Bows, via Brookville Roadster.

They’re nice, let me tell ya!
As well they should be for their cost.
It makes the car look complete and accentuates the body rake.
With the header overhang, it looks more than a 2” chop.


Still have to clip the 2” and shape the ends of the main bow.
I think it still needs a little more forward rake. Since the repro irons bolt to the windshield corner bracket instead being riveted, it should be easy (he said).
Your opinion may vary.

I also loosely laid up the NIB Lebanon Bonney top I scored in a trade. WOW!
I hope I can remember how I did my old HotrodA top when it comes time.

The last shot is the 10 lbs on a 5 lb dolly that made it all the way from the Expo Bldg. to the spectator parking lot!
There’s a Tom Fritz framed print, more parts, a chair and a cooler in there too!
Needed an “Oversize Load” permit and escort. HA! Two trips? I don’t think so! Honor.
Git ‘er done!

 

I reeeeeally like a nice folding top on a hot rod roadster.

Full-fendered, nice top...
My wife was known to say,
"With all its clothes on." LOL

Sounds like you're enjoying yourself. Good.

 

This is the desired final result. Just with fenders and boards





My old 31 roadster with black LB top

 

I wanna hear more about the trip to hell and back. Oh and digging the fully dressed roadster progress too!