Thread: Project American Graffiti Coupe

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Originally Posted by rumrumm

Perhaps Terry the Toad's Vespa scooter would be more realistic. LOL!

I don't know rumrumm, these little scooters are getting quite pricey!!! At this point I think I am going to have to borrow a dollar just to buy a bottle of Old Harper (only because the guy can't break a fifty of course)!!!

vespa.jpg

All Right Guys,

Here are some photos of the back of my project that I think you all will really like. YES, I cheated and added some parts before my 30 days were up but I just couldn't help myself . As you can tell I have put my license plate in the middle of the tail lights (as seen in the movie) plus you can see by the license plate color that the paint I selected for the coupe body is pretty much a dead on match to the original coupe . This week I am hoping to get some more things added to the body and when I do I will share my photos with all of you.


Back OF My Project 1.jpg

Back OF My Project 2.jpg

AG COUPE at car show.jpg

hdrp_0602_best_car_movies_01_z%2Bamerican_graffiti.jpg

Which front axle is used on the coupe? Also, which width? The New Nerf Bar you have looks pretty much dead on, Gonna have to grab one for my build.

What a cool shot of the coupe without the motor in it and of the 55! What is the story on that shot? Your car is looking great!

Originally Posted by Matt167

speaking of American graffiti, There is a collectors 'toy' collection called moments in time, and they did a limited release of the known cars from American Graffiti.. ( Milner coupe, the Merc ect... ).. they feature a 1:64 diecast replica of the car, and a backdrop with original scenes and charecters from the movie put in a display case...... I got the Milner coupe, which the backdrop is Mels drive in.... the car isn't completly correct but it's close... painted firewall, liscense plate is the wrong color and number, and the yellow is more bananna colored than it should be

there made by Motor max and I got mine at Walmart

Matt,I've got the whole set. Got the coupe online several years ago then stumbled on the Merc at Wallyworld,found the 55 at another Wallyworld and found Ron Howards 59 Chevy at yet another Wallyworld,I think that was all of em produced,but ya gotta have Suzanne Summers T-Bird so I found one that looked right to the set.Only thing missing is the 62 Ford Police car. Mine are the big ones I think 1/18 scale

Originally Posted by Newbomb Turk

Which front axle is used on the coupe? Also, which width? The New Nerf Bar you have looks pretty much dead on, Gonna have to grab one for my build.

Hey Newbomb Turk,

First off I just have to say that you are going to LOVE this bumper if you decide to order one (and I really hope you do)!!!!

OK, to answer your question about the front axle. The Original Graffiti Coupe has an original front 1932 Ford HEAVY axle (this axle was used ONLY on 32 Fords) that has been dropped 4 inches. The Axle was then chrome plated. Please take notice that the center of the axle is silver and not chrome. This is because the axle was NOT polished out in the center there for leaving it a rough finish (stock) which the crome does not stick to. Now the axle I have on my project in all of my pictures is a Magnum 32 axle that has been dropped 4 inches. the measurement from king pin to king pin is 48 iches as where the original coupes is close to 49 inches. The KOOL thing about the magnum axle is that it has the stock looking appearance of an original 32 Ford (however it is NOT a HEAVY AXLE). This means no logos to remove. I do have an original 32 heavy axle that I am planning on getting dropped and chromed so the axle on the project is going to be replaced. This is only being done so my project matches the original coupes. I know, I'm touched in the head!!!!!

What motor are you putting in???

Originally Posted by Jack60

What motor are you putting in???

Hey Jack60,

I am putting in a 1962 327 engine. The engine has a 270 comp cam with 1:94 double hump heads and 10.5 domed keith black pistons. The intake is the ever so rare Man A Fre with four 1958 chevy truck 2bl carbs.

engine sv1.jpg

engine sv2.jpg

Originally Posted by Mr Blue

What a cool shot of the coupe without the motor in it and of the 55! What is the story on that shot? Your car is looking great!

Hey Mr Blue,

This photo was taken by Steve Fitch back when he was restoring the coupe and 55 (as soon as he got the coupe home from Universal Studios). Many people think Rick Figari (owner of the coupe today) was the guy that saved the coupe but the truth is that it was actally Steve Fitch that saved the little coupe! Steve said the coupe was in REAL SAD SHAPE from sitting out in the California weather so he had no choice it save it if he ever wanted to drive the car (yes, the coupe was not running when Steve bought the coupe). Here is another picture for you to look at!!!

original cars sv2.jpg

It boggles my mind that those two cars sat unwanted for so long after the movies were done. I guess AG wasn't an instant box office hit and after a while found it's audience.

Nice to see you going to such great pains to replicate the 32. Reminds me of the lengths Von Franco went to when cloning Grabowskis two versions of his T. BTW, anyone who grew up in my era should do yourself a huge favor and buy the Mad Fabricators DVD "The car that ate my brain." It is all about Norms T's and there are lots and lots of clips of the car and Norm that I have never heard of or seen before. We've watched it a lot since we got it for Xmas, and never get tired of it. It will turn you into a 12 year old again who is glued to his TV set on a Friday night , I guarantee it!!

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

It boggles my mind that those two cars sat unwanted for so long after the movies were done. I guess AG wasn't an instant box office hit and after a while found it's audience.

Nice to see you going to such great pains to replicate the 32. Reminds me of the lengths Von Franco went to when cloning Grabowskis two versions of his T. BTW, anyone who grew up in my era should do yourself a huge favor and buy the Mad Fabricators DVD "The car that ate my brain." It is all about Norms T's and there are lots and lots of clips of the car and Norm that I have never heard of or seen before. We've watched it a lot since we got it for Xmas, and never get tired of it. It will turn you into a 12 year old again who is glued to his TV set on a Friday night , I guarantee it!!

Don

Hey Don,

I just LOVE the Kookie T!!! Infact I just meet Norm Grabowski this past Saturday at the Pete & Jakes 40th reunion. Norm is one GREAT and FUNNY guy!!! Below is a picture of Norm and me at the show (I'm the scary looking one!).


rick and norm.jpg

We met Norm at Turkey Run a few years ago. He is nuts!!.........but in a great way. Bet he's a hoot to have a few cold ones with.

Don

Originally Posted by Itoldyouso

We met Norm at Turkey Run a few years ago. He is nuts!!.........but in a great way. Bet he's a hoot to have a few cold ones with.

Don

You guys need to check out his other hobby too. Norm is quite the woodworker! Last I heard he still lives close. I've seen him quite a bit over the years and yes.....he is a hoot!

Dave G

Thanks for the other cool shot project thx138! Love seeing that behind the scenes stuff! That 55 chevy makes me drool too! so cool, awesome about meeting norm. I still have an autographed picture he signed for me about 5 years ago at the turkey rod run. Great guy. Thanks again. Don Jr.

So THAT'S where my autographed picture went!! Just for that I'm keeping the one of Carmen Electra.

Don