Thread: Project American Graffiti Coupe

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Originally Posted by leorilla

Could you send me a parts list of all the goodies you are using to ,build this car?

Thanks, leorilla.

Hey Leorilla,

What parts would you like to know about as this coupe has MANY different parts from MANY different cars??? I have no problem helping anyone out and would love to give you a helping hand.

Rick

like you I made a Paper pattern from an original 32, making sure to get the corner radius correct. I also took down the measurements from the windshield reveal, door reveals (rain gutters on a 5-window) and top of rear window just to make sure I'd get every thing centered the way it should be.

Using the paper pattern and the other measurements, I drew a pattern on the roof with a grease pencil, marking the centers both front to back and side to side. I drew these marks quite a ways out so they could be referenced when the oversized foam and vinyl are put on.

We then made a wooden buck the correct width and corner radius to make it easier to bend the aluminum edging and get them correct. This may have been a little overkill but it worked very well. i also marked the centers of the aluminum edging so it could be layed on the roof by lining up the center marks.

I then drilled the holes in the strips every 1/2" (lotta damn holes) for the small sheet metal screws I decided to use rather than try to rivet through the Fiberglass.

I then placed the formed edging on the roof, taped it down securely and drilled holes in the roof every 1", removed the aluminum edging, masked off everywhere on the roof except where the insert went and sprayed the 1/4" foam and top with 3-M # 7 spray glue. I had a friend help me lay the foam down with no wrinkles or air bubbles. We put the edging back on the roof and cut the foam inside the edging as per instructions.

The rest is pretty self explanatory, I pretty much went by the printed instructions that they sent with the kit, (I didn't get the video) and I assume you also got the printed instructions

Hopefully my pictures will be in the proper order to follow but in case i've confused you or you need any thing else explained please holler.

There is probably several ways to do this but this worked well for me. The tuffest part was trying to line up the holes in the roof with the aluminum edging the several times we had to remove and reinstall it.

Mick

Here's the rest of the photos, I really hope this helps you.

Mick

Hey Mick,

Thanks for the info and photos as this is going to help me out a ton! I too am going to build a wooden buck as that was really a great idea, plus this is going to come in handy since I build these cars for people (sorry to anyone wanting one but I am going to build mine after this one is complete).

I talked to New Age Motorsports on Monday and Ed has informed me that they are going to be doing a stock roof on there coupes (as an option) here in the near future (God, you have to love these guys for doing this kinda of stuff for use little guys that can't afford the real stuff). This means we will be able to install the insert just like on a stock 1932 Ford . This makes me VERY HAPPY as I love keeping everything looking stock plus I love hearing all the guys at shows asking me where I found such a nice original 32 . I laugh every time this happends!!!!

Thanks again Mick as I will post photos of the top when I get it done.

Rick

Great thread. I have built two Graffiti style coupes, and have 95% of the parts/body and chassis to build one more. Like yours, I am using a glass body, although I am using a Kilborn body. I have bought a set of the new repro rain gutters, a set of exposed hinges,and stock firewall, so it look like I started with an original steel body. I have already installed an opening windshield and working cowl vent. I am not going anywhere near the extent you are, but the car will have the look. I'll be watching this thread to see the progress on this car as you continue on.
Here is a picture of my last one. This was a steel body that I chopped, built the chassis,etc, and at the last minute I decided not to paint it yellow. And here is a current pic of the Kilborn body. My next one will be yellow,for sure. Keep up the great work.
Baron

Have you sold the other clones you have built? Do you know if anyone has one for sale?
I would be interested.

Thanks,
Bill

Hey Bill,

I don't sell any of the cars but I do build them for people from time to time. What type of Graffiti Coupe are you looking for? Are you wanting a BALLS ON REPLICA or a TRIBUTE CAR???? These cars are pretty hard to come by as all the guys that have them love them to death. Really, who doesn't want to be John Milner??????

New guy here, love your car and all the pictures and info you've been giving to us. Can we have details on your steering system? What is the steering box you are using? I notice it's not the crosssteer Vega box. Maybe some pics of the box, and the solid bars you have instead of hairpins or four bars. I would really like to build one, I thick my next project will be a period coupe like this one...
Here is my last project, I finished it about a year ago. It turned out really great and every body freaks out when they see it. Also won second place at the House of Harley WI. spring bike show in 2010. I did all the sheetmetal work, built the gas tank and sissy bar too...Thanks for looking,
Dragon1/Brian from Racine,WI