Thread: Project American Graffiti Coupe

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This is for all of you guys out there that love the American Graffiti Coupe. This project started 11 years ago this July and I would just like to say I glad it's coming to an end very soon. The Biggest delay on this project (besides money) was trying to figure out what parts were used on the original coupe, then once the part was figured out the trouble became trying to find the part. I now a lot of people don't like Ebay but I thank God for it as most of the parts were found there. The body I used was the New Age Motorsports 5-window coupe. I went with this body because they were the only company that was willing to change a lot of things on there car/molds to make them like Milner's for me (stock hinged trunck, stock firewall, no trans tunnel in the floor plus lots of other patrs). In my book these guys are the BEST! I just can't say enough great things about them. The frame is original 32. As I start putting everything together I will do more post to show you all how it is turning out. I just got the body back this week from the paint shop which was painted by my good friends over at Vintage Mid-West (new company here in Kansas City). Hope you all like the pictures and if you have any questions please feel free to ask me all the questions you want.


Coupe Body Painted 1.jpg

Coupe Body Painted 2.jpg

Coupe Body Painted 3.jpg

Coupe Body Painted 4.jpg

My Coupe 1.jpg

I'm glad you stuck with it. It's a beautiful car and I'm glad that you are sharing your build.

Thanks 36tudoor! I am pretty proud of it as it has been a RELLY LONG road. As the coupe comes together I will post udates.

Yours looks great, and it looks like you are staying very true to the original, even to the dropped grille shell.

Oh man is my Son Don gonna be jealous of you ! That is his dream car and as soon as he gets a few things out of the way he is going to get started on his. So far he has the gearshift knob (autographed by Paul) and
the four carb set up pictured below I scored from Gastrick on here. Not a lot of pieces, but you gotta start somewhere.

Hope he doesn't see this thread or we may be losing space in our shop sooner than we planned.

Don

Hey Don,
Looks like you guys are off to a great start!!!! I'm very happy that everyone is liking my little project. If you or your son ever have any questions drop me a line as I'm always happy to help out.

Nice car. I was thinking the same thing Don, Don Jr. is gonna be jealous, but maybe we can watch both builds. American Grafetti days starts next month here, making me miss my drivability date for my truck two years now!
They always bring the yellow car to the show, so If I see it, I'll send some picks to you guys!

Thanks Steve!

That is going to look awesome. Keep us updated. This is going to be an interesting build.

Thanks rumrumm! I have been collecting parts for over 11 years now and I finally have all the parts to match the original coupe so I think everyone should get a kick out of this. This has been a VERY CRAZY 11 years!!!

My first street rod took that long to build, so I know what the anticipation is like. Good luck with the final assembly.

THX 138
It took me a few seconds after reading your license plate to get the numeric reference, being someone who originally saw Lucus' film THX 1138. I searched photo's of milner's coupe, and you were able to get that plate for your project which is very cool! I found a great link to Lucus' obsession for that number and where it came from if your don't already know, here yah go http://www.geocities.com/Area51/4456/thx1138.html

Thanks Again rumrumm! This coupe would have been done sooner but you know how it goes, taking care of a family takes priority. I have no regrets what so ever as I knew someday this would get done as I am just to stubborn to give up.

Hey Steve,
Yeah the plate has a pretty kool story all by it's self. I picked up my plates about five years ago from a guy out on the west coast. One of the plates has the 62 DMV sticker on it just like Milner's rear plate so to say the least I was VERY HAPPY and I still am!

Wow that is very cool! My hot rodding has been put on hold due to a boat project, but as soon as I am done I am going to start mine! Awesome car!!!

Hey Don Jr.,
THANKS for the kind words. I know you and your dad are going to have a blast building this car! I think it is VERY KOOL to still see father and son projects being done. The BEST of luck to you and your dad on this project and if you ever need anything feel free to drop me a line.