Thread: Another project? Sure, why not!!

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This really isn't a NEW project, just a new start on it after a year of so layoff. Dan was out of town today so I didn't have to help him on his RPU, which left me the day to myself. I started to clean the shop and kept looking at my '39 Dodge pickup sitting there. The more I looked the more I realized how close it is to being a running, driving car. All of the hard stuff like the frame, rear suspension, engine mounting, top chop, etc, etc is all done, it just needs finished up.

I originally was going to put a grille and radiator on the front of it, like most bobber trucks of this type, but I had an inspiration.........why not mount the radiator in the bed and put a moon tank up front to make it look like a drag altered? I have plenty of room in the back for a radiator and fuel tank, so the moon tank can be simply for looks. I would also add a couple of headlights up there and that is about it.

So, I spent the day grinding the rust that had formed on the front frame rails, and finished shaping the plates that hold my front radius rods and steering box. I tack welded them on and will let Dan finish it up for me.....my welds aren't as pretty or as strong as his. After I got them on I decided to move my spring to under the spring perch to raise the front end up about and inch and a half. It looks more like a drag car that way, and also it gives me lots of room to run the tie rod behind the axle.

I'm not going to go nuts on cosmetics on this one, I want it to look like it has been around for a while. Everything is going to be semi gloss black, except for the wheels and engine. Those will be bright red. I know, everybody does red wheels, but I like them. I may do the interior with aluminum panels, or maybe red upholstery...........not sure yet. I also have no timetable to get it done, my priority is to help Dan get his running, so whenever he doesn't need me I can do some things on the Dodge.

Here are some pictures of what I got done today.

Don

that is really great work Don. one sweet ride.

But can you do it for $3k or less????

Thanks Barb.

Well Bob, I do only have $ 3,000 in the engine.........does that count? But, I guarantee you it will not have shiny paint and will be done somewhat cheap. (It has to be, I've become accustomed to eating regularly again )

Don

"..... I do only have $ 3,000 in the engine.........does that count......."


Naw Time to relook the rules.....if you have it laying around for oh say 30 days or so it's like a free part. Heck you should be able to build this virtually for free

I like the way you mounted the steering box Don. Very neat. Is that an F1 box? Glad to see you at the Dodge again. Perley

Wow Mike, wish I would have known those "rules" when I was married. Might have saved a lot of receipt hiding.

Thanks Perley. yep, it's a '56 Ford pickup box. I like them, have one on my '27, mount easy and steer very well. I'm glad I'm back on it too. There is a lot of little things I can keep working on when Dan is pondering how to do the next step on his car. When that happens I never know when we will begin work again, so it will keep me busy.

Don

NIce job keeping the drag link in line with the wishbone - and almost the same length. Too many builders miss that touch.

I've seen probuilt cars in the magazines the don't seem to care about bump steer.

Don,
Your work is so clean and sharp. I am green with envy. Keep it up!

Please post your progress often, you were kinda lax with your updates on your last project.

Ron

Looks great, Don. The tripower is really cool. Keep on it, let's see the finished product! I know what you mean about another project. I just got a set of plans in the mail to build a 50+ mpg three wheel car, but this was my wife's idea so how could I say no?

so is the Dodge the priority over rebuilding the '27 then? make up your mind already!

I think the radiator-less altered look would be awesome and a breath of fresh air...

How bout getting the nose up a little to complete the look? Maybe put the headlights on the cowl to clean up the front axle area as well?

I will be watching this thread! Good luck!

Thanks Jack and Rick.

Ron, thanks, I'll try to milk this one a little more than the last one.

Falcon, thanks. Boy, I really like that 3 wheeler. With these gas prices I have been considering something like that myself. Only problem is, with the drivers we have on the roads down here you need as much metal around you as you can get.

35fordcoupe, yeah, I guess I will do it first. I weighed what both cars need to get them back on the road, and the '27 needs a little more. The engine in the Dodge is done and I would have to build a fresh engine for the '27. Plus, I already have a roadster with the '23, so a roof over my head would be a nice change of pace. I do sort of change like the weather though, don't I?

Gusaroo, I considered putting the lights in the firewall, but I'm afraid they would look a little weird back there. I have a small set of Guide lights like on my '23 that I think I can mount up there inconspicuously. I probably will put the tank up a little to make them fit in better. I think some door art maybe something like "Dons Rod Shop" or something like that will tie in the race theme a little.

Gotta start saving up for another set of rear wheels and slicks, I guess.

Don

don you really need to become a motivational speaker!with all the stuff goin on over there awsome work as always i must say , dans ride is looking great as well ..