New to forum, and building a 28 Huppmobile

[Chicken Legs]

Im 32, and as of last year my father passed down a nice heirloom which is a 28 model A 4door Huppmobile, which hasnt ran in 30 years, also this car was originally my great-grandfathers.

I worked as motorcycle mechanic for a few years and have built heavy equipment (utility trucks) for years. I started on the Hup about two months ago with the intention of restoring her, but after finding that the engine block was cracked, I decided to build a car that I could really enjoy. Ive been into bikes since 2001, when I purchased my first street bike, a 2001 HD Roadking, and since that time Ive logged 70 thousand miles and 27 states, but Im burned out, and Ive decided to build the Hupp, because I have a passion for curved lines and bling, and because this car is both unique in that Its been in the same family since it was new, and also that a Hupp is a rare car. To date Ive stripped her down to the frame and have been working on a Mustang II front end to replace the cable brake, straight axle set up. The Mustang II front end had to be widened 3 3/4 inch to work and its nearing completion. Next step is to shorten a ford 9-inch with disk brakes, that I bought at a pull-it yourself salvage yard. I look forward to the forum and the information here.

[NTFDAY]

Welcome to the forum. We sure would love to see some pictures of the Hupp.

[Itoldyouso]

Welcome. Yeah, we want pictures. I have heard of Huppmobile, but can't recall what they look like, but we all try to make our cars different from the next guy, so you are way ahead on that.

Sounds like you have a plan going, and know what you are doing. I love the fact your car has that family thing going for it. That makes it even more special.

We love progress pictures and tech pictures ( Pat M is doing a good one now on headers, and I have been posting on a little T I'm building, Brian has done posts on his roadster pickup, etc, etc) One on your buildup would be very helpful to others, especially guys and gals just starting this car game.

Good luck,

Don

[Chicken Legs]

[Chicken Legs]

[Itoldyouso]

That thing looks very solid, and doesn't seem to have a wood subframe like similar Fords and Chevys of that time.

Will make a great rod.


Don

[Chicken Legs]

Wetsandblasting the frame and body. As some of you have suggested, its not the best way to go because to put water on bare metal is instant rust, however, it does produce results and at a minimum cost.





Here I have started applying POR-15 to the interior


Applying a little rattle can primer till I can get the body to a paint booth.


A sill plate contructed of steel to replace the orginal wooden ones. The interior of the car was originally framed in wood which included the sill plates (mounted between the body and frame), along with the floor boards. My plan is to replace the wood with steel as so to be able to weld in a metal floor along with being able to tie the A, B, and C pillars together for better strength.


The sill plates installed. They are just above the frame rails and under the rough framing.


A close up of the passenger side front quarter with the sill plate installed.


I put the hood and frame rail covers on to make sure that the body is still aligned.

[Dave Severson]

Looks great so far!!!! Just keep bracing things as you go and it will work fine. I've seen the results when people cut out too many things at once and the body moves around. As long as you keep mocking up the doors, hood, and fenders to make sure nothing has relocated itself you'll be fine. Keep up the good work and keep us updated.