Thread: Does this qualify as a Hot Rod?

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I like the extension, too. Makes it look more finished, and it's one of those details that make people wonder why your's looks "different". You do great work with the glass. How many layers of cloth/mat do you use for your extension pieces, like the three scoops for example?

I just stumbled onto your build today and I like it. As several people have said, it's definitely not traditional but it will be a great piece when you're finished. Very cool. Keep giving us updates.

Originally Posted by rspears

I like the extension, too. Makes it look more finished, and it's one of those details that make people wonder why your's looks "different". You do great work with the glass. How many layers of cloth/mat do you use for your extension pieces, like the three scoops for example?

I agree. Not only does it add a finished touch, but it gives me more options when it comes to a grill... if I decide to have one.

The scoops got four layers with a middle weight cloth. I think I only used three on the round vents. The cloth was left over from the dash repair.

Not nearly as thick as the rest of the body, but plenty sturdy... at least until I drive it.

Well, half of my taillights arrived yesterday from Summit. They have the amber and white lens for the turn indicator and back-up light. The ones with the red lens won't be available 'till 4/29!!! Both were special ordered.

I was all excited to start measuring and marking the rear for installation. Seemed like the perfect job for a rainy day. So how come the day is all but over, and all I've done is open the boxes.

I need procrastinators anonymous.

To achieve the look I want for the headlights...

headlights.jpg

...I glassed-in four metal brackets to the back side of the front scoops. A little short strand fiberglass filler to 'glue' them in place and several layers of cloth and resin to completely secure them.11.JPG


I wrapped the headlight in foil and mounted the whole assembly.


A little more filler, to fill in the irregular gap around the light, and some light sanding, yields a perfectly round hole.

I then turned my attention to the taillights. The red ones actually arrived earlier than expected.
After many hours of debating the exact locations of the lights, studying the curvature of the back panel, measuring, remeasuring, marking, erasing, remarking (in the exact same places) and then doing it all over again, I finally worked up the nerve to make that first cut. A rotary tool made easy work of the cutting and sanding of the fiberglass. The old Datsun sheet metal underneath was a different story. The depth of these lights, approximately 3 inches, required the modification of the old valance underneath. Limited access through the new holes, made for slow work. After a couple of hours of small cuts using the rotary tool cut off wheel and a reciprocating saw, and some adjusting with a hammer and short length of pipe, there was finally enough room to slip the mounting brackets in and bolt the lights up tight. ( Pics of the mangled sheet metal are too gruesome to post.)
I may adjust the orientation later, but for now I'm satisfied with the look.

The lights look great!!! some most excellent work! Location came out fine on the tailights, lot easier to erase and draw over then patch up holes that appeared where you don't want them!!!!

Agree, the placement of the lights is perfect! Looks very, very good.

Sweet! I might have to drive over your way for ride when this is done!

Down to the final mod to the front. Extending the lip of the large nose opening. Still pretty rough.

Originally Posted by stovens

Sweet! I might have to drive over your way for ride when this is done!

I'll show you mine, if you'll show me yours.

The mods are working out great on the car!!!! Congrats, very well planned and executed!

Thanks Dave. I'm pretty pleased with what I've been able to do so far...what with this being my first attempt at customizing. I just hope that the finished product doesn't look too amateurish.

It's always exciting when more parts arrive. The radiator w/ mount, strut spacers and master clutch cylinder all appeared on my doorstep in the last three days. The UPS and Fed Ex drivers have become my favorite people to ring the door bell.
But alas installation will have to wait. With our son buying his first house, my wife has found renewed interest in the bizzilion (yes, I'm sure that's an accurate number) home improvement projects that we'd promised we would undertake when we bought our house... 20 years ago. Today we replaced the rear slider with french doors. A much more elegant look. Tomorrow will be spent repairing the stucco surrounding the new doors and generally cleaning up the DIY mess.
Once our son's room has been converted into the fitness/ workout room, I can turn my attention back to the hot rod.

Playing with some colors and stripes.