Rusty Bowtie
Miscellaneous => Members Builds - Stocker -Streetrod - Ratrod - LowRider => Topic started by: TFoch on November 29, 2012, 09:59:19 PM
-
Here is what I started with. A 1933 Chevy Cabriolet I bought in Portland Oregon.
-
Here's where I'm at now. I hope to have it on the road this spring.
-
Looks great...going to have left over parts? (fenders?)
How is the rocker panel on the pass side? Mine was really picked...made one with my brake, tig, and bead roller...can't see it in the picture....but it has all of the bead rolls etc.
I think Glen Rarick (link below) said he was in the process of having those panels reproduced. I made the 33 upper tail pan panel out of 18 gauge steel. The original was OK...but pretty "picked".
-
Thanks Ed. No left over parts. My rockers were in good shape. The only rust on the body was the lower drivers side of the cowl. I got a patch panel from a guy in Vegas from a body he found in the desert.
Glen and his son stopped by a year ago while he was in the area. He was selling some parts to a friend of mine and asked to see my car.
-
I got the body off the chassis this week so I can finish weld the last cross member on the chassis. I made the dolly so I can move it around the garage. Then I can paint the chassis and start assembling it to get it on the road this summer.
-
You have a nice looking shop to work on your project. I made a small 1-1/2 car space inside my barn..insulated, heated but still has a gravel floor. (Might pour a floor this year).
How do you heat your shop?
Ed
-
Tom
That is a nice workshop....Looks like your a pretty good carpenter too. 8) Good work!
Moose
-
Six years ago we put on an addition to our ranch. It has a 3 stall garage at ground level with a small apartment on the second level for my Mom and Dad. I have two of the stalls for my workshop and my parents get the other stall for their car. My wife is kind enough to park her SUV outside through the winter so I can use both stalls for my project. It's heated with a ceiling Modine "Hot Dawg" natural gas heater (wife bought me for Christmas 3 years ago). I have enough room for my sandblast cabinet, mig welder, drill presses and other tools. My dad is a retired tin knocker so in the cellar of the original house we have a 4' finger brake, 3' shear, 3' rolling pins, bead roller and my shrinker stretcher. I'm a lucky guy!
-
Welded the last cross member in for the rear shock mounts and used the two engine stands I have to make a chassis rotisserie. Now I can clean and paint the chassis and start assembly.
-
Tom
That rear cross member looks just fine. Your idea for the rotisserie must have something to do with your YANKEE ingenuity! :D
Moose
-
Moose,
Thanks, sometimes you just have to make due with what you have.
Tom
-
Took the chassis off of the rotisserie after painting it and started to assemble the suspension and brakes. Over the last couple of days I got the TCI front end with the sway bar assembled. The front brake lines are run all the way to the master cylinder. The rear end is mounted and the fuel line is run all the way to the front. Next I have to run the rear brake lines.
-
VERY NICE. I am glad to see you are getting after it. Maybe sometime soon we might both have a driver under our backsides. Good job....John
-
Looks good Tom. Did you have to notch the front cross member or is that the way it comes?
Moose
-
Moose,
Had to notch it to keep the radiator mount in the stock location. Back when I bought this front end kit, TCI didn't have one for a Chevy go figure so we had to adapt one made for Brand F.
Tom
-
Tom
Your quality of work is first class! (and $$$$) :D
Ed
-
Thanks Ed, as far as the $$$ I've been saving my pennies for a while and my wife gives me a good allowance Ha Ha!
-
Dang Tom. That's some quality work, and after looking over your shop I had to go out and spend some time just cleaning up my shop.
-
I use part of my allowance for a maid that comes in once a week!
-
Tom, your car looks great! You did an awsome job on the frame and front suspension. I can't wait to start another project so I can try that rotisserie idea. I just keep learning more and more from you guys.
-
Thanks Jim, I can't take all the credit. I get a lot of help from friends and my Dad. I've learned a lot from guys on here and the HAMB. I have to admit I look at the stuff Ghost does very closely to see if there is anything I can learn. It's what makes this hobby the best! Get that exhaust done so you can take yours for a ride!
Tom
-
Hi Tom. I am probably not gonna use the chevy splash aprons on the buick. I will check with the guy I got them from to see if he wants them back or how much he might want for them if your interested....John
-
Thanks John but I bought a decent one a while back.
-
I spent the day bending brake lines and making flares. Also got the fuel line and tank installed. Once I get the hoses for the rear brake cylinders I can bleed the brakes and get the engine and trans back in.
-
Looks good Tom....I see your keeping Wilwood in business ;D
-
No Wilwood calipers just 80's GM. I want to be able to go to NAPA or Advanced Auto if I need replacement parts.
-
Tom...Did the GM calipers come with the front suspension or did you have to adapt them?
-
It came with the front end from TCI. You could have the Wilwood calipers for some extra cash.
-
Tom,
What a project.... total quality.
Ive been going through and researching some of the posted build projects ...here and the Hamb,,, in preparation for my own. I have to say, yours is one of the nicest,thanks for sharing.
Busy,Busy
Ray
-
Ray,
Thanks I appreciate the compliment. I need to take your advice and stay busy busy and get it done. I'm glad you decided to do yours instead of selling it.
Tom
-
Thanks Jim, I can't take all the credit. I get a lot of help from friends and my Dad. I've learned a lot from guys on here and the HAMB. I have to admit I look at the stuff Ghost does very closely to see if there is anything I can learn. It's what makes this hobby the best! Get that exhaust done so you can take yours for a ride!
Tom
I hear ya Tom. The HAMB has been great, and guys like Ghost and you have helped me a TON on my car. Sometimes you guys don't even know it, I just watch, listen and steal!
Anyway, thanks you guys.
-
I finished the brake lines and bled the brakes tonight. Other than forgetting to tighten the two bleed screws on the front calipers it went well. Not too much brake fluid on the garage floor. Now I can put the engine and trans back in this weekend.
-
Looks real good Tom but you gotta stop wasting brake fluid, that stuff ain't cheap ya know!! :P
Did you figure out the E brake setup yet?
Moose
-
I got a Lokar handle and cables. I hope to get the cables in this weekend and get the handle in when I get the body back on the chassis. I do have the original e brake handle but I'm not sure I'll be able to make it work.
-
You are getting it done now, and you and Billy have your pic' on the front page congrats. Hopefully it wont be to long before for your first ride. Oh and thanks for the kind words guys. I also steel some of your ideas. It's just the way it is. LOL ...John
-
Got the engine and trans in this weekend. Thanks to my Dad and my daughter Kristen for the help. I got the exhaust up to the mufflers installed. The drive shaft, parking brake cables and alternator are in too. Just a few more things on the chassis and then I can concentrate on getting the floor in and working on the body.
-
Started working on the body today. I installed the support structure for the rear part of the floor. I also started working on the pivots for the rumble seat cover. Like Ghost said with all the snow outside it was a great day to be in the garage!
-
Looking good Tom. I guess snow can be a good motivator ! :P
-
Man that engine and frame sure is pretty. I really like the structure you have in your car, maybe if it stays cold outside for just a little while longer. HMMM we all might get something done.
Keep at it....John
-
It sure does look good, Tom. I lost some of my momentum over the winter and I am having a heck of a time trying to get it back. I don't want to lose pace with you guys :)
-
It sure does look good, Tom. I lost some of my momentum over the winter and I am having a heck of a time trying to get it back. I don't want to lose pace with you guys :)
You will get there that coupe is too nice to just sit there. I have faith in ya...John
-
It sure does look good, Tom. I lost some of my momentum over the winter and I am having a heck of a time trying to get it back. I don't want to lose pace with you guys :)
Jim, you got to take yours for a ride. I can't wait to get to that point! Spring will be here soon so you'll have to get that momentum back.
-
Got a little work done on the floor. Got the front part painted and in place. I welded the lower collar in place for the steering column. Hope to get the rear part in this weekend.
-
Nice job Tom. Looks like things are really starting to come together!!!
Moose
-
Very nice job...is that a C3 vette steering wheel?
-
"Nice job Tom. Looks like things are really starting to come together!!!"
Moose
Thanks Moose!
"Very nice job...is that a C3 vette steering wheel?"
Thanks Ed yes it is out of an Corvette I used to own. Sold it after I got married for the down payment on our house.
Tom
-
Finally got the body to the body shop for primer / sealer. When I get it home tomorrow I hope to get the body back on the chassis and start assembly. First ride is not too long away!
-
Tom
Sounds like things are starting to get exciting.....And as per my usual .... Don't forget the pictures!
Moose
-
Hey Tom, I'll bet going to that car show gave you a little extra energy, I know it always works on me. Jim
-
Got the body back from the shop. It's now sealed so I can get it back on the chassis. We didn't fix any of the dents so the black sealer shows the car's "character". But this will allow me to get it running and on the road to work out the bugs for a year or so. I definitely got some looks towing it the 1/4 mile from my house to the body shop. I hope to have a few guys over tomorrow night to help get it back on the chassis. Sorry for the dark pics, I hope they satisfy Moose :).
-
Tom, the body looks great, you must be jumping out of your skin! You'll be tooling around in that car before you know it.
In the second picture, is that your pink helmet on the toolbox for when you get it on the road? ;D Jim
-
Tom, the body looks great, you must be jumping out of your skin! You'll be tooling around in that car before you know it.
In the second picture, is that your pink helmet on the toolbox for when you get it on the road? ;D Jim
Yeah Jim can't wait to take it for a ride! That's my granddaughter's helmet for when I drag her behind my mountain bike. Too small to fit me anymore! She's loves going out in the garage with me :)
-
Tom
One step closer....If you think it's drawing a lot of attention now just wait until you hit the road!!!! The pic's look pretty good...Just had to turn the brightness up on the monitor to the max :P
Moose
-
Had a few friends just stop by and we got the body back on the chassis. Now just keep chipping away at it.
Tom
-
That is too cool. It won't be long now.
-
Tom, it really looks great! It's nice to have friends, how much beer did it cost you?
-
Here's a couple of pics of the chassis before the body went on and then with the doors on it.
-
Looking good Tom.....Before you know it all the fun is gonna be over and the only thing left to do will be to drive it.
You peaked my curiosity with one of your pictures. What's that thing that looks like something paint red and silver metal flake covered with plastic. I don't mean to be nosey but..... ::)
Moose
-
Looking great Tom...good to see you're still banging away. It's hard to keep motivated..on my end any way. What kind of schedule do you have, or are you waiting for the good weather to leave?
Ed
-
Moose, that red and silver metal flake is my bass boat. It's a Ranger R70 with a 115 HP Mercury. My son's not into cars so that's how we spend our time together. Ed, I was hoping to get it on the road by fall. Won't get too much done in July with family gatherings and a trip out west coming up.
-
Got the grill and radiator on it (with the Eagle radiator cap). Hope to get some more work done this weekend.
-
Tom
It sure didn't take you long to get back on it....Looking good.You'd better start checking the days off on that calendar I see hanging on the wall because it won't be too long before your ready to hit the road.
Moose
-
Tom
Looks great...I have a couple of 33 radiator mascots and even picked up a painted one on eBay a couple years ago ($40). It was pitted so I gave it a light sanding and powder coated it silver...my intent is to powder coat it white to match the car once I have the car painted.
Ed
-
This weekend I test fitted the front fenders. I'm going to have my friend Ron from New England Rod Shop stop by and measure for the wheel backspacing. Then I can order the wheels. I'm going with American Torq Thrust. Can't wait to see the car with wheels on it!
Tom
-
Tom
Gotta just love a full fendered hot rod....nice
Moose
-
Finally got it outside in the sun light last night. Here's a couple of the pics. Now back to work on it!
-
Tom..really coming along. You do have some nice metal there! Just wondering my 33 with stock width fenders and S10 rear axle uses a 15x8 wheel with 3" backspace...wondering what backspace you decided to go with.
Ed
-
Tom
It's starting to look like you might make a hot rod out of that thing yet.....Looks good.
Moose
-
No pictures but got the Lokar Gas Pedal in. I also got the windshield gasket installed from Steele Rubber. It fit well but the holes were off. I had to buy a leather punch kit to put the holes were they needed to be.
-
You are smoking on that car. It looks really good, and I like your wheel choice...John
-
I started to layout the dash and gauges. I chose Autometer gauges, a speedometer, tach and a quad gauge set up. This should look close to the original gauges. When I ordered the Ron Francis wire harness, I listed the gauges I'd be using so it should plug and play. I'll be using a piece of black walnut from a tree I have to cut down when we built my garage. I'm doing the layout in 3D CAD and then we'll machine it like a piece of aluminum. I'll keep you guys up to date.
-
Can't wait to see what the black walnut will look like. I used one of those billet aluminum inserts. How thick will the wood be? Will you need to counter sink the gauges?
The gauges look era...I intentionally am using different (new) gauge manufacturers with different colored faces...want the cluster to look like I put it together with odds and ends.
Ed
-
Tom
Looks like it'll be a winner! I like that quad gauge. Can't wait to see the finished product.
Moose
-
Tom, just reading how you are going to fabricate the dash sounds awesome! I can't wait to see it.
-
Came in early to work today and got a little CAD work done. I start out with a 2D sketch of the perimeter shown in the first picture. Then I add the holes for the gauges shown in the second picture. Then tell it what thickness I want and it creates a 3 dimension file shown in picture 3. I'll print out a drawing of it and bring it home tonight to check the fit.
-
ahh...The wonders of technology :-*
-
That is wild!
-
Tom
Not to hijack your post....I'm still mixing up my gauges...O2 sensor gauge and tach on left...center cluster is being mixed up whenever I find another odd gauge.
Ed
-
Ed,
No worries about hi-jacking :). Looks cool the way you have it set up. Justin (Senior31) asked me for the CAD file for my dash. I'll be sending it to him but I figured I'll make a drawing with dimensions of the perimeter and post it in Moose's Tech Corner in case anyone wants to make one themselves.
Tom
-
Finally got some time to work on the 33. Fabricated a box for my compact battery. Mounted it to the body frame work. Cut out the floor for access to the battery. Now I'll make a cover to go over it.
-
Tom
Looks like some nice heavy duty material. That should do the trick..... Nice work!
Moose
-
Finished my battery box and ran my battery cables. I bought the cable from McMaster Carr. It's 1 gauge High Flexible battery cable. They also call it welding cable. I'll bring them to work so I can cut them and crimp the terminals on. I work for Burndy, a connector manufacturer so we have all the proper connectors and tools to crimp them with. I'll take some pictures of the crimps to show you this week. My dad and I also used the bead roller to put a couple beads in to stiffen up the rear part of the floor.
-
Nice work Tom...Looking better every day. Spring?
Moose
-
Nice work Tom...Looking better every day. Spring?
Moose
Thanks, spring is the plan.
-
Like I said in Moose's Photoshop thread I took a picture of my 33 and wanted to see what it looked like in black and white. My daughter loves to come out to the garage to see the progress and help me when she can. The car means a lot to her and after my dad gets the first ride she is next. The Friday before Christmas her boyfriend proposed and she accepted! The first thing she said to me is I want to arrive at the wedding in the 33 Chevy. That means I have to get my ass in gear to get the car on the road for the end of July. My daughter and her fiance want to take pictures with the car but it will be in black satin primer so I suggested they change them to black and white. I think it will look pretty cool. Wish me luck!!!
-
Spent some time out in the garage today and got the cowl vent working and the windshield installed. The cowl vent was easy, just had to fabricate a bracket that used on of the windshield bolts and attach a spring. The windshield was a different story. I used a gasket from Steele Rubber which was 2 piece. The gasket fit great and I used black RTV to join the 2 pieces together in the middle. The problem came when I tried to put the glass in. I mounted the windshield frame to the car and didn't realize the top of the frame got sucked in when I tightened it to the cowl. I chipped the glass trying to force it into the frame. Sometimes you have to step back and think about it a bit. So today I went back and shimmed the frame so the uprights stayed the distance the were supposed to be. The glass fit in perfect, lesson learned :)
-
Tom...that vent info is going to really help..I may still wire in a solenoid if I can locate one that doesn't pop so hard in and out like door locks do.
Ed
-
Tom
Congratulations to both your daughter and you. I'll bet your gonna be burning the old midnight oil for awhile but it will all be well worth it.
Maybe we should set up a countdown clock just to keep you focused ;D
Moose
-
You are really moving on it now. I'll use you to light a fire under me. Thanks
-
You are really moving on it now. I'll use you to light a fire under me. Thanks
Likewise, Tom, you are making me want to brave the ccccold!
-
Thanks guys, I hope I can get it on the road before the wedding. My daughter is counting on it :)
-
Thanks guys, I hope I can get it on the road before the wedding. My daughter is counting on it :)
If you get stuck...you can use my 34 (3) window coupe!
-
Thanks guys, I hope I can get it on the road before the wedding. My daughter is counting on it :)
If you get stuck...you can use my 34 (3) window coupe!
Thanks for the offer Ed, let's hope it doesn't come to that ;D
-
Finally got the wheels in for the 33. I went with American Racing Torq Thrust IIs with a custom back spacing for both front and rear. The fronts are 15 X 6 with a 2 3/4" back space and the rear are 15 X 8 with a 3" back space. It took 3 months but they are finally here. The rear tires should be in today. We're still waiting for the fronts. I hope to post some pics of the rear wheels mounted this weekend.
-
That's good news Tom. Did you get the polished or chrome ones?
Moose
-
Nothing better than new wheels. It hard for me to throw the boxes they come in out!
-
That's good news Tom. Did you get the polished or chrome ones?
Moose
Got the polished ones. Here's a sneak peak :)
-
Liked you sneak peek.. waiting for mounted tire to get full effect...I'm still in limbo about changing out rear end. .Later... Ed
-
They look good Tom.
-
Tom, they look great, I really like that style wheel. Nice.
-
We got the tires mounted on the rear wheels. I went with BF Goodrich TA Radials size 255 70 15. The wheels are 15X8 and were ordered with a 3" backspace. They actually measured at 3 1/8" backspace. That is the least amount of backspace you can order. To get them to fit in the center of the fender I'll have to add a 3/8" spacer. I'll get some machined this week at work on lunch time. I like the way they fill the fender well.
-
That's a wide tire. Looks good.
-
Thanks Mike.
I started to layout my gauges for the dash panel. I tried 3 different layouts that I did in CAD. I have my three gauges, two directional lamps, a high beam indicator lamp, ignition switch and a switch to stop the converter from locking on my 700R4. I chose the bottom one in the first picture. Then I cut it out on an old piece of paneling to see how it would look. I'm happy with it.
Tom
-
Now that I figured out the layout, I'll cut the real panel out of a piece of black walnut. Before we added on to our house to add the garage, we had to cut down a black walnut tree that was right where my car is sitting. We had it sent to a friends mill and cut into boards. Put one of them through the plainer and that is what I'll use for the dash panel. Should look great when sanded and cleared.
-
Looking good, Tom, that walnut gauge cluster is really a good idea and will look cool.
-
Tom you are moving right along. I do like the wheel choice and the dash layout idea.
-
Got a little work done on the tail lights. Bought some new bulb sockets, and the covers for the license plate bulb. Media blasted the housings and painted them. I used semi gloss black on the outside and chrome on the inside.
-
I had the original drivers side tail light arm with the license plate bracket. I bought the passenger side tail light arm from member Coley. He did a great job reproducing them and if you need one I highly recommend buying one from him. I painted them and mounted the housings. I have a set of original lens bezels that still need to be rechromed but I like the way they turned out.
-
Tom....They look great. I see you painted the inside silver. If you want the brightest possible light believe it or not white is the best reflector on the inside of the light. I changed mine and couldn't believe. Here's a comparison that Digger Dave did on Hamb.
Moose
Did an experiment with the same tail light socket painted various colors inside.
I set the repo tail light assembly on a temporary bracket with a very sensitive light meter set about three feet away from the tail light. (assembled with lens in place) With all of the shop lights OFF, I took measurements after changing the inside bucket colors.
First measurement was with the original BLACK that the new assembly came with.
Then repainted it SILVER. Then spray can CHROME. And finally BRIGHT WHITE.
BLACK was the base line.
SILVER resulted in a 20 % improvement
CHROME resulted in a 20 % improvement.
WHITE resulted in a 60 % improvement.
WHITE from my experience is THE BEST!
-
Thanks Moose I didn't know that. I can easily repaint them. I'm going to try the 2357 bulbs too.
-
I love to see them when the lighting goes on.
-
Tom...I just spent some VERY high quality time going through your thread from the beginning. It's very seldom that I'm speechless...but WOW!
I love that rotisserie idea you used...looks like I will be needing a couple of engine stands!
Many thanks for all your posting efforts, there are just a ton of ideas in here that I hope to use. Thank you! :)
-
Tom...I just spent some VERY high quality time going through your thread from the beginning. It's very seldom that I'm speechless...but WOW!
I love that rotisserie idea you used...looks like I will be needing a couple of engine stands!
Many thanks for all your posting efforts, there are just a ton of ideas in here that I hope to use. Thank you! :)
Cocobolo,
Thanks, it's been a long process but finally coming together. I appreciate the kind words.
Tom
-
Looking good!
White paint for the housings is a great tip. Thanks for sharing it!
-
I started this build a few years before joining this forum so I wanted to add a few things to the thread that were completed before. So here goes, I'll start with the exhaust. I decided to go with 2 1/4" steel. I picked Hooker Turbo style mufflers. We machined some flanges the same size as header flanges so I could use 3 bolt header gaskets for all my connections. I positioned the mufflers in the chassis where I wanted them. Then I stared with "J" tubes and straight lengths. The "J" tubes I used had 4" and 6" radii.
-
I started on the drivers side from the header collector and worked my way back to the muffler. I added a little bend as the pipe went horizontal so I could get my oil filter out without a problem. The key to cutting the "J" tubes correctly and get a good fit is to cut from the center of the radius at what angle you need. I used CAD to make the templates I needed for a good cut. I've seen guys that drew their template for different angles on a piece of plywood so they could mark their tubing. Here's some pics of how the first part came out.
-
Here's some pics of the passenger side.
-
I worked my way back to the mufflers going through the cross members to keep the exhaust up high enough so when you see the car from the side you shouldn't it. I made some mounting brackets with isolators to mount the mufflers at the flanges. I used my digital level to keep everything level.
-
Here's a closeup of the rear muffler bracket. Then I cut the tubing to go over the rear axle. I would duct tape things first to try the fit. Then tack weld it and double check it again before finish weld.
-
Here's some final pics. I painted it with silver ceramic header paint.
-
Tom
I always enjoy looking at the quality of your workmanship..... Impeccable as usual!
Moose
-
A textbook build!
-
I decided to paint the inside of my tail lights white as Moose suggested. While doing it I first left them both silver and put a #2357 bulb on the left and a #1157 bulb on the right. The #2357 was slightly brighter than the #1157. Then I painted the one on the right white inside and used #2357 bulbs in both. The white did seem brighter. This was by no means a scientific experiment but just out of curiosity. I may look into the Ron Francis Brite Bulbs. I found the attached chart and added the Ron Francis info to it. Thanks Moose for letting me know about this.
-
Hey that's interesting.
Are Ron Francis's bulbs led?
I'm looking for bright bulbs with low heat for the 32s plastic lenses.
Thanks for posting the pics.
-
The Ron Francis Bulbs are not LED.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rfw-b1077/overview/
-
Tom
I used the Ron Francis bulbs in mine and you can definitely see the difference.
Moose
-
Finished my tail pipes. Just need to fabricate a hanger that will attach at the rear of the frame and then paint and install them.
-
Started with the piece of black walnut that was from a tree I had to take down to build my garage. We planed it to about 1/4" thick. Then I modeled what I wanted in CAD and my friend Clayton cut it out on the milling machine. Here is the piece sanded and ready for polyurethane. I test fit it on my dash and cut the extra holes that I needed. Tomorrow I hope to get the dash painted and poly on the wood. Then I can finish the assembly and continue to wire the car.
-
That dash panel is a beauty
Good job
-
Tom, that is a truly excellent piece of workmanship.
I just finished a small dash insert for a friend of mine and I used bird's eye maple for it. When I did the poly, it had a tendency to leave a few very tiny bubbles in the surface. I ended up sanding and re-coating a dozen times, which shouldn't be necessary. Three or four coats should do the job as long as the bubbles are kept at bay. It didn't help that the workshop was only between 60º and 65º, which is really too cool to apply polyurethane.
Don't forget to poly the back side of the insert, that way you will avoid any warping.
I spent a good number of years in the wood boat building business, and when applying clear epoxy to a wood surface it would bubble all the time. The instant cure is to fan the surface with a heat gun...but not too hot of course. I'm fairly sure this would work with the poly finish, except that I left my heat gun at my old house. So I couldn't use it here.
To give you a bit more info, some woods will offgas and this will actually cause tiny bubbles to appear before your eyes. The remedy for this case is to pre-heat the wood with your heat gun - again, not too warm - and then apply the poly immediately. The wood will commence to cool right away and there will be no off-gassing.
-
That dash panel is a beauty
Good job
Thanks Streetrod37
Cocobolo, Thanks for the info. I'm practicing on the scrap piece left over from what we cut out. I'm going to play around with that until I get the results I want.
Tom
-
That dash panel is a beauty
Good job
Thanks Streetrod37
Cocobolo, Thanks for the info. I'm practicing on the scrap piece left over from what we cut out. I'm going to play around with that until I get the results I want.
Tom
Yep, that is absolutely the best thing you could do. :)
-
I got the polyurethane on the dash panel and I'm happy with the results. I tried a couple of cans I had around the house (not sure how old they were) but didn't like the results. I stop by my local hardware store and talked with the owner that I went to grade school with and he recommended Minwax Helmsman Interior/Exterior so being in a Cabriolet I'd have UV protection. After trying a test piece I liked it. Five coats later here are the results.
-
Very nice...nice and clean!
-
Yes, very nice indeed. Two questions, was the original gage cluster on '33's wood and is the dash panel the same as the 34 standard? It looks the same. I'm using a combo of std & master. Looks like we have the same taste in gauges (auto meter?) I vinyl wrapped mine, didn't think about building it from wood. Might rethink that though.
-
Wow! Did that ever come up nicely! I have used the minwax Helmsman many times, but never from a spray bomb. But I have to think for a small job like the dash it's perfect.
-
Thanks guys. The original gauge cluster was three gauges with a thin piece of metal black and silver behind them. My gauges are Autometer. Had good luck with them in the past and I liked the style so I gave them a shot. The hardware guy only had the Minwax Helmsman in a quart or in spray bomb. Since a quart was more than I needed he recommended the spray bomb.
Sammons, if you want to pm me with your address I can send you a 1/1 drawing of the dash panel to see if it fits your 34.
Tom
-
Thanks Tom. I was just curious if 33 shared the same dash on the 34-35 standard models. My warped sense of build I had to widen mine.. I liked the glove box on the Master dash, but liked the split upper detail of the Standard so I grafted it in.
-
The exhaust is done! The last thing I had to do was fab some brackets to mount to the rear part of the frame for hangers. The rear part of the frame was on an angle so I cut a piece of round bar stock into two pieces at an angle. That allowed the bracket and nut to sit square on the frame. After finishing the paint on them got them mounted on the car. I'm happy with the results and glad to get it finally done. Can't wait to hear how it sounds!
-
Indeed a most excellent job there Tom.
Very clever how you managed to accommodate the angle on the rear of the frame like that. So when is the big fire up day?
-
As usual..outstanding craftsmanship! How long before firing it up?
Ed
-
Thanks guys. Going to try to get a little more of the wiring done tomorrow, mostly the gauges and dash stuff. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can fire it up and hear what it sounds like.
-
Looks great! Nice exhaust.
-
Got the dash back in the car and ran the wires for the oil pressure and water temp sending units. Hooked up the tach and ran the wires for the speedometer. Ran the power and ground wires for the dash panel. Using the schematic that came with the kit and the markings on all the wires made it easy. I hope to get the steering column back in the car and then finish wiring that this week.
-
Started out with the pieces my friend milled out of aluminum for me for my column drop. We included the letters WAMCO for the Wild Ass Mining Company (See the story at http://rustybowtie.com/index.php?topic=250.msg3116#msg3116). The first pic has the upper and lower polished and the middle part as machined. The second and third have all polished and the fourth has it mounted to the dash. Now I can wire the steering column.
-
That's great. Keeping the dream alive!
-
Tom that's looking really good. Nice and clean. I have been following your wiring thread.
-
The original knob that came with the head light switch in my wiring kit didn't match the knob for the switch on my dash. I searched EBay and found a chrome cabinet knob that was real close to the same shape as the other one. Mounted it to the shaft and tried it today. Happy with the way it looks.
-
Tom
As you know.....It's all in the details. Looks great!!
Moose
-
Thanks guys. I have tomorrow off so I hope to get more wiring done. Got to keep going to get it on the road for my daughters wedding!
-
Got the 700R4 transmission wired to the switch on the dash. Got the front fenders and rumble seat lid in primer. Here's where it's at now. Still waiting for the front tires which are on back order from BF Goodrich. Really anxious to see how it's going to sit.
-
That's looking real good. I bet your excited for the first ride Iknow Iwould be. I don't remember if you posted about the top on the 33 ? John
-
I have the original top rails but that will be a project for after the summer. They are in good shape but will need to be cleaned up. I need to get the side windows in place before I can do the roof.
-
I can't wait to see the finished results of your work. The wheels and stance looks great so far. KEEP AT IT...John
-
That is one nice looking car. And I'll bet it sounds great as well.
-
Looking good! I wish I were that far along.
-
Tom.... It's looking really good!!! The closer they get to done the more exciting it gets. It's great watching your dream become reality.
Moose
-
Thanks again guys! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel as I check off one more thing on my to do list. I got the emergency brake installed this week. I purchased a Lokar #EHB-7000F chrome emergency brake handle. The instructions were good as they usually are with Lokar. I cut the hole in the floor. I made a small plate to strengthen it and tie it into the floor braces. Got the handle installed then worked on the cables. Kit #EC-80FU is the universal cables with black housing. I ran the cables so they were away from the mufflers and used a clamp to hold them up to the floor. Once they're all in place I marked them and cut the housings first with some 8" cutters and then put them back in, marked the cables and then cut them with a cut off wheel. I put the cables back through the block put some Loctite on the set screws and tightened them. After a little adjustment the brakes worked great.
-
Looks good Tom.
You will be ready for top down driving soon!
-
Worked on mounting the gas tank apron. The one steel panel of my car that needs too much work to do right now is the gas tank apron so I bought a fiberglass one from Speedway Motors. It is far from perfect but will work for now. I had to figure out a way to attach it to the car. I made 5 pieces of steel that I attached a stud to. Then tapped two 10-32 holes into each of them to attach them to the flange of the apron.
-
The studs go through a piece of rectangular tubing at the back of the car that I fabricated to replace some of the original wood. I fit the piece as best as possible but there is a gap between it and where it meets the rear fenders. I guess for $100 I can't ask for too much.
-
You could cut the flange off the apron and bolt it to the fender and glass it together.
I like the way you mounted it.
-
Didn't want to spend too much time or money on this panel as I intend on fixing the original steel one. It'll due until I have the time after the summer to work on the original one.
-
Tom
I am considering using "beaded welting" between the tailpan and apron...maybe even around the fenders.
-
I mounted the rear fenders and used Filling Station #B184 3/16 Beaded Fender Welt. It's Vinyl and is 1 1/2" wide. Comes in a 25 foot roll for $15.50. It fit good but is a little loose around the top of the fender. I might try a piece of black duct tape on the inside of the welt to tighten it up.
-
I used Anchor Nuts #GM1021 to hold the fenders on. These fit and worked well.
-
I mounted the rear fenders and used Filling Station #B184 3/16 Beaded Fender Welt. It's Vinyl and is 1 1/2" wide. Comes in a 25 foot roll for $15.50. It fit good but is a little loose around the top of the fender. I might try a piece of black duct tape on the inside of the welt to tighten it up.
Great info Tom..I have some but could use a 25' roll...that 3/16 diameter is just right.
-
I used Anchor Nuts #GM1021 to hold the fenders on. These fit and worked well.
How are they installed...did you use existing holes?
-
I used Anchor Nuts #GM1021 to hold the fenders on. These fit and worked well.
How are they installed...did you use existing holes?
Ed,
They installed just like the originals. Using the original holes you place them in from the inside of the car. Then there are two tabs that fold over from the out side of the car to secure them in place. It makes it real easy to mount the fenders.
Tom
-
DID YOU GET THE ANCHOR NUTS DIRECTLY FROM GM OR DID YOU GET THEM FROM AN AFTERMARLKET SUPPLIER.
MIKE
-
DID YOU GET THE ANCHOR NUTS DIRECTLY FROM GM OR DID YOU GET THEM FROM AN AFTERMARLKET SUPPLIER.
MIKE
Mike I got the from the Filling Station. That is their part number.
-
found them under MISC FENDER HARDWARE.
GM-1021 1933---1950passenger fender anchor nut $1.65 each.
There is also a 1925---1932 fender anchor nut GR-179 at $4.50 each
mike lynch..... 8)
-
Got the front tires on 33 and got it on the ground. Here's a couple of pics from in the garage. I like the way it sits :)
-
squats nice, will get a better idea of how low front is when gravel shield goes on and running boards stretch out the side view.
mike lynch 8)
-
The tires in the pockets are just right nice and low. ya done good pilgrim....John
-
It has a really nice stance Tom, l like it alot.
-
While I was working on my front fenders this weekend my Dad, who's a retired sheet metal worker decided to help out and make my battery box cover. He has all his equipment in my cellar. He took he measurements and when he came out this is what he had. We painted it and attached the hinge. Done and I didn't have to do a thing.
-
Tom...Your Dad did great job with that cover. ...Of course you realize that he's now entitled to borrow the car whenever he wants,
right? ;)
Moose
-
Moose,
He will get the first ride in the car. He was born in 1933 so he and the car have something in common. He's been waiting patiently but hopefully pretty soon.
Tom
-
Got the car fired up this weekend. My daughter got the honors of turning the key. When it first started there was a grinding noise that scared the heck out of me. It had run a couple of years ago with no problems. We finally figured out it was the transmission cover hitting the flex plate. I bought a "universal" plastic one that doesn't fit quite right. After removing it the car ran great. Just a couple small leaks I need to fix. I still have some things to get done before I go to the DMV to get it registered. I was able to drive it out of the garage, turn it around and drive it back in. Getting closer! Here are a couple pics of it while I had it outside.
-
TOM It looooooks ggggreat i wish ours was that close lol lol mooseman
-
Good for you Tom...looking at the quality of your work...any bugs to work out will be minor...Enjoy!
-
That's great news Tom....Won't be long now.
Moose
-
That thing looks great! I like a lot of things about your car, the way the exhaust exits looks so clean.
-
Nice.
-
Thanks guys it's come a long way. Won't be long before Dad gets his first ride.
-
Looks great Tom you will be the hit of Elm street. Hope to see you there.
-
Looks great Tom you will be the hit of Elm street. Hope to see you there.
Don,
Can't wait for that show. I'll definitely be there. I you come up plan on stopping by my house after for a cookout.
Tom
-
Hope to get to your house this year.
-
Seven years ago when I brought this car back to New Hampshire in boxes I promised my Dad he'd get the first ride. After a lot of work and help from some close friends and family, today I was able to keep that promise. My Dad was born in 1933 so he's the same age as the car. It wasn't a long ride but I think it made his day. It definitely made my day!
http://s1306.photobucket.com/user/tfoch/media/FirstRide7-6-14_zps2c868835.mp4.html
http://s1306.photobucket.com/user/tfoch/media/FirstRide027-6-14_zps1d2ded43.mp4.html
-
Good for you Tom. You no he enjoyed that, the look on his face tells all. Keep after it.
-
Been busy around here but great to see that your car made that promised run with your Dad...Congratulations...
-
Congrats! That a great milestone.
-
A couple of additional pics of the first ride. After my Dad I took my friend Clayton for a quick ride. He's helped me a lot making machine shop parts as I needed them. The plan is to finish a few more things this weekend and register it next week. If all goes well it'll be on the road for my daughter's wedding Friday July 25. She wants me to drive her up to the ceremony in it.
Tom
-
Looking good. Your Daughter must be a good one to arrive at her wedding in a roadster! Great job on the car and young lady!
-
Thanks guys! You're right Logride, I've been blessed with a couple of great kids. We'll need the weather to cooperate as I don't have a roof yet :D
-
Nice work Tom....I know how excited I was when I took mine out for the first time. It's almost surreal to actually be driving the car and not just dreaming about it. Looks great. I can't wait to see the pictures of your daughters arrival at her wedding!!
Moose
-
Congratulations, Tom, the car looks great. And, congratulations too to your daughter!!
-
After 7 months of busting my ass to get the 33 ready to drive my daughter to her wedding the day finally came. The car was ready, so I thought. The day before the wedding we took the car for a ride and found the engine was skipping and coughing. To make a long story short, the engine was low on compression in one cylinder. I bought it used from a guy who wasn’t as honest as I thought. We had to use our backup plan and borrow a friend’s convertible to get her there. After thinking about it I decided not to rebuild the 283 (yet). My wife bought me an early birthday present, a 350 / 290 hp crate engine. This will be the best way to get it on the road for all the fall shows. A good friend came over Wednesday night and we pulled the 283 and have the 350 sitting in it. Now I have to get everything hooked back up this weekend and I should be back in business. I hope to get it running to give my daughter a ride when she gets back from her honeymoon.
-
Darn the luck Tom, been there too many times myself. At least you got her there on time. That's one good women you have there! I'm glad to see your not done with the ol 283 anyway.
-
Tom U think maybe she will peel the tires off of the back now. Smokem like moose.ps looks good
-
Tom
You'll have a little more punch with that 350 than with the 283 and you also know that everything is new so all in all you'll come out ahead. It's too bad that you couldn't make the wedding with the 33 but maybe you could loan it to your daughter and her new hubby to go out to their one year anniversary dinner :D
Moose
-
with all my troubles with my 40, on my 33 I am going to use a crate motor and a new tranny to avoid all the head aches I incurred on my last build.....Now if I could only get all of this for my Birthday or even Christmas.....Have fun with the new Motor hopefully it should be trouble free
-
Tom U think maybe she will peel the tires off of the back now. Smokem like moose.ps looks good
Yeah 290 HP should move the Cabriolet along just fine!
Tom
You'll have a little more punch with that 350 than with the 283 and you also know that everything is new so all in all you'll come out ahead. It's too bad that you couldn't make the wedding with the 33 but maybe you could loan it to your daughter and her new hubby to go out to their one year anniversary dinner :D
Moose
Great idea Moose, as long as my daughter is driving!
FATnLOW not to early to put it on your Christmas list! Sammons you're right she's a keeper :D
Tom
-
That black engine looks really good . I do like chevy orange but black. WOW
-
Got the 33 out for a shakedown run today. Took the wife for a one mile ride. Not bad for a first ride with the new motor. No leaks and sounds good. Here's a few pics of when I had it outside.
Tom
-
Looking good Tom. Man getting the borads back on really made a difference. Just love the stance, just right!
-
very very nice. I can't compete with that, but I would love to drive it.
-
Just awesome!
V8,
5 spokes,
No top,
Born with a bowtie,
And your great craftsmanship.
Great combo.
-
That's great news Tom...I glad to here that everything is working as it should. Now it both runs good and looks good!
Moose
-
I do like SPOKES Tom the more the merrier.Sure is lookin gooooood
-
Thanks guys for the kind words. Ghost you're welcome anytime to come up to NH and take it for a spin.
Tom
-
Tom
Wanted to ask if you aligned the front and rear suspension by yourself or had it done.
Ed
-
Tom
Wanted to ask if you aligned the front and rear suspension by yourself or had it done.
Ed
Ed,
Got it as close as I could by myself. I plan to get it to my friends shop to have him align it.
Tom
-
Tom, the car looks great! I like the wheels too, and the way it sits in the fenders.
-
Thanks Chopper! Took it to my friends garage this morning to get a NH inspection sticker, now it's legal. Then took it to work and gave a friend of mine a ride at lunch. He's done a lot of machine shop work for me. Drove it home and made a few stops along the way to show some other guys that it was on the road.
-
Hey Tom, is that primer you have on your car? If it is what type/brand are you using? It looks like the primer I use and I am down to 1/2 gal. I bought 4 cases from my PPG distributor when they discontinued manufacturing it. OMNI Acrylic Lacquer- high speed. I like the dk grey, it's easier for me to see sand scratches when I'm blocking.
-
Hey Tom, is that primer you have on your car? If it is what type/brand are you using? It looks like the primer I use and I am down to 1/2 gal. I bought 4 cases from my PPG distributor when they discontinued manufacturing it. OMNI Acrylic Lacquer- high speed. I like the dk grey, it's easier for me to see sand scratches when I'm blocking.
A friend of mine up the street shot it. He said it was a Nexa primer sealer. Hope this helps.
Tom
-
TFoch are you going to have your car at the car show Manchester Cruse Dowtown August 31 By the way I should be there with Don Beals. looking good vette59jdwl
-
TFoch are you going to have your car at the car show Manchester Cruse Dowtown August 31 By the way I should be there with Don Beals. looking good vette59jdwl
Thanks Yes I will be at the show with the 33. The date is Saturday August 30 though. Hope to see you, Don and any other Rusty Bowtie guys there.
-
Holy CRAP i have it as sunday august 31 Druise downtown I am going to have to put high test in the weeee truck and getttttie up go
-
Well it's been in the 20s and 30s all week up here so I guess I've taken the last ride of the year. I was able to put 1,074 miles on the 33 since I got it on the road in August, mostly on the back roads of New Hampshire. Now it's time to get to work. I have my "to do" list made which includes insulation on the floor and some carpeting. I'd like to get the door handles working and put the windows in it. If all goes well maybe get the top on it.
-
I'm sure glad to see you finally got some road time in before winter. I wish I had. Maybe you'll get a chance at paint by spring? I really like your car. :)
-
Well guess it's time to start working on my sons 37 sedan, need to install rear axle, Mustang II and the 95 LT1 driveline. Garage heater is working..but kerosene is still $3.99 a gallon!
-
I'm sure glad to see you finally got some road time in before winter. I wish I had. Maybe you'll get a chance at paint by spring? I really like your car. :)
Thanks Sammons. Paint is probably a year or two off. If I can get the things on my list done I'll be happy. Come Memorial Day next year I plan to drive it and enjoy it for the summer.
-
Your car is looking top notch. Now with your winter to do list it can only get better. It'll probably feel like driving another car come spring. Keep us informed.
-
Your car is looking top notch. Now with your winter to do list it can only get better. It'll probably feel like driving another car come spring. Keep us informed.
Thanks John, looking forward to watching the progress on your Buick. I hope to get a ride in it the next time I'm on vacation out in Colorado!
Tom
-
I had some questions about my gas tank and noticed the way I mounted it wasn't in my build thread so I thought I'd add it. Rather than spend $800 on a stainless steel replacement tank for my car, I took some measurements and found that a 16 gallon tank for a 1953/54 Chevy would fit. I purchased it from "Tanks" for less than $300. I made some brackets out of 2" X 3/4" channel 5/32" thick to mount it in the original location. These pictures are when I was fitting the tank and the brackets I made.
-
Because of the odd shape of the rear crossmember, I had to use some rectangle tubing and cut it to fit in the crossmember. Once I welded these in the tank brackets I made could sit flush with the crossmember.
-
Here's a picture with the brackets on the tank. Then with the tank mounted in the chassis. I made some stainless steel straps that went from the front on my brackets to the rear of the chassis. I bought some rubber channel from McMaster Carr to go between the straps and the tank.
-
I use the filler neck that came with the tank but I had to cut it down so I could have the filler in the stock location. I bought a rubber elbow to make the turn. The rear crossmember had to be cut so the filler neck would fit. Then I was able to mount the gas tank apron and have the filler in the stock location.
-
That's some quality work Tom. Now if the weather will warm up so you can enjoy your labors you will be all set.
-
Tom,,Thanks for posting this part of your build. Very detailed and well thought out. I now see how well it adapted to the frame and stock location of the filler neck.
-
Thanks John, the weather has been better. I'm going to wait for one more good rain storm to be sure all the salt is washed away. Then I can go for the first ride of 2015.
FATnLOW thanks, hope this helps you out. Let me know if you need anything else.
Tom
-
That's a real clean, professional looking job, Tom. Very nice.
-
Installing my Ididit Universal Tilt Steering Column in my 33. I used a 28 inch column with a double D shaft. I made a new column drop and used some extra exhaust tubing I had to make the lower column mount. The shaft measures 25" from the floor to the wheel adapter mounting location. It sticks out 3" from the bottom of the floor. All the u-joints and 3/4" shafts are Borgerson stainless steel. The top u-joint is double D on the column side and spline on the shaft side. When I was laying it all out, I used some wooden dowels to get the shaft lengths.
-
The upper shaft then goes through a stainless steel shaft support that's mounted to the frame and then into the second u-joint. The second u-joint is spline on both ends. From there the lower shaft goes into a stainless steel vibration reducer. This was recommended by my friend at New England Rod Shop. All connects to the TCI rack and pinion. I did go with a non power rack and like the way it drives.
-
Thanks for posting, very clean and well thought out ....
-
Show quality work!
-
nice tight fit. It goes to show that it can be done right even with headers.
-
Looks great Tom!!!!
-
Thanks guys. Hope that help FATnLOW. Let me know if you need any other measurements.
Tom
-
Thanks Tom, helped out a lot.. I appreciate you help and postings...
-
I wanted my alternator to fit down by the drivers side of the block. I tried a standard Delco/GM alternator but no matter how it was positioned it would hit my steering shafts. I got this Denso 55 amp alternator that was small enough to fit where I wanted it. I designed the brackets in CAD and had them machined. This allowed me to get the alternator in the location I wanted. I did have to trim the inner edge of my front fender but it is still behind the hood when I close it.
-
I wanted my alternator to fit down by the drivers side of the block. I tried a standard Delco/GM alternator but no matter how it was positioned it would hit my steering shafts. I got this Denso 55 amp alternator that was small enough to fit where I wanted it. I designed the brackets in CAD and had them machined. This allowed me to get the alternator in the location I wanted. I did have to trim the inner edge of my front fender but it is still behind the hood when I close it.
Looks great nice and snug and down out of the way.
-
Tom thats a lot of work looks good but why could you not put it on the passengers side away from the steering.Prey tell us vette59jdwl
-
Looking at that alternator picture, I don't see how the steering shafts and the coupler will fit onto the rack and pinion without interference . Picture #6426 shows clearance that another picture made it look like it was trying to go thru the center of the alt.
I used a street and performance of mena ark low mount drivers side bracket and a small GM alternator 100 amp 1 wire. My mounting and clearance's is much more than whats shown here.. my alt sits about 1/2" away from and tight too the block . It also is only 3/4" from the frame due to the starter being larger. The nippondenso alt appears be real small. Good idea to store idea for future builds.
mike lynch
-
Tom thats a lot of work looks good but why could you not put it on the passengers side away from the steering.Prey tell us vette59jdwl
Thought about it but the mechanical fuel pump was in the way.
-
Tom, did you make more that one set of brackets? That's a slick setup.
-
I had explored that too , moving alt to the pass side , same deal stock FP was in the way. If running electric FP not a problem.
My Street and Performance aluminum bracket fits tight and close to block. Little snug but works and can get it out easily.
mike
-
Tom, did you make more that one set of brackets? That's a slick setup.
No I only made one bracket. I did send the drawings for it to Don (32chevy vett). He took them to a local water jet shop and had them made out of stainless I believe. I’d be willing to send the drawings or cad files to you if you’re interested. I wish I had a water jet or CNC plasma cutter. I could sell a few :)
-
The weather was warmer yesterday so when I got home took the 33 out for a ride. Got to a stop light and looked at the speedo and took this pic. 3000 miles on the car, nearly 2000 this year and had a blast driving it every mile! Pretty soon the salt will hit the roads up here in New Hampshire and it'll be time to put it away. Not a bad thing, I have lots of things to work on.
Ghost I hope you get to take the Buick around the block before the snow falls in Colorado :)
-
Tom I put our we truck away lost week was not taking any chances,and this week has been just geourgeous weather for cruizin vette59jdwl
-
It's been a while since I've added to this thread. I mentioned that I'm going to fabricate a radiator shroud. I just started it and it'll take a little time to get it right, but here's a little teaser. I'm going to start with an aluminum cake pan from McMaster Carr. Stay tuned to see if I can make it work.
-
This sounds promising. keep us posted on your progress.
-
I made a cardboard template so I could fine the center line of the water pump shaft for the cut out in the shroud. I cut down a pencil and put it in a cap you'd use to cover a stud. This allowed me to mark the center line of the cutout for the shroud. I made the cut and then used my buddy's wooden bucks to bulge the sides of the shroud for the fan clearance. This weekend I hope to figure out the bottom part to seal it off.
-
Looks good Tom. That sould work great, looks like it fits better than the 1st pic of the pattern looks. Plenty of room for the fan.
-
Very nice, looks great
-
That looks really good. Where did you find an aluminum pan that big?
-
Found it on McMaster Carr. Here's the part number. It fit the radiator width perfect and I'll fix the length top to bottom. I think it'll clean up pretty good.
-
Pulled the engine this morning with the help of my Dad and son. I have a small leak from the transmission that I thought might be the front seal so I want to get that fixed and keep my garage floor dry. Also when I got the crate engine I left it like it was paint wise as I was in a rush to get it on the road. This will give me a chance to paint it and detail it.
-
Found it on McMaster Carr. Here's the part number. It fit the radiator width perfect and I'll fix the length top to bottom. I think it'll clean up pretty good.
Great idea...
-
Tom, that shroud is awesome, I wish I had thought of that. Some changes may be in order...........
-
Dang Tom. A little bit of cold weather and look what ya got yourself into, a cleanup project.
-
I hated the way my spark plug wires looked and saw a picture of letalley1's engine compartment. I asked him about his distributor and decided to get a Crossfire distributor cap like him. So I got some Taylor wire looms and ran the wires. It really cleaned up the way the wires run. Just have to shorten a few wires to clean it in.
My daughter came over yesterday and help me get the engine back in the car. Turns out the leaks were the valve covers and the transmission pan. I bought a new trans pan because the one on the car had a few dings in it. Hopefully now my garage floor will be a little drier :)
Still working on the shroud. I'll have some updates on that when I get my grille back from chrome.
-
Nice Tom...looking at your clean engine and car makes me feel dirty :'(
-
I painted my block black hoping it will hide any dirt that might accumulate on it.
-
Nothing against Chevy orange all my engines have been painted black.
-
Tom..... have you any photos on you radiator shroud that you made?? Glad to see the motor back in the '33..looking good...
-
Tom..... have you any photos on you radiator shroud that you made?? Glad to see the motor back in the '33..looking good...
Got the shroud all cut up and just waiting for my buddy to weld it for me as I can't weld aluminum. My grille shell won't be back from Chrome for another few weeks so it might be until May before i get it all together.
-
Tom that looks really clean. Glad your daughter doesn't mind getting her hands a little dirty. I've had a couple girlfriends that would dive right in and give me a hand (farm girls), and they smell good too! ;D
-
Sammons Is that like farm fresh or smelling a we bit like a still or Just old KANSAS Farm FRESH like cow patty fresh we got to know,Because we got Farm Fresh up north here and it smells a weeee bit fishie. lol lol vette59jdwl
-
Sammons Is that like farm fresh or smelling a we bit like a still or Just old KANSAS Farm FRESH like cow patty fresh we got to know,Because we got Farm Fresh up north here and it smells a weeee bit fishie. lol lol vette59jdwl
Haha, no Wayner, just plain smelled good. One stopped by when she came to town to pick up somthing for her dad. She had been working cattle, (dehorning/branding etc) hair in a pony tail, jeans tucked in her boots, she didn't smell good that day! But she wasn't helping me! ;D
-
I hated the way my spark plug wires looked and saw a picture of letalley1's engine compartment. I asked him about his distributor and decided to get a Crossfire distributor cap like him. So I got some Taylor wire looms and ran the wires. It really cleaned up the way the wires run. Just have to shorten a few wires to clean it in.
My daughter came over yesterday and help me get the engine back in the car. Turns out the leaks were the valve covers and the transmission pan. I bought a new trans pan because the one on the car had a few dings in it. Hopefully now my garage floor will be a little drier :)
Still working on the shroud. I'll have some updates on that when I get my grille back from chrome.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The cross fire distributor cap to those that may not know is, for the large cap HEI GM units . Has spark plug wires for cyl 1-3-5-7 coming out drivers side and 2-4-6-8 coming out the passenger side, cleaning up the whole look of the wire system.
The crossing is done inside the cap . They run about $49.95 on ebay or less.
If you have aluminum cylinder heads on your sbc , street and performance in Mena Ark make a special set in aluminum that has a special piece for 4 wires that attaches to the back of the cylinder using the factory 3/8 bolt holes in end of the head to really tidy it up even more.
Got a brand new set for new motor see if I can find and take picture of the part later on.
mike
-
Tom, those wires give a nice clean look, I like that. It looks orderly and uncomplicated. I am also a fan of black engines......it gives a "slimming" look ;D
-
Finally got my grille shell and other parts back from chrome. Started assembling the grille and radiator today. Here's how it looks. Next I'll get the radiator in it and mount the new shroud.
-
Looking good tom wish i was that far ahead lol lol vette59jdwl
-
WOW..if that was mine I would build a glass display case for it! ;)
-
I see the need for some soft cotton gloves, and sunglasses. 8)
-
the radshell on a 1933 chevrolet master series is probably the most expensive part on the car , due to the plating prep costs of 2016.
mike lynch ........... 8)
-
Wow I think the 33 Chevy grille is one of the best looking grilles that was ever designed,and Tom,
yours is phenomenal. Beautiful. Ron
-
Dang Tom, that is sharp!!
-
Thanks guys! I just have to "carefully" put things back together now.
-
AND GET YOURSELF A BUG SCREEN, ( WARDLOW TOP SHOP CALIF ) TO KEEP THE DRAGON FLIES, BEES, WASPS, AND UNTOLD, UNKNOWN FLYING BUG TYPES THAT WILL MAKE AN IMPACT ON YOUR RAD GRILL.
MIKE LYNCH................... 8)
-
Yikes!! Tom! That grill shell is SWEET!!! 8)
-
Yes it looks really nice, they did a real nice job
-
A couple more shots of the grill. Got the headlight bars on this morning. The reflection is awesome.
-
Now to finish up the work on the shroud. The bottom was trimmed to clear the lower part of the fan. Then in the third and fourth picture a flange was welded to the frame of the radiator and rivet nuts were added. Then four button head cap screws per side can hold the shroud in place.
-
Here it is bolted to the radiator. Then I drilled a hole and added the grille emblem for a 32 Chevy. Then I cleaned it up and mounted it in the car. I'll let you know how it works when I take it out in traffic.
-
That really looks sweet Tom. That will spur you on to paint now ;D
-
Very nice...!!
-
Take that fan and toss it ! Those blades straighten out and are useless and create no air draw.
www.derale.com
has the correct fans either steel or steel with aluminum blades that will not bend, that will draw a cloth diaper from 9" away from radiator and hold it too the grill.
If your fan will not draw the cloth from 9" away tooooo the grill at idle 700 rpm then scrap it. They come in various lengths and are less than $50 from derale.
see if I can find a picture.
mike
-
Saturday was really hot in the 90's so I decided to take the 33 out for a test. The wife and I went for an ice cream in town and then I decided to "cruise" Elm St. Back when I was younger, this is where we used to spend our weekends cruising. Lots of traffic lights so a good test for the new shroud. Hit almost every red light on the strip and the temp gauge never went over 195°. Looks like the shroud did it's job :D
-
Good work, It's always fun to fix something.
-
Took a ride recently and turned 5000 miles on the speedo 8)
-
Congrats Tom! Drive the wheels off it. :) Mean while back at the ranch, i'm still stuck on Zero.
-
Way to go Tom! 5,000 fun miles. Bring it to Nevada now that you know it won't let you down.
Yep, No car progress here. Getting ready for winter again. Got a New (to me) tractor. Heck, I've got roadster parts that have been setting in the shop for years and haven't even met each other yet. :o
-
OK Tom....Now you can call your dealer to schedule your first 5000 mile checkup.... ;)
-
5,000?! I DON'T HAVE 500!
-
I just turned 4,000 on the Buick.
-
I just turned the 32 over showing 1300 my 38 has 15k
-
A gift from my Dad. I'll be installing it in the next few weeks as time allows.
-
Great gift I'm sure you will enjoy it
-
Might make a good thread? Seems like that conversion is becoming the trend.
-
Cool, another memory. ;)
My brother finally got his working on his '68 panel after replacing a couple components.
-
Tom....keep us updated on the installation and outcome of that project 😃
-
That sure is a heck of a gift. Include lots of pictures of the install!
-
Took the 33 Chevy out for the first ride of 2021. Started with the odometer at 7504 miles. Fired right up and ran well. We'll see how many miles I can put on this summer!
-
Biden will tax you for every inch of that so enjoy it as much as you can. ;D
-
Tom, I hope you get a chance to put lots of miles on it this summer.