'35 standard 3w build: hopefully

[sammons]

Watch a cripple build his last car, hopefully, haha. My buddies will step in anytime i'm ready or need a hand. Three  years ago I had to shut my bodyshop down due to my arthritis, more bad days than good. Those of you that have R.A. know how that goes. My dad sold me the business when his got to bad, he was 48. So this build will not be quick, but I try to do something everyday.


First off, I am glad I stumbled on to this site. It was nice to see all these old Chevys here. Just tired of looking at model A's, 32's, 33-36. Don't get me wrong, they make cool rods but seems everybody has one.

I started looking for a '34-35 coupe just before dad died ('99). He had one in 62-63 and sold it when we moved to So Cal '63. He frequently talked about and wanted another, so did I.  Two years ago a freind found one up in Iowa while he was on a sevice call. It was a '34 Master 5w shell. He brought it back in his pickup. Wasn't thrilled with the $1000 buy, but it was a chevy coupe. I really wanted a 3w like dads. Here are pic's before and after of that POS. Luckily I found a 3w just before I got this shell finished, and lucky enough to get it sold.

[themoose]

Wow....Great work. Looks like that thing came out as straight as an arrow. Should make a real good start for somebody.

Moose

[sammons]

Thanks moose, it was to say the least a learning lesson.

[cocobolo]

Yes indeed, another "Wow" from me too.  That body looks perfect, fantastic job.

I hear you on the arthritis thing, and the trouble is, it only gets worse.  But I think you know that already.  If I don't manage to get my car done in the next two or three years I may never do it.  But, fingers crossed...and good luck with yours. 

[sammons]

Thanks , Iif you can cross your fingers, your doing better than me. lol  well twice I posted with pics, and poof! Gone. Try later, can't hold the phone any longer

[TFoch]

Sammons,
First of all welcome to the site, good to have you here.  I think you'll enjoy it.  Like the other guys said Wow, nice work on the 5 window.  Looking forward to your build on the 3 window.  Glad you found the car you were looking for and I'm sure your Dad would be proud.
Tom

[cocobolo]

Well, I never actually thought about really crossing my fingers so I just tried.  I can JUST cross the tips on my left hand but the right hand only has half an index finger, so that side doesn't work!  Hey, 1/2 out of two ain't bad.

Now I need to ask you what that front end is you have, and the rear end as well.  That looks like an IRS.

[sammons]

Ya gotta laugh, can't do anything about it.   I was trying earlier to post the 3w build, but I don't own a computer (other than my 1987 Radio Shack tandy) so I have to use this iphone. My fingers don't always hit the right keys. I lose a lot of stuff.

I'm using damn'nert all of a mid '70's burnt corvette ( underhood fire). Picked it up for $1500. I'm using the whole rear frame stub under mine. Grafted the old chevy center rails inbetween. Then I welded on the old frame horns on front. Also used vette crossmember.

[cocobolo]

Good idea. I think you just saved yourself a whole ton of work.

[sammons]

I'll see if it disappears

[cocobolo]

Sammons, I have a serious complaint about your last pic.  No it's not the doggie - (s)he's lovely!

It's that workshop you have.  It's waaay to big and it's clean as a whistle.  Hardly fair to show us that...grumble, grumble...

[sammons]

Thanks, but along with it you have all them bills. I thought it was rather clutered my self.  It's 50x75 on a 150x150 corner lot. It has seen many builds. My old bodyshop, we use to rent the north half out to a couple mechanics and there were 3 bodymen/painters on the south back through the early '80's. Now my buddies have moved in on me on the north side with their projects and it's a mess. Might have to have a come to Jesus meeting over that shortly! I'm going to miss it, probably going to sell it as soon as my coupes done. Can't afford to keep it anymore. Hoping to sell to a freind so I can still hang around.

Yep that's my old buddie Iin the background.  Caught him on fire once, about 10 yrs or so ago when he was a young guy. He keeps his distance now when the welder kicks on.

[cocobolo]

Well look at it this way.  At least you have one awesome place to build your last car.  I've got the width of the car plus about 4 feet!

[62131]

Sammons


Welcome aboard as you have found out already there is a group very knowledgeable Chevy guys here of ages, as everybody has said great  job on your body looks good

[ghost28]

Really nice job on both the 5 window and the frame you are now working on for the 3 window. I too have the RA thing going on and it has slowed me down alot,  but as long as I pace myself I can usually get things done....Welcome you will fit in great here....John