front brakes #2

Brakes are from a 1948 Ford passenger car. 12"X2" drums - all parts are of new manufacture.

front brakes

I've accomplished  a few things since the last post. I've been having problems with the blog, in that it would not let me download pictures. So, this is a trial run to see if I have the problem fixed. Front brakes have been installed. I will post pictures if this  works. Keep your fingers crossed!!

rear radius rods

I have split and spread the rear radius rods and mounted the ends ( using ball joints ) to the frame. The rear suspension is mow finished. Now I will fabricate the front and rear shock absorber mounting brackets. I need to research the possibilities and decide what approach to take. I believe the front mounts will be pretty straight forward, but the rear could be more difficult. How hard can it be? I guess I'll soon find out!! It feels good to be working on the project after such a long break. Hope to see some real progress in the next few months........

rear radius rods

I know.....it's been a LONG time (February) since my last update......I bought a motor home last March and have totally ignored the hot rod , but that's about to change. Recently returned from 5 weeks travel to the western states and now hope to spend lots of time on the project. First on the agenda, I will finish the rear suspension by mounting the rear radius rods and fabricating the rear shock mounts. the body will then be positioned and permanently mounted. I will include pictures in the upcoming updates. Feels good to be back on the project............wish me luck!!!

transmission crossmember

Rear trans mount is in place. Now I will position the body and determine the position for the steering column and clutch/brake pedals. I need to decide what to do about seats..........

seat mockup

I am trying to decide what configuration would be best for seats. I have found a supplier that will make a bench seat in the width I need, but the height and depth are fixed. The advantage would be a better utilization of the limited space in the cab. Or should I use bomber seats as originally intended? I could use some feedback.........PLEASE!!!!!

Hood Center Section

The hood arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to see how it will look!! With a few adjustments, I think it will look real good. Now back to working on the cab. Hope to finish in the not too distant future......finish the body work that is......

rear cab panel

After much grinding, a little filler and some sanding. the back of the cab and rear lower corners are starting to take shape. The exterior is all one color for the first time since it was painted by Ford in the 1930's. A few more fills and primer will have the cab ready for paint. But, that's a long way down the road....stay tuned..... to paraphrase my friend Mick F. " Perfection is the mortal enemy of 'close enough'.

cowl repair

Remember that cowl vent that was rotten with rust? I don't have it anymore. I replaced the vent with a rectangular panel of 20gauge steel. Now I have a smooth cowl without the rust.....

lower cab repair

I know, I haven't posted an update for a long time. I've been very busy procrastinating. I finally convinced myself to "bite the bullet" and finish the body work (which I hate due to my lack of skills). The left rear corner and the entire width of the back were rotted away. The patch panels, that I received months ago, have been clamped in place. I need to work on the fit a little more, then tack weld. When the patches are primed, I'll post an update.....

door corner repair

The clutch and brake pedal assy is being modified at the machine shop. In the meantime I am working on the lower door skin repair. The image on the left shows how the lower front of the passenger door has disappeared. I made new door bottoms with the help of Tim. And, as indicated, cut a patch to cover the remaining hole. After welding the patch in place, I'll fill, smooth and primer and be ready for paint. Pedal assy will be ready tomorrow and, barring any further clearance problems, should be ready to tack in place.......

Engine Mounts

Will and I mounted the radiator and then set the body in it's final position so we could locate and fabricate the engine mounts. The blue tape in the image on the left defines the lower edge of the hood center section and the top edge of the door opening. After much head scratching and confirming the position of the engine we made the mounts as shown in the other image. Now the outlets on the water pumps line up with the lower outlets on the radiator. The next phase will involve the positioning of the brake and clutch pedals, followed by "K" members and transmission mount.

Radiator Shell

Yesterday I lowered the front suspension 1 inch and raised the rear 1 inch. I'm getting closer to the "attitude" I'm looking to achieve. This morning I repositioned the engine/trans and put the radiator shell in position. Now I can set the body in place and begin to make all of the brackets. This is my friend Charley. He has been of no help whatsoever on this project. Well, maybe some moral support. Oh ya, that's my dog Copper.......

engine mounts, etc.

After adapting the 5spd transmission to the Ford flathead V/8, I'm ready to begin the fabrication of the body, engine, transmission and shock absorber brackets. Once all the major components are in place, I'll work on the chassis "attitude". That is, making sure the hotrod has the proper stance......stay tuned!!!

Ready for engine mounts

The frame has been sandblasted, Z'd, boxed, more then 70 holes welded and smoothed. Now it's time to mock up engine, shock absorber, transmission and body mounts. I intend to concentrate on finishing the body work before continuing the work on the frame. Stay tuned for further updates. Hopefully to occur in a more timely manner. (left click on pictures for larger view)

1942 Ford Flathead

The engine is FINALLY in my shop......

Z'd Frame

It's time for the fun to begin..The frame has been sandblasted and let the welding start..Last night Tim and I boxed the frame rails and he had the job of doing all the welding. He also filled about 3 dozen holes. Now I will start grinding and maybe the frame will be real smooth. Time will tell........

2 X 2 Edelbrock Intake Manifold

This is the intake system that I have selected for the hot rod. It's Edelbrock's 2 X 2 Slingshot manifold with Holley 94 carburetors. I will be painting the oil pan and timing cover in the next few days and hope to start the mockup of the running gear in the near future. I'll soon have an update of the frame. It's currently being sand blasted in preparation for boxing. THEN the fun begins!!!

Pickup Bed

Time to start thinking about a bed for this project. I'm leaning toward a stake bed style. What do you think?

Door Panels

Finally, the door skins have arrived! The new panel is in place, but needs welding. I just couldn't wait to show how good they look. NO rust! NO grunge!! SMOOOOOOTH!! This is the passenger door and will be welded in place. The lack of a hinge leaves a smooth panel and a nice clean look.