Projects Does the HAMB really need another shoebox build thread?

[Big A]

Oh hell yeah. Here's my sordid tale...

You know that story of the over-excited idiot who buys a car sight-unseen on the interweb? Asks all the wrong questions, looks at the wrong photos and eats whats put in front of him? I'm that idiot. I didn't set out to get into a full-on body off resto project, but I had a boner for a chopped shoebox and a nice pair of rose colored glasses so I jumped. Fools rush in. But this thread ain't about sour grapes, it's about lemonade…

Let's start with Bob Bleed's highschool sweetheart. It's a running '51 Ford sedan, chopped 3.5", needs some cosmetics…



So after some new tires, brakes, headers and exhaust, a nice '55 Dodge grille direct from Bob Owens, and a rattlecan paintjob it was roughly presentable enough to drive it to Cheaterama, the Scrap Drive and the Hunnert Car Pileup…



If you looked at it from the right angle, in dim enough light and a cool enough setting, it even looked almost ok…



After I finally got it back to Ontario and started tearing it down, the floors had been "patched" with galvanized sheet from an old shed and a little duct tape…



And covered up some nastiness…



Niiice...



Rusty goodness...



Oh, and the frame was—for lack of a better term—fucked. As in dangerous and non-salvageable. Mere technicality. This shot is getting a bit ahead of the story, but you know where it's going anyway...



So, being on a budget, I started researching an S10 frame swap. No way I could find a stock frame right? Well, it just so happens that about this time Jaker was advertising parting out a '51 shoebox. Got a solid frame? You betcha.

Another trip to Milwaukistan for another shitbox…



Jake threw in about a car and half worth of extra parts in the deal. Jake is a freaking' rockstar...





Back in Ontari-ari-ari-o. And then there were two…



Don't get too acquainted, this ain't going to be a long happy relationship. I just bought some sawzall blades...



With some other stuff taking up space in the shop…



(my GF's brother bought this l'il Trumpet in 1974 for 75 bucks! Going to restore it someday )

In the next chapter we work out some frustration. Stay tuned.

[Big A]

Ok, so let's crank this puppy off the frame...



I pumped, jacked and pumped some more. Then I decided to lift the body off...



Even non-car-guy friends come in handy sometimes...



And oot she comes...



Voila. One solid frame that'll get sent out for sandblasting and paint...



And a victim...



There's something therapeutic about cutting up a body...



More foreshadowing, if you're following along...



American steel, leaving Canada, probably en route to China...

[Jalopy Joker]

Wow-nothing like a challenge-I bought a chopped '51 a couple of years ago and due to a long list of excuses still not on road. will be selling as soon (??) as I get it running again to pay bills-have fun

[Big A]

Some frustrations, but most days I try to stay relaxed. Keeps me from thinking about work.

Trying to convice myself that I might actaully get somewhere... someday (thanks to Mr. Moriarty for the inspiration)...



And since the garage was getting mighty small in a hurry, I decided to try to get organized. Quickie racks and shelves...



Starting the tear-down...



Finding lots of ugliness...



And some interesting previous, um... bodywork?



So when in doubt, cut the mo-fo out...



At some points it's like, Dude, Where's My Car?



But it feels pretty good when you start seeing steel where there used to be cancer...



Damn, this shit's easy! Look how fast it's coming together!



I rented this garage one year ago. At the time I owned very few tools, had no first-hand experience doing anything this major, I have no budget and less than zero time. I work on this car most Saturdays and some Sundays, that's it. Most days I work by myself.

[Big A]

While we're at it...



Let's cut some more!



Nice wheelwells...



Cut 'em out!



I'm cutting away like a madman, and I found PBRmeASAP's wrench that I dropped inside the fender last year...



Ok, now test-fit everything, with the door on, to make sure stuff fits and the door closes with correct gaps. At this stage it's all just clamped in place...



And tacked in...



I've bought most of my patch panels from Mac's, and they are mostly EMS sheetmetal. The quality is great, pretty much everything fits and works like it's supposed to, although some directions would come in handy for eejits like me who are diving in for the first time. One exception was the inner rockers, they didn't make any damn sense to me so I made some one-piece ones that seem to do the job...



Oh, and in case you were wondering...

[no mice just rats]

thats one hell of a life you got.. low profile.. ha! very nice cant wait to see it done

[Big A]

I can't wait to see it done too. Got a ways to go yet.

Half time, change sides...



Second verse, same as the first...



Same shit, different day...



Stop me if you've heard this one before...



Baby steps...



I'm not hard-core like some of those Buffalo guys that work on shit in their driveway in the dead of winter, but my garage is not heated. Last winter it generally hovered between 0°C - 8°C (32°F - 45°F). Keeps the beer cold at least...



More cutting...



Picture makes it look like it's leaning on an angle, it's not, it's just the drunk photographer...



Seriously, I don't drink while I work. I get more work done and spill less beer that way. Generally one beer at the end of the day while cleaning up.



This tool makes removing the rusty Phillips screws from door hinges a bit easier. A socket adapter, an old air chisel and a piece of U-bolt...

[Big A]

Ok, enough bodywork for a while. Who's the handsome fella in the Hellzapoppin' t-shirt?



One of my friends asked me about wearing gloves. Hell yes I wear gloves, I wear goggles and a mask too. It's a garage, consider everything to be hot, sharp and toxic. There's my lecture for the day.

Just needs a little degreaser...



Got the frame back from the sandblaster. $250 for blasting and satin epoxy I thought was a pretty good price...



It starts to feel like progress when you go from this...



to this...





It's all stock suspension, Aerostar springs up front, 3" lowering blocks in the rear. I won't be laying frame.

Once the frame is pretty much back together the best place to store the flathead is back where it's supposed to go...



Big thanks to HAMBer Ozzie for selling me his OD tranny, bellhousing to driveshaft. Next to the awesome frame I got from Jake I think it's the best deal I've got.

And of course, once the engine was back where it's supposed to be, I had to test fit the goodies. They'll be cleaner when the time comes...



Dang thse build threads eat up some company time, where does the time go? I need some lunch, but I'll be back to drag this thread off page 9 again.

[Ralphies54]

Great build thread,love the just right chop. Kind of a shame to have to junk the other car,didn't look to bad in pictures and I guess there's only so much storage space. Your body work looks professional too. I had a 51 club coupe in 1956,one of the best cars I ever owned, did'nt do more than nose and deck it, skirts,pipes and lowering blocks. Then the USAF called,Married,had a child, sold car and regretted not finding another 51,so if I can I'll live those days again through you. Good Luck

[Jaker]

Fuck yes!

awesome

[stevechaos13]

Killer work man. I agree with Ralphie though, sucks that you had to junk the other one. Especially since it was a 2 door, but yeah I know how it is when space is at a minimum

[Jack Luther]

Looks like your '51 started life the same color as mine- Mexicali Maroon. Shoebox Fords are cool. Good luck with your project.

[FlyFisher]

Really nice work. I guess you got a tetanus shot before starting the build, right?

[Big A]

The parts car was in rough shape, but it was still a bit of a bummer to cut it up. There's a lot of it going to end up in my car, hell in some ways it was better than my car. If Mr. Bleed hadn't done such a nice job on the chop on my car it would've been the one heading to the crusher.

Pulled the dash to get at things. Dash needs to be completely restored anyway...



Firewall cleaned up nice. Yep, Mexicali Maroon. I thought about keeping it that colour, but I bought a complete interior that is in great shape, but it's dark blue. Maroon ain't going to work.




Got tired of barking my shins so the front clip got whacked...



No more maroon...



No more frame... the scrap guy loves me...



When I first bought the car PBRmeASAP fabbed up a frame to mount this Mustang tank between the frame rails. I cut it out, cleaned it up and reused it in the new frame...



More on that later.

[Tim Jones]

Look'n good Big A. Thanks for the thread.

[Big A]

There's more where that came from... and a twist in the plot...

Hey look Ma, more rust! What a surprise...



And more cutting. I should've bought stock in Norton before I started this project, I've gone through a lot of cut-off wheels (which I find more accurate than a sawzall)...



Steel!



Hey what's all this about? He wouldn't would he?



Oh yes he would...



Not sure if the dual taillights is a dumb idea or not, and cutting them in scared the shit out of me (they needed to be damn straight in relation to the ones above, and side to side), pretty nerve wracking, but I think I pulled it off...





I can't stand far enough back to get a good shot, and every photo makes them look crooked, but they're actually straight...

[styleline]

hell off a job looking great big a keep going will follow you in this one cheers

[Big A]

Thanks for the comments, I appreciate it.

Levitating the body again...



to get it back on the frame to get things aligned. It'll come back off the frame once the floors are in so I can do the finish welding, clean and paint the underside...



Now comes the fun part. Floors. From what I could figure, prefab floorpans from various places are expensive and sometimes not great quality. I read a bunch of threads here on the HAMB and thought I'd give 'em a shot from scratch.

Again, I don't have a ton of tools or experience, but I'm a keener! Yeah, whatever. I spend some time and very little money building this hillbilly bender/bead roller combo...



The Harbor Freight bead roller has some flexing issues, so I ran out and chopped down a No Parking sign and used that to beef it up...



Finnrodder made himself some nice dies to replicate the stock beads in Ford floorpans...





He was kind enough to send me a sketch of his plans, which I fancied-up a bit 'cuz I was bored at work one day (note: the shaft diameter in these plans is too tight, I had to have it reamed out)...



and I found a guy on Canadian Rodder to make me a set...



I ordered 18ga from Metal Supermarket, and had them put a 90° bend down one side. That way I had a nice accurate edge to work from. I got 6 pieces (3 per side) so it would be nice and manageable for a weakling like me.

Here are my first-ever beads. Not going to win any awards, but close enough for the girls we dance with...



I don't have a photo, but I used a Sharpie and drew a centreline on the fat die so I could guide the sheet metal through. I also used a C-clamp to keep things in line. Didn't always work, some of them are wonky, but that's what carpet is for right?



Just roughly placed in, but looking surprisingly like a floor...



I think I paid $150 for the steel, rough-cut to size, and flanged. I think all this from Mac's was looking like a grand or so...



I'm ok with a few wonky beads if I can save $600-800.

[57ford/60thunderbird]

man, looks like my shoebox and yours crawled out of the same rust pit but my rear wheelwells are COMPLETELY rusted junk gotta love road salt ice melt shit

if i was going to do mine completely right mine would look alot like yours but my plan is to get mine drivable and enjoy it some before tackling all the body work

if i dont get it driving soon im gonna go nuts i to mainly work on mine by myself but i put in a couple hours a night on it been workin on it over a year now on a tight budget

yours is looking great im gonna keep an ewye on this thread (mainly to keep my interest in mine) im gettin fed up

[Big A]

I don't have photos of the floor braces in place, but they're there. I drilled some holes so I can access the bolts, and I cut an access hole for the brake master...





Lots of welding left to do, and a few screw-ups to fix, but I'm reasonably happy with 'em.

[kiwiandy]

Awesome build with great naration! I dont know what plans you have for inner rockers and floors but I just brought OEM style inners from a guy called Paul Bradley and also floors. But im still waiting on him for the floors.
Andy.

[kiwiandy]

Hard case! In the time it took me to post that ... you have floors!

[Big A]

It's taken me a year to get this far and yeah I've been pretty fed up a couple of times. I really did set out to just get this driveable, but once the frame needed to be replaced everything just snowballed. Big damn rusty snowball.

[gasjockey101]

the dual taillights looks wicked

[Big A]

I've heard really good things about Paul Bradley's floorpans, and they are not too spendy. Once I got my head wrapped around the idea of making them myself I just wanted to try it. I also modified them a bit from stock, they are actually channeled slightly.

[Racrdad]

Originally Posted by gasjockey101

the dual taillights looks wicked

^^^ What he said! ^^^

[Finnrodder]

It was about a time to get your build thread started and it looks really great so far!
Good to see that your beadroller dies worked well,thats a nice looking floor.
Subscribed!

[Big A]

Thanks Antti. Your build has been a good source of info and inspiration for me.

I posted a tech article on the work I did in the trunk, but it belongs here so here it is again.

I wasn't too sure how to go about dealing with the sheet metal in the trunk. There was almost nothing left of the original, nothing to template from. I grabbed some poster board, a sharpie, a knife and some tape and just muddled through making a paper template...



Then I could lay it flat and trace it onto some 18ga. I used my hillbilly bender for one bend on each side, but the second bend wouldn't fit, so I used caveman tech and hammered them by hand. The beads were straight-forward. My bender doesn't give a hard edge, which actually works well in this application...



One underfloor brace was completely gone, but I could save one, so I used it to make a template for a new one. I did all these bends by hand using vice grips and a dead blow hammer. Drill the holes before you make the bends, run the beads after...



Because my tank sits on a frame made from 1x1, I needed to add some braces on the rear frame crossover so the floor would sit level. I just used some 1x2 I had laying about, but when the body comes off again I may replace these with a solid brace right across...



I don't have a shrinker/stretcher so i just made some cuts in the edge and grabbed the ol' vice grips again. Close enough for jazz...



For the piece across the back (front? I dunno... the piece closest to the back seat) I ordered a piece of 18 ga 4x4 angle, that dimension worked for me, your results may vary. I added the softer bend at the top, again my hillbilly bender actually worked well for a nice round bend like that...



I've gotta admit, I'm pretty happy with the results. It's actually nicer than I thought it would be...



I'll add a proper filler neck on the gas tank and run a hard line for a vent. haven't got that far yet...



And that's all I've got to show for a year's worth of Saturdays. I set out to have this ready to drive to the HAMB Drags, didn't make it. I thought I might make the Hunnert Car Pileup, but that ain't happening. I've got a mighty long list of things left to do, and a few surprises up my sleeve yet.

I'll keep ya posted. Thanks for looking.

[glendale]

awesome build!i love it. great job man.

[cederholm]

...this is a BAD ASS BUILD! Loving it!

[PBRmeASAP]

Rock on you sock fucker!

I'm waiting on my ride

[stevechaos13]

Great looking work man. I was wondering what you chopped the tail light sections out of the other body for. Looks killer. Have you thought about frenching the lenses?

[flt-blk]

Wow, I'm impressed. Wish I could spare some vacation and come up to help for a week.

Keep up the good work.

[barryvanhook]

When I see builds like this where guys are fighting nightmares of rust, turning it into great output, it makes me deliriously happy that I live in Arizona. OMG Big A ... great job!

Barry

[Dead End Sleds]

I'm subscribed. This is awesome. If you really haven't done this before, you are my hero. I like the dual taillights. Can't wait to see this done.

[bobbleed]

Wow AWESOME!! I really had no idea it was that bad...... But you are doing an amazing job! That is the first car I ever chopped. I didn't do any of that other stuff.... I bought it as a runner, used it as a daily for a couple years and then chopped it....Some of my first dates with my wife Laura were in that car. It is amazing to see what you are doing with it....

I knew it was going to need some work , but jeez....... I think I need to find something cool to send you.

[VOODOO ROD & CUSTOM]

VOODOO likes. Very nice work. Like the dually taillamps. Neat add on. I need to find a shop to kick the project Thunderturd (my avatar) into high gear. Keep on rollin' you weekend warrior.

VR&C.

[flatheadpete]

More, please.

[StrickV8]

You sir are my hero and a true inspiration to get out in the garage tonight!!!

Absolutely amazing Andrew. You've gotta get back down to GA and show us southern boys where that drive and determination comes from...Proud of ya brother for sticking with it. You're building a cool ass shoebox and can't wait to see more updates...

[GrumpyEd]

Glad we dont have rusty ass cars like that in Ga. I know you missed a couple of deadlines but youll be much happier with the car when its done right. Keep on diggin youll be there in no time.

[Buddy Palumbo]

Great work - keep on rollin' !

[hvychvy]

Awesome work!!

[Dan in Pasadena]

Originally Posted by Dead End Sleds

...If you really haven't done this before, you are my hero....Can't wait to see this done.

GAWD, tell me you at least knew how to MIG weld before you started this! Otherwise I'm terminally embarassed. I'm intimidated by a couple teeny rust out areas (by comparison to what you've already done) in my '55 Chevy truck kick panels .

You've got a pair dude to take on floor replacement, modding a bead roller, having your own dies made then rolling all on your own patch panels. HUGE kudos...and a bow!

[Malo]

Great work!

[LLWillysfan]

I thought I read somewhere earlier in the thread that he said that he didn't own any tools or have any first hand experience when he started. Went back to check and sure enough, that's what he said! I'm not 100% convinced he's not pulling our leg but I for one am truly inspired.

BigA, not only is this one of the most entertaining build threads of all time, the no nonsense way you have pursued your project and the quality of your work is nothing short of amazing. Can't wait for more. Thanks man.

[Circus Bear]

Great work bro. The best part is that you just an average self taught guy on your first build. Keep at it you are a true inspiration to guy that is also rebuilding a rusty piece of shit. Looks I need to get off my ass and get crackin!!!

[Circus Bear]

I thought I read somewhere earlier in the thread that he said that he didn't own any tools or have any first hand experience when he started. Went back to check and sure enough, that's what he said! I'm not 100% convinced he's not pulling our leg but I for one am truly inspired.

I can assure you he's not pulling your leg. It is inspiring to see him crankin this shit out.

[Dog_Patch]

Raw talent there brother! And he can draw and paint too. Why can't he get a green card?

[Finnrodder]

Originally Posted by Big A

Thanks Antti. Your build has been a good source of info and inspiration for me.

Thanks Andrew!
Good to hear that my build thread has been useful.
I never liked to say that people should do this and that with their builds,but i think those taillights would look like killer as frenched.There was a neat trick how to french them on Buddy Palumbo's shoebox build thread..

[LAYDRAG]

damn brother youve been busy! very impressive progress on the bleedmobile. So what color ya thinkin?

[Dooley]

Fantastic....you are an inspiration...keep up the good work

[Big A]

I'm kinda blown away by the response guys, thanks.

Necessity is the mother of invention. I can't afford to pay anyone else, bought a car that was farther gone than I expected, so it was either get dirty or throw my money away.

I learned a ton hanging with all the guys from the SFCC. Yep, dumb club name, but the boys have a ton of cool cars and lots of knowledge. They are not afraid to get in and get 'er done. Build 'em, Drive 'em, Break 'em, Fix 'em.

I took an oxy-gas and arc welding course at the local college then bought a super cheap $299 flux core welder. I converted it to gas about a month ago. My Dad had a O/A torch set-up that he bought years ago and rarely touched so I snagged it. I bought a used drill press off Kijiji, and I keep my eyes open for sales. A chop saw, sawzall, 3 grinders with different wheels, a couple of BFHs, lots of jacks and stands, and a shop crane can pretty much get any job done. There are a few things on the list still. I grabbed a used sandblasting cabinet, but I don't own a compressor yet. My rented shop does not have 220, and I'm not buying a compressor until I can get the one I want.

MUCH is demystified as soon as you start cutting things apart.

Shee-it Tyler, if you'd come up here for a week we could have this thing DONE. And that's with me sitting around drinking beer watching you work.

Originally Posted by Finnrodder

i think those taillights would look like killer as frenched

For whatever reason, I'm just not a fan of frenched lights, but I may change my mind once I get to the stage where I can focus on more details. The lights up front won't be stock, and the taillights will relate. I may get some smooth Lee lenses. Overall I want all the custom touches to look almost stock to the untrained eye. It's sure going to confuse some of the old restorer guys

[Big A]

Originally Posted by bobbleed

Wow AWESOME!! I really had no idea it was that bad...... But you are doing an amazing job! That is the first car I ever chopped. I didn't do any of that other stuff.... I bought it as a runner, used it as a daily for a couple years and then chopped it....Some of my first dates with my wife Laura were in that car. It is amazing to see what you are doing with it....

I knew it was going to need some work , but jeez....... I think I need to find something cool to send you.

Thanks Bob, glad you like what I'm up to. I'll drive 'er to Austin one of these days so you can take a closer look.

[Hdonlybob]

Unreal skill, and a great narrator to boot!!
You got my respect man...
Awesome, and yep those twin tail lights are killer!!!!
Keep us posted...
Cheers..........

[jasone]

Inspirational, subscribed.

[LLWillysfan]

Originally Posted by Circus Bear

I can assure you he's not pulling your leg. It is inspiring to see him crankin this shit out.

That's what I was afraid of. Not sure if I feel motivated or depressed.

[1951Streamliner]

Originally Posted by Big A

Overall I want all the custom touches to look almost stock to the untrained eye. It's sure going to confuse some of the old restorer guys

Now THATS what I like to hear!! Customize to enhance, not to change

[ToddJ]

Nice Job! Everything is coming together great! Getting lots of inspiration here!

[57J2]

Thanks for taking the time to post. There's a lot of good info there. You're giving me lots of ideas for my 50 88.

[gonzo]

Great build thread thanks for posting!

[ynottayblock]

looking good, keep it up!

[general gow]

killer job so far. i love chopped shoe boxes.

[oldbobsign]

Wow, Andrew!!! What a thread! It's workin' on a few levels. First is the build itself, saving a car with a "pedigree". Then we're treated to the "Big A Show", an extremely entertaining monolog presented with little or no ego. Then we discover the "first-time syndrome" and marvel at your enthusiasm and newly found abilities. All combine to create an amazingly inspirational story. You, sir, are what the HAMB is all about, thanks for allowing us to watch and learn.

[styleline]

hey big a this is focking awsom man loved how you did the trunk man good prof fab work cheers

[3dnsouth]

Great thread Andrew! Skill and determination in action. Hang with it man, lookin' good!!

[Ole_Red]

awesome build. and the answer to your thread title.... Yes, Yes we do!

[Hot Rod Ron]

I like this build thread. Nice job for your first major build. Keep the updates coming.

[fenderless]

Does we need another build? Yes!
To inspiration for me anyhow.
I'm about to start fixing some of the same rust repairs as your's
See you made alot of sheetmetal, really nice work!
But did you make or buy the rear fender panels?

.................................
Taildragger&fenderless

[Big A]

Larry, now you know why I haven't picked up a paint brush or made it to an event (other than the HAMB Drags) in over a year! Got my hands full, but I'm going to need to do some striping on this one eventually so I'll get back in practice soon.

Fenderless, I can only make flat stuff The rear patch panels, rear tailpan and rockers are all EMS, bought at Mac's. I'm lucky to live about 40 minutes away from Mac's so I can bomb over the border on a Saturday morning to pick up parts and still be in the shop by 9am.

[Tudor]

It's looking great brotherman!! That's a great read. Man you've come long way. Bad ASS

[D.W.]

Here ya go Jules...

[bgbdlinc]

....damn....Dude. You've plowed through enough of life's little setbacks for two lifetimes, anyway. It is so great to see you take flight....simply awesome....

[Ralphies54]

Just checking in to see if there's any more updates on this great build thread. Love what your doing,don't leave us hanging to long! Ralphie

[Big A]

Hehehe Linc, life's an adventure, that's for sure.

No more updates til after the weekend, won't be in the garage again until... hey, tomorrow. I like Saturdays.

[Stefan T]

Nice work with floor

[bloomer puddin]

Hell yes Andrew. I give you props taking what you had and making what you have. And those tail lights kick ass!

[FiddyFour]

insane...

i followed you over here from a post on the home build tools thread, and i gotta say its inspirational to say the least! its gonna be a sweet car man

T

[THE CHIEF]

great build thread

[Huffy]

Top work with the floors, I may have to get some die's made up!

[Finnrodder]

Originally Posted by Huffy

Top work with the floors, I may have to get some die's made up!

If you are interested of those dies,there are blueprints for them in my beadroller die thread:

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=566973

[Stevie G]

Andrew...Wow!
You've come a long way sir.
I am really looking forward to see where this ends up once you get your hands on an air compressor.
Rock on man. This build is officially awesome.

[Jeff Norwell]

Whoa!......Andrew... completely mad and RAD

GREAT THREAD!

[pdc]

You are a mad man! Great work!

[35ratbstr]

Holy crap!

You need a pat on the back for your effort. Most guys would have lost interest and melted down by now.

Great job!!!

[rustyfords]

Great build thread. The twin tail lights look AOK.

thanks for taking the time to post all those pics.

[msalamanca]

Looking good, keep up the hard work.
I look at your and others to keep my butt going.

[Grommet]

Totally awesome...can't wait to see your creation on the road...Double tailights??

who would have thunk?

[Grommet]

Totally awesome...can't wait to see your creation on the road...Double tailights??

who would have thunk?

[EnragedHawk]

Wow, I wish I had half the metal working skill you have. The tail lights look wicked by the way Beyond bad ass!

[bulletproof1]

your floors look great.. the ones i bought dont even come close to looking this good...

[Big A]

You guys are killing me with all the positive comments. I really am learning as I go along. Lots of HAMB reading, and watching youtube videos. You just have to dive in.

Haven't had much time over the last few weekends to get work done, so what might take some of you a good afternoon is taking me a month. More welding on the floors, but lots left to do…



I'm at the point where I'll take the body back off the frame to clean and paint the underside, finish the welding on the floors (and attempt to fix all my screw-ups), then I can mount the body once-and-for-all.

Backing up a bit, here are some shots of my shenanigans with the taillights. Cut 'em out, slap 'em in, how hard can it be, right? Well, for an idiot like me it was a bit of a struggle…



Right off the bat you can see the contours are not the same as you move down the body…



That's a fairly serious curve for something that on first glance looks pretty straight…





When I hacked this out of the donor car I really should have paid more attention. I guess my grade 3 teacher was right, neatness counts! So I stuck it in the vice and cleaned up the lines…



Lots of highly technical eye-balling to try to get the body lines where I needed them...



First try to get them lined-up, kinda surprised myself. Looking not so bad…



Had to trim off a lot more meat than I originally thought…



Lots of measuring, head-scratching, lining up holes and anything else I could line up. Chalk lines, Sharpie lines, and then I sprayed some primer down so I'd be able to see where to cut...



Talk about stressful. About the only reasonably solid panel on the whole damn car and I cut it. I also had to install the tailpan before I could continue with the taillights...



A Holy Shit moment! The damn thing fit…



I cleaned up the edges before tack welding. Bondo! What a surprise…



Ok, once the first side was in I still had to tackle side 2. I was thinking I must be an idiot, but I got through it...



Yesterday I got in and did some of the finishing. I'm a shitty welder, but my grinding skills are improving...



I don't think Brian Bass has to worry about the competition, but I'm happy enough. Lots left to do...

[Big A]

Before I started all this I saw a grinder on sale so I grabbed it. Then I bought a chop saw and it came with… a grinder. Then I bought my welder and lo-and-behold… another grinder. I was thinking I had too many grinders, but now I'm thinking I need at least one more...



Helluva lot easier to have multiples and not have to change wheels/blades etc.

[1951Streamliner]

That taillight treatment is killer man! Good job

[Finnrodder]

Wow!
Great progress,i have a lot to do to catch you...
I dont know do you have any tools that works with compressed air,but ingersoll-rand 90 degree grinder is definetely one of my favorite tools.
Its really light tool and fits in corners or other places where you just cant get access with normal angle grinder.
Keep it up!

[STEPHEN FIELDS]

I dig the dual tail light set up...looks kool

[Dick's Beaters]

Tail lights look great! Been wnating to do the same thing on my Ford. I've had the donor pieces for a while. Was at the Goodguys in Charlotte a few years back and was looking at a Ford that had cut the wind splitters off and blended the rear quarter smooth. I didn't bother looking at the tail lights, may have been late model caddy, and was just looking at the car, my confusion must have been evident because an old timer came up besides me and says, "doesn't look right does it?" He said he used to work for GM in the day, and when Ford made the 49, they loved the addition of the splitters. I told him that I was considering adding another set and he said that he had wanted to do the same thing and that he should get started before I beat him to it. Well, I think you beat the both of us. Now at least there is a specific tech thread for me to copy, damn my lazy ass, Subscribing ASAP. Looks Great!

[Big A]

Thanks for the comments.

I saw a photo of a shoebox with dual taillights a bunch of years ago, can't for the life of me remember where I saw it, and can't find it. I think I've looked at every shoebox on Rikster's site, no luck. I've seen a couple where they moved the stock taillights down almost to the bumper, which looks pretty slick too. I looked at a ton of different taillights before I decided to go this route, I'm hoping it'll just be a fairly subtle change once everything else is done, I don't want them to totally define the car.

[Big A]

I'm thinking I might have to spring for a compressor.

[Dick's Beaters]

R&C had a illustration of one done with dual tail lights, can't remember what issue though. I think the look is just subtle enough that people not familiar with shoeboxes wouldn't even notice. Now, just what kind of person is unfamiliar with shoeboxes I don't know.

[Rikster]

Originally Posted by Big A

Thanks for the comments.

I saw a photo of a shoebox with dual taillights a bunch of years ago, can't for the life of me remember where I saw it, and can't find it. I think I've looked at every shoebox on Rikster's site, no luck. I've seen a couple where they moved the stock taillights down almost to the bumper, which looks pretty slick too. I looked at a ton of different taillights before I decided to go this route, I'm hoping it'll just be a fairly subtle change once everything else is done, I don't want them to totally define the car.

Here is one

[fleet-master]

Big A...hate to be the workshop police but you really should run the safety guards on those grinders..ask me how i know!!
your work on your shoebox is lookin great. Theres 1 couple hours down the road from here with chopped top,sun visor and...twin tail-lights just like yours! go figure...

[Big A]

Originally Posted by Rikster

Here is one

That's EXACTLY how I want mine to look!

Seems odd to me that they would run the windsplitter through the skirt like that. Different tastes I guess.

Yeah Fleetmaster, I've got a few scars from trying to grind my fingers off. So far my gloves have taken the brunt (famous last words). Shop safety? Next you'll be telling me I need to wear pants when I weld!

[i.rant]

You have shown there are no problems, only solutions. Great thread & nice work!


Retirement is underated

[Lord Purple]

Great thread, I'm just thankful my Shoebox over here seems to be solid underneath (in the UK all its life, how did that happen???). I think I'd have moved it on if I'd found what you did...

I'm also likin' the twin lamp treatment, I don't recall having seen it before. Cool!

Subscribed.

L.P.

[PBRmeASAP]

Originally Posted by Big A

Next you'll be telling me I need to wear pants when I weld!

you weld with no pants on too? and i thought i was the only one...

[Finnrodder]

Welding without pants?
Thats definetely one thing i've never tried
Welding with T-shirt on is an another stupid idea,it works in TV,but not in real life..

[Kaptain Kustom]

Really nice thread, I like the way you're presenting it. Glad you're not "laying frame" and are using flathead. I just started to tackle a kind of similar job on my Chevy (just started disassembling it...), but am sure my floors won't be that beautiful.

[Retro Jim]

I have been following your build from the beginning since I have a 49 & 50 tudors waiting to have something done to them ! I have to finish my 55 first !
As for the safety stuff , I am for it as well BUT I don't have the guards on my grinders either . I use thick welding gloves and have been bite a few times . They are super dangerous and the one that will get you the most when they kick . The thin cut off blades are the nasty ones ! I have cut through about 5 or 6 pairs of thick welding gloves already . I have been Lucky but have taken a couple good cuts on the fingers already . One went down the center of my finger nail and hurt really good for about 2 weeks . Kept it clean from grinder metal and dirt when working in the garage . Healed up fine . I pick up gloves at yard sales when I find them for grinding . Just be super careful ! I have seen what they can do to people before and it's not pretty at all ! They large grinders are the worst !
When welding , no matter how hot it gets I use a Miller jacket , are sleeves and leather gloves . I even wear a welding Beanie which has many burn marks in it already . It's just the thought of that tiny welding splatter that hits you skin and takes forever to cool down as it melts through your shin ! That shit hurts bad ! I also wear long paints too . BUT each to their own when safety is involved !
I am really glad to see you taking your time to get everything just right ! You're doing a great job on your car . Keep up the great work . I smiled when you talked about your welding but I too and pretty good with a grinder too ! that's a welders friend !
Keep the pictures coming !

Retro Jim

[mrconcdid]

Looks great!. Im coming late to the party but wanted to tell you it really looks good.

As for not having experiance or tools, join the club. your work looks very clean and I have found that the cleaner your work is the better it will turn out. P.S. my shop is a mess but I keep my work as clean as possible. I only have 2 grinders

[Brootal]

Originally Posted by Big A

I need some lunch, but I'll be back to drag this thread off page 9 again.

Awesome build. Just doing my bit to keep it up the top, but I think you won't have any problems with this falling too far. Plenty of people will be checking it out, I'm sure.

I'm so glad we don't have snow/salt on our roads, although over here, the sea air can play some havoc.

[Ralphies54]

Looking good Big A, making me want to go shopping for another 51.

[Malcolm]

Wow, REALLY nice work man! You've certainly saved this car from continuing to rot away. I really dig the dual taillights.

Great to see you at the Pileup, too!


Malcolm

[brian55lvr]

great build---kudos

[Big A]

Some weekends you work your ass off and never feel like you get anywhere. Some you don't actually work all that hard and it looks like you accomplished a ton. Results-oriented days are good for morale.

A buddy of mine dropped by on Saturday and I was moaning about the next stage in the process... cleaning and painting the underside. Damn a rotisserie would be nice. He says he knows where there's one just sitting behind a friend's barn, and a few hours later...

Sha-winnng...



Hey there's some metal left under there...



Looking a helluva lot better...



I'm going to have to cut out some more cancer around the wheel wells, but should be a bit easier to deal with now. Still need to trim the rear floor braces and some other stuff before painting.

Added a bit of garage art too...

[Finnrodder]

That rotisserie will make your life a lot easier,finishing the floors will be easy like eating candy.
I made "poor mans" rotisserie,when i was in early 20's.It worked,but it could been better.
Keep it up!

[Tudor]

Hey - Why didn't you just go ahead and replace the whole floor? Looks awesome dude.

[PBRmeASAP]

holy crap dude.... couldn't tell that pic before you sent....
You be rollin in spring brother man...

[LAYDRAG]

looks great man, good score on the whirly gig. You r makin great progress and im still stuck on stupid brackets

[Retro Jim]

You're doing a great job ! I will be using your pictures of the floors to have an idea on what mine are suppose to look like when I start mine next summer or fall hopefully . My floors are gone in the front but the rears are ok . I won't have a rotisserie to work from . Mine will be on stands . The rotisserie really makes thing easier when doing so much floors like you have done to your 51 . Keep up the great work !

Retro Jim

[Dog_Patch]

Damn that does look better than on my phone! I dig the tire also. What's the story behind it ? Did you carry that to the HAMB drags ?

[stealthcruiser]

Originally Posted by Dog_Patch

Damn that does look better than on my phone! I dig the tire also. What's the story behind it ? Did you carry that to the HAMB drags ?

He won it in an auction there, Tony.

[LAYDRAG]

ahhhh so hes a Lucky Fucker also

[Circus Bear]

Looks awesome bro you really helping me keep motivated. I gotta get my trunk looking as good as yours. Keep at it and you'll be working for A.S.S. in no time. It's gonna be great to have you living in the States again.

[Circus Bear]

Originally Posted by LAYDRAG

ahhhh so hes a Lucky Fucker also

I'm the lucky one of the auction. I got another Big A original to put in the garage.

[stealthcruiser]

. It's gonna be great to have you living in the States again.

???????..........................Elaborate, Please Dammit!

[Big A]

Well Chuck I heard you were leaving, so it's safe for me to come back.

[Big A]

Damn, I've had the car on the rotisserie for a month. Moving at a snail's pace.





I left 2 holes in front of the rear wheelwells so I can fab up the last floor braces after the body is back on the frame. I can't seem to do anything in the right order, but I get there eventually.

At least some paint makes it feel like progress. Slow progress.

[Finnrodder]

Looks good!
Is that POR15 you laid on the floorpans?

[Big A]

Yep. I sprayed zinc phosphate stuff down first, then rolled and brushed POR15. It'll get a second coat before it goes back on the frame.

I was all excited to get it up on the rotisserie, now I'm getting impatient to get it off again. Heading to Atlanta for some fun with the SFCC this weekend, so won't be back to it for 2 weeks. The time it's taking is killing me.

[Jeff Norwell]

You got it made bro......

[PBRmeASAP]

damn nice looking brother.
now finish it and get your ass back here in it

[Stefan T]

nice floor

i hope i have my so ready on my shoebox

[Ether]

Any updates???? A whole week and nothing? Really looking forward to the end result on this one. Great job!

[jazzfidelity]

amazing!

[LAYDRAG]

Originally Posted by Ether

Any updates???? A whole week and nothing? Really looking forward to the end result on this one. Great job!

Cant get shit done when you are hoppin planes to crawl garages and sip shine in Ga.

[ardyboy]

cool thread--you're doing an awesome job

[tedley]

Wow that's a ton of work. Great job so far

[chopnchaneled]

Well ??????????? It's been two weeks.

[swazzie]

Originally Posted by fleet-master

Big A...hate to be the workshop police but you really should run the safety guards on those grinders..ask me how i know!!
your work on your shoebox is lookin great. Theres 1 couple hours down the road from here with chopped top,sun visor and...twin tail-lights just like yours! go figure...

I have to agree on this one here. You can always adjust your guards for the way you hold or use your grinders but, you will wish you had them on there when you accidentally set yourself on fire or grind a trough in your thigh or tear a notch in a finished piece of work. They're on there in the event that you have been working for two straight days or that your welding gas hose was closer than you think, etc. etc. etc. Yes , i have been accident prone.lol .
I have also amassed the parts needed (finally! ) to do exactly what you are doin to your shoe. I love your build and have always loved this car. Thankyou for sharing this. This has been great documentation for guys like us who haven't had to get this deep into it. Keep up the great work. Very inspiring!!! swaZZie

[desotot]

Great save,great thread . I like the double taillights,You are on the winning team. Keep the pics coming,I'm going to follow this.

[Big A]

Chipping away at it. Lots of little jobs done, most not worthy of photos. Filling holes and stuff like that.

Bye bye antenna...







There was a big ugly-ass hole in the trans tunnel that had to be dealt with...





A dead ram makes a pretty decent anvil, a few whacks with a dead blow hammer...





Looks passable anyway.

I've been waiting for this day for a long time. After a year, I finally put the body back on the frame and bolted it down...



FINALLY cut the damn braces out...



And could FINALLY sit in it again and make vroom vroom noises and grin like an idiot...



I also scraped off the rest of the spray on shite that Henry's men called sound deadener. That was a fun job.

Frankenfloor...



Dr. Frankenfloor...



Happy new year everyone. Now back to work.

[wlspdshop]

Looking good!

[Tudor]

Looking great bRother. Going to be riding this year can't wait. Happy new year!

[Buddy Palumbo]

cool to see progress

[Finnrodder]

Nice progress!
Too bad that i am not that far,i am going to pull the body off from frame too.

[stealthcruiser]

Nice My Brother!!!!

[dodge4me]

Thanks for the great updates. My hats off to the skill level of so many of you on this site.

[PBRmeASAP]

ya waited a year to drop the body back on and no pictures of the whole car? I outta beat ya with a used sock

[Stevie G]

Lookin good.
Do you have a timeline?
I just want to know what event I should plan on attending to see the debut.
Feels pretty good, doesn't it? The "I did that" moment(s).

[shoebox50]

Looking great!!

[Ralphies54]

Great job. We're proud of ya.

[mace69]

Keep at it

[Circus Bear]

Keep on chippin away bro. I can't wait to go for another ride.

[GreenMtnBoy]

Lookin' good! Congrats on the milestone, you ROCK Andrew! Plus...you are one Sexy Mutha Fukaa!

[Stevie G]

Originally Posted by GreenMtnBoy

...you are one Sexy Mutha Fukaa!

Oh My!

[Murch]

I wouldn't have known where to start if I found that much cancer, but you dove right in! Great work, keep it up!

Murch.

[Big A]

After Xmas holidays and getting sidelined for a couple weeks with the cold from hell, I finally got some time in garage again.

Bob Bleed might be a helluva good welder now, but when he did this car a long time ago he was definitely not too interested in the details. I spent this weekend cutting out a lot of his old work and redoing it. Nice to have the luxury of a donor roof hanging on my wall to cut some bits and pieces off of.

I couldn't put the car back together with stuff like this...



I tried to clean it up a bit, it just made it worse...



Used the tried-and-true masking tape measuring method...



Cutting this scared the shit outta me...



But it seemed to work...



I figure it's like outrunning a bear. I don't have to outrun the bear, I just have to outrun the guy beside me. So, I don't have to make it perfect, I just have to do a better job than this...



Cut it out...



I might change my screen name to King Boogerweld...



Got both B pillars and one doorframe redone, cut out and reworked the hacked-up package tray, made and installed the last two floor braces under the rear seat area, and did most of the finish welding on the big exterior patch panels that I'd been procrastinating about. Didn't get photos of most of it, but progress is good.

[Finnrodder]

Thats really nice progress!
That B-pilar looks much better now.
I wish i had a donor roof too,i have some rust issues on the top...

[Big A]

What do you need? Once I'm done with mine, if I have pieces you need I'll cut off whatever you want.

[Tudor]

Wow man!! I like the out running the bear analogy. Nice work on the b pillar. It's going to be slick man!

[Finnrodder]

Originally Posted by Big A

What do you need? Once I'm done with mine, if I have pieces you need I'll cut off whatever you want.

Thanks for the offer man!
I'll send email to you.

[Circus Bear]

Holy Shit bro.......That looks a hell of a lot better. You have definitely raised the bar for a first build.

[Buddy Palumbo]

You're definately improving it

[flt-blk]

Sheesh, now you're making me look like a Slacker, All I have done is make a cup holder over the last two months.

keep up the good work

[firehawgcfd]

Just found this thread this morning. Read it start to finish and subscribed. Awesome work, can't wait to see the finished product. Inspired me to drag the 50 sitting outside my shop inside and get busy. It has almost as much rust as yours but you have definitely shown what can be accomplished with limited tools and a lot of determination. Thanks, and keep up the good work.

[sololobo]

This is so impressive bro, I really love the dual tailights, hope you don't french them. It will really mess with some minds in a stock form. When I first saw the cutout for the additional tailights I thought you were thinking about sectioning the car, oh my god! This thread should bolster some guys courage who are afraid to tackle some rust issues for sure. You are on my H.A.M.B. HEROS list. Thanks for sharing this build. ~sololobo~

[HenryJoe50shoebox]

Great work fella! you got some good vision on this. I was checkin around to see if anybody else was workin on a shoebox since I just knuckled down on a 50 fordor and am fixing to give it a real low chop and essentially have the fordor look gone and swap the rear exits out to suicide. Gettin a lot of good tips from your visions here friend! great work! maybe we'd have the chance to rip it up sometime when she's on the road since I am shacked in montreal for now. Again, great work!!!

[Big A]

Thanks for all the positive input, it keeps me going back for more punishment

HenryJoe, lots of shoebox builds going on. I had a '49 moredoor for about 10 years, it was a lot nicer car than the tudor I'm mucking with now. Check out the Shoebox Group for lots of info...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/g...hp?groupid=127

[GooGooMuck]

Just read this beginning to end, so inspiring that I am now headed straight out to the garage! I have to go pack for a move, but am freshly inspired to get crackin' on the wife's car, soon I will have space!
Great build so far, thanks for letting us along for the ride!

[skoh73]

Jeff told me about this, but I just checked it out for the first time. Sucks that it was such a pile of shit, but you have done an insane job- keep it up!

[3dnsouth]

Lookin' good dude! Eatin' the ol' elephant one bite at a time, eh. Hang in there man, you'll be there 'fore ya know it.

[Big A]

I kinda had it in my head that the rust repair portion of the evening's entertainment was behind me. Wishful thinking, of course. I've been waffling between salvaging the original (already chopped, shaved etc) doors or using a new set I got from Jaker with my parts car.

Had a gander at the old doors... lovely... I know, I know, what did I expect, right? hard to tell from the photo, but that Bondo is about a mile and a half thick...



Alrighty then, guess I'm chopping the new doors...



My palms were getting a bit sweaty as I grabbed the sawzall. Nothing like taking a nice solid set of doors... and fucking them up...





Going to take a bit of massaging. Got a few holes to fill and dents to undent...



That's the easy part. I got the various pieces cut, and should be welding 'em up next weekend. As usual, I ran out of time yesterday.

Stay tuned. Next weekend I'm also going to screw up a perfectly good trunk lid.

[Stevie G]

Sounds like fun. Loving the documentary.
How many cans of filler do you figure are in the other door?

[Tudor]

[QUOTE=Big A;7451808]




My palms were getting a bit sweaty as I grabbed the sawzall. Nothing like taking a nice solid set of doors... and fucking them up...




QUOTE]

WOW!!! That's got to be a record!!

[PBRmeASAP]

so which car has/had more bondo.....the can or the shoebox?

[Big A]

There's probably 20lbs of bondo in each door. Bob is definitely a good sculptor.

WOW!!! That's got to be a record!!

I seem to recall the Can O' Worms had a little filler in it to start, didn't it?

[PBRmeASAP]

Originally Posted by Big A

There's probably 20lbs of bondo in each door. Bob is definitely a good sculptor.



I seem to recall the Can O' Worms had a little filler in it to start, didn't it?

haha if you both started out with a handful of empty 5 gallon buckets and see who had the most that would have been cool

keep at it bro....looking forward to a ride in her again

[bobbleed]

Hey I diddn't do that to the doors! ( I did though, destroy the trunk lid..... it has to be the single worst thing I have ever done.... damn I wish I could change that)

I am inspired everytime I see this post.

That car was so dear to me I guess I diddn't realise how fucked up it really was. Kind of when people don't realise thay have an ugly baby! I was young and dumb and I really thought I would just go back and refine everything later.... Big hurry....

I know you probably hate me, and damn I can't even blame you, but I really am just proud of you and this build! You are a ruler for sure!

I still am planning on sending you something good..... maybe a few good things....

[Circus Bear]

looking good bro. Keep at it. You are making me look like a slacker though.

[Jeff Norwell]

Looking Dandy Andy.......You gots the hustle on!!

[studog51]

very cool thread, easy to follow along and looks to be in good hands...

[Big A]

Originally Posted by bobbleed

I know you probably hate me

Well, I can't say I've never used your name in vain but nope, no hate.
This car has pissed me off a lot of times and I was probably an idiot for trying to tackle it, but I'm feeling pretty good with what I'm accomplishing and learning a ton. Some day I'll drive down to Austin and give ya a ride.

That trunk lid is going to be fun. Scares the crap out of me.

[Dr. Fishstein]

This has been a awesome journey and to watch all the work you have put into that car is inspirational.. to say the least....


I am subscribed....

[daddio211]

Originally Posted by bobbleed

Hey I diddn't do that to the doors! ( I did though, destroy the trunk lid..... it has to be the single worst thing I have ever done.... damn I wish I could change that)

I am inspired everytime I see this post.

That car was so dear to me I guess I diddn't realise how fucked up it really was. Kind of when people don't realise thay have an ugly baby! I was young and dumb and I really thought I would just go back and refine everything later.... Big hurry....

I know you probably hate me, and damn I can't even blame you, but I really am just proud of you and this build! You are a ruler for sure!

I still am planning on sending you something good..... maybe a few good things....

Classy reply Bob.

[Big A]

Nothin' to it, but to do it. Get things cut and lined up, used a stiff straight-edge to keep things aligned...



I planned to use the chunk cut from the front of the doorframe to fill the gap in the top, but after I chewed on it for awhile I decided to just make a new piece...



Needs some finishing yet, but looks pretty spiffy...



Looks pretty much like a door if'n ya ask me...



...'cept the angle of the dangle has changed somewhat...



Got the passenger side to this stage today too. Tomorrow I'll see if I can actually get them to lay down and be good like they're supposed to.

[Jeff Norwell]

Looking Killer Big A!!!!

[Stevie G]

Originally Posted by Big A

Nothin' to it, but to do it.

Andrew, you are truly an inspiration. Keep at it.

[Buddy Palumbo]

Originally Posted by Big A

...'cept the angle of the dangle has changed somewhat...

I thought I was the only one to use that saying , lol !!

It's looking good so far .

[skoh73]

Good work!

[Finnrodder]

Nice work with the door piece!

[James D]

Nice work and great commentary.

[daddio211]

Originally Posted by Buddy Palumbo

I thought I was the only one to use that saying , lol !!

It's looking good so far .

In the case of this door post it looks more like the direction of the erection.

[PBRmeASAP]

Keep on keeping on brother

[Stefan T]

looks nice keep on

[bigbren]

I am starting my first build and you are truly and inspiration. SUBSCRIBED!

[Big A]

A couple of well-aimed slices, inside the door at the A and B pillars...



I clamped them against the body and snot welded 'em...



Seems to have solved the dang door wang...



Got some clean-up to do, but both doors are playing nice now...

[Emperor Chris]

That is bad ass!!

[Big A]

Thanks for all the positive comments. Very much appreciated. Hopefully someone gets something out of all this.

Ok, so when Bob chopped this car he moved the rear window, and thus (thus! big little word, eh?) extended the trunk opening, about 6". That way you don't end up with a big space between the rear window and the trunk opening, looks more stock. He 'splains the principle pretty well in Mad Fab III (available wherever fine greasy hot rod DVDs are sold), but doesn't get into the actual how-to extend a trunk lid part.

So, I happened to have a couple extra trunk lids lying around, so with my trusty cut-off wheel in hand and not a friggin' clue what I was doing...

I used the ol' "dirty glove trick" (hey, not that dirty glove trick) to make a paper template, so I could see how the 2 pieces would or wouldn't line up...



Using said template, I figured out how much to cut off the first victim...




It was pretty beat up across the back, but in good shape where I needed it, so no great loss to cut this one...



Setting it in the hole you can see that the shape of the opening no longer follows the stock contour of the lid. This will take some work...



And after slicing another perfectly good stock lid, it was about a 1/4" too wide for the opening, so I gave it a couple of relief cuts to narrow it by a blond one...



Which brings us to here, before I ran out of time...



The upper piece will get pie-cut and spread apart about 1/2" on each side, I think.

I've got some time to mull this over before I make any more cuts. I'm headed to Detroit for the Autorama this weekend, so won't be touching this for a couple of weeks.

[TexasSpeed]

I dig this shoebox build! I saw another shoebox with the dual taillights (not the pink one) and really liked it. Glad to see this one will have it too!

[117harv]

Big A, first i would like to apologize, i have seen your thread come up many times but i just passed it by as i'm not a custom guy. I just read it all the way through, WOW, you have some serious determination, and a go get-em attitude. This may be just a project for you but i think it's inspiration and motivation for so many here, it shows what can be done with hard work.


Thanks for starting this thread, great pics and text, you are doing a GREAT job...and thanks for not...laying frame.

[flt-blk]

I would get the trunk edge straight and welded, then match the chanel on the body to the trunk.

Trunk Plan B: make sure your widening cut on the forward section is in the same spot as where you narrowed the back, that way if you can't get it all welded and flat, put a couple ribs down the trunk over the top of the slices. Hell maybe even a couple more tail light fins for good measure.

Great to watch your progress, again I wish I could stop by and help, it looks like fun.

[Big A]

Originally Posted by 117harv

Big A, first i would like to apologize, i have seen your thread come up many times but i just passed it by

I was wondering why you were snubbing me, but since you're the 200th poster on this thread I accept your apology Thanks for the comments.

Great to watch your progress, again I wish I could stop by and help, it looks like fun.

Well Tyler, I know you work a lot, but at the rate I work you can come help me after you're retired, I'll still be hacking away at this thing.

[Malcolm]

Looking good, Andrew!!

[stovebolter46]

looks great!

[EBW]

Great Job on the door situation !!!
Been following this for awhile.. true inspiration for me and my project !!

[510madmav]

hell yeah dude! good work.

[Chris Stapley]

Holy shit ANdrew, great build you have going on here buddy.. I can ssume the pinstriping and painting have been a little lax as of late? Hope you're planning on making an appearance at the new Mega Speed show to hang out and mop a little One Shot for a while with us? I will be now subscribed to this build as you have been doing many inspirational moves here. Makes me wonder why the pretty good old 56 Dodgem car in my garage hasn't seen the toolbox open next to it all winter!
See Ya,
Chris.

[Circus Bear]

Jeez are you not done yet? I thought you were just gonna give a skim coat of bondo and call it a day.

Looks good bro!!!!!

[Tudor]

Dang - I ain't never seen no body cut a trunk lid up like that!!!

Good work on the doors too man. Freaking Ruler that you are.

[Sauli]

To answer the question on Your thread-title, YES. Build threads are why I, for one, log on to this site every day, and what a bu