my idea of a dream custom

[jerseymike]

i've been slowly building a custom i've had built in my head for almost 30 years already. between other projects and life in general it always got pushed back. once i did get started, i know next to nothing about computers so i never started a build thread. after being on here over 3 years i think i found out how to post pictures so i'll give this a try. i started out with a pretty rough '50 ford 2 door sedan. no motor or trans, last on the road in 1974. all the usual shoebox rust plus some super imaginative home body repairs! car was built in buffalo, n.y. and spent it's life in the pittsburgh area so even it's rust had rust. like every other customizer was eager to jump right in on the top chop. first, braced up the body.
next marked out all cut lines. took 4" vertically at the a pillar and about 5" at the sail panel. also removed the curve at the rear of the quarter windows





PROBLEM FIXED SCROLL DOWN!

[jerseymike]

why do my pictures show up on the test thread but not here?

[twenty gallons]

Thats the way to do it, plan for as long as you need, then jump in with both feet, That's when you learn plans usually go a-wry

go to it Jersey.

[1951Streamliner]

looks like you need image tags? I dont know, im stupid with computers

[rodncustomdreams]

I p.m.ed you.

Here's one:


-Dave

[Gerg]

[cuznbrucie]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

why do my pictures show up on the test thread but not here?

Jersey......I think your problem is that you are inserting the *hyperlink* in your article, when you should be inserting the *image code* copied from the Photobucket picture info......then paste it into your post where you want the photo to appear.....

Just hold your cursor over the photo and the Image Code will magically appear.......you click on it and it is *copied* to your clipboard......then you *paste* it into your post......

An image tag looks like this: I have altered it so that it won't really bring a photo into this message

[IMG] xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx[IMG]

Get the idea?

CB

[jerseymike]

ok, i think i got this figured out. try again (i hate computers!)
top removed, rear window left in place.

top set back in place, a pillars lined up, needs some fitting.


rear window stock position


a-pillars need alignment

[jerseymike]

now to start fitting. dropped a plumb-bob to make sure i'm centered

started fitting the a pillars


sleeved the center joints

[jerseymike]

moved on to the b pillars. decided to slant them because i think it gives it that kind of in motion look.

then sleeved

then to the sail panels. i always think the shape of the quarter windows can make or break a chop so i removed the rear corner before i cut the top off so i can reuse it and get the exact curve back.

then to compare

[jerseymike]

after the corners were tacked back in place the roof was pretty well set in place so i could start on the rear window and sail area. the rear glass was never out of or off the car. i cut under the glass were the roof meets the cat walk in from both sides leaving about 3 inches connected in the center of the car. then tucked the outside edges inside the quarter panels and laid the glass forward.





the package tray was not touched at all but i did need to make some cuts to fan out the metal in the corners under the glass.

[jerseymike]

ended up using a donor piece to fill over the rear window then made filler pieces for the new sail panels.

made some cardboard templates. ended up making each side in 2 pieces, would have been to much shape (for me anyway)

then shaped up the piece

after it was tacked in i made up the upper piece the same way.

then the same on the other side.

[jerseymike]

on to the doors, you can see the difference in height and angle since i slanted the b pillar.

lots of fitting and good chance to close up some of the not to great original gaps. will still need more gapping but better already.

all roughed in.

now tons of welding and grinding and lots of finish work. sprayed some primer on it only because i had to move it. outside you can see the profile, roof has a nice smooth curve to it. i'm not a fan of overchopped cars so i think this is just enough. the car is sitting very high in this picture so that will make it look better when it's dropped some.

[jerseymike]

rodncustomdreams and cuznbrucie thanks for the help, i think i got it. hope the pictures aren't to big, i don't know how to change them.

[rodncustomdreams]

GREAT post! The top is looking sweet. Did I miss how much you cut it vertically (looks to be about 2 1/2" - 2 3/4")? What other plans have you for it?

-Dave

[jerseymike]

another big project i decided to do was a dashboard swap. i always thought the mid 50's oldsmobile dashes were beautiful. so last winter CLARK on here help me find a '56 olds in a junkyard that i was able to get the complete dash from. after cutting it out in a snow storm and getting it home, this what it looked like

pulled out the stock dash and set the olds in there as best as i could

since the olds had a wraparound windshield the dashboard sat further forward past the a pillars unlike the shoebox dash that sits behind the a pillars. so, the wraparound ends of the dash had to be re-worked. instead of rounding them off i decided to cut them off and attach them to the doors so when the doors were closed it looks stock, but there out of the way when the doors are open.

[jerseymike]

first thing was to add a filler piece

then to remove the ends of the dash

then both ends of the dash needed to be capped off.

then the cutoff ends could be attached. i decided attaching them to the garnish moulding instead of the door would be better for painting.

those ends also needed to be capped.

[jerseymike]

and here's how it looks open and closed.


turned out to be way more work than i expected trying to keep everything lined up flush but i'm really happy with it.

[jerseymike]

to help clean up and smooth out the back end, i decked the trunk and shaved the license mount and light. i frenched a box into the trunk and i'll mount a light inside above it.

trunk sandblasted, trim stripped and hole cut.

box set in, marked and cut to shape

final welding

and primer

[jerseymike]

next up, every sled needs custom taillights. i always liked the '54 packards. had a set of housings and lenses for awhile then found a packard in the junkyard and bought the quarters cheap. they were rough but i knew most of them would be replaced with fresh metal just mainly needed the shape as a pattern. here they are set over the shoebox quarters for a quick look.

not a bad fit but the packard trunk lid was a little squarer in the front corner.

by splicing in the whole top lenght of the packard quarter, also allowed me to get rid of the stock shoebox lead bead the full lenghth.

after sandblasting, started splicing and butt welding.

[jerseymike]

once mostly welded, i had to fab a piece to fill the gap left. a reverse curve and a real pain in the ass.

finally welded in.

after grinding and some primer than on to the other side. this added about 9" of lenghth to the quarters. now i have to make the outsides of the quarterpanels.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by rodncustomdreams

GREAT post! The top is looking sweet. Did I miss how much you cut it vertically (looks to be about 2 1/2" - 2 3/4")? What other plans have you for it?

-Dave

sorry i missed your post. top is 4" vertically in the front and about 5" in the rear. the rear i started at 4 but trimmed it till i liked it.

[jerseymike]

jumping around a little after i pulled off the nose, i decided to strip everything off the firewall and smooth the whole thing out. this is what i started with.

rather than do a million small holes, i rather do less bigger ones.

all smoothed and all paint stripped off.

[thesupersized]

yessssss! another cool custom shoebox on the east coast! whats your plans for the rest of the car? the tail lights look great! as does the dash! I'll be following this thread...

[wheeler.t]

I like what you did with the dash. Went the extra mile and didn't just hack it off at the pillar and call it good, Very cool

[CanUFelix]

Mike, this is one of my favourire builds in a long time. You're doing everything right in my book. Very tasteful. Love the tail lights and the chop is very smooth.....can't wait to see where you take it.....

[hasty]

Looking forward to following this one.

[resqd37Zep]

Lookin good! Thanks for the pictures.

[chopnweld]

Well executed.

[Chrisbcritter]

Mike, that chop was very well thought out for this car - and the Packard quarters add just enough length. Are you going to use the Packard bumper or form a roll pan under the fenders and panel below the trunk lid to blend it all together?

[lordairgtar]

I think the Packard quarters work well with the overall look of the car.

[laidout53]

Nice, cant wait to see more!

[RICKY MCGREGOR]

Looks like you know what your doing.ilike it,

[CHOPMERC]

Mike, fantastic design and great execution..Love the quarters and tailights, one of my very favorites for shoeboxes...I can't wait to see what you're going to do with the front end..I'll be following this one..

Gotta love east coast kustom shoeboxes!!

[don daddyo]

Way the Go... nice job ,need more to come....

[motoandy]

Great work and tech post. Keep them coming. Great eye for style and what works.

[GaryB]

lookin good,waiting for front end treatment. got skills

[dana barlow]

I like what your doing,brings back some old time thoughts.

[cuznbrucie]

Mike.......really nice concept and great execution......if only I could work with metal as well as you do......
Thanks for this great thread......I'll be following along.....

One question.......no heater now?

CB

[opivadam]

Damn! Thats looking sweet!

[larry woods]

Is there anything to say but "A DAMN NICE JOB"?

[Buddy Palumbo]

Mike - it's about freakin' time you got some pics uploaded !!

Seriously folks , this car looks even better in person . The dimensions are spot-on & the workmanship is excellent ! This car is gonna be one of the coolest sleds around the area , no doubt . All of the work done by the owner too , which is cool as hell in MY book . A car to be proud of .

Subscribed (finally )

[lukey]

Man!!! I was really diggin this thread till i saw the taillights...then WOW!! that blew my mind! The chop is dead on, the dash is amazing, and the quarters...im speechless! Cant wait to see more of this one


-LUKEY-

[James D]

Nice work. Love the Packard taillights.

[yetiskustoms]

tottlay killer. love the chop, the tail lights, all of it. good work, and refreshingly different too!

[rld14]

Holy crap. Really nice work, I'm really diggin the 54 Packard taillights..

[STEPHEN FIELDS]

looks great man, I love the olds dash in it.

[Cshabang]

DAMN TECHERS! (yeah i noticed)haha.....looks like the car is coming along nicely.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by thesupersized

yessssss! another cool custom shoebox on the east coast! whats your plans for the rest of the car? the tail lights look great! as does the dash! I'll be following this thread...

thanks, i've been following both yours and your brothers builds. both great original cars! did you get the nailhead in yet? as far as the rest of mine i'll keep posting pictures but i was going to say i was using hagen headlights just to piss off your brother!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Chrisbcritter

Mike, that chop was very well thought out for this car - and the Packard quarters add just enough length. Are you going to use the Packard bumper or form a roll pan under the fenders and panel below the trunk lid to blend it all together?

thanks, definitely bumpers. the look i'm going for definitely needs bumpers.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by CHOPMERC

Mike, fantastic design and great execution..Love the quarters and tailights, one of my very favorites for shoeboxes...I can't wait to see what you're going to do with the front end..I'll be following this one..

Gotta love east coast kustom shoeboxes!!

thanks. i've always been kind of surprised those taillights weren't used more often. i think because of the shape they don't flow into most body styles like the widely used '57 packard does. and congrats on your car, came out amazing! just when you think there is nothing left to be done to a shoebox you brought us all back to the early 60's. outstanding. (almost makes me miss the red flames!)

[pbr40]

looks great! its always nice to see people put pride in their work!!!!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by cuznbrucie

Mike.......really nice concept and great execution......if only I could work with metal as well as you do......
Thanks for this great thread......I'll be following along.....

One question.......no heater now?

CB

thanks, as far as the heater for right now i'm stripping it down to bare bones then building back up a piece at a time. another advantage of using that dash is i more than doubled the amount of room behind it. so i can keep everything hidden. could even run hidden a.c. if i wanted. under the hood i'll be making new inner fender panels and i'll try to hide most lines and wires behind them, maybe even in a double wall panel, we'll see. vicky's looking good. did you pick a color yet?

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Buddy Palumbo

Mike - it's about freakin' time you got some pics uploaded !!

Seriously folks , this car looks even better in person . The dimensions are spot-on & the workmanship is excellent ! This car is gonna be one of the coolest sleds around the area , no doubt . All of the work done by the owner too , which is cool as hell in MY book . A car to be proud of .

Subscribed (finally )

well, well, well. i been waiting for you to stumble across this! figured i'd surprise you after a year or so of busting my balls you know i'm not very high tech, like my kids always say about me, so easy a caveman can do it! anyway your thread is looking a little dormant. what gives? was hoping to see you at the hamb and scrabble, man some great customs!

[merc-o-madness]

Nice! another cool east coast kustom! tail lights came out nice, finally a chopped shoebox that is actually kustom unlike the sea of chopped shoeboxes with stock grills and tailights. Whats your plan for up front?

[jerseymike]

thanks to all who replyed. progress is never as fast as you hope but i'll try to keep it up dated. i've been amazed and entertained by so many builds on here i figured it was time i give something back. as far as the overall build i wouldn't say i'm going for a specific time frame, just a look i like using parts i like. definitely an earlier look but not any certain year. and if anybody enjoys this thread you should probably thank buddy palumbo for shaming me into it

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by merc-o-madness

Nice! another cool east coast kustom! tail lights came out nice, finally a chopped shoebox that is actually kustom unlike the sea of chopped shoeboxes with stock grills and tailights. Whats your plan for up front?

plans up front? you should read the reply i just posted to your brother!

[jerseymike]

ok, once the taillights were mounted along with the top edge of the quarter and the section below the taillight it was time to move to the outside of the quarterpanel. to start with the whole lower half of the quarter was junk, before and after the wheelwell. plus i had cut out the section with the windsplit on each side. add to that the forward shoebox quarter was much more curved than the flatter packard quarter section around the taillight, i decided to just hack almost the whole thing off and start again. once cut off i had alot of rust repair to do before any new metal could be attached.

then with the bottom cut off

about the front 1/3 of the wheelwell was gone and had to be fabbed

[cuznbrucie]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

thanks, as far as the heater for right now i'm stripping it down to bare bones then building back up a piece at a time. another advantage of using that dash is i more than doubled the amount of room behind it. so i can keep everything hidden. could even run hidden a.c. if i wanted. under the hood i'll be making new inner fender panels and i'll try to hide most lines and wires behind them, maybe even in a double wall panel, we'll see. vicky's looking good. did you pick a color yet?

Thanks for your compliment, Mike......I've already painted this thing twice and it still doesn't look like the *satin black* that I had envisioned........I am thinking about going a totally different direction and painting it something like the Nick Matranga maroon color.......my interior is already dark red and black tuck and roll.....

Your shoebox will be killer when you're done......I will be avidly watching your work......great welding and concepts...

CB

[jerseymike]

had to fab some new body mounts

then fabbed up some inner rockers and with everything reinstalled and primed it was time to get back to building quarters


bought some ems lowers and started with the front half.

then the back half. since i lengthened the quarter and made it flatter the replacement panel was now to curved so i cut the very back end off and ran the bottom edge thru the stretcher a few times which took the curve right out of it.

[HomemadeHardtop57]

looks great Mike!!

[jerseymike]

next up i had to figure out how to make a whole big quarter section that actually has alot more shape than it looks. so first step was to make 2 contour gauges, 1 to match the front shoebox quarter

and 1 to match the packard quarter with less curve

next i made a posterboard pattern, transferred it onto some 18 gauge and begin to make my bend. i don't have pictures but how i bent it was over about a 24" pipe attached to the side of the building where i work. bent it gradually checking it with the contour gauges till each end was the correct curve. then place it on, fine trimming and tack it in.

[jerseymike]

lots and lots of welding and grinding! really a pain in the ass to weld a seam over 7 foot long right down the center of a pretty flat panel without warping everything. but i'm pretty happy.

same all over on the other side except this time i got experience! rust repair not as bad but get it done.


lower halves on


and new piece fitted (i love vice grips!)

and holy cow it looks like the other side!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by HomemadeHardtop57

looks great Mike!!

thanks jerry, i see you got the body off the '32! moving right along. looks good.

[Tin Can]

Very nice work on the shoebox.

[merc-o-madness]

nice job!, now you can radius the wheel openings

[ems customer service]

Great workmanship!!, thanks for using our stuff

the ems guy

[Pharouh]

No matter how many times I see it,it still amazes me what some guys can do with and old car and some metal. Looks great!

[Leadsled612]

Your hard work will pay off!
Looking really NICE! Keep it up

[cuznbrucie]

Mike......one word......*Tits*......

CB

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by merc-o-madness

nice job!, now you can radius the wheel openings

ha-ha, radiused wheel wells on '55 chevys, shoeboxes and '62-'67 nova's always kills me!

[bbbronc]

I'm not usually a fan of removing the shoebox taillights but yours looks incredible. I also love the dash, Great work!

[ArchangelKustom]

Excellent work on the dash - molding the corners onto the garnish is a great idea!

[Big Nick]

Outstanding job!

[koolkemp]

Fantastic workmanship!! I love what you have done with the quarter panels and the dash ,looking forward to following your progress!

[jerseymike]

thanks to all for the kind words. working on the rear still, some rust repair below the lights, mounting the new bumper, making a new moulded splash pan. will try to have more pics later this week. mike

[EBW]

Really like what you are doing.. That dash turned out great !! A true Custom. Looking forward to your progress.

[jerseymike]

just one update for today. since i extended the quarters i now needed to fit a different bumper to the body. after some looking i found a '52 packard in a junkyard with decent bumpers. picked up both for $25. here you can see the rear bumper has the shape i need at the ends to go out around the extended quarters. in this picture the bumper gaurds are unbolted and it shows the bumper was 13" to wide so i had to mark and cut out two 6 1/2" pieces.

here you can see the 2 sections removed

in this picture the chrome has been stripped and all 3 sections tig welded together. some filing and not to bad. all bolt holes will be filled and shaved

here just held in place on jackstands you can see how the ends fit the quarters and the curve in the center is almost a dead match for the shoebox

[Buddy Palumbo]

Looks fantastic !

[James D]

This is so cool. Love the style.

[bonez]

That is a lot of hard work. Thumbs up man.
Love the look of that rear end w/ the bumper, really ties it all togheter.

[rodncustomdreams]

Mike, if you wanted a Packard...

I love this thread!! Your shoebox is already bitchin' - I can't wait to see what you've planned next for this build. Super!

-Dave

[the-rodster]

I'm diggin' it!

Rich

[dirtydixon]

You are taking that shoebox to the next level.
Very impressive work.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by rodncustomdreams

Mike, if you wanted a Packard...

I love this thread!! Your shoebox is already bitchin' - I can't wait to see what you've planned next for this build. Super!

-Dave

yeah wasn't really planning to be all packard. i tried some other bumpers, even borrowed a '56 chevy rear but it didn't do it for me. and the $25 price didn't hurt either. thanks, mike

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Buddy Palumbo

Looks fantastic !

thanks allen, hey does craig still need that center link?

[mcnally351]

love the rear end, nice touch

[Buddy Palumbo]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

thanks allen, hey does craig still need that center link?

Yes he does ... gimme a call when you're gonna be at the shop & we'll hook up . We'll pull his off a while for ya .

[jerseymike]

started some rust repair below the packard taillights. the packard originally had a stainless moulding that ran down vertically and was sandwiched between the inside and outside halves of the quarters. trapped alot of moisture and eventually rusted out the whole length. plus some rust along the bottom edge


decided to cut the majority of it out and fab up one solid piece to go all the way around with no seam. this also allowed me to fit it better to the bumper.

on the outside i could tie it into the quarter and fill in behind the bumper ends which was previously still open.

from the rear you can see when i mounted the bumper i lowered it slightly and i cut it to run the exhaust tips thru. i'm pretty happy with the fit. now i can do the other side and start on the new splash pan.

[laidout53]

Nice work man! keep it up...


Justin

[Buddy Palumbo]

Looks brill , Mike

[chopolds]

Tha is looking absolutely great! Keep up the good work!

[Chris Stapley]

First time seeing this thread man and wow,what proportions! I am likely in the same boat as many,subscribed as soon as I saw it! Hey kool kemp, bet this has your mouth watering too Steve? Gonna get carving in my shop very soon too. Thanks for the inspiration guys....

[fryguy]

Mike, thats looking great. Gonna turnout to be a killer shoebox. Lucky for me i searched "Packard tailights" and i got this thread. Love the overall design and flow. Keep it up.


Fryguy

[oldschool66]

WOW!! We are going to have to stop calling this one a shoe BOX, it's gonna be one hell of a custom. Great job, done right. I'll keep up on this one.

[jerseymike]

as you can see the passenger side was alot worse

started by cutting the shape into a thin piece of plywood to be sure i matched both sides, then just flip it over for a pattern on the other side

then fab up a new piece and work your way around till it's all tacked in


and both sides tacked

[jerseymike]

now with new shape of the lengthened quarters and the new bumper i had to make a whole new splash pan. i searched a bunch of old threads on here and found a real old one CHOPOLDS did on using a hammerform. in his thread he was also making a splashpan. (for a car i would love to see get finished!) i've never done it before but decided using his instructions i'd give it a try. first step was to decide on the shape. right now i'm not positive on how far around the outside it will wrap around so i'll make go all the way and i can always trim some off.
made a pattern out of posterboard

traced the posterboard and cut out 2 identical pieces of 1" thick by 11" wide boards. then cut out a piece of 18 ga. leaving an extra 1" all around the outside edge of the pattern shape. then clamp the metal between the 2 boards.

here in a close up you can see what the extra inch of metal should look like

now work your way back and forth hammering the metal down. (forgot to mention the edge of the wood was routered to a nice curved edge first)

[koolkemp]

This keeps getting better

[jerseymike]

once i was satisfied with the shape of the edge, i i took the metal out of the wood for a look. as you can see the edges came out really nice and crisp. any imperfections can be cleaned up with a hammer and dolly.

here it is set near by to compare. obviously the outside edge still needs to be trimmed to fit the bumper yet but i'm thrilled with how it came out. took pretty much all day to cut the pattern, the wood, the metal, hammer it but the part was well worth it. thanks to CHOPOLDS for the tech thread.

[merc-o-madness]

damn i missed his tech that chop olds did, but im glad it resurfaced with somebody else using it. that is one neat tech

[bbbronc]

awesome!

[46poncho]

very impressive!!!


Scott

[fitzee]

Lots of very cool ideas on this one.. very interesting..

[Buddy Palumbo]

The rear pan turned out great

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by merc-o-madness

damn i missed his tech that chop olds did, but im glad it resurfaced with somebody else using it. that is one neat tech

that tech was from like 2001 or something like that, i really had to dig for it but glad i did. i know you've been to his shop to help out with chopmerc's car, have you seen the '46 chevy? i'd love to see that one getting finished! p.s. i like the youtube video of you stripping your merc quarterpanel!

[merc-o-madness]

yeah that car is coming out really nice.

yeah hahah no sand paper or grinders necessary just a couple of pry bars and chizels

[carsluTT]

nice work, cars looking great

[BigO]

Really great job, can't wait to see it finished.

[jerseymike]

while making the splash pan i had to remove the bumper again and decided while it was off i was going to trim about 3/8" off the inside ends for a little extra clearance for the quarters

then once the bumper was remounted i clamped the splash pan in place to see how it fit the bumper

next i traced the shape of the bumper onto the bottom side of the splash pan, removed it, added another 3/4" around it and cut it to shape

and a close up
this weekend to get it tucked under the bumper and weld everything solid so it's all seamless and hopefully it all looks like it belongs together.

[jerseymike]

thanks to all for the kind words. much appreciated.

[Tin Can]

Very imprssive fab work on this car so far. The rear pan is really nice

[rodncustomdreams]

Yessss! More please...

-Dave

[1 KooL "MoFo"]

WOW !! grate job can't waite to see it when its done !

[glassguy]

this is one awesome thread!!!!! this is gonna be one nice sled, and i deffinately will try some of this tech!! thank you...

[K13]

Really nice work!! Going to be a great custom when you are done.

[Shoeboxke]

Great job!!!WoW!!!Nice tech tips thank you.

[laidout53]

Can i ask what your using to cut the sheet metal with, cuts look very clean. Again nice work man.

Justin

[CHOPMERC]

God Damn Mike, that is coming together beautifully..Very well thought out...

[VOODOO ROD & CUSTOM]

Killer Build. Very nice Metal Work. What a cool driver you'll have.

VR&C.

[gasser john]

K IIIIIIII L L EEEEE RRR Awesome metal work,its
K K I L L E R R gonna be bitchin,
KKK I L L EEE RRR 50s are my favorite fords
K K I L L E R R
K K IIIIIIII LLLLLL LLLLLL EEEEEE R R

[jerseymike]

gasserjohn, do you stutter? thanks alot guys!

[choptvan]

From one techer to another, that is great use of those metal skills. Keep up the good work. When did you graduate?? Laramie campus? Was Thomas ( the cool kat with the 32 5 window/Y block ) still teachin??

[desotot]

very nice, keep the pics coming.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by laidout53

Can i ask what your using to cut the sheet metal with, cuts look very clean. Again nice work man.

Justin

all i have is an electric hand held shear that i use to cut to rough size than tin snips that i trim to final shape. great for the forearms!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by rodncustomdreams

Yessss! More please...

-Dave

thanks dave, just looked at your albums and see you now own a '41 merc that is originally from jersey. i remember when barry mazza chopped that car. at that time he lived in the next town over from me and he always had something cool going on. haven't seen the car in many years but always thought it was perfect. congratulations, glad to see it has a good home.

[Kustom7777]

amazing work....i love all the ideas, and the chop is absolutely great...keep up the great work

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Kustom7777

amazing work....i love all the ideas, and the chop is absolutely great...keep up the great work

thanks, can't wait to see more on yours!

[jerseymike]

been really busy with other stuff, still working on the back splash pan but thought i'd show some rust repair work i did on the inner and outer rockers, floors, floor braces, lower cowl and lower a and b pillars. somewhere along the line, someone decided to patch the holes in the floor by riveting and sheetmetal screwing down pieces of galvanized sheetmetal over the holes. all this did was trap more moisture and spread the rust quicker. start with the drivers side rocker cut out and a picture of the inner rocker

[jerseymike]

before i could install new rocker i had to repair the lower cowl and lower a and b pillars. started by cutting out lower cowl to get at inner a pillar

[Mopar Jack]

I love how the dash turned out...

[jerseymike]

after a and b pillars were repaired, i tacked the rocker in place

then cut out the floor pans and started fitting new ones.

when i was happy with the fit, welded everything in.

after all welding i could close up bottom of the cowl, fabbed piece fitted in

and welded in

[jerseymike]

same thing on the other side in about the same shape

and a final picture when all done. i didn't touch the trans opening at the firewall because i don't know yet exactly what clearance i'll need so i just left it for now

while doing rockers and a pillars i was able to jack everything back in place and the doors now open and close like new! thankfully, i hate slamming doors!

[U-235]

Okay....I don't grasp the flange on the gravel shield next to the body if your going to mold it to the body...? I would have thought you would flange the loose edge (facing the bumper) for reinforcement...? By-the-way fantastic job and fabricating skills.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by U-235

Okay....I don't grasp the flange on the gravel shield next to the body if your going to mold it to the body...? I would have thought you would flange the loose edge (facing the bumper) for reinforcement...? By-the-way fantastic job and fabricating skills.

if i understand your question correctly, by putting that flange there, it gives me a nice smooth curved transition from the splash pan to the body. it will be butt welded on the top edge that way i can grind the weld on a flat surface not down in a corner. and your right, the bumper side will be given an edge for reinforcement and to help match the angle of the bumper. hope that makes sense. i'll have pictures soon to help show what i mean. and thanks, mike. oh, and damn you own alot of cars!!!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Mopar Jack

I love how the dash turned out...

thanks jack, and don't know if i've ever even seen a Rockne and you got 2 of them! very cool.

[the metalsurgeon]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

thanks jack, and don't know if i've ever even seen a Rockne and you got 2 of them! very cool.

i like your dash too.keep up the good work!

my metal work blog www.themetalsurgeon.com

[jerseymike]

something else i been working on between projects is restoring a steering wheel. seen so many threads on here of people doing it figured i should try. a friend recently traded projects with someone and in the deal got a '57 olds modified column and stock steering wheel that needed help. quick trade, now it's mine. fits perfectly in the column mount that came with my '56 olds dash so i threw it in for a test fit


looks good, but the wheel needs lots of work


had to work in stages, sections at a time


then after about a week and a half of filing, filling and sanding, not to bad



trim ring needs plating, can't wait to see the wheel, column and dash all painted!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by the metalsurgeon

i like your dash too.keep up the good work!

my metal work blog www.themetalsurgeon.com

wow!, nice work!

[64 DODGE 440]

Not really a fan of customs, but your workmanship is amazing. Had to subscribe to see how the finished car comes out.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by 64 DODGE 440

Not really a fan of customs, but your workmanship is amazing. Had to subscribe to see how the finished car comes out.

REALLY? there are people that aren't fans of customs???? that's ok, thanks for the compliment.

[BOP-Nut]

Wow man, GREAT work so far. Really digging this car.

[Mopar Jack]

I wish i had your skills to finish my major project Rockne,...you have real talent...

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by BOP-Nut

Wow man, GREAT work so far. Really digging this car.

Originally Posted by Mopar Jack

I wish i had your skills to finish my major project Rockne,...you have real talent...

thank you both.

[hoboy56]

Nice looking Kustom

[time-bomb john]

Wow !!! being a shoebox guy myself, I chooped the rear quarter windows exactly the same 20 years ago Its nice to see it done a gain, like you saID IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CURVE CORRECT. wHAT A GREAT BUILD. TBJ

[merc-o-madness]

Originally Posted by time-bomb john

Wow !!! being a shoebox guy myself, I chooped the rear quarter windows exactly the same 20 years ago Its nice to see it done a gain, like you saID IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CURVE CORRECT. wHAT A GREAT BUILD. TBJ

what a beauty

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by hoboy56

Nice looking Kustom

Originally Posted by time-bomb john

Wow !!! being a shoebox guy myself, I chooped the rear quarter windows exactly the same 20 years ago Its nice to see it done a gain, like you saID IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CURVE CORRECT. wHAT A GREAT BUILD. TBJ

thanks guys and john that shoebox is beautiful!

[Gremlinguy]

Mike, really nice work man! Thanks for sharing the detailed pictures. I went to Tech as well.
Your 1/4s, rear pan section and bumper treatment is great!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Gremlinguy

Mike, really nice work man! Thanks for sharing the detailed pictures. I went to Tech as well.
Your 1/4s, rear pan section and bumper treatment is great!

thanks, more pictures next week. jerseymike

[the75Stingray]

Mike, unbelievable brother...unbelievable!
Now, stupid question from the peanut gallery: What exactly did you use to fill the cracks in the steering wheel?
I can't wait to see the end result. Some of you guys just amaze me with your talent and patience. Me? I just don't have the confidence (not to mention that talent and patience thing) to chop my '48. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by the75Stingray

Mike, unbelievable brother...unbelievable!
Now, stupid question from the peanut gallery: What exactly did you use to fill the cracks in the steering wheel?
I can't wait to see the end result. Some of you guys just amaze me with your talent and patience. Me? I just don't have the confidence (not to mention that talent and patience thing) to chop my '48. Thanks for sharing the pictures!

i used a 2 part epoxy called PC-7, you can get it any hardware store. do a search for "steering wheel restoration" and you'll get plenty of threads with great info. it is time consuming and lots of hand sanding but inexpensive, no specialty tools and if you screw up you can sand it out and do it again! go ahead, read up, give it a try you'll be glad you did. and thanks for the compliments.

[Rickybop]

Great work, and a neat project. Your dash treatment with the ends attached to the doors is exactly how Buick did it in the early '50s. I think it's an awesome custom touch. Real sweepy-swoopy.

[Pinstriper40]

Wow! By far the best full-custom build thread I've seen in a long time. Your work is amazing and I'll definitely be using the rear pan tech. I might know where there's a '56 olds radio delete too- I'll ask. Keep up the good work! Makes me want to work on my shoebox- and switch out the taillights!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Rickybop

Great work, and a neat project. Your dash treatment with the ends attached to the doors is exactly how Buick did it in the early '50s. I think it's an awesome custom touch. Real sweepy-swoopy.

thanks, don't think it's ever been called "sweepy-swoopy" before!

Originally Posted by Pinstriper40

Wow! By far the best full-custom build thread I've seen in a long time. Your work is amazing and I'll definitely be using the rear pan tech. I might know where there's a '56 olds radio delete too- I'll ask. Keep up the good work! Makes me want to work on my shoebox- and switch out the taillights!

thanks and would be interested in the radio delete plate.

[mace69]

Nice work. Subscribed.

[Circus Bear]

Great Build

[shoebox50]

Very nice work!!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by mace69

Nice work. Subscribed.

Originally Posted by Circus Bear

Great Build

Originally Posted by shoebox50

Very nice work!!

thanks guys, more pictures tomorrow. jerseymike

[LOW LID DUDE]

Nice job man! The dash is awesome in there.I like how you blended it into the door .This is going to be a killer KUSTOM!

[jerseymike]

got back to work on the splash pan but needed to put an edge on the pan before it could be welded on. so i used my modified bead roller (same as everyone else on the hamb) thanks NEALINCA




i used a tipping wheel with a hard rubber wheel with a groove cut out of it.


i never finished modifying the stock crank handle (which sucks) so i used the foot ring i broke off of a bar stool and a piece of flat stock i had


then cut the hub off the original crank, and welded it all together


much better

[jerseymike]

with the tipping wheel i could put an edge on the pan that would tuck under the bumper and follow the the shape of the pan.

different angle

BUDDY PALUMBO on here stopped by for some trading and helped me roll the panel. and here it is tucked under the bumper


forgot to mention i couldn't get it to fit with the bumper mounted (and it had to be) so i ended up cutting off the ends of the pan and i'll just reattach them later.

[flathead41ford]

Love the build! Subscribing.

[64 DODGE 440]

Nice modification on the bead roller, the bar stool foot ring works great. I've seen old steering wheels used too. Anything round gives much smoother control than a crank.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by flathead41ford

Love the build! Subscribing.

thanks, mike

Originally Posted by 64 DODGE 440

Nice modification on the bead roller, the bar stool foot ring works great. I've seen old steering wheels used too. Anything round gives much smoother control than a crank.

yeah, i've seen some pretty nice steering wheels used but i'm to cheap for that!

[73super]

You read a thread like this and you feel like going home and fabbing something up! Very inspiring! Love the mods you're making. Love the dash, and that steering wheel just really fits with the rest of the look. Nice job.

[Buddy Palumbo]

It was my pleasure to help you out with the rear pan . I was jonesin' to see the stuff you did since the last time I was over . Good stuff !

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by 73super

You read a thread like this and you feel like going home and fabbing something up! Very inspiring! Love the mods you're making. Love the dash, and that steering wheel just really fits with the rest of the look. Nice job.

thanks, appreciate it.

Originally Posted by Buddy Palumbo

It was my pleasure to help you out with the rear pan . I was jonesin' to see the stuff you did since the last time I was over . Good stuff !

good to see you again allen. anytime i can give you a hand on yours let me know, i'd enjoy it. mike

[ChicagoSlackers1]

ssweet sweet ride congrats

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by ChicagoSlackers1

ssweet sweet ride congrats

thanks, some more pictures this weekend.

[Finnrodder]

How did i miss this thread,really fine work in here!
Keep it up!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Finnrodder

How did i miss this thread,really fine work in here!
Keep it up!

thanks, i've been following your build since the beginning. can never be to many shoeboxes!

[JohnnyG.]

looking good man. like how you actually formed new qtrs. you dont see that too much.

[carsluTT]

nice work

[koolkemp]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

thanks, some more pictures this weekend.

Something to look forward to this weekend Keep it up eh!

[Blacklisted]

WOW! Awesome work, you have some serious talent.

[jerseymike]

finally got the rear splashpan fit and welded up. when i hammered the metal edge in the wooden hammerform, i hammered the the whole length to a 90 degree angle. not realizing the quarterpanel extensions were less than 90 degrees so i had to hammer and dollie both sides back a bit but it came out fine. i welded and ground both ends first and had no problems (new metal to new metal) but then when i was welding the middle to the filler pan below the trunk lid, i hit a couple of soft spots and burned right thru. i considered reskinning the whole thing but since i had a good bit of the splashpan welded on already i just cut out 2 sections and patched them. here's the pan welded in


threw the bumper back on for a look. sorry the pictures are a little dark.



i really like the smooth seamless look on any nice custom and i think with all the smooth curved shapes on the back of this car it should really flow well when it's in paint. (in a million years!)

[HomemadeHardtop57]

that ass end shot with the bumper is stunning..well worth the extra effort. Looking at that picture in particular..I really like the profile line of the top of the trunk dipping down where it meets the the quarters .then sweeping up to the top of the quarters into the lights...slick..really slick

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by JohnnyG.

looking good man. like how you actually formed new qtrs. you dont see that too much.

between the amount of lower rust and the amount of design change on the top half i really had no choice. and believe me, i spent alot of time thinking about it before i started hacking stuff off!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by koolkemp

Something to look forward to this weekend Keep it up eh!

thanks koolkemp but i have to say after seeing your '47 build i will never complain about rust repair again! wish you were closer i would love to come see it. anybody who hasen't checked out his build thread yet, do it, it is amazing!!!!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by carsluTT

nice work

Originally Posted by Blacklisted

WOW! Awesome work, you have some serious talent.

thanks guys, appreciate the compliments.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by HomemadeHardtop57

that ass end shot with the bumper is stunning..well worth the extra effort. Looking at that picture in particular..I really like the profile line of the top of the trunk dipping down where it meets the the quarters .then sweeping up to the top of the quarters into the lights...slick..really slick

thanks jerry, i've had it pictured in my head for a long time like that but i wasn't really sure on how i would get it there. very happy with how the whole back end has come together. i think the real test will be to see in paint. and at least it gets dark early now so no one can see me driving home from the garage with a big stupid grin on my face

[Bar Ditch]

Simply beautiful work, I love it. That bumper just looks so right.LB

[LowCustom10]

Good job old man! your faded red camera takes good pictures

[jerseymike]

not a lot of progress today, had a bunch of people stop by to check up on me. did manage to snap a couple of pictures, chrome tips and some tape, instant dual exhaust!




LOWCUSTOM10 (mike wood) on here was one of the visitors and besides for busting my balls he also decided to pinstripe my tool box for me






mike does some really nice work!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Bar Ditch

Simply beautiful work, I love it. That bumper just looks so right.LB

thanks, i think i might have more hours in that bumper than in some whole cars

Originally Posted by LowCustom10

Good job old man! your faded red camera takes good pictures

thanks, leave my camera alone, and great job on the tool box.

[LowCustom10]

I'm glad you like your striping. your bead roller is next!

[jerseymike]

decided to throw up a quick before and after: before


and after

[paul hebert]

Very cool! I am diggin' this. Great job!!!

[1951Streamliner]

Man those quarters look PERFECT on that shoebox. I cant wait to see how this thing is going to turn out when its done.

Excellent work and great taste in customs!!

[Cadzook]

Very nice! You have a lot of great ideas, and are doing a first class job of implementing them!
I like it.

~Alden

[mace69]

Looks good man.

[throttlein]

I love it! Great job.

[Stefan T]

Nice build

ther's not mutch left of the original sheet metal

Good work

/Stefan

[jerseymike]

still working on the back end trying to get all the odds and ends taken care of. the packard originally had another bezel with a back up light in it below the taillight that will not be used so the wholes need to be filled.

the larger hole needed to be filled with a bowl shape piece. luckily when i replaced the lower rear quarter piece i cut off the rear curve to straighten and lengthen the panel.


since i save everything, i was able to match a section of it to fit the hole. traced it, cut it out and tacked it.


then fab a piece to eliminate the other 2 holes and the rusted seam


weld, grind and one side done.

[jerseymike]

also while i was thinking of it i snapped a picture of one of my seats (had both stock seats done) that i had redone by a couple of WYOTECH students and they did a great job.


and while i had the side trim skirts off the seat, i took them over and had homemadehardtop57 louver them for me. thanks jerry.

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by paul hebert

Very cool! I am diggin' this. Great job!!!

Originally Posted by 1951Streamliner

Man those quarters look PERFECT on that shoebox. I cant wait to see how this thing is going to turn out when its done.

Excellent work and great taste in customs!!

Originally Posted by Cadzook

Very nice! You have a lot of great ideas, and are doing a first class job of implementing them!
I like it.

~Alden

Originally Posted by mace69

Looks good man.

Originally Posted by throttlein

I love it! Great job.

thank you all, mike

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Stefan T

Nice build

ther's not mutch left of the original sheet metal

Good work

/Stefan

thanks stefan, i've been following your build, very nice and thanks for all the event coverage you post. i would never get to see those cars if it weren't for your pictures, so thanks.

[Mopar Jack]

Keep it up,its looking good...

[EBW]

Really like your build. Can't wait to see what custom changes you do next !

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Mopar Jack

Keep it up,its looking good...

Originally Posted by EBW

Really like your build. Can't wait to see what custom changes you do next !

thanks, finally feels like i'm making some progress.

[Buddy Palumbo]

It's been a while ... any updates , Mike ??

BTW - I know you're busy as hell workin' , but I need my JM custom fix , lol !!

[jerseymike]

Originally Posted by Buddy Palumbo

It's been a while ... any updates , Mike ??

BTW - I know you're busy as hell workin' , but I need my JM custom fix , lol !!

hey allen, got some odds and ends done, nothing exciting. made a brace for the steering column behind the dash and closed up the original floor hole from the original column. doing some finish welding on some stuff. trying to take it a little easy, i think i broke my hand. it's been 3 days now and if i do to much it swells right back up again and throbs like a bitch. trying to cut out and weld in patches with one hand is really slowing me down. talk to you soon, mike

[Slammed60dart]

Killer work man! Listen. Im not a fan of the shoebox Ford normally but your really making something special. rock and roll!!!

[HomemadeHardtop57]

Mike, if you need a hand ( haha..couldn't help it !) give me a ring..I'll be happy to come over and help. Sorry to hear about your busted hand..hope you'll be ok

[Flowmeister]

Awesome work man!
You got talent and skills, and one of those is dedication!
Can't wait to see this in color.

[Finnrodder]

Go to the doctor man!
I know that small things like that can cause serous problems if you dont do anything about that.

[koolkemp]

Originally Posted by Finnrodder

Go to the doctor man!
I know that small things like that can cause serous problems if you dont do anything about that.

Trust me it hurts a lot more when they have to re break the hand cause you waited too long to get the cast done!!

[finkd]

AWSOM WORK, you got the touch, and welcome to your new addiction !!!

[Buddy Palumbo]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

hey allen, got some odds and ends done, nothing exciting. made a brace for the steering column behind the dash and closed up the original floor hole from the original column. doing some finish welding on some stuff. trying to take it a little easy, i think i broke my hand. it's been 3 days now and if i do to much it swells right back up again and throbs like a bitch. trying to cut out and weld in patches with one hand is really slowing me down. talk to you soon, mike

Bummer about the hand , dude . Definately get it looked-at , if possible .
I know you want to do it all yourself , but if you want some skilled help (albeit not on YOUR level , lol) to get something finished , just lemme know & I'll run over . I'd be glad to help out . If not , just drink beer !
I've been doing hard-core metalwork on an MG for weeks on end , so a Shoebox would be a change of pace , ha ha !!! Gonna do a little work on mine tonight , so that might help my outlook a bit .

[Buddy Palumbo]

Just realized that Jerry replied too - there ya go ... 2 guys willing to work for beer , lol !

[HomemadeHardtop57]

yes, will work for beer

[hudsoncustom]

oh flip...I missed this thread for 2 months how?

Great work so far! I really dig your use of the Olds dash (I put a 53 Olds dash in my Hudson)...The Olds dash's were about the best looking ever.

Also, your splash pan and Packard lights look great. The narrowed bumper with the cut out exhaust tips look perfect with the rear end of the car.

It will be great to see a shot of the car when it is all finally one color in sealer / primer.

[jerseymike]

went to the doctor today, hands fucked, out of work. this thread will probably be dead for awhile. happy new year to all.

[Buddy Palumbo]

Originally Posted by jerseymike

went to the doctor today, hands fucked, out of work. this thread will probably be dead for awhile. happy new year to all.

Damn dude , that sucks ! I can't imagine you'll just sit around & be idle though ...

If there's anything ya need , you know my digits .

[Mopar Jack]

That