New project car

Pope Downunder · May 27, 2005, 08:17:04 AM

I got the bug to build a mini rod at the Nationals. Anyway, a mate was picking up a real Model A in Victoria, so I volunteered to go with him, and I picked this up whilst down there. It is approximately 1/2 scale '32 Ford.

I do not need another project, but I thought, 'what the hell'.

I put it up on the bench and tried to fit the fenders; not even close! The body has no floor and is sucked in at the bottom, so I put a 3'x1" battern down the centre line and propped the edges back out so the outside fender lip formed a straight line. The left and right were warped differently, so I couldn't just expand the overall width. I had to trim a 35mm to nothing taper off the inside of the running boards and it all fits except for in the wheel-arch, where some more modifications will be required.

Anyway, now I have the correct overall width and shape, I can start planning a frame.

Mr Cool · May 27, 2005, 10:08:53 AM

Ive always wanted one of those, and have been considering purchaing one for some time now.
Who did you get it from? pm me if you want. I need to know where not to buy from if they are that bad.
What did you pay for it?

58 Yeoman · May 27, 2005, 02:01:15 PM

Looks cool, but need someone/something next to it to put the size in perspective.

Bib_Overalls · May 27, 2005, 02:05:22 PM

What are you going to run for power?

Crosley.In.AZ · May 27, 2005, 08:28:29 PM

looks kool

is that about the size that a golf cart chassis could be modified to power the unit?

enjenjo · May 28, 2005, 12:15:11 AM

I have a T bucket body, about 5/8 scale, I am looking for a Crosley drivetrain to put in it. Or maybe an old Honda 800 drivetrain.

river1 · May 28, 2005, 12:43:45 AM

Quote from: "enjenjo"I have a T bucket body, about 5/8 scale, I am looking for a Crosley drivetrain to put in it. Or maybe an old Honda 800 drivetrain.

i think we have a member who is into crosleys.

hmmmmmmmmm

can't remember who it is tho.

later jim

Crosley.In.AZ · May 28, 2005, 01:04:35 AM

Quote from: "river1"i think we have a member who is into crosleys.

hmmmmmmmmm

can't remember who it is tho.

later jim

the name of that great , wonderful guy escapes me.

although I am keeping my weak eye on this Crosley powered unit on ebay. I've emailed the owner of the van. He has a higher value of the unit than I do.

Pope Downunder · May 28, 2005, 08:59:16 AM

Quote from: "Mr Cool"Ive always wanted one of those, and have been considering purchaing one for some time now.
Who did you get it from? pm me if you want. I need to know where not to buy from if they are that bad.
What did you pay for it?

This one is from a mower shop in Castlemaine; http://www.hot-rod.com.au/minirods/stages.htm. It is just over 1/2 scale, and measures about 2100mm overall. It is a good looking body, as it represents the proportions of the '32 fairly well. It was $650 with fenders.

There is a guy in Qld building them as well; http://users.bigpond.com/wizart/.

I need to build this thing pretty economically, so I will be keeping it very simple. I have a 5hp Briggs 'Flathead', and it will be a chain drive, no reverse etc. I have a 'diff' here from an old Bolens ride-on mower, and wheels etc, so that will probably find its way in there. (It was donated).

It is for my kids,

, but I intend making it so I can drive it too; you know, just to make sure it is 'safe'.

As I am over 6 feet, that will be a challenge, but I think it is possible if I support the column off a floor support, rather than a dash rail, and have the dash, and possibly the cowl-top, removable.

Pope Downunder · May 28, 2005, 09:03:30 AM

Quote from: "Crosley"looks kool

is that about the size that a golf cart chassis could be modified to power the unit?

Yes, it would be about right.

Bob K · May 28, 2005, 11:20:54 AM

I hate to hijack this post but obviously not enough to stop me from doing it.

Neil: we are going to miss your smiling face at the nats and B'ville this year, it was great hanging out with you last year.

Good luck on the new project and hope to see you again soon on this side of the big pond

B

B

40 · May 28, 2005, 03:00:31 PM

Neil.....Good luck with the new project....I'll bet the kids will have a blast !

Pope Downunder · May 30, 2005, 07:42:29 AM

Quote from: "Bob K"I hate to hijack this post but obviously not enough to stop me from doing it.

Neil: we are going to miss your smiling face at the nats and B'ville this year, it was great hanging out with you last year.

Good luck on the new project and hope to see you again soon on this side of the big pond

B B

I sure hope to get back again, we had a good time, and I appreciated the hospitality of you all. I cannot see me getting back for a few years, but you never know.