Suedes Car Club

General => Project Reports => Topic started by: Tom on November 17, 2009 2:22 pm

Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 17, 2009 2:22 pm
Been thinkin' about making a RPU out of the mod. What do you think??
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on November 17, 2009 3:52 pm
I'll give it a "thumbs up".  I've always liked RPU's.  I'm sure you'd enjoy room for a small suitcase.  :)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Eyeball on November 17, 2009 4:17 pm
When you told me about it I liked the idea but looking at the pics it's not too bad , I just don't think I like it as much that way.......but it's not my car. It will not be a mod any more it will be a skinny rpu. You should think about building a coupe they have a trunk.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 17, 2009 4:42 pm
Quote from: "Eyeball"
When you told me about it I liked the idea but looking at the pics it's not too bad , I just don't think I like it as much that way.......but it's not my car. It will not be a mod any more it will be a skinny rpu. You should think about building a coupe they have a trunk.


Yes, that's the problem, it was built as a mod. The rear end should be set back about 6 to 12" to look right with a box IMO. But you can't haul a dam thing with it as a mod, so I think I'm going to go head and do it. As long as you don't think it looks like a T bucket!!

Yeah...........the coupe, will it ever get done. :(  Not if I keep fuckin' around on my other shit it woun't. :evil:
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: flatheaded on November 17, 2009 5:07 pm
Yeah...........the coupe, will it ever get done.  Not if I keep fuckin' around on my other shit it woun't.

Explain!

As far as the RPU idea, I like it. And I like the looks of the short box. Can't haul alot but it does give you some room for your bags at Bonneville. I think if you made the box too long it would look real unproportioned. Just my $0.02 but please explain this "coupe" thing.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: SJFast on November 17, 2009 5:15 pm
FWIW....here's one vote to keep it as a mod.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 17, 2009 5:55 pm
Quote from: "flatheaded"
. I think if you made the box too long it would look real unproportioned. Just my $0.02 but please explain this "coupe" thing.


The proportions is what concern me, with the cardboard mock up  that you see I have 20" between the gas tank and back of the box. If I make it any shorter it won't pay to do it. It's tuff to even haul rain gear or jackets when we take it out for any trip, that's why the RPU idea. I am using a `28-`31 model a box. I would also make it 6" narrower.

As for the coupe......I have 5 Chevy body’s. `33 to`35, 3 and 5 window. Been buying parts to build one for least 15 years. I have the radiator ( Griffin Alum ), hood sides ( with 3 rows of lovers), gauges,  drilled chromed front ax, SS hair pins, Willison Welding backing plates, Buick brake drums ( mounted on Ford hubs ),  5 speed trans, the list goes on and on, and I just keeping putting other projects in front of that build.

Yes SJFast.......I know. :(
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: 31Rodder on November 17, 2009 6:07 pm
to me it doesn't look quite right, i think its the overall length and the rake. just my 2 cents.
your mod is done build the coupe!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 17, 2009 6:48 pm
Quote from: "31Rodder"
to me it doesn't look quite right, i think its the overall length and the rake. just my 2 cents.
your mod is done build the coupe!


Yeah, the length, that is what buggin' me too. That's why I posted the pics. As for the rake that has to stay the same as the lines on the body, or it will look like it's busted. :wink:
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: racerjohnson on November 17, 2009 6:57 pm
Mod.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 17, 2009 7:27 pm
This pic always reminds me of "The Grapes of Wrath "

Don't know if you can tell in the pic, Char is holding the folding chairs. BTW she does not want me to add the box.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: 31Rodder on November 17, 2009 8:17 pm
Quote from: "Tom"

BTW she does not want me to add the box.


Havent you learned after all those years of marriage the 2 most important words.... yes dear. :lol:
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on November 17, 2009 8:50 pm
Quote from: "31Rodder"
Quote from: "Tom"

BTW she does not want me to add the box.


Havent you learned after all those years of marriage the 2 most important words.... yes dear. :lol:



That changes the whole picture.  

You maybe better build one of these again and solve all your needs and wants.....space, luggage....even a bed!  :)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: sko_ford on November 17, 2009 8:51 pm
if ya cant put a full length box on it dont do it
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Eyeball on November 17, 2009 9:35 pm
Quote from: "JakesBackyard"
Quote from: "31Rodder"
Quote from: "Tom"

BTW she does not want me to add the box.


Havent you learned after all those years of marriage the 2 most important words.... yes dear. :lol:



That changes the whole picture.  

You maybe better build one of these again and solve all your needs and wants.....space, luggage....even a bed!  :)



Tom you should be able to fit almost everything you need under that hat if you still have it. :D
Title: The Hat
Post by: tracywiedrich on November 18, 2009 1:13 am
I just knew you were gonna catch hell fer that Hoss hat....haha ,by the way, as a rpu/roadster owner I think I like the mod as a mod. Keep momma happy and build the coupe.You could always build one of those slide in hitch type dealies that would hold a removable type box...
Title: RE: The Hat
Post by: pinstriper40 on November 18, 2009 7:45 pm
I vote keep it as a mod too.  If you want to put a box on it go for it but you'd be wasting your time.  The car is done.  You've had a dream for 15 years.  Follow it. Build a coupe.  If not, I want some coupe parts.  Just one body.  You've got enough of the damn things...
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 20, 2009 6:05 pm
Quote from: "31Rodder"
Havent you learned after all those years of marriage the 2 most important words.... yes dear. :lol:


Ha ha ……you guys are too funny!! :lol:

Thanks guys for your support and ALL your encouragement :shock:  â€¦â€¦..I started cutting the A pickup box up last night!!! :)
 

Hey Joel..............you did see that the coupe bodys were Chevys?!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on November 20, 2009 9:13 pm
Quote from: "Tom"


Hey Joel..............you did see that the coupe bodys were Chevys?!!


I know... but they're 3 windows and from what I've seen on the HAMB they can look pretty badass too...
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 20, 2009 10:09 pm
and one's a `33 5 window. I think it would make a badass one too!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on November 20, 2009 10:30 pm
Tom- would you build a 5 window or a 3 window?  I just think a bonneville influenced rolling bones style chevy would be sweet!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on November 20, 2009 10:49 pm
Just stumbled over this... perfect!  
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419766
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on November 20, 2009 11:14 pm
Which ever one you build.....GET RID OF THE WOOD! Ask Boardman....he probably never wants to see another pre '36 GM car.  Pain in the ass to upholster too!

And Tom....keep cutting up that box....make it so you can quickly bolt it on and off easily. Keep Char happy and have a place to haul a little when you need to. My .02.  Probably worth .00.

Have a good weekend.  I gotta try finish a fish house!

 :)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 23, 2009 1:47 pm
Quote from: "pinstriper40"
Just stumbled over this... perfect!  
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=419766


Thanks Joel for the link.............yep that's the look!!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 23, 2009 1:54 pm
Quote from: "JakesBackyard"
Which ever one you build.....GET RID OF THE WOOD! Ask Boardman....he probably never wants to see another pre '36 GM car.  Pain in the ass to upholster too!

And Tom....keep cutting up that box....make it so you can quickly bolt it on and off easily. Keep Char happy and have a place to haul a little when you need to. My .02.  Probably worth .00.:)


Plans are to get rid of some of the wood. I do like  the sound of a Chevy door when you close it when it has it's wood structure. A good solid sound.

As for the box, it will bolt on. But I thinkin' once it's on it won't be coming off.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 24, 2009 3:30 pm
You guys that know that I use the torch and hammer weld my sheet metal. On this pickup box I had to switch to the wire feed. It 16 gauge metal and the torch just wasn’t doing the job. I had made these clips when I bought the wire feed 13 years ago and it's the 1st time I'm using them.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: flatheaded on November 24, 2009 5:24 pm
I just bought a shit load of those clamps for when I start the chop on my '50. I've seen them used before and people really swear by them. Seem to keep everything in line and flat.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on November 25, 2009 1:41 am
I see you've been sittin down on the job again.....:)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on November 30, 2009 7:39 pm
Yeah Jake I'm a gettin' old. I spent Friday and Sat in Dickinson with Kellan working on his 41 Pickup so I didn't get as much done as I wanted. I have one side of the box complete, now the hard part, make the other one the same. So Ross it's shorter, I know you said to keep stock!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on November 30, 2009 8:17 pm
Tom, you're a heck of a nice guy helping Kellan with his '41.

And about your box sides......the old body man saying...."you can't look at both sides at the same time!"  :)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on January 27, 2010 3:31 pm
Well after 2 weeks I finally got my ass back out to the shop. The box was your typical farm truck box, beat to shit and having  spent too much time out in the weather, major rust. I purchased some replacements parts from Snyder’s and had a local sheet metal shop bent up the rest. The 1st pic is the tail gate I had bent up locally , but you can’t make round corners with a metal brake so I had to use my stretcher and do some welding. Note in the pic one side is done, the other not. The other pic has the box mocked up, still a lot to do. The bolts you see are for mock up only, final assembly will have rivets.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on January 27, 2010 5:00 pm
Lookin good....nice work.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: racerjohnson on January 27, 2010 10:36 pm
You do nice work, Tom. Looks great!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on February 06, 2010 10:19 pm
You're going to need a smaller suitcase! ;)  Looks good Tom!  I think I see some room for a coupe project in your shop...
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Ryan on February 14, 2010 2:23 am
Nice craftsmanship Tom.  It will be a completely different vehicle.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on February 17, 2010 2:56 pm
Quote from: "pinstriper40"
 I think I see some room for a coupe project in your shop...


Yes.........this summer I'm going to get the frame and body setting in there. I gota have a coupe!!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on February 22, 2010 3:09 pm
A little more progress. It's now mounted to the frame.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on February 22, 2010 4:54 pm
Looks good!  I think the rear wheels are still centered between the back edge of the door and the tailgate... I think it'll look even better once it's painted.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on February 22, 2010 9:42 pm
I like it! 8)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on March 22, 2010 5:19 pm
Needed to make the new tail gate looked somewhat like the original. A bead roller wasn’t going to cut it for this so I went over I spoke to Duane Leingang and he came up with this idea. Press it!! By looking at the pic I'm sure you'll get the idea. I didn't get any pics when we were using the press cause we were both busy holding the tailgate and running the press. That's silicone spray on the male part of the die. The holes in the tailgate that attach the hinges were used for alignment of the male die, tailgate, and the female die. The last pic shows Duane using the planishing hammer to stretch the metal before we used the press.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on March 22, 2010 5:21 pm
Here it is!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on March 22, 2010 5:23 pm
Very nice!  Do you have a paint date penciled in yet?
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on March 22, 2010 5:32 pm
Well I try to paint when it's warm out, and as slow as I am it will be warm by then.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: flatheaded on March 22, 2010 6:09 pm
That turned out really nice. I really like the way the endgate turned out. Good idea.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on March 22, 2010 7:39 pm
Nice job!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: racerjohnson on March 23, 2010 1:14 am
Well executed.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on April 27, 2010 5:44 pm
Is the bed in paint yet?  Looks good Tom!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on April 27, 2010 6:10 pm
1st coat of primer and blocked. Plan to apply the 2nd coat tonight
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on April 27, 2010 7:36 pm
Awesome.  I knew something had to be getting done!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on May 04, 2010 2:02 pm
It has a coat of sealer. ( DP90)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on May 05, 2010 1:02 am
ALL RIGHT!!  Anxious to see it.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on May 06, 2010 4:06 am
Cool!  I was happy to see some progress last saturday Tom!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: sixinarow on May 06, 2010 5:07 pm
Lookin good!

Nice collection of vanity plates
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 01, 2010 5:19 pm
I did a final check to see how it fit and blocked out the DP90 for the final time.

I was going to paint it myself and went back and checked out oversprays painting videos. After watching them I decided to have some help. If it would have been flat I would have tried. But with all the humps and bumps I found a place with a paint booth and let a pro at it.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 01, 2010 5:33 pm
I set up my sewing machine and made a  cover for the box. You'll note that my upholstery shop looks just like my welding/fab shop. Also just like my body shop, and engine assembly shop, I think you get the idea. And to top it off the dam thing doesn’t sew straight!!! :wink:

Last pic DONE. Time to move on to the next project!!
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: JakesBackyard on June 01, 2010 6:57 pm
Looks great Tom.  So other than the operator not being able to sew straight, did the machine work good?  :)
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 01, 2010 7:24 pm
Quote from: "JakesBackyard"
 So other than the operator not being able to sew straight, did the machine work good?  :)


I put that in just for you Jake, yes it worked fine.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Serious on June 01, 2010 11:52 pm
Not bad tom!  its growing on me a little.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: pinstriper40 on June 02, 2010 1:26 am
I like it!  Looks great Tom- keep this pace and motivation level up and you may have more than one project ahead of you! Now don't decide you want a shortened turtle deck...
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: 31Rodder on June 02, 2010 4:38 am
alright tom!  Are you taking it to cruise night wednesday
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 02, 2010 1:16 pm
Thanks guys!! Yes I'm taking it to cruise night tonight, will see if any of the locals notice!!  Will you be in town Todd??

Never mind Todd I see there is a meeting tonight.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: sko_ford on June 04, 2010 9:09 pm
interesting. Got a dead on side shot?
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 09, 2010 5:09 pm
Quote from: "sko_ford"
interesting. Got a dead on side shot?
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: sko_ford on June 09, 2010 5:26 pm
that works I would have to say. Are you bringing that to the run?
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 09, 2010 7:24 pm
Yes, I plan to haul it down with the pickup and use the pickup topper to sleep in.

I was at Goodguys this past weekend in Loveland CO and even thro the box is small it sure helped for hauling in the stuff we needed into the fair grounds.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: AntiBling on June 09, 2010 7:24 pm
Ya you should bring that to the run Tom, I've never gotten to see the modified in person.
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: sixinarow on June 10, 2010 1:28 am
I haven't seen it in person either. I am actually mulling over an idea for what to do once the 51 is a little more solid and on the road....
Title: Modify the Mod
Post by: Tom on June 10, 2010 1:20 pm
I'm also taking it to BTT50's. So maybe will see you there.