Started the teardown, and now the build up.

[bones44]

Casper,  great video and  very informative.   Thanks for sharing.

[casper50]

You're welcome.

[casper50]

I've worked about 20 hours putting the hood on.  What a pain in the a55.  Driver's side still isn't quite there but I can't get it any closer.  If anyone wants to know what the ride height for the Moog springs is this is what mine looks like.   Just the grill and a few small pieces of chrome and the interior left for more weight.

[Jim Yergin]

Looks great. I know what you mean about fitting the hood. I could never get the hood on my '41 to fit level with the cowl. 

Jim Yergin

[casper50]

My problem was the front end.  Too large of a gap and I can't raise the front anymore.

 

[1952B3b23]

So it looks like it isn't just me who has a real PIA time fitting the front sheet metal. I tried like hell but my hood still has a big gap on the front near the grille on my '39. I suspect these never really fit all that great from factory.

-Chris

[casper50]

Chris that's where my gap is also.  Front left.

[Dave72dt]

I think it's pretty typical of the era as well.  I spent hours and hours finessing the gaps on a 48 Ford before it got color on it and the front third of the car was horrible.  They were noted for having ill fitting hoods.  I ended up using a welder and a strip of metal to close the gap at the front of it, splitting both inner fenderwells top to bottom to take the hump out of the fenders to close the side gaps, filling mounting hole, drilling new ones.  Granted the hood had been sectioned and a new center section grafted in and that it had fiberglass fenders on it that didn't fit well. I must have had the front end on and off at least a dozen times before satisfied with fit.  We tend to expect better gaps and fitment than when they were new, maybe because we're used to it.  You can get them  but you may have to be willing to be a bit creative in your adjustments, best when done before you paint it.

[casper50]

passenger side stainless is done.  I have most of the drivers side done as well.  Just the long piece over the rear fender left but am waiting on some clips.  I don't want to polish it and then let it lay around the shop for a week.  Took a look at the grill.  It had a few small dents that I was able to mostly get out.  Can't take it apart, looks to be spot welded together, so it's not going to be polished as I can't get into the nooks and crannies.

 

Edited January 13, 2017 by casper50

[casper50]

Installed the 48 Chrysler electric 2 speed wipers into the 47 Dodge.  Fit perfectly.  I have always hated vacuum wipers.  My very first vehicle was a 48 Chevy truck.  Every time I pushed the accelerator they'd stop.  Hah, no more.

 

 

 

[casper50]

Thought that I'd start the rear bumper next.  I've got a very nice driver front but haven't found a decent rear as of yet.   So, I thought that I'd see what a chrome vinyl wrap looks like.  First bunch of photos are as removed.  Black stuff is thick tar.  2nd bunc are sanded to 80 grit.  Then a test piece on the most difficult area.  Painting the letters should be left to professionals I believe.  Looks good enough to try and do the whole thing.

[casper50]

[casper50]

When I removed the test piece I looked at the back and there was a very tiny speck of something under that bubble above the "V and E".  Have to make sure it's spotless or it will show.

Edited January 19, 2017 by casper50

[Niel Hoback]

What is this vinyl wrap you speak of and where does it come from??

[casper50]

Lots of the younger generation are using it to wrap complete cars.

 

 

[Niel Hoback]

That's gotta be cheaper than rechroming a bumper. 

[T120]

Thanks for posting, I was also not aware of this option. I hope to have the opportunity to see an example of the installed product up close.

[YukonJack]

On 1/5/2017 at 1:24 PM, casper50 said:

I've worked about 20 hours putting the hood on.  What a pain in the a55.  Driver's side still isn't quite there but I can't get it any closer.  If anyone wants to know what the ride height for the Moog springs is this is what mine looks like.   Just the grill and a few small pieces of chrome and the interior left for more weight.

Is it just me or does the rear wheel look too far forward in the fender opening? 

[casper50]

just the angle.   It's stock rearend in the stock place.

 

[Golgotha]

I think you are both right. For whatever reason the rear end was not centered in the wheel opening from the factory. Though the angle of this picture may exaggerate the issue.

[casper50]

I looked at it this morning and it sets a little closer to the front than the rear.

[Dave Armstrong]

On 19/01/2017 at 7:17 PM, casper50 said:

When I removed the test piece I looked at the back and there was a very tiny speck of something under that bubble above the "V and E".  Have to make sure it's spotless or it will show.

Could work with the wrap. I do wrapping as part of my business.  A couple of tips. Wipe well with acetone, then wipe again to remove residue. 

Secure the bumper, or you could soon be chasing it around the bench.

Allow a fair bit of waste to start with to allow you to manulipulate the material,  and when it becomes tricky remove waste.

 If heating to form, don't just heat the small area, heat a larger area to allow movement through out the material.

Apply from inside to out when squeging on.

Post heat after so the vinyl gets its memory.

What material are you looking to use?

Should be good. Probably going to wrap a few bits on mine.

Dave 

 

[casper50]

a video that shows what can be done with wrapping a bit better than the other one.

 

 

[1952B3b23]

I searched through the thread looking for which kit you bought to do the exhaust. Could you share the link, i couldn't find it. I need to build dual exhaust for my '39 Plymouth and i like what you've done.Thanks.

-Chris

[casper50]

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Universal-Mild-Steel-Dual-Exhaust-Mandrel-Bend-Kit-2-1-2-Inch,36340.html?sku=91013824&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=CMr7zYf62tECFUWXfgodTBIDog

I used the 2 1/4" kit though.

Edited January 24, 2017 by casper50