Thread: Project $ 3 K Is Underway

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WOW Don what a project. Granted, I did "skim" this thread ... 136 pages is a lot of reading, but every 5'th page makes it easier (and quicker). I see the 3K budget went out the window, but I still think it would be a worthwhile project for a newbie to start in on. I think the time factor is the only thing that might be "unrealistic" for the average newbie thinking of building his first rod.

I'm walking into my project with a 3-4 year timeline in mind. Working 5 days a week and the rest of life getting in the way means weekends and weeknights isn't every weekend and weeknight.

Yep, once you cut out all the gossip and bs-ing we've done on this thread, it leaves about 2 pages of actual car build stuff.

You are right about the amount of time it takes to build a car, especially from the ground up. I know some people have done it in a very short period of time, but this slightly more than one year build has been as fast as I have been able to do it. My '27 took me 6 years.........mainly to find some of the old timey parts at swap meets and places like that, and also because of the money. Not being rich, it takes a long time to come up with the cash to buy all the stuff you need. Not many people have thousands of dollars laying around that they can just throw at a "toy." Stupid things like food, rent or mortgage, and kids seem to always get that extra little bit of money you were planning to buy car parts with.

Another thing is that the actual work itself takes time, and sometimes you just don't feel like going into the garage and working. I know there are days where I could be sanding on SOMETHING, but I just can't muster the energy to want to do it. Like any other hobby, it is only fun when you feel like doing it.

I think your 3-4 year timeline is pretty realistic, especially if you have a significant other to try to keep happy at the same time.


Don

Don, I've finally got the pic's of the seat base in my car. Actually it sits pretty comfy the way it is. I started with 3/4 birch plywood cut to size then sat in the car and got a "footprint" of my backside, and made the cutout's. I got a freight strap from one of our delivery driver's should have got 2, but didn't want to push his generosity. I figured that if they could strap down large loads and the straps didn't loosen they would support my 200lbs with little sag. I used the freight strap to go side to side continuous and when I ran out I switched to my trusty tow straps for the front to back. I used an air stapler with 1/4 crown staples I adjusted the air pressure so it didn't blow through the strap, but did set it in enough that the crown was holding not the leg's of the staple.

I drove the car alot this past weekend and it has not loosened at all. I may do the same type of thing for the backs and leave it that way for awhile, everyone who see's it think's it looks good.

Ron

That looks perfect, and is exactly what I am going to do. I bet that really made it more cushy. Now, when you put foam over it, you should feel like you are in your favorite recliner.

Thanks for posting this info Ron.

Don

Foam???? I think I might leave it like my favorite lawn chair.

If you leave it unfoamed get ready for a permanent grid pattern tattoo'd on your posterior. You'll look like a checkerboard back there.


Don