Update on the Thames ..............

.............. all of the roof braces have been welded in place .............. the new roof panel is welded to the braces and tack welded to the body ............... the old wheel tubs have been cut out of the body .............. the car is sitting on stands and is totally level and square ................ the next steps are to mock up the fuel cell and wheel tubs and check for clearances ................... mock up the attachment points for the wheelie bars and check for clearances ....................... start positioning and installing the brake system ............... install the fuel cell and fuel lines ............... and begin the fabrication of the floor and dash .......... (we have already gotten the fuel cell, wheelie bars, steering column, and gauges) .......... then we can get on with the hanging of both the side and rear doors ............ the side doors will be no problem as they will go back on their regular hinges ............. but the rear doors (being aluminum) will require a totally new attachment system to hang correctly ............ the old wooden mounting strips will have to be replaced

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looking good coyote cant hardly wait to see the finished product..:D

Looks like some good progress John.

Looks great!!!! Sure is going to be fun watching this one get finished up!!!!

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Originally Posted by Bob Parmenter

Looks like some good progress John.

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You know Bob, it's really amazing how long these "from the ground up" projects take ............. at times I have to fight becoming "over-anxious" ...... but I'm in agreement that "measure twice - cut once" is the smart way to go .......... watching the precision that Vance Fowler has used in the sheet metal work (and the no hurry - it has to be perfect attitude he puts into his work) has taught me a lot about the proper way to build a car

I have been very lucky to have found such quality individuals who were willing to get involved with this project ............. Vance, Brooks and Kyle Martin of Martin Brothers in Asheboro, and all the personnel at Fatman Fabrications in Charlotte who built such a marvelous chassis for this old beast ............. they have all taken the time to sit down and talk with me and steer me in the proper direction ........... it has beeen a great learning experience for me

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Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Looks great!!!! Sure is going to be fun watching this one get finished up!!!!

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Thanks Dave ......... I appreciate your comments ............. we still have a long way to go but I think he's going to be an eye-catcher when we get finished ............... even if it is a Ford :3dSMILE: :3dSMILE:

John

Did you quit doing plastic stuff?

Haven't seen you over there for months

Jerry

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Originally Posted by jerry clayton

John

Did you quit doing plastic stuff?

Haven't seen you over there for months

Jerry

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Hi Jerry .................. haven't quit with the plastic, but I have been spending a lot of time with the hot rod :eek:

I scrapped the first chassis for your RED .............. just didn't come out well ........... I have the parts ready to start another one ............. going to get it all assembled this time before I paint it .............. have the engine, tires and wheels ready to go .......... am just about ready to spray the body panels light blue ....... but I have to be careful with this one .......... only have one set of decals :D :D

John Looking really great. Can't wait to see the picture of the finish vehicle.:)