Thread: Everybody that is currently building a car...

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Bob, I ran out of space in the previous post. What are the chances that if I destroy/remove that lower plastic sleeve there will be that smooth tapered steel part underneath, the "tulip" shaped part of the column?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teenrodder

Any new pics Don? I am curious to follow along with the progress, how much room is there from the bottom of the dash to the firewall? Just for curiousity's sake, would something as short as a mid 80's camaro column work?

Brickman, thanks for your interest. Today I messed around with a 3/4" dowel whittled into a double-D shape on the end and I found there is plenty of clearance around the header over a pretty wide range of angles. The real problem is that the firewall curves on the left side so I am planning to put a 3/16" thick aluminum plate across the gap and bolt it to the 1" square tubing on the left. As Bob Parmenter said, the 34" column may be too long and could stick as much as 4" through the firewall. I can also cover up the ugly hole the body shop cut around the brake pedal. If you look close through the brake pedal hole you can see the dowell on the ear of the transmission. The 2 1/8" hole saw should be exactly the right size. I was helping my son-in-law move furniture until very, very late last night/morning so I did not want to cut the big hole on only three hours of sleep but I will soon. Suggestions other than the aluminum plate are welcome. To answer your question it is exactly 12" from the inner part of the firewall to the bottom of the dash. I plan to put some inner tube rubber around the brake pedal slot with a slit to reduce splash water through the wide gap. I sprayed the end of the column with Duplicolor since it will extend through the hole but most of the rest of the column will be covered by a blask plastic sheath from Speedway.

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder

Just an update on the Merc. Resized the rear window opening from the stock size to this trying to get it back in proportion with the rest of the car and made some changes on the front pan. Just got the power window and power latch mechanisms mounted today, should get all the wiring finished up next week. Trying to get this body right, then redo the molds and hopefully turn the body building over to a reputable fiberglass shop this time..... Just curious what folks think of the restyled back end.

Dave
Whats not to like That is very kewl
Are you going to get away with flat glass in the rear??

Don....here's my Hot Rod Lincoln....

....and I graduated from San Pedro High.


Daver: Sweet lil Model A you've got. I was a neighbor of yours in the late '70's, Rancho Cucamonga.


Dave: Don't remember it before the window mods, but this looks great. I love '50 Mercs.


Don

Originally Posted by cffisher

Dave
Whats not to like That is very kewl
Are you going to get away with flat glass in the rear??

Nope, still curved, just a lot smaller....

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Just an update on the Merc. Resized the rear window opening from the stock size to this trying to get it back in proportion with the rest of the car and made some changes on the front pan. Just got the power window and power latch mechanisms mounted today, should get all the wiring finished up next week. Trying to get this body right, then redo the molds and hopefully turn the body building over to a reputable fiberglass shop this time..... Just curious what folks think of the restyled back end.

Now that is a FINE ride!

Dave, do I understand you right, you built the molds for this?

Originally Posted by Supa Roosta

Now that is a FINE ride!

Dave, do I understand you right, you built the molds for this?

I didn't build them, just ended up owning them... Long story.. Anyway, yes we now have the molds and will have to rework them to match the redisgns on the car.

Way cool Lincoln Daver and what a history, very cool!

Very, Very nice work Dave! Very very cool bud! Would I love to turn you loose on my '48!!! As it is I am about to try to finish her after 3 more shows. Body work isn't my strong suit, but I am ready to have her have some good paint for a change.

....thanks, brickman....

My model A is a little confusing. It looks like
a roadster commin' at you....

....it looks like a sedan leavin'.

Daver.

How come yer seat has more bars over it then my seat?????

that big red button on the dash board that says Eject , has something to do with it ....

Originally Posted by stimpy

that big red button on the dash board that says Eject , has something to do with it ....

An "Easy Button" that's a great idea.

OK I am putting this new picture in this thread so it is easier to compare to the previous picture a page or two back. Also this is related to the thread on which column to use. I bit the bullet and ordered a Brookville tilt column and am waiting for it. In the meantime I started to look at where to put a spoon accelerator pedal. With that big tunnel I could only put my right foot ON TOP of the tunnel or get my foot stuck between the tunnel and the brake pedal, sooooo I cut it out! I recall in my old '31 A sedan the gas pedal was on a flat board at a 45 degree angle to the floor so I cut out the big tunnel and pie-cut the tip. Now I have to glass in a half moon between the collar of the old tunnel and the tiny litle hump. The missing piece is barely noticeable from the engine side. Now I can put my foot liesurely against what will be the 45 degree angle flat piece. Question: Does an NHRA inspection require a scatter shield? Since the original firewall was fiberglass, is a new 'glass wall enough or should I try to put a sheet of iron in there somehow? I have a large piece of 1/4" aluminum plate large enough to make an aluminum firewall but it may not be easy to 'glass to aluminum. It will be easiest to 'glass in another piece of scrap fiberglass but I could add a bolt-on plate of aluminum or steel if necessary. I want to avoid another large bell to save room for my foot. I had to do something, otherwise I would be twisted into a pretzel trying to get my foot up on top of the old tunnel. Comments?

Sorry, I have tried to upload the picture three times without success. Is the Forum down?

Don Shillady
Retired Scientist/teen rodder