Thread: 1929 Essex Highboy

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So----------being as we were sucessful with the first batch, here is another segment. We found a bunch of flathead (and other) parts up in Monson, and while on our way back we stopped in to a backwoods auto grave yard to have a look. While there another guy came along, and seeing our trailer load of 'goodies', he spied a 3 speed tranny from a '49 ford F1 that we had. After some chit chat, he said he'd like to have it. Having made a 'deal' we followed him to his garage. While there he showed us a few of his rod projects, and pictures of completed projects he has done and sold. NICE. After a couple of hours, getting ready to leave, I told him we were looking for an old pickup or coupe project if he chanced upon something. To which he replied, "I've got just what you are looking for". On a later visit to his house, he showed us the Essex. And after an exchange of greenbacks, we made arrangements to come again with a trailer. The previous pictures are after the trip to get it a couple of weekends later. And now----------TA DAH, here is the first mockup. By the way, please forgive our humble workshop. It is an abandoned greenhouse with blue plastic tarps to keep the Maine weather out. But BIG, 30 ft. by 32 ft. Just cold/hot. haahaaaa.

Next step was to build an elevated platform to assemble the parts of the body on, and to give us a flat surface to mock up the frame--yep, the usual 2 x 4 wooden version.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch---------we acquired a Chevy inline 6 motor, 230 cu.in. from a '69 Camaro (reasonable).* And a guy we bought some other 'junk' from gave us an old Model A frame.* It had it's faults, but for free?? We'll use it!! This pic also shows our new air compressor (home depot), this in November of '07.* Note that we haven't been able to use it (lack of 220 volt power) until November of '08.* hmmmm, warranty still good I wonder?Also here, parts of 2 x 4 (spruce) frame.* Well--------cheaper than steel.

Started with an old Model A front axle, spring, bones----but the durned spring perch bolts offered some resistance, so out came the gas axe---
Yup, you guessed it, ruinet it.
So in our growing pile of jun---ehhh, parts, we had a front axle from a '49 ford F1. OK. Good. We cut off the parallel springs, then trimmed the mounting pads off. Got plans for home brew bat wings, thanks to my Mentor and new Friend from Florida!
Also came up with a grille shell from a Model A (year unknown) that came with the radiator. Turned out we couldn't use the rad, but ???
And with so much adverse comments about our wooden frame, I broke down and bought some 4 x 2 steel square tubing to replace it with.
WOW, having a blast. Should've done this years ago!

Well, how to hook steel to wood--------Cut the 'A' frame at the cowl line, figured that to be (easier) better than trying to replicate it from 4 x 2 steel.* OHHHH, watch out for the guard dogs!Forget the CATS, I got ratters here!!!!* Now cutting and fitting (to replace wood) the new steel pieces.* $$$$$$