Thread: Starting the new build 32 Coupe
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07-26-2015 11:15 AM #7
You need to determine the theme of the car before you ever begin looking for parts and pieces. That's where newbie builders make their mistake, not starting with a plan and not building to the plan. For instance, you'll want to choose either a highboy or a lowboy build and the radiator for each build would be very different. Here's a conventional low-boy coupe with the body channeled down over the frame rails. The radiator is shorter to match up with the cowl, so that if a hood is fitted, it looks right, rather than using a full height stock radiator and having the hood run downhill from the radiator to the cowl.
http://www.hotrodhotline.com/feature...s/IMG_1063.jpg
Here's a lowboy with hood sides....
http://www.kustomrama.com/images/a/a...dow-coupe9.jpg
Here's a highboy with stock height radiator and hood sides. Note how the vertical line of the radiator cuts right through the centerline of the tire in side view. If the radiator is at this point relative to the tire, or a little rearward of the tire, the eyeball is good. If the radiator is mounted forward of the tire centerline, the car will begin to look clunky, like it was built by a hillbilly on a tree stump.
http://image.hotrod.com/f/10166380+w..._side_view.jpg
Here's a gorgeous little lowboy coupe, done in classic "caps and rings" style.....
http://www.kustomrama.com/images/8/8...932-ford-2.jpg
So, like I said, determine a style of build first and purchase parts that will favor that style of build. Same with the motor. Do Not Buy Even One Engine Part Until You Have The Entire Engine Plan Written Down And Checked Out By The Fellows On This Forum. That's my absolute best advice to you. First thing most newbies do is to get on the phone and order a camshaft. BZZZZZT, wrong. The cam will be the last piece chosen for the engine, after everything else is bought and fitted. The very last piece chosen for the drivetrain will be the torque converter.
.PLANET EARTH, INSANE ASYLUM FOR THE UNIVERSE.
I saw last night on fb about John. The world sure lost a great one. I'm going to miss his humor, advice, and perspective from another portion of the world. Rest in Peace Johnboy.
John Norton aka johnboy