Roof and bumper decisions

The running boards from Bob Drake and they should be by the front door soon. The existing running boards were functional, but had some straightening issues that would have consumed some serious bodywork time. Drake had a sale on their running boards for $875.00 which probably comes close that what we would have had in the existing one to get them right.

1935 Ford with an insert from
a 1971 Vega Wagon

1934 Ford with a smooth insert.
The owner did not know anything
about it.

We are still debating about the top. The car still has the soft top on it. It will need to be replaced when painted. The debate concerns whether to fill the top or leave it in the original soft top condition. if we decide to fill the top, we have some options. We can purchase a steel insert from Walden Speed Shop that can be bolted or welded into place. The other option is the old school method of cutting a top from a wagon and welding it into the opening. We have a couple options here from a Chevy Vega (if we can find one) or a Volvo. If we went with the Vega style option, it could look like the red top picture. Another option is to use a top without the ridges which is illustrated in the dark colored 34 sedan. If we decide to go with the original style top, we can use a cloth similar to what is used for the Mustang GT premium convertibles instead of vinyl.

Rear bumper attached below the
original bodywork opening.

Front bumper moved closer to the
fenders with new brackets.

The final issue at hand concerns the front and rear bumpers. Our desire is to move them closer to the body closing the distance between the bodywork and the bumpers. The red 1935 Ford provided at least one option to consider. He lowered the rear bumper below the bodywork by making an adapter that connects the bumper brackets to the frame. For the front bumper, he used an adapted bracket to move the bumper closer to the fenders.

Wheel Options

We have have been considering several wheel options lately. The general look is generally set. There will be a chrome outer ring and spider caps to cover the hub and lug nuts. We have went back and forth on the color for the rest of the wheel. I think we are settling on a candy-apple red. The picture is what it would look like.

Final progress on seats

The front seats are complete. Danny has finished the upholstery on the front two seats and they look great. The brackets for the seats are also complete. These started with a base of angle iron, but that is not what comprised the final brackets. The brackets were revised after dad built the driver's side. The angle iron option was too complex and did not provide the sturdiness. The final option included 2 inch tube iron with milled notches to accommodate the original brackets of the seats. Now on to the rear seat and interior panels.