38 Fiat Topolino build

Well I decided to start a thread to keep track of the progress (or lack of progress) on the Topolino.

I guess I will start from the beginning and post some pics most of you have seen already.

Here it is in the backyard where I bought it.
And then sitting in the new shop day 1.

Are you fixin to start the build now Maddog. I've been waiting for this.

Here it is being mocked up and de-rusted.

Oh, and one of the body on my truck comming home and the happyeek seller.

Gastrick said:

Are you fixin to start the build now Maddog. I've been waiting for this.

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Yes, my friend, I am fixin to start.

Here are some screen shots from my 3D modeling program that I explored possibilities in while waiting for the new shop and a place to work on it.

Nothing special here, just learning what I could learn about what could go where and what it might look like.

I have 10 or 12 completely different models I have created and abandon over the last several months.

The one I liked the best was this one. It also is the most recent.

Everything to this point was using a SBC. Thats what I had.

Then a BBC came into my life.
454, cam, roller rockers with a very recent shop rebuild and a fresh turbo 350.

Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1NveqOqUFs

The kid I bought it from has the paperwork on the motor, as in what went into it, but I havnt seen it yet. All I know at this point is it runs good and the little problems it does have I can fix without too much trouble and money.

I forgot the pictures.

This last weekend I cut the inner fenderwells out of the front end so I can get the motor into the car for a look.

I find it hard to put any time into computer 3D modeling now that I have the real thing to play with. Its much more difficult to move things around, but its just more fun to use the real stuff.

I have built a frame with wheels for the motor so I can move it easily. I have it just about at ride height in the stand.

Here are a few shots of how things are lining up currently.

Then something realy awfull happened.

SOMEBODY, and I wont mention any names, started a thread on gassers and altereds.

Now I'm all messed up again.

There is some realy cool cars in that thread and its such an outragous look.

I dont know (again) what it is I want to build. There is the obvious, then the ridiculous and everthing in between.

I guess I will be spending more time imagining the car in my mind and will eventually settle on something.

YOU ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT ALL SUGGESTIONS AND COMMENTS

Meanwhile I have all sorts of other little stuff to do. I have collected many parts and have been cleaning and straightening them. All things that have to be done.

How about this one?

I could add one more thing at this point.
I cant find a good reason to cut the body at all. Not even a chop.
It looks too fine just as it is.
I have seen a couple chopped now and I dont like it much.

Bonehead was way ahead of me on this one., but I've come around now.

Maddog,
You have our support either way you go. I kinda find it hard to see how you gonna get any traction with dat "FO FITTIE FO" goin in there.

Glad to see you doing the thread.........I like this car a whole lot and envy you for owning it. No matter what you do, it is going to turn out cool simply because of what it is. These bodies are right up there on the WOW scale.

Ok, here are my thoughts, for what they are worth. Don't need to chop it and in fact I like them better unchopped........look too squashed when chopped. Bigs and littles are needed on this badboy, with either street slicks or something like Mickeys on the back........need some width back there tirewise.

The concept drawings you did are fine, and the BBC is going to fit right in with the look and essence of the car.

BTW, how did the engine swap go with your buddy that you got the engine from? How did the flathead fit and all?


Don

maddog said:

I could add one more thing at this point.
I cant find a good reason to cut the body at all. Not even a chop.
It looks too fine just as it is.
I have seen a couple chopped now and I dont like it much.

Bonehead was way ahead of me on this one., but I've come around now.

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I agree. Keep it looking like a real steel car (un-chopped). Too many mods and people will think it is a cheap fiberglass body.

I am too far away to come over and help. But I sure wish I was closer. As it is I am forced to only give moral support. Go!, Go!, Go!, YOU CAN DO IT!

Thanks everyone.

Yes, chopped looks squashed.

Bonehead, just rest. I will bring it to your shop, only for a few months.

Don, the kid is still getting his engine built. Should be done soon. Untill them, he pays rent on his car just sitting there.

You are starting to make some progress there.I would not chop it either.When is the frame going to get started?

Glad to see this back in the works and on the board again.
One of the few cars that just looks better unchopped....
And if the gasser / altered thread stirred something in you,
then that thread served its purpose...
Bigs and littles (Huge rears, 12 spoke fronts ), BB Chevy.
I am really looking forward to seeing this one develop.
I think we need you to do a build series like Don did on this one '22

35Mastr said:

You are starting to make some progress there.I would not chop it either.When is the frame going to get started?

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As soon as I decide what I am building, the frame is the next thing.

maddog said:

.
Bonehead, just rest. I will bring it to your shop, only for a few months.
.

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Hey, I have an idea. Bring it by my shop after it is finished, only for a few months.