1951 Ford F1

[Thunder1]

The truck looks great Don! I know your glad to have all the little things out of the way. The offer still stands, if you ever get the uncontrollable urge to build another one - I have alot of the same parts just gathering dust waiting to get put together! Hint!-Hint!

Thunder1

 

[dmw56]

I entered the "Rat Truck" in its first show since I finished it. The New Mexico Super Nationals, a 3 day indoor car show at the State Fairgrounds.

I got to park next to some shiney cars. Not only shiney but very expensive. Like a 1970 HEMI Dodge Challenger!! Guess who's vehicle got more attention?

 

[dmw56]

I also got some stripes. Nothing fancy.

 

[dmw56]

And some more. Very simple and clean. The stripper is going to come back tomorrow and "distress" them to look like they've been there for years.

 

[bob w]

Your truck deserves more attention than its expensive neighbors. It shows creativity and individuality. You did a great job.

 

[Thunder1]

I like the stripes Don. Nice touch! The truck looks cool on display like that. It really does stand out against the others.

 

[rockb1]

That is a great looking truck! it defiantly stands out from the others

 

[Gastrick]

I really like the idea of those subtle pinstripes on your truck. They look really at home without being too much.

Thanks for the pics

 

[wrecker55]

stripes look good

 

[Sam_Fear]

Gotta say the 'simple' stripes were the way to go. I'm not much for stripping myself, but those lines on the grill shell really set it off. Good job on stealing all the attention away from your shiny neighbors. And the movement gets stronger.....

 

[dmw56]

Thanks guys! Yesterday was the main day of the show. I think they had an exceptional turnout. I guess people need to get out and do things to get their minds off the current economy.

Anyway the attention the truck gets is phenomenal. There is only one other rat rod there and one 35 all original patina car. The other rat rod was getting quite a bit of attention and the 35 Chevy also. Mine had people four deep wanting to look at it and hundreds of questions. It was unbelieveable. I was quite suprised and very please the truck has been an amazing hit.

It may be that people see it as an affordable alternative to the typical high dollar hot rod. Something that people may be able to afford now that money is tight. They still want to have a hot rod and this may be the way to go right now!

 

[Dvapteam]

Well Done

Looks great! I agree every one the strips really add something that you always need but when you do just makes the candy that make sweater!

 

[dmw56]

I didn't like the way the back of the seat feels. It's not very comfortable so I pulled it out and stripped of 5 layers of covers and upholstery. I'm going to cut it down about 3-4 inches and reduce the thickness. It now covers about 4" of back window.

I guess I already did that by pulling off all those layers and cotton batting. I'll cover the springs in burlap and put 2" foam rubber and then the blanket back on.

It will now be low enough for the gun rack!

[

 

[dmw56]

Ths what my seat looks like right now. I'm going to trim a little off the top and cover it in the burlap and 2" foam.

 

[dmw56]

New Valve Cover

Bought a new Offy valve cover for the engine. I've wanted one since the beggining finally brought down and bought one.

Think I should paint inside the fins or leave it.

 

[ChopTopJimmy]

Bought a new Offy valve cover for the engine. I've wanted one since the beggining finally brought down and bought one.

Think I should paint inside the fins or leave it.

Paint the inside of the fins to match your block. My 2 cents. CTJ

 

[Thunder1]

I think it looks great the way it is. Personally I think painting it would lessen the originality of it. Less detail is better IMO

Thunder

 

[craftyken]

TO much BLING for me

I would mist it with Ruddy Brown Primer (KRYLON) and then wipe it off with a thinner rag till I got the vintage look I wanted.

I'm a big spender that's my nickels worth...

P.S. I believe that sometimes less can be better, good point Thunder1.
But matching the block, that only works on Bling'n show cars, were the engin and components are painted the same color as the car.

Craftyken

 

[dmw56]

Just adding this to the build thread!

My truck is in an article in an online magazine.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/rat-rod.htm

 

[dmw56]

I never did post pics of the finished seat. It's about 2' Lower and 2" thinner. I put a curve in the foam where you sit so now it has lateral support for the sharp turns.

Feels much better to me when driving it.