Chevy/Reo?

[bob w]

Recently there was discussion regarding good taste in hot rod building. Well, my project is a dyed in the wool rat rod and not a project for some college of art and design. Therefore it shall be hot and nasty.
To this end, a 7" chop seems just about right. By the way, there will be no tops on the doors.

 

[bob w]

More hacking and slashing with an angle grinder/cutoff wheel, sawzall and cutting torch.
Right now it looks pretty bad but I have to keep the faith.

 

[bob w]

The whole header will be replaced...with something else...yet to be invented.

The end of October I'm attending a metal meet. Hopefully I'll learn how to make low crown panels as both door skins and one cowl section should be replaced, unless I keep this a real rough rod.

If this thread sinks to the bottom and stays there you know I created a pile of rusty landfill out of the Reo.

 

[CORPO]

Looking good bob! I like where this is going!

 

[bob w]

Bob's Paintless Dent Removal

Time to test fit the back panel. But first a couple serious dents need to be roughed out.
This will work with any brand of car or truck but I prefer using an S-10.

 

[kzoldman]

Ok, havn't posted much lately due to my computer but this gets three of these [cl

 

[bob w]

The general shape of the cockpit is beginning to reveal itself.

 

[bob w]

'Nuther view.
The planned roof line and and the intended treatment around the door glass hopefully will give this body a unique but pleasing look.

 

[Todd]

Dent removal

Gotta love a multipurpose tool. [cl

 

[Neverdone]

Gotta love a multipurpose tool. [cl

Absolutely!!! I have a similar method for fixing bent pipes/ramps/or bending pipes/tubes. Works every time!


That is going to make a sweet looking rod! You I assume are going to fill in the old fender well and such???

 

[GJunktionMike]

Like that would really happen

If this thread sinks to the bottom and stays there you know I created a pile of rusty landfill out of the Reo.

Like'n the design phase. It has a nice shape to it.

 

[DougnDog]

LoL...LOl...LOl

Time to test fit the back panel. But first a couple serious dents need to be roughed out.
This will work with any brand of car or truck but I prefer using an S-10.

Bob you ARE crazy......you need to patient that S10 tool. you really look like your having fun[cl

 

[bob w]

The back panel had to be narrowed 2 1/2" and welded back together. When it was cut apart it was a good time to hammer and dolly some of the dents out of the pieces.

 

[bob w]

Trimmed the posts off the door to make it a "hardtop". The body is supposed to resemble a cabriolet so no upper door frame is wanted. The door glass will have a metal channel around it like Chevy AD trucks.

Had to take the curved part of the reveal out and make it straight.

First cut at coming up with a top profile. Obviously the top will wrap around starting at the back edge of the door. The plywood wanted to stay straight so a warped imagination is helpful.

 

[bob w]

Tacked some patch panels in the back panel and also a stiffening strip along the door post edge. Made the first roof side piece out of "paintable" sheet metal. I made a hammer form to bend the top edge.
Thinking of cutting the bottom 3" off the doors and cowl to match the back panel. The body looks pretty thick in comparison to the glass area.

 

[bob w]

I used a shrinker to curve the piece to match the door top.

 

[bob w]

I continue to work on the top. The piece above the door will look more finished when it is...well, more finished.

 

[bob w]

From the rear. The top will resemble a '26-'27 T coupe top. Haven't decided if it will be wood or sheet metal. If it is sheet metal it will be covered in vinyl top material.

 

[Dirtyrat]

I'm really digging the shape

[P[P[P

 

[Neverdone]

^^^^^^^ What he said!!! [P