This car is on its way to becoming a show quality, traditional kustom. This vehicle has been modified with a 318 V8 engine with 904 automatic transmission, torsion bar independent front suspension with disk brakes, and a lowered suspension. Body modifications include: custom windshield visor, flush fender skirts, decked, shaved trim and door handles, filler panels under the doors, smooth running boards, a 1953 Dodge Coronet dash and steering column, and frenched rocket nose taillights. I am currently working on finishing the interior.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Sanded the rest of the front fenders and headlight buckets. Now its really starting to look like a complete car.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Sanded the rest of the front fenders and headlight buckets. Now its really starting to look like a complete car.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe needs a bit lower roof line, but for now a visor will be a good compromise. I borrowed a '51 Pontiac visor from Chris that had the look I was going for, and used it as inspiration to make a custom one that fits just right.
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe needs a bit lower roof line, but for now a visor will be a good compromise. I borrowed a '51 Pontiac visor from Chris that had the look I was going for, and used it as inspiration to make a custom one that fits just right.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Symco Weekender 2019! Thanks for another great show. Already looking forward to next year!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Symco Weekender 2019! Thanks for another great show. Already looking forward to next year!
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - 2nd in the Custom category at the 2019 North Coast Car Show! I had a fun day showing the progress I've made on the coupe since last year. The dashboard is now bare metal, and I have begun painting the inside. Thanks to Uncle Nick for the support, and thanks to Chris Douglass for a great hand painted sign.
'38 Dodge Coupe - 2nd in the Custom category at the 2019 North Coast Car Show! I had a fun day showing the progress I've made on the coupe since last year. The dashboard is now bare metal, and I have begun painting the inside. Thanks to Uncle Nick for the support, and thanks to Chris Douglass for a great hand painted sign.
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smoothest parade run yet! Soon the entire car will be bare metal, but now you can see the direction I'm headed. 1st place Best Vintage Vehicle in the Madeline Island 4th of July parade!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smoothest parade run yet! Soon the entire car will be bare metal, but now you can see the direction I'm headed. 1st place Best Vintage Vehicle in the Madeline Island 4th of July parade!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smooth running boards will be a nice change. Originally they were covered with a rubber pad that had decayed a long time ago, leaving all the mounting holes exposed. Not a very clean look. Since I had the running boards removed to access the panels under the doors, might as well get started!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Smooth running boards will be a nice change. Originally they were covered with a rubber pad that had decayed a long time ago, leaving all the mounting holes exposed. Not a very clean look. Since I had the running boards removed to access the panels under the doors, might as well get started!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - There used to be gaps under the doors that were distracting, so I fabricated some panels to fill the gaps and give the body a sleeker profile. Same as the fender skirts, I decided to use my TIG welder on the exposed seams and I really like the results.
'38 Dodge Coupe - There used to be gaps under the doors that were distracting, so I fabricated some panels to fill the gaps and give the body a sleeker profile. Same as the fender skirts, I decided to use my TIG welder on the exposed seams and I really like the results.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are completed and bolted in! I added a lip to the bottom of the skirt to help it hold its shape. I think the time I invested in this project was well worth it.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are completed and bolted in! I added a lip to the bottom of the skirt to help it hold its shape. I think the time I invested in this project was well worth it.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are almost finished. I wanted them to look like bubble skirts, but flush mounted with the fender. Similar design as a Lincoln Zephyr. I put metal pins in the top lip of the skirt that key into the lip on the fender. Two or three bolts at the bottom of each skirt will hold it up, and the metal pins keep it in place. I decided to TIG weld all the seams which is a more difficult and time consuming process, but I can achieve better results than with MIG (aka wire feed). Using a flat file instead of my air sander on all the exposed welds is going to give me a proper metal finished look!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fender skirts are almost finished. I wanted them to look like bubble skirts, but flush mounted with the fender. Similar design as a Lincoln Zephyr. I put metal pins in the top lip of the skirt that key into the lip on the fender. Two or three bolts at the bottom of each skirt will hold it up, and the metal pins keep it in place. I decided to TIG weld all the seams which is a more difficult and time consuming process, but I can achieve better results than with MIG (aka wire feed). Using a flat file instead of my air sander on all the exposed welds is going to give me a proper metal finished look!
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe made it all the way to the Symco Weekender! Thankfully all our preparation paid off and we had a much smoother trip this year. Thanks for all the rocking good times! Can't wait for next year!
'38 Dodge Coupe - The coupe made it all the way to the Symco Weekender! Thankfully all our preparation paid off and we had a much smoother trip this year. Thanks for all the rocking good times! Can't wait for next year!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finally took the time to nose the coupe. Eliminated every trim hole on the hood tops and most on the sides, removed the emblem hole where the hood meets the grille shell, and started to bring the front of the car down to bare metal. The different colored body panels are distracting. Eventually the whole car will be bare metal.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finally took the time to nose the coupe. Eliminated every trim hole on the hood tops and most on the sides, removed the emblem hole where the hood meets the grille shell, and started to bring the front of the car down to bare metal. The different colored body panels are distracting. Eventually the whole car will be bare metal.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Here is the top secret project! I made a flying eyeball for the front of the 38. What better way to fill the old crank lever hole and and nice up two chrome wings than a real glass eye? And does it need to light up too? Yes it does. I designed this light to easily install into a 2" diameter hole cut into any sheet metal surface. It would be possible to use a marble, or laser etched glass plate, or something else transparent in place of a glass eye. Contact me today to make a custom creation like this for you!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Here is the top secret project! I made a flying eyeball for the front of the 38. What better way to fill the old crank lever hole and and nice up two chrome wings than a real glass eye? And does it need to light up too? Yes it does. I designed this light to easily install into a 2" diameter hole cut into any sheet metal surface. It would be possible to use a marble, or laser etched glass plate, or something else transparent in place of a glass eye. Contact me today to make a custom creation like this for you!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - I finally made the panels to fill in the gaps where the headlights would have attached to the radiator shell on the '37 hood. When the entire car is bare metal I will call it the Silver Bullet! Up next is raising the top edge of the grille shell to match the height of the bullet panels, filling in the trim holes on the hood, and nosing the car to get rid of the hood ornament holes. Plus a top secret project that you will just have to wait to see...
'38 Dodge Coupe - I finally made the panels to fill in the gaps where the headlights would have attached to the radiator shell on the '37 hood. When the entire car is bare metal I will call it the Silver Bullet! Up next is raising the top edge of the grille shell to match the height of the bullet panels, filling in the trim holes on the hood, and nosing the car to get rid of the hood ornament holes. Plus a top secret project that you will just have to wait to see...
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The hood sides didn't match up close enough with the fenders. The hood I'm using is from a '37 car, and some custom made extensions were the only way to close the gaps! I also added in bear claw latches on both sides to eliminate the latch lever and smooth up the sides. Now the sides open with cables under the dash.
'38 Dodge Coupe - The hood sides didn't match up close enough with the fenders. The hood I'm using is from a '37 car, and some custom made extensions were the only way to close the gaps! I also added in bear claw latches on both sides to eliminate the latch lever and smooth up the sides. Now the sides open with cables under the dash.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - These fender skirts have taken a long time because I am having trouble getting the crown of the driver's side to match the first one I made. I want to make the skirts mount flush to the fenders, and I won't be cutting either fender until I am happy with the shape of both sides! We went through another 4th of July Parade with the new skirts clecoed in place. We got 2nd best vintage car this year, probably because the cooling fan shorted out and killed the engine in front of the judge's table. Then it became a foot operated float. Oh well, at least we looked good doing it!
'38 Dodge Coupe - These fender skirts have taken a long time because I am having trouble getting the crown of the driver's side to match the first one I made. I want to make the skirts mount flush to the fenders, and I won't be cutting either fender until I am happy with the shape of both sides! We went through another 4th of July Parade with the new skirts clecoed in place. We got 2nd best vintage car this year, probably because the cooling fan shorted out and killed the engine in front of the judge's table. Then it became a foot operated float. Oh well, at least we looked good doing it!
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 all the way down to the 2017 Symco Weekender! Took a lot of work, but I built this car specifically to bring to this show. All that was recognized when I received a club pick from the Drag-Ons Car Club! What an honor! Thanks to Pete for making spark plug wires at midnight the night before we went down, Thanks to the bikers and fellow car-guy that helped push the Coupe the last 50ft uphill to the gas pumps, Thanks to Isa for sticking with me, and Thanks to Tyler and the rest of the Drag-Ons Car Club for choosing me and the 38 for their club pick!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Drove the 38 all the way down to the 2017 Symco Weekender! Took a lot of work, but I built this car specifically to bring to this show. All that was recognized when I received a club pick from the Drag-Ons Car Club! What an honor! Thanks to Pete for making spark plug wires at midnight the night before we went down, Thanks to the bikers and fellow car-guy that helped push the Coupe the last 50ft uphill to the gas pumps, Thanks to Isa for sticking with me, and Thanks to Tyler and the rest of the Drag-Ons Car Club for choosing me and the 38 for their club pick!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - I had been fretting about if I was going to fill the trim holes, and how I was going to do it, since I bought this car. Go figure that it only took me one night to fill almost every one!
'38 Dodge Coupe - I had been fretting about if I was going to fill the trim holes, and how I was going to do it, since I bought this car. Go figure that it only took me one night to fill almost every one!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - A '37 hood won't fit perfectly on a '38 without changing a few things. I started with a new radius on the corners where it meets up with the grille.
'38 Dodge Coupe - A '37 hood won't fit perfectly on a '38 without changing a few things. I started with a new radius on the corners where it meets up with the grille.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Getting the 38 ready for the road took a lot of little projects. Widening the running boards to match the front fenders, brand new exhaust system, and sealed beam headlights fabricated to fit into the old buckets. Will it make it 5 hours south? Even with some of the trip raining or after dark? There's a much better chance now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Getting the 38 ready for the road took a lot of little projects. Widening the running boards to match the front fenders, brand new exhaust system, and sealed beam headlights fabricated to fit into the old buckets. Will it make it 5 hours south? Even with some of the trip raining or after dark? There's a much better chance now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - The driveshaft was scraping on the rear floor pan after getting lowered 2.5 inches. Not anymore!
'38 Dodge Coupe - The driveshaft was scraping on the rear floor pan after getting lowered 2.5 inches. Not anymore!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Frenching in the new rocket nosed taillight lenses. They seem a little small so I might add more...
'38 Dodge Coupe - Frenching in the new rocket nosed taillight lenses. They seem a little small so I might add more...
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - You might be able to go through one or two scorching hot parades without a floor, but sooner or later you need one!
'38 Dodge Coupe - You might be able to go through one or two scorching hot parades without a floor, but sooner or later you need one!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shaved door handles and new bear claw latches! Starting to look like a real Kustom now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shaved door handles and new bear claw latches! Starting to look like a real Kustom now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - If you are like me you might think, "Trunk lid? How hard can that be to make?" Let me tell you it can be pretty darn hard! More hours than I would like to admit went into this panel, but I am pleased with the results. By far the largest and most difficult panel I've done yet. I still need to finish weld the seam and trim the edges but I like where this is going!
'38 Dodge Coupe - If you are like me you might think, "Trunk lid? How hard can that be to make?" Let me tell you it can be pretty darn hard! More hours than I would like to admit went into this panel, but I am pleased with the results. By far the largest and most difficult panel I've done yet. I still need to finish weld the seam and trim the edges but I like where this is going!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Found these awesome glass tail light lenses. Getting them ready to be frenched into the rear fenders
'38 Dodge Coupe - Found these awesome glass tail light lenses. Getting them ready to be frenched into the rear fenders
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Driver's side door skin, B pillar, and quarter panel get the same treatment. Luckily there was less rust and dent repair on this side. Starting to become a solid car now!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Driver's side door skin, B pillar, and quarter panel get the same treatment. Luckily there was less rust and dent repair on this side. Starting to become a solid car now!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side quarter panel had rusted out at the bottom. New patch made, old panel smoothed out, and new patch welded in.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side quarter panel had rusted out at the bottom. New patch made, old panel smoothed out, and new patch welded in.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side door needed a bunch of dents smoothed out. Found a few holes in the bottom of the skin and also the framework of the door. No way around that but to patch it!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Passenger side door needed a bunch of dents smoothed out. Found a few holes in the bottom of the skin and also the framework of the door. No way around that but to patch it!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - B pillar on passenger side was in a sorry state. Bent a piece of 3/4" tubing and welded it inside the pillar for heaps of strength!
'38 Dodge Coupe - B pillar on passenger side was in a sorry state. Bent a piece of 3/4" tubing and welded it inside the pillar for heaps of strength!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Patches for the front of the front fenders. Filled all the gaps with new metal and brought the fender body line down to match the grill. The grill shell is attached with bolts now instead of cleckos! Next is running boards, then hood gaps.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Patches for the front of the front fenders. Filled all the gaps with new metal and brought the fender body line down to match the grill. The grill shell is attached with bolts now instead of cleckos! Next is running boards, then hood gaps.
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - It was finally time to make the rack and pinion more permanent. I got to practice my overhead TIG welding with this project!
'38 Dodge Coupe - It was finally time to make the rack and pinion more permanent. I got to practice my overhead TIG welding with this project!
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Even after new lower arched leaf springs the '38 Coupe still looked too high in the rear. 2.5" blocks will make it sit just right. Blocks for now, Z''d frame later?
'38 Dodge Coupe - Even after new lower arched leaf springs the '38 Coupe still looked too high in the rear. 2.5" blocks will make it sit just right. Blocks for now, Z''d frame later?
Just Cool:
'38 Dodge Coupe - This one is really just for bragging. Now that I had a taste of winning trophies I brought the Coupe and the Old Dodge over to the North Coast Car Show in Washburn. Two vehicles, two trophies! The Coupe got 1st place in Custom category and the '41 got 3rd place Truck/Van Modified! Lets try and keep this winning streak going!
'38 Dodge Coupe - This one is really just for bragging. Now that I had a taste of winning trophies I brought the Coupe and the Old Dodge over to the North Coast Car Show in Washburn. Two vehicles, two trophies! The Coupe got 1st place in Custom category and the '41 got 3rd place Truck/Van Modified! Lets try and keep this winning streak going!
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Less than two weeks until the 4th of July Parade and I decided to take a break from all this sheet metal work and get this baby runnin'! So much to do so little time! I started with brakes, custom bent lines, new radiator mounted, aluminum 4 barrel intake, very temporary exhaust, rebuilt carburetor, custom made alternator bracket, metal fuel lines put in... if you can name it I'm doing it! Big thanks to Scott G, Andrew, and my dad for helping me get it ready a day early!
--- And it was all worth it, cause the coupe won Best Vintage Car in the 2016 Madeline Island 4th of July Parade!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Less than two weeks until the 4th of July Parade and I decided to take a break from all this sheet metal work and get this baby runnin'! So much to do so little time! I started with brakes, custom bent lines, new radiator mounted, aluminum 4 barrel intake, very temporary exhaust, rebuilt carburetor, custom made alternator bracket, metal fuel lines put in... if you can name it I'm doing it! Big thanks to Scott G, Andrew, and my dad for helping me get it ready a day early!
--- And it was all worth it, cause the coupe won Best Vintage Car in the 2016 Madeline Island 4th of July Parade!
Sheet Metal Replacement:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Unfortunately the hood I plan to use had cracked along one of the seams. I practiced my TIG welding on sheet metal some more and made it look nice again!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Unfortunately the hood I plan to use had cracked along one of the seams. I practiced my TIG welding on sheet metal some more and made it look nice again!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Running Board patches! This one was the worst of the pair. Eventually I will have to widen them to match the front fenders and replace all the metal on top for a smooth look. Ironically I formed the edges of the running boards on a frame section of a '40s Dodge truck.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Running Board patches! This one was the worst of the pair. Eventually I will have to widen them to match the front fenders and replace all the metal on top for a smooth look. Ironically I formed the edges of the running boards on a frame section of a '40s Dodge truck.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Small cars need small bench seats. Ford truck bench seat narrowed 17"
'38 Dodge Coupe - Small cars need small bench seats. Ford truck bench seat narrowed 17"
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Widening the fenders to accommodate the wider tire track and turning the front clip sheet metal into one big piece. Now it's really getting serious.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Widening the fenders to accommodate the wider tire track and turning the front clip sheet metal into one big piece. Now it's really getting serious.
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Lower cowl patch from scratch on the drivers side. Now there's plenty of strength to attach those front fenders!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Lower cowl patch from scratch on the drivers side. Now there's plenty of strength to attach those front fenders!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Front fender repair. Dents everywhere, cracked corners, and someone used a chisel to try and remove one of the headlights. TIG welded the sheet metal to see if it was easier to hammer weld the seams flat. It was!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Front fender repair. Dents everywhere, cracked corners, and someone used a chisel to try and remove one of the headlights. TIG welded the sheet metal to see if it was easier to hammer weld the seams flat. It was!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Making room on the firewall for the lower column mount, brake pedal assembly and master cylinder, and let's not forget fabricating the gear shift assembly!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Making room on the firewall for the lower column mount, brake pedal assembly and master cylinder, and let's not forget fabricating the gear shift assembly!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shortening a column and dashboard from a '53 Dodge Coronet to fit it in the '38
'38 Dodge Coupe - Shortening a column and dashboard from a '53 Dodge Coronet to fit it in the '38
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - I ordered a "Column Saver" so I could use the '53 Coronet steering column with the newer steering rack. I found out after it arrived that they don't make one the size I need! I decided to get practiced on the awesome metal lathe that Scott G hooked me up with. I think the results speak for themselves! Thanks to Leroy and crew for keeping me moving.
'38 Dodge Coupe - I ordered a "Column Saver" so I could use the '53 Coronet steering column with the newer steering rack. I found out after it arrived that they don't make one the size I need! I decided to get practiced on the awesome metal lathe that Scott G hooked me up with. I think the results speak for themselves! Thanks to Leroy and crew for keeping me moving.
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Another welding project that doesn't necessarily fall into the chassis or fabrication section - welding exhaust manifolds! I'm testing out some new TIG rod that is supposed to be better for welding cast iron than TIG rod with a high nickle content. One of the manifolds welded fine, on the other I could barely form a puddle. You get to see the nice one. The real test will be when they start breathing fire!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Another welding project that doesn't necessarily fall into the chassis or fabrication section - welding exhaust manifolds! I'm testing out some new TIG rod that is supposed to be better for welding cast iron than TIG rod with a high nickle content. One of the manifolds welded fine, on the other I could barely form a puddle. You get to see the nice one. The real test will be when they start breathing fire!
Restoration:
'38 Dodge Coupe - HUGE frame paint!
'38 Dodge Coupe - HUGE frame paint!
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finish welded new spring perches onto 8.8 mustang axle, boxed rear frame sections, made gussets to strengthen the rear spring brackets and front suspension, finish welded all Cordoba IFS frame sections to the original '38 frame.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Finish welded new spring perches onto 8.8 mustang axle, boxed rear frame sections, made gussets to strengthen the rear spring brackets and front suspension, finish welded all Cordoba IFS frame sections to the original '38 frame.
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fabricated motor mounts, transmission mount, set pinion angle, custom driveshaft made in Duluth, 2nd mock up with the new stance for more inspiration!
'38 Dodge Coupe - Fabricated motor mounts, transmission mount, set pinion angle, custom driveshaft made in Duluth, 2nd mock up with the new stance for more inspiration!
Sheet Metal Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Custom metal finished tail pan. I don't mean to brag... Well maybe a little.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Custom metal finished tail pan. I don't mean to brag... Well maybe a little.
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Installed a weld on kit with stronger, updated spring mounts and lower arched leaf springs to help drop the rear closer to the height of the already lowered front.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Installed a weld on kit with stronger, updated spring mounts and lower arched leaf springs to help drop the rear closer to the height of the already lowered front.
Chassis Fabrication:
'38 Dodge Coupe - Not so much fabrication yet as mock up... All good plans need to start somewhere. Previous owner almost completed the task of fabricating late 70's Dodge Cordoba torsion bar independent front suspension with disk brakes (better handling and good safety updates). I have a Dodge 318 motor and auto transmission to install. Lots of work needed on this one but should be worth it in the long run.
'38 Dodge Coupe - Not so much fabrication yet as mock up... All good plans need to start somewhere. Previous owner almost completed the task of fabricating late 70's Dodge Cordoba torsion bar independent front suspension with disk brakes (better handling and good safety updates). I have a Dodge 318 motor and auto transmission to install. Lots of work needed on this one but should be worth it in the long run.
