I didn't realize how long it has been since I posted an update on my 348 in a roadster project.
Current update is that the chassis is done. I just got the body & doors aligned on the Wescott fiberglass body. A '33 Ford roadster has suicide doors, which leaves the cowl section able to move all over the place, which makes it difficult to shim the align the leading edge of the doors with the cowl. They seem to either stick out at the top or the bottom of the leading edge on one side or the other. Anyway, I finally got the body moved around into position where the doors were aligned properly and then I welded in temporary cross bracing to hold it in place. I also fabbed a cross brace for the front of the cowl that serves as both a stiffener to the cowl as well as a mount for the steering column and the fuse panel. I also welded in a permanent "X"-brace at the back of the cockpit to keep the body from twisting as well as serve as a bulkhead between the seating area and the trunk. That was completed 2 weeks ago.
I still have done nothing more with the engine and transmission - both need to be rebuilt, but I am using them for getting everything mocked up an fitted into the car. I solved my engine fan to radiator problem with a Derale fan and added a Vintage Air fan shroud to my Walker radiator. The Sanderson block hugger headers are on the engine and, surprisingly, clear the front fender inner fender panels, so it looks like a full hood can be used. I managed (after several years of looking) to acquire a really nice original 1933 Ford grille (don't ask how much those cost, but it is more than the engine). The stainless steel fuel tank has an in-tank fuel injection pump and the fuel sending unit installed and I made 3/8" stainless steel fuel lines for both fuel feed and return for the fuel injection system. An external trans cooler has been mounted in the frame with an air duct to scoop air thru the cooler. I also added heat barrier plates to keep the exhaust heat away from the trans cooler and the brake master cylinder. Plus lots of little things & parts that take both time and money to get done.
...and then it happened. Ten days ago a friend in Florida send me a link to an add for a finished '33 Ford roadster with an SBC crate motor and a TH-350 for sale in Alabama. I won't identify the price, but as a finished car, it was less than the cost of things that I still needed to get to finish my "348 in a '33 Roadster" project. Short story is I picked it up and trailered it home this past Thursday. My wife told me that, at 75 years old, I should get the finished car and enjoy it now rather than spend the next 3-4 years working to finish the project. She's probably right.
Next weekend is the annual New Braunfels, TX swap meet and I am taking the unfinished roadster project to try and sell it. I am putting together a list of everything that I have with prices and should have that finished tomorrow. If anyone is interested in a different project with all new parts (everything is new except for the engine and trans), drop me a note.