NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION AND INTERIOR MOTIVES

I resolve to stay true to the roadster's concept, a late fifties/early sixties style custom. I want a waterfall descending from the rear package shelf into the center console. Like El Tiki, I'd like some of the roadster's switches installed in the center console: ignition switch, lights, lighter, etc. I'd also like to have a rear waterfall from the deck former down into the center console, which will integrate a center speaker, and whatever kind power amp an MP3 set-up requires. Needs to look old school custom with modern acoustics. And lastly, I'd like a section of the console to be padded
for use of an armrest. As far as the dash, I'll be using vintage OEM rebuilt instruments. I'd also like to build in some storage, whether it be a glovebox, interior door pockets, a package shelf beneath the dash, or a combination of all three.
We're basing the seating off of a couple of John Deere tractor seat pans we'll be modifying to accommodate the trans tunnel and console. The seats will need to be recessed deeply into floors as get my 6'5" frame down into the car. As far as upholstery goes, I'm hoping to employ the services of Sean Johnstun, aka Fat Lucky's, as I have in the past. Bet this time around, I'll give him more creative freedom than in the past. I'll suggest materials and an era only, and then get out of his way. The man is amazing. So that's the plan I resolve to stick to.

ONE STEP FORWARD, ONE STEP BACK

Mr. T and I got the Walden hubs installed today, which means the front suspension is just about 100% buttoned up. They're very nice hubs and will allow for the big Buick brakes with the 45-fin drums. So there's our one step forward.

We then turned to the rear suspension and came to the realization that the rear ladders aren't going to work, given the lower ride height and my desire to have all of my 6'5"frame riding down in the car rather than on it. So it was one step back. Looks like we're gonna have to go with a four link. We realized we may have to modify the rails to get me comfortably down into the driver's seat area. Sometimes being a 6'5" Sasquatch really sucks. Of course, I'd rather know that now and make the proper adjustments now to fit comfortably in the car. Will post more as the new plan unfolds.

WALDEN'S, HOME OF JAKE JACOBS

Melinda, Bobby and their lovely little future rodder.

Called Walden's Speed Shop today and spoke with Melinda regarding the Buick adaptor hubs made by her husband, Bobby. You'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer person in the hobby. The hubs were in stock, but they were waiting for bearings. The hubs will be on their way here by middle of next week, which means all of the front end parts will be on hand to complete the front suspension using my big, aluminum Buick drums. So just days from now the front suspension will be able to support the weight of the drivetrain. Next, Mr T. will be moving on to the rear ladder bar suspension, using the parts we ordered from Pete and Jakes. Proving it really is a small world, Jake Jacobs, of Pete and Jakes firm, is a member of Walden's crew and has a line of parts under the Jitney by Jake moniker. One of which is an old school alternator bracket for small block Chevys that might come in handy once we're ready to get the engine accessories in place.

FRAME NOTCHING FOR CLEARANCE

Yesterday and today, Mr. T notched the front frame for clearance. Progress!

CENTER CONSOLE REFERENCE

In thinking about the roadster's interior, I like the idea of separating the driver and passenger seats with a waterfall-style center console dropping down from the rear package tray. 

This first shot is from Aaron Grote's Lunar Lander.

This shot is a Tom Culbertson built interior. Very cool. 

This is a close up of "El Tiki's" center console.

I'm very impressed by this set-up. I hope to do something similar, but equally unique.

Here's a concept drawing of Nick Garfias' 29 coupe interior.

VINTAGE SPEAKER CLOTH

I had an epiphany today when thinking about incorporating a stereo/MP3 system into the roadster. Wouldn't it be cool to use vintage speaker cloth material in the interior? Actually, I think this stuff is so cool it could even be used as door panel material. Fender Turquoise White Silver Grill cloth.

PEDAL ASSEMBLY

Well, I've sold off the pedal assembly I'd purchased from Pete & Jakes and I'm planning on using this set-up instead, which has just been created by Eric Peratt and his team of fabricators at Pinkee's.