Street Rodder Road Tour–Rust Bucket
If you’ve been around old cars very long, you’ve likely dealt with rust. Unless, of course, you’re from Southern California, the land of the rust-free hot rod. Anyway, rust is a big issue for hot rodders East of the Mississippi and we’re up to our elbows in rust on this Street Rodder Road Tour car. It must’ve been a Northern car at some point in its life because it has been patched all over, and then the patch panels have rusted out. A trip to the media blaster had the whole crew in tears, but we’re ready to get this shoebox straightened up and start cutting it up!
After a trip to the media blaster, most of the rocker panels came off, and we noticed a lot more rustiness in the floors.
Evidence of previous repairs…this is not good!
Rusty panel covered with a patch panel, which is also rusted out.
More rust in the rear portion of the quarters…
And it just keeps going! Good thing Dennis Carpenter has replacement panels for these ’49-51 Fords.
Hey, look at that, the firewall is in good shape. Unfortunately, we’ll be cutting all this decent metal out to fit the new power plant!
A quick run with the DA sander got our panels ready for a nice coat of etching primer from PPG.
Speaking of which, here’s a shot of our crew with a bunch of PPG materials. Thanks to the folks at PPG for hooking us up with filler, primer, sealer and paint for the Street Rodder Road Tour project!
The etching primer goes onto the bare metal to protect it from further rust.
Well, at least we’ve put a stop to the cancer. Now it’s time to cut out the rust, and start welding the new metal into place. Get ready for lots of sparks!
This is near and dear to my heart. I too am doing a frame off on my ’51 Ford convertible but fortunately, I have virtually no rust to deal with. My first introduction to Honest Charley was 1967 for a dual exhaust kit for my ’65 Falcon with a built 289.
I have listed with you guys before, have never heard a word. Love Honest Charleys Shop, Love Shoebox Fords, own two now,had seven. happy motorin sandy
Howdy I like all the repair’s your doing except one change, no offense but taking out the taillight spears and turning them vertical ie exactly the way the 49 was on drawing boards in 1948,and Henry grabbed a pencil,erased them, and drew in spears and horizontal taillights, and the 49 was born. Somehow it just doesn’t look right without the spears. My father in law put 59 Caddy tailights in his. I have pics of his and mine chopped (51s) would gladly send you pics if you like. Last , I keep asking how to get on your mailing list , would like too be. Sandy e mail is blnflat49@mchsi.com