Shane, the cost estimate for the bumpers is probably on target since like most things on car refurbishing, the preperation is the most expensive part.  To re-do the bumper they have to grind down, repair, smooth and straighten the bumper.  It is labor intensive and therefore expensive. The chroming process itself is still pretty expensive, but i…[Read more]

You don’t mention your level of skill or if you just want a driver.
If I wanted a re-do project and wasn’t in a hurry to drive, I wouldn’t go higher than $2,250 at the most. 
In the end,  “you buys your ticket and you takes your ride.”

To add to the mix of what our cars are or are not…..
My Duchess was factory built. Made by men who were paid to assemble the car from parts pulled out of their stock.  The same stock that was packaged in pieces with a set of directions and sent to people so they could assemble them at their homes. 
So, in some respects, all cars are “kit c…[Read more]

Maybe a TD dually??

Summit racing has many sizes of the RCI fuel cells that include senders.  Check their web site for more choices than what’s in their catalog.  Good price, safe, and close to a custom fit.  They even have mounting tabs on them.
Mark,  I’m really glad for you.  I think I’ll probably have to work until I’m dead! 

Classic Roadsters Ltd. Duchess (Ford Based, Factory built Deluxe Model)
Windshields – Not a folding windshield. Came with covers to replicate folding original.
Front grill – Reproduction MG TD grill and slats. Functional
Hood (Bonnet) – Opens from driver’s side, external hinges and clasps. Could easily be built to open from passenger s…[Read more]

Montie, Glad it’s your left arm.  What ever you do take it slow and easy with that rotator cuff repair.  I’m a Physical Therapist (some say terrorist) and I hate working on those ’cause they are so slow to heal properly.  What they sewed together is about the same as sewing together a slice of bologna. Very, very fragile. Be sure to follow your th…[Read more]

Exactly right!  If you look close at the last two photos on that web site you’ll see the little tabs that stick out between the rim and the paint (chrome body on our Deitz style lights)

Richard,
Had the same problem.  If you hook the clips to the inside of the outer rim of the light they are loose and the guards stick out away from the headlight, right?  You have to take the outer rims off and place the clips between the rims and the body of the light.  They will then fit properly and the guards will snap in tight.  The prob…[Read more]

I went out Sat afternoon, 75 degrees and blue bird skies. I had a grin for the rest of the weekend    Since I don’t have any major projects/jobs to do on the Duchess, I’ve been able to get out at least one day each month this winter.  Sure has made winter more tolerable here.

Ed,  I always appreciate the links you find for us but this one goes to “11”.    
 Now I know I’m going for a drive this afternoon!  After seeing those guys in the Alps with the windscreen down, I’d be a woose (sp?) if I didn’t.
Later

Yeah, hanging weights from the edges will work wonders, esp if you put it the warmest spot in the house. If you rush it by putting too much heat (like a heat gun…) it might rip or wrinkle. Ask me how I know
You can use  a hair dryer and use it sparringly over a long time (think weeks, not days) and keep both sides hydrated.  A couple of weeks w…[Read more]

Glad to have you on board!

Welcome to the group,  looking forward to pictures

Welcome to the gang.  What size is that engine?

Like my Dad said “Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should”

Welcome to the group!  I love yellow cars!

Gang,  remember one thing about polyurethane or epoxy finishes, if they get scratched, which is highly likely, you can’t repair them without redoing the whole dash .Spot repairs on solid finishes always  show in the sun .  Older classics used oil finishes since they can be spot repaired without any of the repairs showing.  You can get a pretty goo…[Read more]

Best advice,  be sure to practice a lot on thicker metal before you even think about sheet metal.  The stick is good for frames and brackets and heavy type stuff but you will blow hundreds of holes in sheet metal before you get a good weld unless you have practiced so much that you can do the thicker stuff with your eyes closed.  Even with MIG, yo…[Read more]

Welcome aboard!  You’ve had them for 4 years?  What took you so long to find us?