Building a "Competition Coupe"

[FoMoCo66]

I really like listening to all the car themed songs from the early 60s, one of my favorites is "Competition Coupe" by the Astronaut's released in 1964. In the song it describes a Bitchin' 34 Ford coupe, saying how it would beat a flat head powered 32 ford. Just something about it makes me want to build a car based on it.

First off, here's the song. It's not well documented so I couldn't find any lyrics.

Link: https://youtu.be/zVmGzXfI9z4?si=H-deWb7nAuwVijDP

The first thing you hear them claim is that the car has “Lightweight wheels in both front and rear”. This means that it probably has some sort of halibrand or other magnesium/ aluminum rim. If I were to build this car I would definitely go with a halibrand style wheel.

They also say “she'll do 140 in 11 or 2”, I take this as doing 140 mph with an 11-12 second quarter mile. That's not bad. Anybody else will have to fact check if that was possible with this build.

Next they say “I run an overhead chevy that's equipped to kill with a blower about the size of your flathead mill”. This means they were most likely running a blown small block or w head chevy, personally I would go with the 409 because it's cooler. The blower would probably be a GM style 671 blower sence their comparing it to the size of an entire flathead Ford. 

Another thing that catches your attention is the statement “She won't even start without nitro sue”. This leads me to believe that the car can be set-up to run on nitro or only runs nitro, so a moon tank would be appropriate.

After that the song pretty much repeats.

I actually was really inspired by this song and did a moch-up, the rear wheel combo might not be the best, pie crust slicks and smaller window slot mags. I also threw a couple speed parts on a built up amt 57 Chevy 409.

[FoMoCo66]

This is supposed to be in general automotive talk, waiting for mods to move.

[TopherMcGinnis]

I haven't listened to that song in a long time. Thanks for the memory. It sounds like you have a great start on a cool drag racer. I love the engine.

[stavanzer]

I've never heard of the song.

I have now! Cool Lyrics.

Your Mock Up looks really nice. I agree about older window Mags and the narrow piecrust slicks. The engine seem a good choice for the era.

Rock On!

[Old Buckaroo]

This looks fast just sitting on the bench. Way cool project!

[Spex84]

I like that mailbox scoop/injectors/blower stacked up on the 409. Just has a really tough and beefy look about it.

[FoMoCo66]

Thanks guys, it might be a while before I start this one, got to finish some other projects first. But when I get back on it I will make sure to update you guys.

[rustybill1960]

I am really diggin' on that little "banger" that is some engine there!

[FoMoCo66]

Alright guys, after knocking out a couple of other projects I decided to try chopping this body. I followed @Kit Karson's awesome step by step tutorial on chopping this thing, so at least that made it a little easier on my end. 

Time to mark those cuts and go crazy with the razor saw!

The top is off!

Heres all 3 pieces needed for this chop.

And here it is all set together, nothings glued. All that filling and glueing will happen during a later time at the bench! 

Elliot

[FoMoCo66]

I got the rear segment in place last night. I had to raise the area that was cut at an angle to be level. I also had to add some more material to the edge sence the c pillar had to be moved forward. 

[bill-e-boy]

A nice method to cut a 33/34 5W top. No need to add a stretch piece between the A-B and B-C pillars which is always hard to get right with a 5W. And it looks more stock than stretching and you can keep the top insert if you want - a lot of the early comp coupes kept them

[FoMoCo66]

14 minutes ago, bill-e-boy said:

A nice method to cut a 33/34 5W top. No need to add a stretch piece between the A-B and B-C pillars which is always hard to get right with a 5W. And it looks more stock than stretching and you can keep the top insert if you want - a lot of the early comp coupes kept them

Thanks! I also like how this chop gives your windshield more of a layed back look.

[bill-e-boy]

2 hours ago, FoMoCo66 said:

Thanks! I also like how this chop gives your windshield more of a layed back look.

Yeah that too

[johnyrotten]

Great job on the chop, looks fantastic so far. 

[FoMoCo66]

5 hours ago, johnyrotten said:

Great job on the chop, looks fantastic so far. 

Thank you, its only my 2nd time chopping a car and i think this one went way better than the last!

[FoMoCo66]

Alright, finished up the chop. I glued the top on and did the rough sanding around the window openings.