1941 Chevy Pickup custom

[Steven2]

I was looking at Darren B's incredible '41 build here and decided to post my own effort with the same kit. I had intended to build this as a curbside, nearly OOB, mild custom but I started gettin' ideers and wound up with a model that's occupied my last 3 months and looks to take one more. I tried to make my mods "technically realistic" but with my meager mechanical knowledge I'm in a bit over my head. Every time I solved one problem 2 more would pop up. Anyway, here goes:

The first thing I knew I wanted to do was to section and chop the body.

This was probably the easiest part.

The hood vents got smootherized, more would come later.

The chassis got some smootherizing too, as well as zeed.

Here's an early mock up.

I decided to make it a flip nose but had a problem. If I removed the entire fender

there would be a backdraft with the cab, not allowing it to open and I've never

liked the break line running across the outside of the fender like some set-ups.

This was my solution.

Finally something to show. I used a parts pack caddy engine, just because it looked nice

but I gave in a little to reality and put a double pumper on top rather than a city of Strombergs.

It'll get an air cleaner later. I cut down (narrowed) Pegasus tires and wheels. The wheels and brakes

are stripped of their plating and repainted. I also scratchbuilt the exhaust system and clamps.

I changed the front suspension to coil springs with a fair amount of scratchbuilding and installed

a Camaro rear because it was lower profile and I had an extra one around.

[Steven2]

I like the way the brakes look.

I've done some vacuforming along the way. This is a new section for the firewall.

(I had a serious miscalculation when locating the engine) There's also the back

of the bed,tonneau cover, wheel wells for the bed and some minor parts.

My first attempt at cutting out doors. (Likely my last too, LOL)

I chose to stretch the top rather than lean it to compensate for the chop.

I filled in and recut the dash for this nifty PE instrument panel.

Mocked up again, I can't believe I finally got that flip nose to work. (for the moment, at least)

[Jantrix]

Very cool work. I'll be watching.

[Ira]

BEAUTIFUL!!!

Looks GREAT So Far...

[Sixx]

NICE!!!!!!!!!!! Looking pretty tough!!!

[Dr. Cranky]

love it!

[AzTom]

That's some great custom work. Very nice.

AzTom

[Steven2]

Thank you for the encouragement everyone. This has been a true learning experience.

[Shardik]

I like it, although I think a shorter bed would improve the proportions.

That flip nose is awesome!

Edited June 25, 2012 by Shardik

[c-man405]

woow looks great. how much did you chop and section the truck?

[Terror]

Thats looking tight.I love the copper

[crazyjim]

I'm liking this build.

[MachinistMark]

love EVERYTHING about it....except the wheels. this thing needs a set of wide whites!

[jcbigpaw]

Sweet! Keep going!

[John Teresi]

Steven......looking GREAT!!!!!!

[Steven2]

Thank you everyone!

I like it, although I think a shorter bed would improve the proportions.

That flip nose is awesome!

You may be right about the bed but it's too late to change now, decals and half of the paint are on.

I'm glad you like the flip nose, it's one of my favorite features and I'm amazed I got it to work as well as it does.

Of couse I haven't painted it yet so there's still plenty of time for me to blow it.

woow looks great. how much did you chop and section the truck?

I think it came to about 1/8" on each. I lost track because I went back after the first cut and cut some more.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Lots of cool stuff happening on this build. Very nice work.

[deathskull59]

looks cool but not the wheels that kustom needs some steeles and pie crust skinnys looks better that way.

[TooOld]

Nice fabrication on this '41 . Keep up the good work !

[Steven2]

Thanks everybody. Too late for new wheels, they're glued on!

[1930fordpickup]

I like this truck , I think the bed is fine , it still looks like a truck . The shape of the bed is nice also.