Kermit

[Vedette]

Okay here we go!
Did some downloading.......boy computers are confusing??
Rainy day I found the donor car (1938 Plymouth for Kermit's tongue box)
Check out the rear windows.....Do they look like those used on the Camp Inn Trailers??
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

Made the deal the next day and picked it up 2 days later.
She is home!
Now to take some measurements??
I know it will fit.... I have a plasma cutter!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

Now for the last major donor vehicle?
1949 International KB1 P.U.
This will provide lower front and part of the belly.
OH, you have to visualize this back part of the cab turned upside down and mounted backwards...with the rear window removed........much like the 1946 Chev. P.U. I used on Miss Piggy.
The roof of the 1938 Plymouth will provide the rest of the belly.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

Couldn't wait! The sun was out on Saturday Nov. 1st so that became the Official start date for Kermit.
Got the tractor out and pulled the 1938 Plymouth down to the shop to cut the part of the body I need for the project!
Sandi is still having trouble with the visual.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

Well here is the piece after it was removed.
And here is what was left over.
Roof will be removed at a later date!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[Vedette]

So now before the 1947 Chev Fleetline gets cut and the 1938 Plymouth gets trail fit to the front! I had to show Sandi the kitchen space.
And the bed space (we sleep with our feet to the tongue end)

So there you go
Hopefully I can get some more work done before the snow flies.
Things are currently stripped and ready to take in for sandblasting!
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

[KCStudly]

Wow. I realize the old iron is now going to a worthy cause, instead of just rusting away in some field, but I wonder if you have had to fib to the owners a little and tell them that you are doing full restorations. You know, so that they will sell them to you. A lot of people might get their feathers ruffled if you told them you were going to cut that "rusty gold" stuff up!

People are funny that way.

To me it is something that you will put a ton of blood, sweat, tears and love into, and I can respect that. Just wondering if you get any push back from sellers. Do you get a better deal if you say you are restoring or if you say you are cutting/scrapping?

[dales133]

Brave call KC I thought the same thing myself...However it's like a neglected house.
There comes a point where it's better torn down and re per posed but ultimately restoration and preservation should come first if feasible

[Vedette]

Oh Yes!
In my almost 48 years of building cars, I have encountered the "Purists"!(on the edge of being one myself)
But there are essentially two groups of them.
The ones that live to restore vehicles to their once magnificent beauty.....and get it accomplished.
And the others, that think "Everything" should be "Restored" and don't have a clue as to what it takes to actually accomplish it. This later group usually never have or never will restore anything.....but are quite willing to let some great "Gold" turn to rust, then dirt while they wait for that so distant "Someday"
I personally wear many hats and have been down many roads (pardon the pun) in my years of restoring, building, and customizing cars & trucks. I respect and love them all!
Currently in my main shop I have 2 full customs, 1 Street Rod, 1 Resto Mod, and 2 Restorations on the go.
That is why Kermit still outside??
But to answer your question..........the vehicles I have acquired to date were from acquaintances, who have multiple cars, (as I do) that are aware of the cost to restore or build a car. And realize that cars in their un restored state are not worth a fortune (until someone puts a fortune into them) but are willing to see them go to someone who "will" do something with them.....no matter what that something is.
From Yard Art, to Show Winners, and to even "Teardrop Trailers"
Thus,(boy this is getting long winded) I was able to acquire all 3 donor vehicles very cheap, with all three previous owners are waiting anxiously to see what I can create from their old scrap?
Hot Rodders seem to be a little more on the "Realist" side.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi

Disclaimer: "My above comments are not intended in any way to offend the purists out there , but are just my personal observations over my almost 50 years in the Automotive Restoration Hobby & Business"

[dales133]

I hear you Brian. I've been trying to buy 2x1968 BMW coupes off a guy and they will eventually rust away while he procrastinates

[Redneck Teepee]

Not to offend anyone because there are exceptions, but the average person whom has never built, rebuilt or modified an automobile has not a clue as to what it takes in time, money, knowledge and effort to accomplish the finished product.

I just went and looked at a pickup yesterday that a friend gave me a lead on, the fellow that has it want's way too much money for what it was ( I just described him above) and kept telling me it "Will take very little to restore back to it's original pristine condition"

Well the floor boards where completely rusted out, along with other exterior rust issues, no motor, trans, interior seat, fuel tank, registration/paperwork etc. etc.

I just told him that I would pass, thank you for letting me look, and answering my questions.

[Vedette]

Not to offend anyone because there are exceptions, but the average person whom has never built, rebuilt or modified an automobile has not a clue as to what it takes in time, money, knowledge and effort to accomplish the finished product.

Well the floor boards where completely rusted out, along with other exterior rust issues, no motor, trans, interior seat, fuel tank, registration/paperwork etc. etc.

Your Statement is so correct!
The one you described should have been "Extremely Cheap or Free"
As the rule is: "The original purchase price is the least money you are about to spend"
The 1947 Fleetline that I purchased to build Kermit is one of the nicest rust free Chevs I have seen in my 48 years of building....and the purchase price was $200.00
So cheap, that I left the front fenders, hood, grill, front bumper, and door pods plus stainless with the seller and told him to put them on e-bay, because it was just too good of deal for me and I had no use for those parts.
Good Roads
Brian & Sandi
Did cost me more than the purchase price in food, beer, and gas to go and get it with a friend!

[noseoil]

Brian, your realistic approach is like a breath of fresh air. There has to be some middle ground between "it's a classic & worth a fortune in any condition" and the "it's made of steel, so the scrap value is by the ton, sentiment be damned" approach.

There's almost a Zen-like reality here. It's exactly what you decide to make it, nothing more, nothing less.

[KCStudly]

Well said.

Sometimes when people (or I) get a little twitchy about modifying something or trying to fix something that is broken, especially metal, I like to remind them (or myself) that, "someone made this", meaning that if it can be made in the first place, it can be fixed or made again. And if we screw it up we can fix it. And if we don't get it right the first time, we can usually fix it again until we do.

Some things are easier to make or fix than others, but it is all doable if you want it bad enough.

Vedette, your attitude reminds me of this thought. You're going to cut and grind and move that metal around until it pleases you and satisfies your "want" to fulfill your vision and complete the journey that will be Kermit.

I am looking forward to following along on that journey!

[capnTelescope]

Been there, done that too. I started restoring a '41 Chevy pickup years ago. Life happened, got married, lost interest in the project, sold it as a basket case for a hunnert bucks, with pink slip. Second happiest day of my life.