Re: The Duchess Project: 1940 Super 8 Convertible Sedan

Posted by Joe Santana On 2010/12/28 18:35:25

STEERING: It's a little more complicated than I thought, but not bad. The steering rods have to be the same length with 1/2" and the toe-in miniscule. I'm still not sure if I have the steering arm on the spline in exactly the right place (they didn't mark it on early cars) but it all connected, nothing mashed, and the wheels turn.
With the steering in I was able to remove the dollies. I bought the wrong kind, from Napa, and they don't roll at all. But they are stacked under the work bench now waiting to move a piano, and the Duchess is at last resting on all 4s.

SPLASHERS: Paint came out great. I'm going to reconnect skeletal wiring, so I can start the car and touch up some the engine compartment paint before replacing them and the front fenders.

PAINT: I'm finally getting the knack of mixing paint ingredients to get the result I want and smoother motions with the little gun I use. The 4 oz pot is perfect for parts. I use a tiny dixie cup for each can I have to dip into and pour each into a drinking size paper cup, maybe 12 oz. So I can refill the pot 3 or 4 times. I improved a stand to hold the gun upright when it's attached to the air hose.

It feels good to look at the Duchess on the ground. Seems much more manageable.