Shiny Chrome Parts!! - Sweet Heart Roadster - Ep 35

[@mikeyt3940]

My 1930 Drag Coupe has a polished aluminum flat fire wall with two gauges in the top center. This was done to the car back in the early 60s. I use the gauges in the fire wall to aid in tuning at the track. This has always been a great look, and a lot of people comment on the fire wall gauges. Car is looking good Matt.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hey Mikey, that's a great idea! I do love the gauges in the firewall and I definitely was considering that idea! I just gotta figure out where and what gauges to run/ Thanks! -Matt/ITG

[@waynegilling6048]

Matt; just my opinion from an old man who used to love doing what you are now enjoying. I well remember sitting on an old wooden coke case with a mid 50s car craft mag in my greasy hand comparing a B_W photo of an award winning coupe to the steel body sitting beside me . That 1925 Chrysler coupe never did look like the award winner , but I learned a lot of valuable lessons from working on it over the summer. That was my first attempt at building my dream car; #2 did get driven a bit but again a lot more lessons and learning like, 1934 ford V8s used full floating shells on the con rods, one shell to 2 rods. A piece of highly machined Birch log doesn't last much over a minute as a piston, and the differential can be assembled backwards. #3 was driven a fair pit but most lessons learned were to do with chassis and suspensions, like too much length in the outer spring shackles can lead to some serious bump steer; mechanical brakes only work for around 30 minutes once set up and driven hard. A buick nail head and the old auto trans are quite a bit too heavy for a 1920 Ford frame and suspension . I will step away from that history lesson and get to the message here. My thought and hard lessons taught me chrome valve covers do NOT make the engine run better or the car go faster. A good heater is better in the winter than a loud radio. With a very limited budget, start with a decent cam then add from there; keep the hood on as it does rain and why show off what you have created where it could be destroyed or stolen. You will normally build what you can afford and really want. I seldom had more than 2 vehicles. The one I drove was transportation the one I was working on was my pride, my hobby and the thing that stopped my kids from the disney trip. By the time I arrived at the stage my 2 children were educated , married and on their own, I had a good work shop 2 street rods and 1 new car and a good truck. Most of the equipment and tools I might need and was doing a few jobs for some friends as well. But I always was more concerned about building a reliable vehicle hat would be a great driver and very safe on the road. always had a hood and normally very little chrome, ( too much effort to keep shiny) but would out run almost any other vehicle around. I never did get to build a show Car Matt; I would rather do a bit of racing , and love to drive them where I wanted to go without the danger of a slight scratch or wound. Just keep up the great work and keep bringing in those 20s and 30s vehicles; they are getting very hard to find here. wayne

[@StarlightWorkshop0z]

Nice wayne, cheers for sharing, could read this type of talk all day.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hey Wayne! I LOVE the stories and hearing from guys like you that actually LIVED IT. I 100% agree with you on pretty much all accounts! I am lucky enough to have a bunch of cars/projects and it is cool to take the different styles of cars throughout the years and build cars around that. This car is going to be my attempt at a 50's show car just like you saw in those little books. I spend hours staring at my collection of little books and try and take inspiration from everything you guys were doing "back in the day". I'll never do it better, but I hope that my attempts are at least a nod to how things were actually done back in the day and not a modern twisted vision of what we "think" was done. Thanks for the step back in time Wayne, I really appreciate guys like you watching and following along! -Matt/ITG

[@waynegilling6048]

@@IronTrapGarage Matt; again. thanks for the reply. And the Lancer hub caps were likely on a 55-6-7 Dodge , we used to stick a bigger spinner on those just to blow the wheel balance to pieces. I appreciate what you are doing Bud; just enjoy what you are doing and keep the videos coming. I well remember using all my O2 trying to make a dropped front axle for a 37 Ford coupe , worked but led to different problems I didn't understand for a few years. Live and learn. I ended up doing most of my rods withe a chrysler base, used chevy engines in my race cars but chrysler for all my hot rods. Last 2 were 37 business coupes my son still drives the one I built for him , My last 37 was pro street and fuel mileage was terrible but never lost a race. All the lessons I learned building with no money, just ideas and desire. taught me front suspension , taught me rear suspension , building engines and trans. The ability to put a good ac-dc welder into a small shop, add the tig attachment made a huge difference to speed and quality. You have some parts you are not using just yet and would love to make a few suggestions. The little Dodge- Plymouth half to would make a beautiful little red express truck early 50s version; chop the top a couple of inches and shorten the box a foot or so. Pro street diff. and straight axle front suspension . Also would need one of of your 392 cu in . Sorry; just dreaming again. keep up the great work Matt and staff wayne

[@jackhaller5189]

Matt and Mike, keep up the great work. I would rather watch Iron Trap videos than anything on the networks. No ego, no bogus time crunch, no drama, just great hot rod builds. Damn you even get your hands dirty. So build the roadster as you see fit it will be more entertaining and yes instructional.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Jack! Yea that's what we like to see and the videos I watch on YT are the same type where I learn something and are more instructional/informative. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@X7Rotary]

+1 on the stainless firewall! New shiny chrome is one thing, but slightly worn/pitted chrome does have some character. Also looking forward to updates on the sweet-16.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for weighing in! I agree on the old chrome! I'm hoping to get as much nice "old chrome" parts as I can for the build but I'll need some parts chromed ultimately in the end. Andrew is going to be doing a video on his project here soon. Just working on getting some parts! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@Ryan67rs]

Hey Guys, Really enjoy the channel. I know what you mean about doing something small on a project to get movin' on it again and talking yourself out of buying more projects. Keep up the great videos. Ryan.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hey Ryan, thanks for watching! Yea I think this is stuff we all struggle with. Gotta avoid Craigslist and estate auctions for a while so I don't come home with more junk! Haha -Matt/ITG

[@AircooledMisfits]

New intro, I like it 👍 I'm the same way on getting sidetracked. I have 7 projects, work a little on each one while collecting parts for all....and not one finished yet.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks Frank! We got a new camera and wanted to have the quality of the intro match the video itself! Thanks for watching. -Matt/ITG

[@NomadOfNorad]

Hmmmmm.... "....going down a rabbit hole..." Maybe now that you have so much experience with that, it might be worth considering hot-rodding a 1970s Volkswagon Rabbit. Gotta paint it white, of course. :D

[@Boysunkgarage]

Can’t wait to see this car done it already looks amazing keep up the good work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks so much! It's a long way off, but once the Free-T is done I'll be laser focused on this car and it will make progress quick! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@QuickSpeedShop]

I bought a cool all chrome '57 Chevy rearend at a swap meet in Buffalo a few years ago. It was in a T bucket back in the day. The chrome was good for a driver. I can't imagine the cost to plate an entire rearend today. I ended up selling it, but was an impressive piece.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Damn! That's rad as hell. Would have been killer to put back in a 60's style T. I had chrome banjo rear end bells for the Roadster too but they had too many random brackets on them it would have been hard to cut them off and save the chrome so I sold them. On the hunt for another set! -Matt/ITG

[@fordtruck193]

Hey Mike&Matt,I get wanting a different look for the firewall,but not tuck and roll.Just for s&g's,what about a stained and cleared piece of 1/4" luan floor underlayment. That might look kind of ratrodish. Glad you found some chrome to re-motorvate you guys.Sometimes it helps to jump around on projects so you don't get burned out. I would like to see another vid on the Cushman scooter soon:-) Thanks for posting guys!

[@836dmar]

Ford Truck Dude, you said the R-word!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for weighing in, but I am leaning towards a 50's show car look and stained luan wasn't a common thing back then, but in the 70's you did see a lot of wood adornment going on. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@836dmar]

Matt said this build is a traditional 50s hot rod, no? Wood firewall? Rolled pleats? Some of the suggestions would work and might look good elsewhere BUT they clearly put the build into another era. One can date when an 80s or 2000s street rod was assembled just by the parts and popular trends of the time. Here, those parts and trends need to remain 50s. Guys generally weren’t staining firewalls, using diamond plate, bead rolling designs in their garages, or putting tons of Maltese crosses and skulls on their cars. Focus! JMO

[@IronTrapGarage]

YES! Thanks man. Sometimes people don't fully remember that when doing a nostalgia build you need to put yourself in the shoes of a guy in that era and what was "cool". In those days the trends of hot rods and customs were set by indoor car shows and those little books everyone read. The high end cars at those shows were doing anything they could to add details and gain points for the show. This was a time when you changed the look of your car every season to stay relevant. I've gotten a lot of flack from friends that don't fully "get it" before when I mentioned I wanted to do upholstered wheel wells and other details, but those little things are what makes someone go "wow was this built in the 50's?". Thanks for understanding where I'm coming from, maybe I should add some of my inspiration photos to these videos so guys can see where I'm coming from! -Matt/ITG

[@steinarerling8185]

Paint the firewall checker black &white old style /regards from Norway

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

Excellent as Usual, Guys!👍👍👍

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks man! -Matt/ITG

[@hensleyshobbies-doug7761]

Looking good boys! I can dig it! 👍👍🤘✌🏻

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks man! -Matt/ITG

[@BriscoMedia]

I mean if we're supposed to give hell, lets see that damn Sport Poop! Digging the new Intro!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha, sad to say the Sport Poupe' someone approached me to buy it and take over the build. I needed the space and wanted to focus on this car and the Free-T more! Sorry man! -Matt/ITG

[@BriscoMedia]

@@IronTrapGarage Dannggg!! To be honest, I was always more of a fan of the Sweet Heart Roadster. As long as you keep uploading, I'll be happy!

[@timothynewkirk2654]

Yep, Sometimes Tacky can be Kool! Newk from Kentucky

[@IronTrapGarage]

Gotta be on the border of tacky and Far-Out! It's a fine line to walk on these old 50's and 60's show cars as some of the stuff just got ugly when they went too over the top. As with all of my projects it will have just a little restraint! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@MasterBo39]

Consider that many would enjoy seeing the Bumble-T Roadster come together. It would make a good platform for all the non-chrome parts to make a daily driver. Bo.

[@IronTrapGarage]

That's the plan! We'll have an update on it here soon! -Matt/ITG

[@EnfieldJoe]

Great looking roadster. Not sure I would be a fan of an upholstered firewall. I always liked them painted white.

[@ronaldheit196]

No matter everyone else's idea's. It's your project building this one. I say stick to your vision as to what you want it to look like when ya reach the finish line. The others ? They need to get off their collective butts and build their idea of the ride they want.

[@Ajen1959]

Ya had me at tuck-n-roll!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha heck yea! -Matt/ITG

[@JSxxxxxxx]

Polished stainless for sure

[@garymadero1955]

Tuck and roll! Love that look.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Heck Yea! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@66mybeat]

I always ask, What about PILEHOUSE????? Great video guys and the Roadster is looking good!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Pilehouse was sold and on to a new home. I needed to clear out some stagnant projects so I could focus and when someone approached me I sold it. Sorry! -Matt/ITG

[@olivedrabgarage6243]

Guys...have you thought about using the chrome paint that's available now? It's an automotive grade paint, it can be hand painted or gun painted. I can't quite remember the name of the product but if I find it I'll post a link.

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

The roadster is going to be a cool traditional high boy roadster . Matt how about a engine turned firewall with a set of built in gages like the guys used to do in the 50s

[@IronTrapGarage]

Great Idea Gerry! That's definitely on my list of possible ideas. I love the gauges in the firewall idea! -Matt/ITG

[@billhonn2701]

Strip the firewall bare & heavily run a DA all over it. Wipe it clean with acetone to clean it. Tack rag it couple times for that extra cleanliness. Then clearcoat it. It looks damn gnarley & very old school. Knew a guy that did that on a 51 unchopped merc. And wow it made the engine compartment. And why do people chop a 49-51 merc .... Theyre beautiful from facory. And if you make the customizing subtle theyre very cool looking too. Im not a fan of a lot of shiny chrome. Saw too much of that in the late 80s & 90s. But thats my 2 cents. The older i get the more into functionality & RAT RODS i get. Maybe cause i was born in 1961 too. Fubctionality was KING .... Like Richatd Petty.......

[@tacobob4664]

Chrome the firewall!!! You just don't see chromed firewalls. And for the paint on the T a sanded and buffed brush paint job would look killer and period correct.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Bob, I am really torn on that. I think a chrome firewall would be so over the top! But I'm wondering if a tuck and roll firewall cover would be a little more cost effective! I'll need to address the firewall really soon so I need to make a decision quick! The paint will be shiny and buffed out. I want it to look like an old show car that had mile-deep lacquer. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@Beebeebobingee]

Day 7 of watching every episode of this series in order

[@nevstoy48]

Looking good M&M

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you! -Matt/ITG

[@niceperson709]

i like your new into guys

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks man! We got a new fancy camera that's a better quality and it made the old intro look really grainy! It's fun changing this stuff up every so often! Thanks for noticing. -Matt/ITG

[@jameswalker3416]

All that comes to mind when I see all that chrome is. Chrome won't get you home lol

[@IronTrapGarage]

But it will get you laid! -Matt/ITG

[@nealpurdy1202]

Starting projects is easy and fun its the finishing that kills me. How about white frame and engine block like all those late 50s show cars i second the engine turned stainless firewall with guages inset. Great job M&M

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Neal, yea I've been agonizing over a white frame or not. I agree it was one of those over-the-top things you'd see! I wanted to do white tuck and roll interior and accents so it may work well. Time will tell. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@jwaddle102]

Ditch the caps...show off those sweet chrome wheels!!!!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Nope. The car needs flipper caps to fit the style/vision I have. Chrome wheels are there to add chrome details around the caps and also on the inside of the wheel around the chrome drums and suspension parts. I got a vision I swear! -Matt/ITG

[@robbieautrey3158]

A BIG NOOOOOO one the Tuck and Roll, you guys are better than that. I do like the idea of using some gauges on it. Oh and keep it on the ground!! ;o)

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for the input Robbie, that's the great thing about this community is hearing everyone's opinion on different topics. I still need to think more on it! Thanks for watching. -Matt/ITG

[@bryanashford7955]

Hi M and M, great video,love them. A query on setting up the front spring, on my Model A roadster . With 37 Ford front end , I've pulled old 37 spring. How do I work out the length of the new model A spring. I have new perch bolts and spring shackles 1 3/4. Thanks Bryan

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Bryan, the way I've measured is using the way Posies measures. They say to measure the distance between the perches and add subtract the shackle measurements and that's your spring length. Posies or Pete and Jakes have good info on their sites. Hope that helps! -Matt/ITG

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

How's the channeled sports coupe hot rod coming ? I love channeled Model A coupes

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Gerry, A viewer approached me about buying the car and taking over the project and it has moved on to a new home. I am sad, but I needed to focus on the Free-T and the Sweetheart Roadster more! Thanks for watching. -Matt/ITG

[@gerrymilidantri6457]

@@IronTrapGarage dam I should have bought it!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Sorry! Never hurts to ask! ;)

[@olivedrabgarage6243]

Matt....here's the product I was talking about. alsacorp.com/product/easy-chrome/

[@charlesdyer2376]

How about a flat head conversion for the tractor, gotta have flat motor power !!!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha If I had unlimited time and money! -Matt/ITG

[@lbindert]

Hey, talking about chrome, I have a new roll of chrome vinyl wrap that I'd trade for a flathead head to hang on the wall.

[@IronTrapGarage]

I probably have a stock flathead head laying around somewhere I'd send ya. Email us your address and I'll send one out! [e-mail] -Matt/ITG

[@punkinsgarageandpaint8299]

Pleated bead roller firewall would be cool

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks for weighing in Gene! -Matt/ITG

[@robertmartin2387]

Cover the chrome drums with a chrome wheel and then cover it all up with a chrome hub cap??

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep Baller shit. This is what the big show cars were doing back in the day so every square inch was shiny. Look at some old magazines and watch some old hot rod documentaries. You'll see this isn't anything new. -Matt/ITG

[@SpeedandChromeTV]

Almost a year since an update. Come on man, whats going on?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Was busy building the free t and lots of other stuff. Progress coming soon.

[@SpeedandChromeTV]

@@IronTrapGarage Good deal, enjoying the build I just picked up a '32 Ford Roadster project. Plans are for a 327 and a four speed cause thats what I have laying around.

[@rafatrill]

U should rename it polish-T or shiny-T or chrome-T. U should chrome the frame that would be badass

[@jameswalker3416]

Besides the fact that its q model a and not the free t

[@johnmaguire8689]

Pull those hub caps off. I like the chrome rims

[@IronTrapGarage]

Chrome rims are even cooler when they're covered by polished stainless flipper caps. Remember the guys back in the indoor car show days were trying to outdo each other and this is the sort of thing they'd do just to get a chrome lip around the stainless caps. Thanks for weighing in! -Matt/ITG

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha that would be a funny name! -Matt/ITG

[@markgriffin4888]

In a earlier episode when you removed and checked the engine in the '50s Chevrolet you were thinking of replacing it with a 350 why not use a Jimmy "big block 6" instead

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Mark, my sense came back to me and I have an old "Hot 6" 235 engine from a stock car I'm having rebuilt shortly to put back in my 52 Chevy. A 350 is just not "me". It'll stay old and period correct! Thanks for watching Mark! -Matt/ITG

[@Frankinsteinguitar]

Why wheel covers over chrome rims?????

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Claire, It's for a few different reasons. #1 You always see the lips of the wheels and the chrome lips blend into a polished stainless wheel cover and creates a more "dramatic" effect. #2 Knowing I was doing chrome suspension parts it helps make everything "pop" on the inside of the wheel around the drums and all. #3 I can easily change the "look" of the car by running smaller center caps and showing the chrome wheel, leaves room for more options down the road. Small details like this are things I obsess over and doesn't always make sense to the "sane" haha. Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@Survive2022]

Chrome?! You mean, man jewelry!

[@IronTrapGarage]

Haha exactly!! -Matt/ITG

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Hub caps over chrome wheels? You do know that that is the definition of a rich man...

[@IronTrapGarage]

Yep! This car is being built like a wild 50's show car out of the little books. Think of a car that Winfield, Barris, Watson, etc. would have built in the early to mid 50's! I have a patina car, I have the T that would be my "street and strip" car and I want to build this nostalgic "show car" next. It's all just exercising these builds I have floating around in my head! It'll be worth the work! -Matt/ITG

[@kevinroberts5247]

How about some content on the dodge truck?

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Kevin, unfortunately I cut some stagnant projects loose this summer when buyers approached me and the truck has moved on. I haven't touched it in so long and my heart wasn't in the truck anymore so I didn't want to let it sit and rust any longer. Sorry! -Matt/ITG

[@bensonsspeedshop1191]

🙁

[@kevinroberts5247]

@@IronTrapGarage I understand completely, I have an old 30s Studebaker truck project that has been waiting years for some love. Been thinking of building a woodie wagon from it.

[@MrJeep75]

Just paint the firewall white

[@IronTrapGarage]

That's the easy way out and I you should know I don't do that! -Matt/ITG

[@MrJeep75]

@@IronTrapGarage putting material on the firewall just sounds stupid I think it will look the same

[@EastTxCobb]

Polished firewall but no antennas man

[@IronTrapGarage]

That's to be seen. They be sunken in so you wouldn't really notice them at first glance. Think of a Bill Hines style antenna setup. I'll make the decision as I go, but I think it would be cool. Back in the day a cool radio was a MUST in an old show car. You needed one for the drive-In when "neckin" with your little lady! Thanks for watching! -Matt/ITG

[@EastTxCobb]

IronTrap Garage whatever you decide I know you'll make it look tasteful, You reminded me of the gene Winfield story of him installing an antenna on his car with a fox tail but no radio lol. Whether it's picking barn finds or Tech videos I enjoy the content on this channel and always smash the thumbs-up. Thanks Matt

[@barryphillips7327]

Why would you want to fuck about with a poxy scooter when you play with ''cool'' old hot rods????

[@mackdickson1209]

Hey guys, lovin the work your doing restoring the roadster. Its been about 3 months since the last vid, hows things going. I would love to see the progress (if any), I know you've had a few distractions.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Hi Mack, once the Free-T is back from paint and assembled I'll be going hard on the Sweetheart Roadster again. I had to focus on one car to get one done this year. I'll be back on this one real soon! Sorry for the silence on this one! -Matt/ITG