Building A Custom Front Nerf Bar Bumper For The Sweetheart Roadster

[@rupertbaskerville]

Looks awesome! The bumper, grille, and headlights work so well together. I'm so excited to see it finished. Hopefully it inspires even more people to go for the late 50's early 60's show rod look.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! I’d love to see more people get creative and start building cars from this era as well. It often gets overshadowed by the dry lakes era stuff but it’s equally as important in the history of hot rodding!

[@JohnRHealy-d7f]

The process is what makes it amazing. This is what drew me to your channel in the first place: seeing how it's done. As a youth, I wasn't attracted to channeled, chopped and customized (fiberglass etc), in fact, wasn't enthused about the double headlights. But, seeing the love you show towards these old metal dinosaurs and the passion of all in, gives me an unknown appreciation. Thank you Matt!

[@edwardmartin3069]

Excellent results with the front nerf bar... Classic design with the subtle inclusion of the front grill peak into the front connecter makes an elegant statement. Cutting, bending, and welding the front ovals was a fantastic demonstration of skill; but we always just bent up two U-shapes and cut them to the same lengths to make identical shapes. It was much faster up front and didn't add a ton of work to hide the weld joints since the bars are rough anyway. Most of the raw stock we had was sucker rod from the oil fields which was a bit harder to work due to its higher nickel content, but it also was a lot stronger, like the chrome-vanadium steels from Model Ts. I made great bumpers that you didn't have to worry about bumping curbs and stuff. You could actually push with them... Good luck with the rear design. You are right about needing to keep it simple due to what-all is already going on back there ... maybe a single narrow loop across the back, centered on the bottom accent body line with a small dip to go under the license plate cavity...?? The widest center opening would be about three times the diameter of the bar or the width of the bottom body accent line. That way, the dip would almost touch the accent line, but not quite...

[@coyote8198]

I can't wait for the frontend to be chromed out on Sweetheart Rodster the coming months before car shows start up.

[@anthonyvisnesky6656]

What a beautiful and fitting tribute to the " show rods" built in my era! I'm 76.

[@peterbellwood5412]

Got to be my favourite era Anthony. Everything seemed so Gray and boring in mid-50s UK. Then I discovered hot rods and customs! Oh man.🤗

[@billtaylor5853]

Better and better. And that lineup of cars as your backdrop is totally killer!

[@robertahrens9481]

Steve seams to be really great help. And the two of u get along well. Hard to find help like that!

[@alseidel5622]

Steve is definitely more than : Man Friday. Sweet look to a neat car.

[@PepeofCalif]

Almost ready for the 1960 Show Circuit ~ Outlaw Ed Roth would Approve !

[@steveclark4291]

Thank you Matt , Steve and Mike for the update on the Sweetheart Roadster ! It's looking sweet !

[@pappete9988]

Sweetheart keeps getting better looking with every step

[@h5mind373]

I like how you say you look at the car and see what it tells you it needs to look like- very cool! 'Zen and the Art of Rod Building'.

[@charlesyoung7436]

The fabrication process looked like Matt was constructing a giant paperclip. The finished product resembles a pair of spectacles (reading glasses for the four eyed Ford, of course).

[@IronTrapGarage]

Love that Zen and Art of Hot Rod Building! Sounds like a good book!

[@williamward7707]

@@IronTrapGarage You listen well to the cars grasshopper

[@peterbellwood5412]

@@IronTrapGarage Hi Matt. There's a load on HAMB about that. Fascinating. I first came across the term in the early '60s👍

[@DuckReach432]

Looks really good. I can't wait for the day when there's a Hot Rod show and the finished Sweetheart Roadster is parked there. On the grass, in the sun, looking amazing.

[@murdoc6501]

Absolutely perfect for the car! The shape mimics the headlights and is such a compliment to the front end and design of the car! I have said it before and I will say it again, I think someone is building an AMBR contender! Go Iron Trap, keep moving forward!

[@WACRE44]

Going to be a great show car Bro !

[@derekscott1650]

Love it, this channel reminds me of all those AMT 3 in 1 kits I built growing up.

[@87mini]

Oh yeah!!! Street, Race or Custom!!! Then use the leftover pieces to customize other models! Those were the days! 😁

[@peterbellwood5412]

@@87mini '27 T, '32 , '40 Fords

[@jamesbickford282]

I've been watching about four years, your ideas and style I think are how the hot rod builders of old would have done it . Never been disappointed in any of the videos, keep up the excellent work.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Wow, thanks!

[@soelund1]

I can only agree, but there's a few fundamental differences worth to have in mind. Consider the year is 1960 and you're a young guy out of a hard working blue-collar family. There were still millions of early Ford's out there, approaching the end of their first life as daily drivers or recently disposed off to scrapyards or peoples back-yards, from where you could pick a faded, worn, but fairly functional car for no money, and fix it up with little skills and efford. Early Fords was not yet considered "vintage cars" and nobody cared about their history more than you would care about the history of a worn down 1997 Crown Victoria today. No doubt that what a typical young street-rodder really dreamed about in 1960, was a shiny new high performance Corvette or T-bird, 10 times out of your financial reach, the obvious alternative was picking a 283 sbc from a total'ed Chevy as they already became available on the scrap-yards, hop it up and drop it into a little light Ford chassis. Now you have something that performs - maybe even feels - like a modern Corvette, so next part of the project is to see if you can make it look just as sexy as a Corvette. The dual headlight and fancy chrome bumper is a good example of that as it resembled the latest design features of 1958-60 Chevys and Vettes. And there was no such thing as a "patina" car, let alone "fake patina" in 1960, cuz no youngster wanted neither their car nor their girlfriend to look old and faded in 1960, so when some street-rods back then looked like today's "patina-cars", it's only because they were saving money for a fantastic paint-job but just couldn't wait driving the car. Hotrod's made for racing was a different story as they was only made for the competition, and many of them was scrapped after the first day on the dirt track, but you rarely saw these cars on the street. So if Matt build his cars like a typical 1960 street-rodder (with Matt's skills and money) would've done it, they would all have fancy colors, loads of chrome and try to outshine and outperform the latest Corvette model. Matt on the other hand, represents a quite new style that was never heard of when I started hot-rodding in the 1980's. "Patina" didn't add any value to any vehicle back then - it rather did the opposite - and we didn't care about the history of the car unless it was pre-owned by a famous rock star. Not even a front page car from a Hotrod magazine was preserved. 10 years after the front page, it would've passed 2-3 more owners, have a different color, different engine, different wheels etc, so it took an archaeologist to know if it was once a famous car.

[@christianlutes5593]

Pushing beyond typical. Looks great.

[@mikakari9498]

Yes it’s cool, looks very old skool. There’s only one option in rear: The bumber needs to be one full oval, same like in front but only one circle. Going around tail lights and license plate.

[@garyhughes9199]

Yes sir, bumper is a great look! Trying to picture what it would look like with the headlights mounted behind the bumpers. But as it sits, you nailed it. This like all your builds, is a head turner.

[@WACRE44]

That bench is a good investment

[@russ533mj]

That bumber looks fantastic. You should be very proud.

[@douglaszera3564]

Nice job Matt and Steve !!!! You nailed it perfect for the car

[@tomfortson5147]

Great process, Matt! The Nerf bars look spot on. Looking forward to seeing your finished product front and rear!

[@robertszymanski7804]

As alwaysl, Matt your artistic eye and down to earth fabrication skills we can all relate to are phenomenal!!❤the look😎 Also loved the beach blanket 60s music during the first 10 minutes or so. I reallly expected Annette Funicello to come through the back door at any second 🤣😂😅

[@peterbellwood5412]

and Tommy Ivo in his T

[@TrashcanGarage]

No "expert" opinions here. Just admiring the mad skillz and appreciating the time and effort that's going into this. Thanks for taking us along for the ride as this comes together from idea to reality.

[@farmallpaul4518]

Our sweetheart now has glasses! Looks great!

[@wolfgangricky]

I used to work for a plating biz in Sellersville, Pa. My job was to chrome many things. They have a space where there is a buffer guy who cleans & polishes the metal before plating it. Not sure if it's still there, but the guy i worked for was cool. Bet if still like that, he'd let you sit in & work/film, doing the chroming. Ty for taking us along

[@hotrodmyk]

Perfect, bumper looks great. Certainly caught the era look.

[@frankjones4094]

Really good to see you plugging away on this build. I'm enjoying every minute that you share with us, but man, I can't wait to see it finished.

[@kenstevens5675]

The bumper- nerf bar looks like it belongs there, very nice.

[@robertsummers5246]

Very nice! As I would expect. Look forward to the rear bumper.

[@randomyank7777]

I thought it turned out great ! I noticed the picture of the car with similar , if not identical , tail-lights . It was very much the same idea . It looks great on the car , & definitely custom . Again , a lot of work goes into it , but the outcome is something you can't buy off the shelf . I was beginning to question that very issue , steering interference , when you mentioned it . A degree or two won't be missed , & I have no doubts the one driving it will feel the tire rubbing , if they go too far . Lol . Just have to anticipate the turns earlier is all . Great job , guys !

[@thomasmlandgraf5015]

The front bumper looks awesome. Keep up the great work. The car is really coming along great and in line the other cars in the background .

[@bengone3349]

Looks great! I love seeing your talent used on things like this. It exhibits all the professional tips and tricks for creating intricate parts. Well done Matt!

[@melchilds4935]

Love it, looks like the 50 style all the way around. Keep up the great work guy’s.

[@robertvandalsem94]

Thats slick, very early Hot Rod magazine-ish. I cant wait for this one to be finished....

[@dombutler7685]

Looks like it was always there! Awesome work Matt!

[@vinnyvrg]

The finished look here ties in real nice with the headlights. Well done

[@chuckschultz7028]

Classic design! That set-up table really works great too.

[@LateKnight666]

didnt think i was going to like it, but the second you put up that mock up, i loved it, looks so rad

[@billywird]

Yes sir, that nerf bumper setup looks really good. Until you mentioned it, I did not even think about the turning radius of the front end and the clearance between the tires and the ends of the bumpers. Oh well you can't have everything.

[@RyanRuggiero-n8n]

love the addition, looks like it was always there

[@72NewportGuy]

The bumper is a very creative design! Nice!

[@gkanderson92]

I'd say, it's a winner! Perfect shape between the two ovals. Really digg'n the front end look.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thank you!

[@allancompton6912]

Matt you have a good fabrication skills. Love watching your work. 😊

[@matthewschneider2089]

Dude!!! Great video!!! Maybe a couple of speed holes in the brackets!!?? One day (60yrs) from now, and someone is going to find this car and restore it to its Glory!!! And it will be in roadster show on the Moon!!! A iron trap creation!!!! Lol!!!✌️

[@Mopar46]

Nailed it again with the look, as we've come to expect. Thanks for showing the process; appreciate it.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Much appreciated!

[@TrendsbySterling]

Nice bumper, goes good with the headlights Matt!

[@timothycrowhurst1249]

I like the look. It's a great compliment to the front end. My wife said it kind of looks like someone looking over their glasses. If you didn't have the head lights mounted already, putting in the bumper would be a unique look as well.

[@87mini]

Beautiful work! I used to see things like this come into my buddy's dad's plating shop in the 60's. I wonder if you could get a break on the chrome plating if you made it a field trip to the plating shop to show us how they do that nowadays? It would have to be a clean shop that wanted publicity... but that would be really interesting.

[@classactkirk]

It's a giant pair of reading glasses..I really think it needed 2 peaks to change that look but also since you have 2 headlights.i don't know. I really loved the bar you took inspiration from.

[@avianfish8732]

Good job. I like the windscreen too.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Thanks! 👍

[@daleolson7205]

Looks great! Personally I would fill the front of the frame horns with a little strip, hide the inside of the channel.

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s on the to do list. One thing at a time

[@jimboyokel]

Looks awesome. Really goes well with the headlights.

[@tinbadge]

I was thinking the very same thing!👍

[@toddbreitenstein8522]

I like how the shape compliments the double headlights. Cool car, coming together nicely!

[@edwardsterritt4598]

Brings the double headlights together looks good

[@thomasmitchell6921]

Coating= Mill Scale , This is perfect with the dual headlights 😊

[@donhoughton271]

Looks very radd for the rod 👍 👌 😊

[@richardholden3039]

I love what you have with the front bumper, I made one a lot like it for my 34 ford pickup.

[@dalemarshall4878]

An "M" or ITG medallion would look cool on there.

[@williameholt6364]

Just loved this episode! More. More!

[@patofdubois1]

Well done!

[@donwoolley1811]

I enjoyed the vid and admire your skills. When you were doing your mockup I was thinking how I would would do it in Photoshop. Different skill set, I am a designer. And then there is the Chip Foose skill set. My own approach is to try for 2 or 3 mockups as I find that really gets the creative juices flowing. It looks good, definitely period correct.

[@tonydavis5073]

They painted cars in the 50’s and 60’s. Let’s see some paint later on going onto those beautiful machines!

[@IronTrapGarage]

This car is getting painted.

[@timredford6608]

Really like your style and future idea's for this project also I like to see a lot of chrome work on cars.looking forward to your next video 📹. Thanks Tim.

[@mikaelgeske1546]

That came out really well. Looking awesome!

[@rayk9315]

A great look for the roadster. I think you should box those frame horns; it would make it look more custom.

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s on the to-do list. One thing at a time.

[@johnbaker7621]

Looks like one of the models I did in the 1960s

[@barneypierce6811]

Well done! Thank you

[@study650]

Bumpers are very nice.

[@BryanFleming-c2q]

You’re doing really great work. It’s crazy to think you might be the next Gene Winfield!

[@delorean-mm6sk]

you'll need white shag carpet and bass boat paint!

[@theodoreko2700]

Nice after looking at it i vision two bars like u got in the center one on top and one on bottom. Then take the center one out and design the Ford V-8 ensign in the middle of the two bars

[@bradeastham5494]

Yeah I like it! At first I Was thinking it needed something extra? But it’s perfect anymore would be too much. 👌🏻

[@jessphuqette1716]

Fabricator extroadinar. Bravo 👌

[@FunWithHOScaleStuff]

Very pretty car. The final will really stand out at shows.

[@jamesmailly7990]

‘60 style top fuel push bar for the rear bumper 26:05

[@mattomon1045]

cool bumpers Matt

[@birdseyeview1543]

Oh......well why didn't you just say you were making the classic "Granny Glasses" front bumper.....lol. Perfect shape with those headlights!

[@andrewhughes1949]

Another cool kustom piece

[@jimpuglisi7973]

Looks great I need a set for my 30 model a

[@markrandall1456]

I wasn’t convinced on the headlights. I think the bumper tied it together and I like the way it looks. Nice job. I saw snow on someone’s boots coming through the door in the intro. 🥶How is the wood furnace doing?

[@josephpalen7149]

I've said this before but I would keep it all raw metal with no chrome. Show all your hard work and attention to detail. Strut your stuff!

[@1954shadow]

Vote of approval!

[@ole-erikbuholth734]

Nice 👍 I find inspiration on this channel all the time.

[@reuben1974]

Fricken awesome! Your nailing the perfect look 👍👍👍👍👍

[@shotsrodder]

I was going to suggest the fixture that you created on your table to bend the rod to save your hands 😂 I guess pain prevails 😬 nice job Matt 👍

[@MatthewFocke]

It’s the boss-man! Love it.

[@tedschuhle4956]

I would cap the ends of the horns if possible. It draws the eye

[@IronTrapGarage]

It’s on the to do list.

[@allanrichards3752]

That looks good now and I think makes the twin headlights more part of the car. Personally, I'm still not sure about the looks of those. I was wondering what the first small oval you made, that was the size of the headlights, would look like mounted around the headlights.?

[@xbbuell]

looks good, but it looks kind of flat next to the grill. I think if it was v'ed slightly it would fit in better. keep up the great content!

[@barryhickman6911]

Loving those hand made Nerf bars for sure!

[@shotsrodder]

Shop is looking good 👍

[@charlesrives9092]

Looks really nice.

[@simonevans343]

Nitro cool , lovely looking hotrod

[@brianlohr3412]

love the bumper !!!!

[@lordleonusa]

Another awesome video, those bumpers look great.

[@Ecosse57]

really digging it! wondering if you're going to keep the filler cap on the radiator shell.

[@IronTrapGarage]

Nope gonna fill and peak

[@Joelcoupe]

The bumper reminds me of an old pair of spectacles

[@benhumphries8325]

Looks awesome that is going to be a bad ass car.

[@craigtittsworth9440]

Looks Great!!