Hello from Memphis, TN

[Jefscoupe]

My name is Jeff and I live just north of Memphis, TN.
I've been a machinist for over 30 years and for the past 23 years I've worked for an international orthopedic implant company making knees, hips, etc. and the instrumentation used to install them.
I've been in their specialy departments for most of my time there.
I also do CNC programming, though they've rearranged some people and I don't get to do as much of that anymore.

I love cars and especially cars from the early 60s and back.
I have a 1955 Chevy 2dr wagon and a 32 Ford 3 window coupe that has been a long time project of mine.
I've hand made some small panels for it and made wheel tubs for the 55 on my HF english wheel.
I love metal shaping, but haven't gotten around to doing a whole lot of it and look forward to learning more from the people of this site.
I do know at least one member here. MP&C. From a couple other forums we frequent.

I fabricate as many parts for my cars and other projects that I can.
Whether by machining or hand forming.
I've been collecting sheet metal (and other) tools and equipment for many years.
I have: the afore mentioned english wheel, a 4 ft brake, planishing hammer, assorted hand tools, wire welder, gas torch and an old Lincoln "crackle box" for the heavy stuff. A bead roller, electric shears (don't know how I got along without those!), metal lathe, milling machine, some home made tools of different sorts and the usual assortment of mechanic's tools. Let's just say I've got a 20 X 40 shop and I can barely get a car in to work on it.

I also work with wood and like to do improvments to my yard and house.
I guess I'm a typical Jack of all trades and master of none.
Well...I'd like to think I'm a master machinist after 30+ years.

So, there you have it.
You guys have a lot of neat toys.
Can I play?

[MP&C]

Boy, sure would love to see some metalshaping on that 32!

Welcome Jeff!

[Joe Hartson]

Jeff, welcome and thanks for the great introduction. Sound like you have a couple of very nice projects that you are working on. Also have a good start on the metal shaping equipment. Your machinist skill will be a big asset with shaping metal because you can make the other tools and accessories and tooling you will need. Hope you enjoy the site. Thanks for joining us.

[HEATNBEAT]

Welcome to Allmetalshaping Jeff!

[Jefscoupe]

Thanks for the welcome guys.

The 32 is my next project Robert. Once I get the extension on the shop.
The 55 won't fit in the "other" end.
Here's a shot of my car back in 1954. Anyone that gets Rodder Journal may remember this shot from a center fold in issue #???. I can't remember now and I can't find it right off.



And as it sits today. The Pontiac motor will be coming out to make way for a 351 4V and 5 speed.


A little bit earlier shot just after I replaced the rear pan.
The red primer areas on the lower corners are the pieces I hand formed with hammers and a shot bag.


The car is actually an historic Hot Rod from the Memphis area.
I managed to meet the owner that had it in the 50s and 60s.
I bought the car from the guy he sold it to in the mid 60s.

I am soooo itchin' to get out and work on this thing again.
I'll make a post as soon as I do.
In the meantime, I'll read, ask questions and learn as much as I can from you guys.

[David Gardiner]

Hi Jeff, I like the '32 it looks best in the top photo. Looks like you have already started shaping stuff so keep up the good work.

David

[Jefscoupe]

I've had this car so long the styles have changed so much.
I originally was going to do the billet look as Lil John Buttera did back in the late 70s.
Then they started showing up everywhere.
Scratch that...(and I'm glad too)
Then I was going to go old school, put it back like it was in the 50s.
Then those started showing up everywhere.
Heck, I'll just throw it together, leave it ragged.
You guessed it, the rat rod craze started.
So, I'm planning a combination of all of them.
Something from the 30s: the body and a 39 Banjo wheel.
The 40s: Since I believe this car was probably chopped and channeled in the late 40s there's that.
The 50s: Black and White pleated interior (see photo below) and vintage S/W gages. Steel "big and littles" painted with wide whites. (I know, those were from the 40s as well, but hey...)
The 60s: 65 Mustang bucket seats. 67 Mustang GT 9 inch rear.
The 70s: 72 351 Cleveland engine (too many SBCs in 32s out there. and flatheads are too expensive now. I gotta be me.)
The 80s, 90s and naughtys...hmmmm maybe some suspension ideas, oh, a 5 speed tranny and hopefully, my own build process.
It'll be called "Time Traveler". Picking up bits and pieces through time.
Here's another shot at a show with the owner then (now deceased) and a pretty show girl with a trophy on the top of the car.
I colorized this myself. And yes that was the color at that time.
I used some color patches I found on the backside of the old grill to match best I could. The rest of the colors I just picked.
OK I can go on and on about cars, so I'll just stop.

[Peter Tommasini]

Welcome to metalshaping Jeff
Peter