Guest backranch.com Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 (edited) I would like help in identifying the boattail roadster body that I've owned for 47 years.* passenger side door* steel body* steel sub-frame* had v'd windshield @ some time* remnants of windshield post still attached* o.a. length is 10', 1"* width is 42" @ widest...It was near Boise, Idaho when I purchased it. The seller couldn't tell me much about it.Any helpful thoughts would be appreciated. Edited July 18, 2012 by backranch.com (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted July 9, 2012 Share Posted July 9, 2012 That is cool. It went on a pre-30 chassis judging by the construction. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 I think that the body framing construction is that of a home-made body, circa late 1920s or early 1930s. The firewall is from a production car of the period. The body would make for an interesting looking car if restored on a vintage chassis.Grandpa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted July 10, 2012 Share Posted July 10, 2012 (edited) 1929 Plymouth firewall...here is a 1929 Plymouth sedan......same firewall. Did you say you have some of the frame or were you meaning the underbody skeletal structure? Got a photo? Edited July 10, 2012 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest backranch.com Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 That is cool. It went on a pre-30 chassis judging by the construction.Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillOutThere Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 Fabulous piece of yard art you have had for five decades. Now what? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Al Brass Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I don't believe the boattail firewall is the same as fitted to Plymouth shown. Both the openings and top part of the pressings are different.Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted July 11, 2012 Share Posted July 11, 2012 I don't believe the boattail firewall is the same as fitted to Plymouth shown. Both the openings and top part of the pressings are different.AlYes...clearly the boattail firewall has been modified with extra holes for the coil and other items. Look at the raised stamping design and the vacuum tank and brake master cylinder mounting holes....all in the very same place. The angle iron hood/radiator supports have been added. I still think it's the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prs519 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 (edited) They used to take that Soap box derby REAL serious, didn't they?! Does this body show evidence that it was ever mounted to a car? Maybe it was a world speed-record cast-off from the Salt Flats; I am reminded of that Englishman (forgive me, I forget his name) who used to hold the land speed record; it seems his cars hada similar look. Sir Malcom someone, I think. Pure top end would explain the minimalist concept, regarding the number of doors, etc. The name Campbell and thename Donald also come to mind? Anybody? Edited July 12, 2012 by prs519 addition (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willys77 Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 "Sir" Malcolm Campbell would be be my best (and final) answer! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 It appears that the top rear of the body was made from the hood of a mid to late 1930s car with the front (now facing the rear) re-formed to a more pointed shape. The bottom pictures of the rear of the boat tail body shows the remains of black paint on the rear panel. The black paint does not apear on the back side of other body panels.Grandpa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandpa Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 The attached picture is a 1939 Graham. The hood could have been used to make the top rear panel of the boat tail body.Grandpa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Al Brass Posted July 12, 2012 Share Posted July 12, 2012 Yes...clearly the boattail firewall has been modified with extra holes for the coil and other items. Look at the raised stamping design and the vacuum tank and brake master cylinder mounting holes....all in the very same place. The angle iron hood/radiator supports have been added. I still think it's the same.To me, the top rib of the central pressing is almost symmetrical on the Plymouth and quite aymmetrical on the boattail. Maybe I'm wrong !!Al Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keiser31 Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 (edited) Al...I think it's the angle shot I took of the Plymouth because I do know that the Plymouth firewalls are asymmetrical. So are the 1930 Plymouth firewalls....here is one that may be a little easier to determine....similar with strengthening ribs going off on an angle. Edited July 13, 2012 by keiser31 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest another Ratman Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I will make a wild uneducated guess.... It's either a Rickenbacker or a Hispano-Suiza. Glad to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I don't think you would see that sort of framing on a body mounted on a Hisso chassis. Given the construction techniques I would agree with non-factory/home built special of some sort. I think it would be cool mounted on a pre-30 chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dick380185 Posted July 13, 2012 Share Posted July 13, 2012 I can't help identify it, but for a homebuilt design, save for the many lumps and bumps...what was finished is a rather pleasing design from 10 feet away. (looking at the 2nd photo) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheMoneyPit Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I'm remembering an Essex boat-tail in Vermont - late 1970's - another long-shot? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prs519 Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 Recently there were pics of the Essex boattail(s) on one of the forums. Try googling. I believe this thing is massively long compared to the Essexbodies. Anyone say how long this thing is? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smithbrother Posted July 17, 2012 Share Posted July 17, 2012 I fairly sure it's NOT a Penski built piece, or a Miller design, lol.Dale in Indy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest prs519 Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I fairly sure it's NOT a Penski built piece, or a Miller design, lol.Dale in IndyThis seems to have the same proportions. Maybe it was the model for it.Vintage Cast Toy Car for Parts Repair | eBay Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest backranch.com Posted July 18, 2012 Share Posted July 18, 2012 I'm remembering an Essex boat-tail in Vermont - late 1970's - another long-shot?I Googled Essex roadster & came up with numerous photos. Here are a couple photos that makes me wonder if the builder didn't copy the Essex & maybe stretched the body to fit a longer chassis. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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