Mattml430 Posted May 15, 2021 Author Share Posted May 15, 2021 5 hours ago, nearchoclatetown said: Matt, a buddy has a gismo that checks the whole electrical system, It is handheld and you go through a series of checks on command. It can tell a problem in any part of the system. When he got it he checked my son's car before my son went back to college. It said there was a bad cell in the battery but it had always started and never gave any trouble. I was skeptical but replaced it as college was 5 hours away. Traded it for my tractor battery and sent my son on the way. A week later it took a dump. The gismo cost $1000. Maybe someone there has one? I like your idea of hiding the alternator in a shell. That sounds like a good tool to have Doug. I was prepared to buy another alternator but the auto elec wants to check it out on the car first. I think there is something wrong in the reg or something like that. I hope he finds that I’ve done something wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 17, 2021 Author Share Posted May 17, 2021 Slowly slowly with the upholstery. Did a rear corner tonight after dinner and I think it will work out ok. Im not going to have removable rear quarter panels. It’s just more places for water to get in. my top side panels will be attached to the rear quarter curtains and then the complete top is going over the whole lot to create the side curve. It’s definitely very challenging for a novice upholster , but I’m enjoying it. I haven’t figured out the front corners yet but a few more sleeps and it should come to me. A pic of the rear quarter, it’s just sitting there and needs to be cut down to size. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 20, 2021 Author Share Posted May 20, 2021 Well I’m about to try and sew all this together 😬it looked so much less confusing on the roadster. wish me luck anything could happen from here. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 20, 2021 Author Share Posted May 20, 2021 Got the inner top sides all sewn onto the back corners. It won’t be to bad once fixed at the front and back. I need to unpick the right hand rear top corner and lift it 1/2” to get that ripple out of the back. I’m going to have a folded seem on the side of the main top that will follow the mid bow. It will eliminate any seems on the top completely so hopefully help keep the water out if ever it is out in the rain. I must say it’s very difficult to get all this right but getting there. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlong Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 Quote Matt, is that a 38 dodge beside your car? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 20, 2021 Author Share Posted May 20, 2021 4 hours ago, dlong said: Yes Derek it sure is. It’s one of our club members cars he wants me to fix a door handle and touch up a bit of paint work on the rear quarter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 20, 2021 Share Posted May 20, 2021 Matt, as particular as you are I am positive that top will turn out just right. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dlong Posted May 21, 2021 Share Posted May 21, 2021 I have a 1938 Canadian Dodge D10. Great car. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 21, 2021 Author Share Posted May 21, 2021 6 hours ago, dlong said: I have a 1938 Canadian Dodge D10. Great car. It looks great Derek, nice little van behind it. I’de love the steering box out of it in the roadster they seem to be so light and smooth to turn. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 21, 2021 Author Share Posted May 21, 2021 Quite sewing tonight as I bent the needle and put the hook timing out on the needle and bobbin. First needle I’ve broken so can’t complain. Picked up a new alternator today so I’ll try pull that out over the weekend and see if replacing the regulator and brushes will fix it before having to turn the new one down. Took the roadster for a bit of a drive down to the auto electrician today and he checked all the wiring and said it was all ok so hopefully the new reg will fix the issue. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share Posted May 22, 2021 (edited) Had some success with the alternator/generator idea. Changed over the complete rear end of the new alternator onto the one I turned down and all it good it’s charging up around 7.5 amps at cruising engine speed. It obviously doesn’t run as fast as It normally would but it should be enough to keep everything going ok. Edited May 22, 2021 by Mattml430 (see edit history) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 Sounds like it's time for a road trip. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 Matt if you le3ave Monday you should be here by weekend 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share Posted May 22, 2021 Yep we’re going for a little drive in the morning. Don’t know where but probably not in the direction of WA Ronny hahah. Got a few little jobs done today that I wanted to get out of the way. Ive placed a Phillips screw in the generator for you Ron and Doug just to keep up the standard. 😂 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 22, 2021 Author Share Posted May 22, 2021 Bit more progress on the top tonight. Well it’s definitely not prize winning but it’s as good as I can get it at this point. Now waiting on some more material as I under estimated how much I would need. I ordered 5Lm but it’s now where near enough. Still have the back to finish and make some hydem binding for the front and back. I’m reasonably happy with my side seam instead of 2 seams across the top of the roof. Don’t look to closely at the sewing on the side there it’s about 2/10. I put a bit of an eyebrow across the front because I think it gives old Daisy some attitude. 😂🤣 On the final fit up I will tidy all the front and corners up with the binding. As that gets stapled in !! I mean nailed in with little pins. 😁 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 1 hour ago, Mattml430 said: Bit more progress on the top tonight. Well it’s definitely not prize winning but it’s as good as I can get it at this point. Now waiting on some more material as I under estimated how much I would need. I ordered 5Lm but it’s now where near enough. Still have the back to finish and make some hydem binding for the front and back. I’m reasonably happy with my side seam instead of 2 seams across the top of the roof. Don’t look to closely at the sewing on the side there it’s about 2/10. I put a bit of an eyebrow across the front because I think it gives old Daisy some attitude. 😂🤣 On the final fit up I will tidy all the front and corners up with the binding. As that gets stapled in !! I mean nailed in with little pins. 😁 Matty I hope they are NOT Philips Head pins hahaha 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 22, 2021 Share Posted May 22, 2021 Ron, once again brilliant minds think alike. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 24, 2021 Author Share Posted May 24, 2021 Had a good day out on Sunday morning and the car went great. Alternator charge perfectly and we left the half completed top up because it was pretty fresh outside. It actually stayed together to my surprise which I thought was pretty cool. My oil pressure was dropping below 30psi after an hour or so of running so I pulled the oil pressure valve out and found the pin was slightly pitted. I think it’s been allowing oil past once it was hot. Swapped it out for a nicer spare one I had and oil pressure is over 30 now at about 45mph. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 27, 2021 Author Share Posted May 27, 2021 Done a little bit more on the top. this is the last bit I need to sew in before I fit it onto the bows permanently. Going to try do this tomorrow and then onto the rear and side curtains. Has anyone ever used Perspex for their side curtains. I’m thinking of having 2 that overlap so you can slide half of it open. Would still be a frame and canvas around the outside of the Perspex. Just thinking if it’s cold and I have the side curtains up, if I call into Macca’s drive through for a coffee or a Frappe I can just slide the window across. 😂🤣These a important things we have to think about. Hopefully some of the wrinkles here and there will come out once it’s all tightened up. 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aunty norm Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Hi! Matt, you should have more time to work on the top, now that we are all in lock down again! It is looking good! Was going to get those generators back to you at this month's meeting, but it has been cancelled. So I will work something out to get them back. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 27, 2021 Author Share Posted May 27, 2021 7 hours ago, aunty norm said: Hi! Matt, you should have more time to work on the top, now that we are all in lock down again! It is looking good! Was going to get those generators back to you at this month's meeting, but it has been cancelled. So I will work something out to get them back. Terry Thanks Terry , no rush to get them back mate. How did you go with yours did you get one working out of all of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 27, 2021 Share Posted May 27, 2021 Are you guys getting sick again? They just announced today they are ending masks the end of June. I hope so but I will believe it when I see it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 28, 2021 Author Share Posted May 28, 2021 3 hours ago, nearchoclatetown said: Are you guys getting sick again? They just announced today they are ending masks the end of June. I hope so but I will believe it when I see it. Yes we’re into a snap 7 day lockdown. Best to do that than wait until it’s out of control. Only in The beautiful Victoria though. 😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 28, 2021 Share Posted May 28, 2021 I have quit even listening to their nonsense. There was a Horseless Carriage, pre 1916, tour here last weekend. 4 DBs were there. Good to see real people I don't live with. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 29, 2021 Author Share Posted May 29, 2021 Spent the day on on the top today and got everything done except the side curtains. It’s definitely been the most challenging part of the whole car for me. I’m happy with the bulk of it but it’s a big fail on the back. I just couldn’t get it right, it was pretty hard. I will probably have another attempt at the complete top again a bit down the track. It will do for now and I’ll keep practicing my sewing. By having my rear side curtains attached to the top it made it hard to get the top over enough to get the puckering out. A lesson learned on that one. Smaller pieces would of been easier to get tightened up. Here’s a few pics of the good and bad of it all. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 29, 2021 Author Share Posted May 29, 2021 (edited) The Bad. I just couldn’t get that corner right. And for the screw police I’ve made some adjustments for them to keep the 2 of them happy. 😂😁 Edited May 29, 2021 by Mattml430 (see edit history) 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jari12 Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 (edited) 3 hours ago, Mattml430 said: The Bad. I just couldn’t get that corner right. And for the screw police I’ve made some adjustments for them to keep the 2 of them happy. 😂😁 Just stand back and look at the overall picture (like the rest of us) and a few little wrinkles won't even register. We are always our own biggest critics. The car and the top are beautiful. Edited May 29, 2021 by jari12 typo (see edit history) 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 I am impressed. It takes a big pair to attempt to do this the first time. I think you pulled it off quite well. I got material from a marine supply shop for the windows of my side curtains. I think you could get it from McMaster-Carr too, it's made of lexan and is flexible. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 3 hours ago, Mattml430 said: The Bad. I just couldn’t get that corner right. And for the screw police I’ve made some adjustments for them to keep the 2 of them happy. 😂😁 Thank you young man You are free to leave the court room 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 29, 2021 Author Share Posted May 29, 2021 9 hours ago, jari12 said: Just stand back and look at the overall picture (like the rest of us) and a few little wrinkles won't even register. We are always our own biggest critics. The car and the top are beautiful. Thanks fellas yes your probably correct about that. I am enjoying trying to make the top and can see what I have to do to correct the problem but when it’s piled up on the table to sew it doesn’t seem to work out so well. Overall I’m happy with my first attempt. 8 hours ago, nearchoclatetown said: I am impressed. It takes a big pair to attempt to do this the first time. I think you pulled it off quite well. I got material from a marine supply shop for the windows of my side curtains. I think you could get it from McMaster-Carr too, it's made of lexan and is flexible. That sounds like the stuff I was thinking about Doug. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Lawson Posted May 29, 2021 Share Posted May 29, 2021 Matt as Doug said, It takes bollocks to take on a job like this for the first time I am still plucking up the courage to start my upholstery Mate it isn't perfect but you have done your best AND it's not a "cheque book " restoration that has been shopped out Accolades to you mate you are a legend 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 30, 2021 Share Posted May 30, 2021 Not too much Ron or his head won't fit under that new top. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 30, 2021 Author Share Posted May 30, 2021 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nearchoclatetown Posted May 30, 2021 Share Posted May 30, 2021 Way to go, Ron!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 30, 2021 Author Share Posted May 30, 2021 This is my side curtain idea. I’ll wrap the frame in a double layer of canvas. I’m thinking it should work ok. just the front window slides. once it’s sewn in it shouldn’t move I hope. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gundog99 Posted May 30, 2021 Share Posted May 30, 2021 My Senior was fitted allround with 3,5mm toughened glass but I wish a sliding window had been made for the drivers side. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 31, 2021 Author Share Posted May 31, 2021 Did a bit of sewing on my side curtains and got the passenger side frame made. not fully fixed or finished yet. It will be getting a black rubber around the stainless edge to take the sharp look away from the corners. Im going on the inside of the post because I think it will seal better from rain coming off the windshield. It will be buttoned onto the windshield frame with 3 lift the dot clips. Im undecided on the top bit yet I’ll sleep on that one. I have the top pivot to contend with there. I don’t think any side curtains look fantastic but I’m hoping these will serve a practical use. They are only on in the rain and cold. Ahh yer I live in Melbourne they might get used a fair bit. inside view of the side curtain. I’m hoping that will keep out the bulk of the rain. They are always going to leak a bit I guess. I have some tricky edge trim to sew on all these edges. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichBad Posted May 31, 2021 Share Posted May 31, 2021 Looks awesome mate - the creases will may come out in a Melbourne cold wash:). Anyway, when it’s raining you’ll be on the inside so won’t see and when the sun’s out the top will be down! love the side curtains! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattml430 Posted May 31, 2021 Author Share Posted May 31, 2021 5 minutes ago, RichBad said: Looks awesome mate - the creases will may come out in a Melbourne cold wash:). Anyway, when it’s raining you’ll be on the inside so won’t see and when the sun’s out the top will be down! love the side curtains! Thanks Rich that’s a couple of good points 😂 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin bc Posted May 31, 2021 Share Posted May 31, 2021 Matt Whilst looking at your latest additions , the side curtains, I noticed the mounts for the the side curtains ( apparently known as Dawson Plugs), did you have them in the car or did you procure them. I have been searching all afternoon, and have had no joy other then some for a 1930 Caddy at about $80 each, or some A ford ones which don't look right for a Dodge. Will make some if can't buy them , but thought they would be reproduced by someone, do you know of any suppliers. Matt do you realise that soon you are going to run out of things to do after tea??? Kevin BC 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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