Went to grandmas house, came home with a 28 Special coupe!

[Neil Mylar LakewoodCA]

Nice story. By the way, coupes with trunks are scarce. So many trunks have been converted to rumble seats. It may be a temptation to change it, but I hope you leave it like it is.
Neil

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Originally Posted by Special Coupe Frank

Hey Barry,

How did that L-B top-kit go on for you?

Previous owner did mine in black rubberized canvas, a la Sport Coupe... I would like to go with the correct sedan decking, but am a little intimidated by this project...

SC Frank

Hi Frank, sorry for the delay, I just noticed your thread. As I remember the top from L-B went pretty well. The new padding goes on first and spend time to get that even. Of course the rain gutters and trim have to be removed first and the rear window removed. The vinyl covering comes in two pieces, just do that part on a hot sunny day and follow the instructions. I did mine 30 years ago and it's held up well.... Barry

[Special Coupe Frank]

Originally Posted by Neil Mylar LakewoodCA

Nice story. By the way, coupes with trunks are scarce. So many trunks have been converted to rumble seats. It may be a temptation to change it, but I hope you leave it like it is.
Neil

Being the owner of a 49 A Special Coupe with botched & incomplete rumble conversion by someone before me, suggest leaving it as-is.

If you do decide to convert to a rumble, take the time to find original hinges and hardware. Repro stuff does not fit as good.


SC Frank

[Special Coupe Frank]

Originally Posted by Barry B./ Ma.

Hi Frank, sorry for the delay, I just noticed your thread. As I remember the top from L-B went pretty well. The new padding goes on first and spend time to get that even. Of course the rain gutters and trim have to be removed first and the rear window removed. The vinyl covering comes in two pieces, just do that part on a hot sunny day and follow the instructions. I did mine 30 years ago and it's held up well.... Barry

Barry,

What type padding did you use: cotton batting, or foam ?

Frank

[Barry B./ Ma.]

Originally Posted by Special Coupe Frank

Barry,

What type padding did you use: cotton batting, or foam ?

Frank

It came with the L-B kit and was soft cotton.

[RcT]

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I'm in Modesto and own a '29 Special Coupe. Let's talk. BTW, my car was originally a Pennsylvania car. [email protected]

[Bill in SoCal]

Originally Posted by AstroZombie

I think you're right about a B water pump, also it has later wheels on it too. The model A wheels are still in the barn.

Keep track of those wheels. You may want good original 21 inch wheels one day. It's a good idea to hold on to as many original parts as you can. Have fun with your 'new' car, Bill

[AstroZombie]

Boy it's been awhile since I've been on this site. But the coupe is coming along nicely. Since it came to me I have had two back surgeries, the last one being a spinal fusion only weeks ago. Progress is slow, but It's getting there.... Let me see if I can dig up a current photo or two!

[AstroZombie]

Here are some of the latest photos. Gosh there was a TON of bondo all over that top.
Before blasting, then while getting etch primed. Skin patches being done by my buddies at Boling Brothers Early Iron in Tulare CA, I will be doing the floor panels and top wood... Hopefully the wood "kit" is of good quality, I am by no means a woodworker!

[AstroZombie]

Originally Posted by Neil Mylar LakewoodCA

Nice story. By the way, coupes with trunks are scarce. So many trunks have been converted to rumble seats. It may be a temptation to change it, but I hope you leave it like it is.
Neil

Oh yeah, it's staying a trunk car. Grandma wasn't sure, but I guided her decision not to change it!

Originally Posted by Bill in SoCal

Keep track of those wheels. You may want good original 21 inch wheels one day. It's a good idea to hold on to as many original parts as you can. Have fun with your 'new' car, Bill

Thanks, we are going to go with the original wheels and I'll hang onto the 16's for a RPU project I have been building in my head...

I have a toolbox and rack in my garage with stock Ford parts. Nuts, bolts, etc. Everything gets saved. I'm not much of a stock guy, but I do very much get into the traditional style of hot rodding so many parts have many applications.

[Domino]

Congrats - and yo have a wonderful "grandma" . Yours will be a Merry Christmas for sure.

[c125bob]

Great thread, great pictures and a nice car. Keep updating us !

[Bill in Al]

Thanks for this thread and your Grandma! Oh boy do I love those Plymouth coupes.Merry Christmas to you and yours!-Bill

[chudm71]

Great History and Congrats.

[Afan]

Great to read and see all of this

[AstroZombie]

Originally Posted by Bill in Al

Thanks for this thread and your Grandma! Oh boy do I love those Plymouth coupes.Merry Christmas to you and yours!-Bill

Thanks so much everyone, I really appreciate it. Bill, sadly I sold the Plymouth... I had a guy offer me a cash deal I couldn't refuse at the time, and almost immediately regretted selling it.

I bought a 30 coupe runner (Barely!) that was restored probably in the early 80's, did the "gow job" early hot rod thing with it, T spring in the rear, reversed the front spring eyes, no fenders, and a HEAVY 5 inch haircut. (These photos, and builds I save for the HAMB since it's more traditional hot rod material) Drove it around for awhile and sold it to a great guy in the UK.

Right now the only early car in my stable is grandmas, which is my number one priority. I feel so bad I can't thrash on it and get it done right away for her due to my many surgeries and messed up back. She's happy to see ANY progress as she says, "It sat in the barn since the 70's, any progress is better than seeing it sit." I have to say I agree with her, my what a fantastic lady.

I will keep you all filled in as I go, I do need to source some parts, like fenders. Her rear ones were in horrible shape, I may be able to work with the fronts, but if I can find a full set in great condition I'd rather go that route. Do any of you guys have experience with the steel fenders Snyders sells? They sure are expensive, but if they're good quality I wouldn't mind getting them for her.

Of course I'll also start a "wanted" thread, but if anyone has a good set in the CA area they'd like to part with, let me know. The straighter, the better!

[JBill]

Looks to be in great shape! You want advice? Mine is to keep the trunk and not be tempted to go the rumble seat route. Wish somebody had given ME that advice!