Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Here's A Great Big Woody Part 1

Heh heh.


Okay, the local theater group is doing a production of Grease and was in need of a "Greased Lightning". For the uninformed, Greased Lightning is the car of the show... pun intended. Anyhow because they were insane, disparate and feeling lucky, they approached lil' ol' me to whoop something up for 'em.

Who knows...

Because of space limitations on the small stage that the theater has, it had to be reduced down in size a bit. I measured out the stage, took some looks and decided I could build a Greased Lightning front end and reduce it to about a 3/4 scale. It'd all fit and it'd get the point of the car across in a pretty cool fashion. I searched the internet for a nice 57 chevy pic that gave me a good angle to work from. This one was it. Thanks to the folks at Familycar.com.

And so it went, building a 3/4 size 57 Chevy entirely outta wood. It's been said "that boy ain't right" and a knowing nod given in my direction... but somebody has to take care of the not being right thing. I documented it pretty well so here's some pics kinda in order. Sorta. Maybe. And for what it's worth, I'm not a pattern using type of feller, eyeball it and wing it and hope for the best.



Here's the beginning.










I used some material called Flexiply to form the curves of the fenders. This is basically thin plywood with all layers of the plywood having the grain run the same direction. This let's it bend fairly easy in one direction but still having quite a bit of strength laterally.















Ha, starting to get kinda satisfying now.

Next I had to build a bumper/grill so I laminated a whole mess of Poplar and rough cut it into some bumper like shapes. No beavers were harmed during this process.








I used a grinder meant for metal work, but with a different disc on it, to freehand shape the bumper parts before gluing them all together. This was just a helluva mess and if the weather would have been warmer I'd have done this outside.

I died 7 times while I did this part. I'm okay now.









And here's the bumper/grill assembly all glued and shaped and ready to hang on the car.








And there it be...









Bitchin' eh?




Then I had to make some bumperettes over on the lathe. Gotta have bumperettes. Ask anyone at Radio City Music Hall. They're all over the place there.









Now a smiling beefcake shot. I was waiting in the shop for her to come and take pics and had my pants off. She made me put them back on. I apologize to Sally and to you folks as well.










The bumper is painted and the bumperettes are on and most all of the woodworking is done. Makes me kinda giggle just looking at it.









So there you be. My blog post in the next day or two will have the finished product, paint and all and up on the stage.




J.




.

25 comments:

I Am Who I Am said...

Damn Cowguy...that's some mighty impressive woodwork you've done there.

Cora said...

Cowguy, that is SPECTACULAR!!!! I am so impressed! WOW!

You say you died 7 times, hmm? You have (had?) 9 lives, I take it? I'm so jealous right now.

Scope said...

And no fingers were lost in the process?

Anonymous said...

We thank you for putting your pants back on.

Great job!! A lot of work but obviously a blast to build. And now you're glad it's over. (BTDT)

Sassy Britches said...

Beyond impressive. That is so cool that you just eyeball things and use tools differently than what they're intended...genius I tell ya!

Tom said...

I made a nice plaque in shop with 4little hooks on it to hang keys from. I was feeling pretty good about my craftsman skills until I read this post and saw your pictures. Those skills are unbelievable. Music, comedy, cows, woodwork...What don't you do?

mo.stoneskin said...

You are a brilliant, brilliant man.

Can you make me one?

Sunny said...

Wow! Cool woodwork!

April said...

That is really good. You did an amazing job. My hubby does a lot of wood work and I helped him build a glider porch swing and will never help again. My job was to sand every stinkin piece. Not so much fun. Now I just drink a beer and watch.

Sally said...

Very cool! You do great work, Jace.

Candy's daily Dandy said...

Dang! I am humbled by your talent.

*snif* Grease is just my most favorite show, movie ever. *snif,sniffle* You done a greaser proud!

SJ said...

C'mon now, does it have to a Chevy?? ;) Looks great, anyway!

will said...

Candy at Candy's daily Dandy sent me the link to your site.

See, I understand what you're doing but I gotta ask, what sort of block are you dropping in the 57? Seems a short maple block should be enough until you build the rest of the car.

GL'sD said...

My goodness but you are a busy little beaver. Great work

Unknown said...

front ends and woodys
oh it's what you do to me....



really it looks amazing...great job!

Gwen said...

You are now my own personal Jesus! (Him being a carpenter and all, too.)

You are truly talented. I bow to your superiorness. And your ability to drink Jack and 7 until well beyond sunrise.

Pyzahn said...

WoW! That headline really catches your eye on the "blogs I follow" dashboard.

Or maybe I just watch too many repeats of Two and a Half Men.

Nej said...

Wow, wow, wow. I'm impressed. Can't wait to see the finished product!!!!!

Kim said...

Wow, wish I could be there to see her burnin' up the quarter mile.

Anonymous said...

Wow, awesome job! I can't wait to see her all finished!

Greenmare said...

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you are awesomely talented!!!! very very cool!

La Pixie said...

wow, that is so cool! I am amazed! I mean, you actually did that all by yourself?!? so talented. now I know who to go to when I need a Greased Lightening.

Jennifer and Sandi said...

WOW! That's awesome.......and here I thought greased lightning was a drink...hahaha....wild turkey mixed with some goldschlagger or sumpting......

~Sandi~

shortmama said...

Wow super sweet job! I am new to your blog and love it! Nice to see a guy around these parts. A little disppointed you pulled your pants back up though LOL

Sass said...

You amaze me, Cowguy.

Kinda like when my dad wanted to save money on orthodontics, so he decided he could weld me up some.

This is why I love you.