The Heavy Chevy Complete

I wanted to build a LPG for some time but had trouble finding the right plate. On a trip to my home town of New Paltz New York (I currently live in Scotland) I went into an antiques store that used to be a lumber yard my Dad was the manager of. On the wall, directly above where his desk used to sit, hung a 1962 NY license plate, as this plate was only 2 years older than me the deed was done, I found my tag! Thanks Dad, message received!I decided I wanted an all metal, 1960s aero/auto style build. Raw aluminium and black rubber reminds me of the hot rods, jets and go carts of my childhood so that’s the way I was going. I selected 4mm aluminium plate as my my main material. I model made, Molded and cast black plastic corners to give it a proper manufactured look and nice, contrasting, radiused corners.I had the internal neck mount welded locally out of ali box section as the wooden neck was shifting all over the place. After a LOT of cutting and tapping the basic construction was done. I only used a bandsaw, drill press, belt/disk sander and hand tools to shape everything. I chose a licence plate surround to finish the top edge with. I cut the slots for the twin lipstick pickups with a Dremel and a cutting wheel. I stained the wooden neck deep black and used screws for fret markers. The nut is threaded rod. I made up the bridge from aluminium angle and 6 string bridge parts. The control plate and bits were a purchased unit.I took the finish off of all the chrome to give it a worn look. Staying with the all-metal, “Detroit” look, I used giant domed nuts for volume and tone knobs (I’m keeping my secret for how I made these removable and snug fitting). The selector knob is a tire valve cap. I cut slabs of rubber and glued them onto the thigh rest (believe me this beast NEEDS supporting!) in a tire tread pattern. Finally I used Aluminium blackener and other “magic” substances to age all of the metal. I have it tuned to open Eebe for blues with a dramatic bass root note a’la Ry Cooder. A thin high e lets it squeal for leads. If nothing else this GOLIATH makes a great self defence weapon!!

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Comments

Tom Lauten March 18, 2018 at 1:07pm

Thanks John.
Uncle John March 18, 2018 at 11:46am

WOW! I like.
Paul Craig March 17, 2018 at 4:12pm

Looks great. Good job on the thigh rest. Lipstick Tubes always go well with reso's.
Darryl Tuttle March 17, 2018 at 3:40pm

Great work!

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