1937 · Shop build — Hammer Fab Academy
IN PROGRESS — ACADEMY CLASS BUILD37 Ford Slantback
§ 01
THE BRIEF
This 1937 Ford Slantback is the car behind our upcoming metal shaping classes, part of Hammer Fab Academy. Come join us for hands-on training as we fix, modify, and build custom panels for this curvaceous classic — students work on real sheet metal on a real build, not scrap practice pieces. We like to call the direction modern mobster style: low, dark, and understated, with the body left recognizably '37 Ford. Underneath, the chassis is being set up for an LS engine — it will be dressed to look like a vintage Ford engine later — backed by a 4L80E transmission and a 9 inch rear end. Wide five billet wheels from Johnson's Rod Shop finish the stance.
§ 02 — Note from the shop
"Modern mobster style — curvaceous, low, and hand-shaped."
§ 03 — Build journal
The updates.
A living log of every meaningful moment on this build — new photos, short notes, and the milestones worth marking.
1 UPDATES · 1 MILESTONES
Milestones
- AUG 10, 2026— Slantback concept renderings
UPDATE 01 / 01
Aug 10, 2026
DESIGN MILESTONESlantback concept renderings
Highlander Concept Renderings laid out the direction for the Slantback — modern mobster style in two color studies. The car will be the hands-on teaching platform for our metal shaping classes as we fix, modify, and build custom panels for it.
J001
J002
J003§ 04 — Process
Chapter by chapter.
Every build is documented as it moves through the shop. Here's how this one came together.
C004The class car
Every panel on this Slantback is a teaching opportunity. Rust repair, modification, and scratch-built custom panels all happen in front of students during Hammer Fab Academy metal shaping classes.
C005Modern mobster stance
Low, dark, and clean. Chopped-looking proportions come from ride height and wheel choice rather than heavy body surgery — wide five billet wheels from Johnson's Rod Shop set the character.
C006Drivetrain plan
The chassis is being set up for an LS engine, later dressed to look like a vintage Ford mill, with a 4L80E transmission and a 9 inch rear end behind it.
§ 05 — Gallery
Frame by frame.
3 FRAMES · SHOT IN-HOUSE
G007G008G009§ 06 — Next steps
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