In 1968 my Dad spotted an old Hot Rod for sale. He thought it would be a good project for him and his 15 year old son (me!).We bought the car ,and so began my lifelong passion for Hot Rods.After driving the Roadster to school for a couple of years I sold it for more practical transportation (40 Ford Coupe). I saw the car for several years after, at various Nor-Cal events , but it eventually disappeared. The car changed a lot thru the years and I may not have even recognized it any more, but it had some distinctive features! The roadster was a 1930 model A, with a 32 Frame and Grill.The body was channeled over the frame and had been welded to it. Here are some photos of the car........ 1968 1969 1969 Lodi Mini-Nats 1975 Lodi 1977 Western Nationals San Jose 1985 The last I knew of the car it was in the Modesto California area in the 1980s. I wanted to put this on the HAMB to see if anybody new anything about what might have become of my first love ?????
Hey Ron, the last I heard it was in Turlock. A guy named Charlie Brown, (really) has it. He blew up the motor, and it's in pieces. This was almost 10 years ago. The guy lays carpet for a living. Works for himself. I don't have any contact info. Dean (ps) I'll see if I can come up with a phone number.
How sore is your ass from kicking yourself for selling it? I've done that too. Seriously, hope you can track it down and hopefully bring it back home. Good luck.
Nice story Thanks for sharing. I really like this set up best. What was yours?, now that you look back.
That was how my Dad and I had built it ,and how it looked when I sold it, so that version has all the memories.....
Thanks Dean , I had no idea you had that information! I would love to at least see pictures of the car today.
Well if you had to replace the roadster with something practical I can't think of a better replacement than a maroon 40 coupe. Nice history lesson on the roadster.
I haven't been able to find much on Charlie Brown. He's kinda shady. I know he was laying carpet as an independent contractor. Don't know if calling the carpet stores and asking who puts down their carpet would get you anything. I think he was laying carpet in rentals too. Try calling some real estate places that deal with rentals. I heard he was scraping cars too. Don't know if you could find anything out if you checked with the local scrap yards. I'll keep looking for you, but my resources are limited from here.
Thanks Marcus , that car started a lifelong passion! Here is another photo I found of my best friends 39' Ford and my Roadster.
Wow nice ride. That thing has give me a ticket written all over it. heh heh he Fathers day coming up so be sure to thank your dad wether he is still around or not. I thank my dad all the time along with my mother for putting up with me & my wrecks. They have been in heaven for many years.
Great observation , I spent a lot of time on the side of the road with the Highway Patrol looking it over , even ran cycle fenders for a while to keep them happy! Pop is still around (82) and goes to a couple Car Shows a year with me.....I am very Blessed!
My first car ever was a 1974 Dodge Challenger which had been my Dad's daily driver for 15 years before I got it and I've always said I'd love to find that thing (assuming it still exists)
Sorry to hijack your post Ron..lol Here's me(DORK!) in my High School Ride,65 Mustang 289 convertible, circa 1988/89.This was the second car, since my first 289 64.5 Mustang coupe got wrapped around a tree drag racing a 67 RS Camaro in Fremont.
Your first love is exactly how I remember mid to late 60's California hot rods at their best. I grew up in Vacaville till late 65' when we moved to So Cal. Some days I really miss my home state, this thread stuck a chord. Heres hoping you find her.
you had a nice roadster - good luck finding it....do any of you Nor Cal guys know of a 30 on 32 rails with 32 fenders....it was my uncle's old ride sold around 1964 like this and running a Olds....out of Sacramento..
Hey Ron, I took a picture of your roadster at the Merced Nats in 1987. looked just like the 1985 photo above. Dig it out for you...Rich.
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