Got my Model A on the road and with a bit more tinkering to do it's getting pretty trustworthy. I also have started on a ground-up 60's style 145" wheelbase FED to have some fun, and also just to check the box "Build a Dragster". I'll be 70 in September and would still like to keep building, so I've started thinking about what it might be. I currently have a '23 T Roadster with a 215 aluminum Olds V-8, and my '31 Model A full-fendered coupe with a 2.5L S-10 engine and 4 speed. Both are fun cars and have their place. I think my wonderful bride prefers the '31 coupe......hands down! I've considered another T roadster, either a '23 with a turtledeck to give the illusion of practicality, or a '27 T to actually have some hope of trunk space for a dufflebag for an overnighter trip to a show, rod run or something. I'm thinking either would be fitted with a top, although neither would be full T windshield height. Another car I've considered in the past and it's popped back into my mind is a '33 Willys coupe which would also have some degree of practicality. I actually had one a couple years ago (bought it as a "never started project kit") but it was a 10" "stretch" wheelbase car and basically I fell out of love with it while building. If I were to build a '33 Willys, it would not be a nose-bleed-high, gasser wannabe, but I'd still envision a fairly aggressive stance and big-and-littles with substantial rear tire height and width. Now a real deal Willys is probably not in the cards but I wonder if anyone here has any experience with Scott Rods up in Ohio. They offer a fiberglass '33 Willys, and I would consider both an assembled body and at least a basic (or bare?) chassis package? If no-one has experience with their '33 Willys specifically, I would also be interested to hear about any experience with any other of the 'glass cars they offer. I'll say thank you in advance for input based on personal knowledge of Scott Rods. Lynn
Just 1 comment. But first, are you around 6 foot tall, and lack a little flexibility in the back? I compound that with 250 lbs. around about. And very wide feet (8E width). There's not a lot of room in a 23 body! I barely fit and I'm not afraid to admit it...
I'm between 5'9" and 5'10" and about 145# and fit in my current (3" channeled) '23 T pretty good, even with my relatively long legs. If I were to build another '23 T, I would probably mount the body un-channeled and gain the extra leg room. That being said, I'm really leaning toward another closed car though.....mostly for the practicality (protection from the elements) aspect. Thanks for the reply! Lynn
This is the best part of the build! However, it also is the place for the biggest mistakes! My thought is, only build something you truly love. Ron Main said it best, "The dreams we had at age 14 are the ones we hold all our lives." I'm done buying or building cars that are a "good deal", or are readily available. I shop nation wide, and only go after exactly what I want. Life is too short to waste it building something less.
Your post is full of truth! I've bought a couple cars that were right in front of me and were a good deal but the joy of the find was quickly lost for one reason or another after they were home. The '33 Willys I had a few years ago is a good example. Stupid Willys novice that I was didn't notice it was a "stretch" version until I got it home and really started looking at it. Instead of a 100" wheelbase it was about a 110" wheelbase car and after I installed a new narrowed rearend and mounted it with my own triangulated 4-bar, coilover rear suspension and also installed the front suspension is when I "fell out of love" with the car. Oh well....I did learn a few things during that process that I can always carry forward to the next project. Lynn
Lynn, don't give up on the '23 body, as you could fab a small luggage rack for the trips, quickly detachable. My only involvement with Scotts Rods, was a one piece nose for a 55 Chevy, great product, delivered when promised.
Thanks, Marty. Good to hear a good review of the part from Scott Rods. Also, good idea of a detachable rack to add practicality to a '23. I really like the '23 I built years ago, but when a car is finished you always seem to see the parts that make you think "I wish I would have........." Had the painter of that '55 sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his skill at painting? It's absolutely georgeous! BTW...what's the wheelbase on the yellow T? I'll guess about 100"? Lynn
Not to hijack your post, but if you are looking for another project with actual leg room, I have a 1928 Model A Sedan project that I have stalled out on, which I'm interested in selling. I got it as a running Hot Rod that was built in the 80s and needed a lot of corrections. I've made considerable progress on it, but I really just need to sell it off. you can PM me if you're interested in more details. The pic of it all together is before tearing it all apart and digging out actual inches of bondo in the quarter panels. Don't reply to this post... don't want to hijack your thread.
Dirk35......No hi-jack problem and I'm always open to options, so shot me more info about your '28 in a PM or give me a call at (573) 286-3335 (cell) or (573) 788-2574 (home/shop). Please leave a message with a call back number if I miss your call. Obviously, I'd be interested in knowing the price too. Lynn
Yes, stock wheelbase for T. Duane Olofson painted the '55, and my '40 PU as well. Mine is "right out of the gun", no cut, no buff. Yeah, he is good !
We are never satisfied and always thinking about that next project, like most people I have several rolling around in the back of my head but I'm trying to stay focused on the '65 Ford pickup, presently I am just gathering parts & wrapping up the house remodeling. HRP
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