Model A's on deuce frames just have something special about them. Someday I would like to build one for myself but don't now if I have it in me to build a car from scratch, or the economical funds to buy a titled 32 frame.
There's hasn't been a better time than now... in the US anyway... Shit is going cheap. I saw a '29 roadster this weekend... older restoration... running, driving, and bone stock. $10k. Hell, I thought about buying it and just replacing my coupe body with it for shits and giggles.
Cool guy that I met at the PreWar Pileup last year in OK then again at Hot Rod Showdown this year. That car is just right.
Great looking little car. I love that it's not riddled with all the highly coveted vintage parts or some ancient beer can radiator overflow or other modern interpretation of days gone by (not that there's anything wrong with that). Basically it doesn't look like it's trying to be something, it just is as Ryan said - honest.
Yes. Also—and maybe this is backwards—I’ve got nothing but love for those jet-straight Brookville bodies, flawless paint jobs, wild interiors stitched up by some eccentric wizard, and rare bits tucked in every corner. Those cars are killer. I mean it. But I like this better.
I've been doing some serious thinking lately, if I put aside some cash for a while, and sell the Mk1 Cortina it would be possible to buy something like you mention. Or a titled 32 chassi to build while waiting for a roadster body to show up for sale. We'll see, I have roadster fever for sure.
WOW! I don't know what to say. When I saw the yellow piece of paper in my seat, telling me that I had won an award, I was shocked. Then to find out what award it was, I was blown away. Thank you so much for the kind words and for the recognition. This is the first hot rod that I have ever built. I had a vision as to the direction I wanted to take it. Honestly, it turned out better than I ever dreamed it would. Better from my viewpoint. The car doesn't do much for some people. For others, it has a certain effect on them. I wanted it to look like it was built back in the day. I wrestled with a few things along the way, and have made some slight changes over the 3 years that it has been on the road. But for the most part, it's remained pretty much the same. Having never built a hot rod before, I wanted to be involved as much as I could. I had a lot of help in the build, and all those who participated allowed me to do as much of the work as I was able to do. I have learned a ton during the process and continue to learn as I go. There have been times when I thought about "finishing" it. But, I can't quit driving it long enough to do that. And frankly, I like it the way it is. The hot rod community has been so supportive and it has encouraged me a great deal. I looked for you, Ryan, after the awards presentation to thank you personally. I now know that you were not able to hang around. Thank you again for the great pictures and for recognizing what it was that I was trying to accomplish in this build. I am humbled indeed.
I’m honestly kind of stunned this is your first hot rod. But maybe that’s the secret—you haven’t been poisoned by years of overthinking and second-guessing. Yeah, well… those are the folks who haven’t done their homework. They’ve never really sat with that sweet spot in hot rod history—say, ’47 to ’52—when it was all raw instinct and necessity. In my opinion, it usually takes decades of driving hot rods to really understand a casual car like yours and the value it brings to the table over something that would be more generally appreciated. Normally, I’d scream don’t touch a goddamn thing. But you’ve got the right instincts. So do whatever the hell moves you. You’ve earned the wheel. More than anything though - thank you for bringing that car out. It really did inspire me... I'm in love with that damned thing. EDIT: ALSO, PM ME YOUR ADDRESS!!! I got a print for you...
Hell Yes! Such a badass guy and a badass car, that even my four year old can see it. That's why we gave him the Working Man's Award at the 2024 Pre-War Pileup. Glad to see him get the major recognition he deserves. -Seth
Really like that one, can’t help but think part of me liking it is following him online and seeing him driving it all over and having fun with it.
I’ve got a lot of half-formed thoughts about what it means for a car to be “finished,” and I didn’t realize how tied up they were in this roadster until I started obsessing over why it stuck with me so hard. When I first started The Jalopy Journal—thirty-some years ago—I could only dream of owning a finished car. And by “finished,” I mean the whole deal: paint, interior, details sorted, the works. Back then, most of us drove what we had. Projects in motion. Always something to tinker with, nothing ever truly done. And we liked it that way. Then I “finished” my ’38. Or at least got it close to the version I saw in my head. And honestly? It wasn’t as fun anymore. The moment it felt done, it got serious. Like the carefree part had been buffed out with the lacquer. For years after, I told myself I’d finally paint my Model A. I even harassed Lee Pratt about it on a regular basis. But I never pulled the trigger—mostly because I couldn’t stand the idea of it being off the road. And now? I’m kind of glad I never did. Don’t get me wrong—I love fully finished hot rods. I admire them the way you admire a knife made by a master: clean, purposeful, deadly. I just don’t like the idea of owning them. I like a car I can drive hard, beat on, and not lose sleep over. And the older I get, the more I love the look of a car that’s clearly lived a life on the road - especially if they are built to a period without compromise. That doesn’t mean I’m bagging on rich guy builds, or flying the flag for rat rods. This isn’t about categories. It’s about feeling. Lately, I’ve just been rediscovering what kind of hot rodder I really am—and I think I like the dust and wear more than the polish.
It's true here in Canada as well. 2 weeks ago I picked up a very nice running & driving 28 RPU for the equivalent of $8500 USD
As an expression from way back, " This is the real deal". The guy's first car and he hits the ball right out of the park. I am 84 years old and remember this type of car. Thanks for the memories.
@travisfromkansas kinda looks like jack’s roadster at a first glance in those black and white photos don’t ya think?
Damn cool Hot Rod, no doubt. "Honest" is a great description, the simplicity speaks volumes. A very tasteful and well executed theme throughout. Topped off with a well deserved award, please don't "finish" it.
I LOVE THIS CAR and the VIDEOS of them tooling around i could watch ALL nite..Congrats!!! And your 1st build!!!! I can see more to come outta this guy.. WOW......
It feels like I’m the only tech guy in the world in the hot rod scene… which means I’m also the only guy that doesn’t use social media.
Jason is a great guy who makes the rounds with his car. Ive hung out with him in both Maine drag racing and at TROG. He’s 308_rod_shop on instagram
And oddly enough they met at the Pre War Pileup last year and became fast friends from what I've heard. Like minded guys I guess
The Jalopy Journal
