A re-introduction with a new-to-me '31 Ford Coupe nailhead

Hi all,

I introduced myself many years back but I have a new-to-me '31 Ford Coupe and saw some comments about introductions, so I figured I'd re-intro myself. I love a story, so I apologize in advance.

My background
As a teen and young adult the only guys I truly vibed with were the WW2-veteran Packard guys and the Ford Model T and A 'restorers' I'd meet at the Fredericksburg swap meet. At that time, it wasn't popular to show up with a daily-driver or beater which is what I could afford. So I didn't get into the show scene much (and really haven't ever). I much prefer to hang out with builders and mechanics than show-offs, so my goal has always been to know every nut and bolt.

Background of this '31 build
This car was 'commissioned' in 2005 in NJ as the owner wanted a '60's tribute hot rod in the vibe of 'TV' Tommy Ivo. The nailhead engine was chosen not just because of TV Tommy's multi-engined nailhead drag cars, but also because the nailhead was used in series with a second nailhead to fire up the Blackbird (and the owner was in the Air Force in the late-60s'). Much of the history of the build has been lost as the car was p***ed down, but the family is open to sharing more if able. (If the original owner is reading this, please add to this.)

I saw this '31 show up on BaT and it didn't sell there. Then it showed up on Hagerty. I have to admit, I'm more of a flat-black kind of guy, but I fell in love with the story just as much as the hot rod. I'm a ****er. You could not build the car for what it sold for, which I guess is often the case. However I'm not afraid of saying I paid more than most people would just for the privilege of owning it.

Notable details that I know
- 1931 Ford Model A (steel body, roof chopped 3”)
- Pete and Jake’s frame (and many parts purchased from P&J)
- 425ci “Nailhead” V8 sourced from a 1964 Buick, TH350 trans, Ford 9 inch rear
- Weiand drag manifold with Strombergs

My plans for the car
I'm going to stick with the '60's Ed Roth freaks and weirdos theme. I've ordered a Gennie shifter and an era-looking steering wheel. Eventually the interior will be white with an engine-turned dash, SW gauges. Wheels and tires will probably end up being chromies with 'pie plate' tires. But I haven't ruled out a nice set of polished wheels. The trunk was the last thing worked on it seems, and is not finished out. So that will need some love. In the meantime though, cruise and show the car and have fun learning.

 

Welcome back to the HAMB from Illinois.

Nice rod. Is there a feature article in the book, or just the photo on the contents page?

 

Thanks! The car is on pages 614-615. The coverage is more of a 'this is a cool car' rather than a technical description though.

 

Great story, great hot rod. You can avoid thumbnails by hitting the "full image" ****on just before posting.

 

Thanks for the tip!

 

At Lonestar Round Up '26

 

Nice ride! Congratulations on the purchase. White interior is a perfect choice for it. I also purchased a 32’ 5 window with a 425 Nailhead. Here’s a couple pictures.