Yesterday, I went to New Bedford, Mass to see a friend that has a really nice '32 roadster. It's a close clone of the Rolling Bones roadster. I'm getting closer to chopping the top on my roadster and wanted to check out Bill Varro's roadster that has a pretty radical chop. I came home with some good tips on how to do it and where to get it recovered when it's done. I can't go with the deep chop Bill did, as I'm 6' 3" and my seats are already cut down as far as my 63 year old back will let me sit. Bill took me for a ride thru his neighbohood and it was just like riding in Ken Schmidt's '32 roadster. A little quieter exhaust, but the seat of the pants feel was the same. Bill drives his roadster almost daily year round and it looks it. Can't blame a guy for driving a great car like this.
You guys are either brave or nuts! It's been so crappy out I don't even want to go outside. But I'd go for a roadster ride!
hey paul, good to hear your still around,didnt see you at the gathering of the faithful,thought you might be out west, been by the house a couple times but the barn was closed so havent stopped, ron
Hey Ron, I had to read your bio to make the connection who you were. '34 Ply sedan delivery was the tip off. No, I haven't gone west or south yet this winter. Plan on going to FL late March for a few weeks. May take in Billet Proof in Ocala. Won't be the same without the roadster. I haven't been in the barn much this winter. I've gone back to work part time. 3-4 days a week at the Plymouth airport. A job landed in my lap that I couldn't refuse. Moneys good and the hours are what ever I want. I went thru my "fun fund" last year due to three or four flatheads going bad.( I lost count) It was looking like I wasn't going to be able to go to Bonneville in August. But that's all changed now. Hope to have the top chopped for the run to Bonneville. Keep checking in on me, just look for smoke from the stove pipe. If it's smoking I'm home.
Paul, Bill's car sure looks good covered in dirt like that! We've looked out of the window and cant see the smoke from the stove so either your not in or we maybe to far away to see ? See you at G-Night, beers on you right? Dan
Hey Dan, I think the curve of the Earth may have something to do with it. if you could see my smoke from Old England, Al Gore would be hunting me down like a criminal. You got it, beer on me Saturday night. Are you in NY yet? Roger and I are shooting to arrive mid afternoon before the crowd shows.
Paul,,,it appears the older you get the more the young hot rodder comes out in you,,,,63 and talking about a choped top,,,, HRP
Hey Danny, Yeah, gettin' old doesn't mean slowing down. Actually, chopping the top has been on my list of things to do from the day I took the LB top out of the box. It's just there were too many other things that needed attention first. After almost ten years I'm getting to the bottom of the list. My grandchildren have been helping me pick away at the list. Paul
63.............. old?........................ not when you never grew up and still think and like the same things you did when you were 20 Hoping 64 doesn't change my outlook. Frank
I went for a few roadster rides this weekend as well. Visited a pal who just had heart surgery, took the World's Most Beautiful Granddaughter for a cruise, and took her again to breakfast. Of course, the Las Vegas weather was pretty nice..... so not really too many bragging rights gained this time.
Paul, Your friend's 32 roadster looks like it has '36 bones under the rear. Is it mounted in the original spot - width wise, as it looks like the bone is mounted on a later (larger diameter) rear axle. reason I ask - it seems as though a 36 bone on a 36 rear runs into trouble with clearance on the inside of the chassis rails. thanks in adavance
It was 40 degrees on Saturday when those pics were taken. It's now 5:30 AM Monday and it 11 degrees and the wind is gusting to 50. No roadster ride today! I'll bet Bill takes his modern car to work today. It's a mid 70's hatchback Nova.
I'm not aware of any problems with interference with the chassis. The Rolling Bones Shop has been building their chassis that way on all of their Deuce projects.
hey paul i hang with those guys at nsra in burlington ...tell em al (29 rpu) says hi....see ya this weekend
paul, looks like a blast. i tried to email you today, but it got bounced back. what gives? shoot me a PM if you can. i have a couple questions for you...
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