Dave DiFalco (six5monster) PM'd me some pictures of my old roadster taken at a recent (?) event in Washington (I ***ume). Still looks pretty good as it approaches its ninth birthday. No changes, and well kept. Maybe someday I'll get to exercise my first-right-of-refusal option. Nothing worthwhile to share on the new car so I'll have to continue to live in the past for a little longer . . .
Oh man, that car is clutch! Why did you relieve yourself of ownership? Hell, I would smash a testi with a ball peen for a ride like that.
Wow! It does still look as good and as fresh as ever! But I do see one change that was made to it. I'm a pretty observant young lad... and correct me if I'm wrong... but the rims on the rear look a little narrower than the originals... Again, *****en car... and I'm sure the new peek-up project will turn out as swell or sweller (or it will give us one) than your last shan-dang-o! Thanks for sharing it with us! Sam.
Ah.. Ol' Blue. I remember all the baby photos and watching it grow, I then purchased the "This Is Your Life" tome written by a proud Dad. All grown up now and looking better then ever. Good to see it went to a good home av8. Love that car.
Man, that roadster has THE LOOK! I bet you see it pictured in the dictionary under "Perfect A-bone Hot Rod Roadster"!!
Still looks good Mike. That is the car most think of when they think Hot Rod A Roadster. Looks like it runs a hood now and then. Not surprising if it's in Washington. I understand it does rain there now and then. Proud Papa is the right term though. My favorite part is the headlight bar. Might just copy that if you don't mind....
Good eye, Sam, but poor memory. I re-shod Bluey with 7.00 x 16 Firestone DCs on 5 x 16 Lincoln wheels when I changed the front tires from motorcycle covers to 5.50 x 16 FDCs. The original 7 x 15 wheels we made up, covered with 7.00 x 15 FDCs are stored at Fuller's shop, waiting for a new new car. Those wheels, with all the back spacing they have, would work well on the pickup with tall 75-series radials on 'em. Hmmmmm . . . Boris -- Ol' Blue was Bill Burnham's roadster. Mine was Bluey. Woulda thought that would be a common nickname to remember for a bloke from Oz. FWIW, Bluey looks a tad unfinished without his hood in place.
Mike, It was sure cool to see your old hotrod at the HOTROD-A-RAMA this last week. The event was a blowout because of cars like your ol' bluey. Looked primo! I even gave it a "Totally Forkin' Nuts Award". The new owner was very pleased. Maybe when you get your new ride done you can get up to Tacoma for the show. Looking forward to meeting you someday. For more pics of the show checkout the post on the Hotrod-a-rama by my good friend Rolf, Dale Seaholm
Kinda new around here, didn't know the car was sold. Sad. What is the new project, will there be a new book for this? Hint Hint! I learned so much from that book, would't have even started my project without the info from it! Thanks AV8
[ QUOTE ] Boris -- Ol' Blue was Bill Burnham's roadster. Mine was Bluey. Woulda thought that would be a common nickname to remember for a bloke from Oz. [/ QUOTE ] Sorry Mike. I knew that. But if it was built by an Aussie, the car would be RED, but be called BLUEY. Oh... and what's the polished cylinder on the firewall? The thing that kinda looks like a catch can.
Jay -- Not only would I not mind if you copied the headlight bar, I'd be honored. The creation of the headlight bar was one of those special times in hot-rod building, when a couple of pals just really click, entertaining themselves with a small, synergistic project that turns out way cooler than they would have thought when they started it. Vern and I are extremely proud of that headlight bar. There are subtleties about it that many folks miss, and that's part of the fun of having done it. If you need any instruction -- which I seriously doubt you will -- e-mail me and I'll fill you in.
Hey Mike, that was cool seeing the 37 this month too. cooler seeing the construction pics, but nice to see the finished product too.
Yes, that's right -- and here I was thinking Ginger for red, but that's the old world. I've been waiting for someone to tumble to the bright piece on the firewall. Yes, it's a puke tank for the cooling system, connected to the fill neck on the radiator with a piece of hose routed along the the right-hand radiator stay. The tank was made for my BBC-powered '46 Ford coupe but was never installed, and when I sold the car I hung onto the tank, knowing that it would have a suitable home someday. We made the tank from sixty-thou aluminum, rolled the body then gave is some character with a couple of p***es through a bead roller on each end. The ends were made using a simple hardwood hammer form, and the entire ***embly was TIG'd together. There are two tubes in the bottom of the tank -- a feed tube that terminates about 1/2 inch from the bottom, and an overflow drain tube that goes almost all the way to the top. The tank is a rather nice piece on its own merit, but it wasn't intended to sit out in the open air as you see it here. But, then, I'm one of those guys who think the only motors that should be exposed belong in motorcycles and old airplanes. Dirk -- Glad to have been of help, that's what the book was all about and it's good the hear that it helped. No book this time, but I will share the details of the build on the HAMB as work progresses.
[ QUOTE ] Yes, that's right -- and here I was thinking Ginger for red, but that's the old world. [/ QUOTE ] You'll just have to come down here so we can explain the finer points of Aussie lingo to you. [ QUOTE ] ... But, then, I'm one of those guys who think the only motors that should be exposed belong in motorcycles and old airplanes. [/ QUOTE ] But that sure is a purdy engine. It's a shame to hide it. I do agree with you though, it looks better with the hood on.
[ QUOTE ] Boris -- Ol' Blue was Bill Burnham's roadster. Mine was Bluey. [/ QUOTE ] You mean this old A?
Saw it at GG's a week ago. It's either BB's old car or a clone. And being a Ford guy, this was of course my favorite part:
Still the N0. 1 AV8 in my book. Not overdone, yet every damned piece is well thought out. It all adds together into something greater than the sum of it's parts and nothing detracts. I'd still vote it into my top ten list today.
Mike, your car and book has been a great inspiration for me. I am building an A-coupe on '32 rails, so it's helpful. Are you going to tell us why you sold it? Don't get a big head now... but it's sort of a legend...was it not hard to part with?
It must be gratifying to see her still the way you and Vern built her Mike. However, I'm wondering what the tall cylindrical chrome tank is bolted to the firewall in the first pic - an rad overflow tank or ??? And yes, she does look a bit odd without her hood, but then all the better to see that beautiful flattie! Thanks for posting the pics and let us know how the new project is coming along when you can. Regards, Dave.
ahhhh, it's all coming back to me. Hehehehe... Now I remember you offering up the rims to wrangle some super stickies up for the Roach Rod on it's Ego-Rama day-bue... it's all coming back to me now... damn senior moment. Sam.
AV8 Dave -- See the explanation and description of the puke tank above. Also, it's odd, to me, seeing my roadster referred to as "her" and "she." Bluey's persona has been male from the beginning, even all the way back to my original roadster that set the wheels in motion in 1953. Not being critical or pissy, it just struck me as odd because I've never thought of the car in that way. That could be the subject of a very long thread -- "Is your hot rod a he or a she?" Some times a hot rod is just a hot rod . . .
You know what Mike, I was thinking the same thing. I was about to call it a "she", but with Bluey as a name, it just didn't sound right. I wasn't sure so I left my statements gender neutral. Besides, it ain't pretty enough to be a girl. It's more of a handsome car.
Mike I have really enjoyed your book it has given me many hours of enjoyable reading. The book has been the best reference source I have ever seen very informative and very well written. If I send my book to you will you sign it for me. Thank You.
I sure would autograph your book, K9, and get Vern to autograph is as well, but I'd ask that you pay the return postage. It's not a biggy, but I'm an old guy on a fixed income and three bucks is one-third of the cost of a box of wine.
Of course I will be more than glad to pay all expenses if you would pm me a address I will send the book and some money to you. This will add to my collection of signed books some are Tex Smith and Don Radbruch roaring roadster books and a few others Thanks again.
Looks nice, Mike, Your book is still quoted as "the" book to buy if building a trad rod. Re the puke can: If the new owner runs a pipe down from the rad, along the frame rail, and then up to the can (the tube is at the bottom, right?) it'll still work and will look tidier. I did this on Old Rusty. PS I thought I'd lost your book during one of my wife's manic tidy-up sessions over a year ago, but was really happy to find it just the other day. Mart.
I'd be proud TOO! Glad to see the car again. Loved the car (and your book) at first sight. Now I learn it's a HE, I feel all weird! Seriously, great car, and a FINE book. Bought it on sight. Will never part with it...just keep thumbin' through for wisdom and inspiration. Thanks to both you and Vern!
Those SS exhausts are a work of art.But,then the whole cars a Masterpiece!The definative Hot Rod! Thanks...JR
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