Hot Rods 1934 Ford Roadster Project

Chris has ignited the fuel in my love for the model 40 roadster. I have owned two of them and let them get away thinking I should join Larry's Deuce club. I have owned 5 Deuce roadsters in my many years of building cars. I am now 74 and just don't feel comfortable driving one. I am of average size at 200 pounds and 6'1 but somehow I have a difficult time riding for more than a few miles in a Deuce. On the other hand, I can stretch out in a model 40 (33/4) and drive to San Francisco with a great deal more confidence that I will be able to get out of the car once I arrive at my destination. With this in mind, I have started another 33 project and will be posting photos in a couple of weeks of my progress (I work slow). The build plan is as follows:

Body: SAR or Wescott depending on what I locate
Chassis: ASC rails with owner fabrication of remaining cross members
Front Suspension: CE axle with hairpins
Rear Suspension: Winters QC with coil overs or spring (ride conscious as opposed to looks)
P&J ladder bars
Engine: SBC 327/350
Transmission: 700r4 (can't shift a manual)
Brakes: JHRS Front, Buick drums Rear
Wheels and Tires: 16" & 17" Excelsior with matching steelies (Wheelsmith)

I am building my preferences in hot rods without using iron clad rules for building a traditional car. I like the early look but need the modern items for dependability and availability. I am open to changes if anyone has a better approach to my overall plan. A real Henry roadster is out of the question as I have looked for over two years for one I could afford. They do not come up for sale frequently and when they do, they need a lot of work. The full wood interior is somewhat fragile and costly to replace. I have used Wescott on my last two roadsters and liked them, but since this will be my Swan Song, I would like a SAR body to start with.

I do follow most 33/4 builds on the HAMB and have learned that we have a lot of talent that can help me when I get in trouble. I appreciate all of the assistance and advice I have received in the past and look forward to your comments on this build.
Stay Tooned!
Pewsplace.Com

 

Here is the last one I did, which I sold prior to finishing, due to health problems. Terry Stoker finished the car as I had planned. The new one will be a little different style with a chopped stock windshield. A full feature was done in the last issue of Rod & Custom and featured Ray's modifications to make it his car.

 

Here is a body to consider, spendy but nice, real, real nice. American Speed 33, all steel, built in Detroit, numerous awards and accolades from Oakland to Detroit. Mike is a pleasure to work with, great customer service! Mine is being e-coated right now and shipped in the next few weeks. Heavy gauge steel, chopped rag top, lengthened doors, fits stock frames... "I'm not just an speed 33 spokesman, I'm a customer". check it out on line at www.americanspeedcompany.com . And it's weather tight which matters in the pacific northwest! Dude it rains a lot here and I like to drive 'em! That's my .02 worth.

 

Yes, but they look like a Speed 33, not a Model 40.

 

It all depends on how you (owner) sets them up,
http://www.americanspeedcompany.com/gallery.html
Have look.

 

I rest my case.

 

I agree, they are very roomy.

 

<cough>....<cough>.......umm.....these are also American Speed all steel bodies. That company has ASC McLaren bloodlines....hence where Mark Trostle had come.....wayyyyy too many accololades to list here....but his company was responsible for the Dearborn 1932 Deuce project (2004 SEMA product winner).....as well he oversees the Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance. Just saying......

Not exactly Street Beasts bodies that we are discussing here.

 

I'm kinda digging this taillight treatment. Anymore pics or info on this car?

View attachment 2750736

 

Maybe I'm one of those folks who can't tell the difference between a t bucket and a 33 roadster, but where's the glaring differences between the Traditionally finished speed33 and a model 40?

 

Think those are 38 or 39 Zephyr lights....?

Here are some FAQ on the AS 33: http://www.americanspeedcompany.com/pdf/speed33FAQ.pdf

Product specs: http://www.americanspeedcompany.com/products.html

Body is close in dimension and style, just more rigidity, ergonomic details, and water tight configurements on the door glass/top and the like. CAD based build and outlay. If the '33 were to go down the assembly line today....type stuff.

The manufacturer came to a local GoodGuys here once with a stocker and theirs side by side......pretty neat visual. Especially taking into the consideration of the scarcity of the original roadster....as well as the values that some may be rodded or stock.....if even found in decent shape to begin with.

I wish I had the pockets for either.

 

Yeah they look OK but then you spend twice as much for a body than you would at SAR. Cost is a factor or Lynn would spend the 30g's on a gennie...imo. Tim

 

Thanks for your input. I have looked at the Speed 33 and it is very nice. If you look at my site, Pewsplace.com, under the For Sale section, you will see one that is for sale. He has over $100K invested so far and doesn't want to invest anymore $$$$. I have seen several done in a traditional sort of way that looked real good but I do prefer the more original looking bodies for me….just my thoughts. If I find one for a good price I would jump on it.

 

Love your site. I have a favorite in your lower 200's pages....the yellow track nose coupe with cut down/bobbed(not really)/primered rear fenders....shown in an inside auditorium/show. Survivor. Off topic from '34 roadster....but wow.

 

I was lucky when I found my roadster. A mostly complete & about 75% restored w/LB engine, extra aluminum heads, restored original chassis, transmission, etc,. & rust free all steel. And best of all cheaper than what SAR wanted at the time for just a body

 

Now that is the deal I'm looking for. Beautiful roadster and the real deal.

 

Here are a few Speed 33 cars that certainly are nicely done in a contemporary traditional style.


Lobeck built this Speed 33 and it is traditional with some smoothness.


I saw this one at the GNRS a couple of years ago and I like the look but not the price. I think maybe a Roadster shop chassis but I'm not sure.


Here is another one with a traditional look – sort of. I believe it has an IFS rather than the axle.


Roy Brizio built this one for a Deuce lover but his wife liked the model 40 better.

 

My preference is this style of roadster which was built at SO-CAL a few years back by Mick Jenkins. GMT did the chassis and metal work (hood) and while some things would be changed – the racer look is prevalent on this car.




Keith's build of this one is one of my favorites.

 

A scary dollar amount these days, and impossible to find. That's amazing. Good for you. Lottery winner ? Treasure hunter ? Details forbidden ? Huh, huh, huh?

 

I didn't hit the lottery - just lucky. It was actually priced low even for a few years ago. I was able to recoup a good part of the purchase price by selling the original bare frame, front & rear suspension, '36 LB engine, transmission, steering wheel, 2 sets of wire wheels, etc, to restorers. A friend built the '52 Merc engine, another rebuilt the T5. since it was in such good & complete condition, I turned it over to a shop last November & took it running & driving to Goodguys Nationals in July though rumble seat was no finished.

 

Lucky indeed. It looks great! Wow. Those cars just look fab and swoopy......always loved their lines.

 

Always liked your 33. Good luck with your new build. It will be hard to top your last one.

 

I brought up the speed 33 because I looked a long time for a 33/34 to build. I had a 34 title, a frame and a flathead but no body and all I could find was rough, too rough for the money asked. This car is not cheep but it also comes with perfect sheet metal so I save thousands of dollars and massive amounts of time to prepare the body for paint. That has to be considered.

It is not for everyone's taste but I am 6.2" 240 pounds of gearhead, this car has more leg room for all the pedals, a lower seat so I can sit comfortable under the chopped top and longer doors to make getting in and out easier. these were all factors that made this choice an easy one for me anyway.

Also, did I mention I live in the pacific northwest? It rains here...a lot! This car is weather tight. I know that is not traditional for a roadster but while the windowless are in the garage for 8 months out of the year, I'll be driving mine. Splashing and smiling.


My 2 cents worth. I'm 10/10 on the side.

 

Thanks for your response. I can purchase a Speed 33 that the Roadster Shop built for a friend, but as much as car has to offer it is not what I am really after and it is way over my budget. As shown above, some are done in a traditional style and maybe one of those will show up I can afford.



This one will be well over $100K with paint and upholstery.

 

Theres a nice 33/34 Wescott thats been in the classifieds for awhile. A little far away from you.
No pics but there is a local guy making a roadster with coupe qtrs, cowl, duvall style windshield. It will have a nice look.
Good luck, keep us posted!

 

I just looked at your '32 thread - small world. Your brother Steve & I had a long conversation years ago. If I remember correctly he answered an ad I had for some NOS sheet metal or some other parts. I remember talking for a long time - an hour or more - about our different projects & "stuff" we had acquired, he talked about the '32. We did have another shorter conversation after that, seems I sold him something. I like your plan for the coupe. I'll be watching your thread.

 

I am getting started slowly. I was fortunate to be around when the guy wanted someone to take his frame jig out of his shop. It is a little rusty (surface only) but very well built and it's a rotisserie which for old guys is a plus. I will be cleaning it up and installing the ASC rails over the holidays.

Homemade but very well done, TIG welded and turns over with one hand.

 

Way to go!

 

Keep us posted on the chassis. Did you decide on a body?