Projects 34 Ford Roadster - (different) engine question

Here is my pick.Chopped and laid back windshield.Pic taken in early 60's in Long beach,CA

 

I thought I had some pictures of the ch***is, but I can't find them - I must have taken them as part of a text message and failed to save them. I will try to get some pictures this week. I managed to upload a video of Vern running the engine to an album but I can't get it to post in this forum - can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong? Or, I can text or email it to someone who could post it?

 

IMG_4885 by bandoola posted Apr 14, 2018 at 8:03 AM

 

By some stroke of luck it looks like I managed to upload the video. Actually, I was making another attempt, got up from the table to get a cup of coffee, and my neighbor's 5 year old son did it.

 

Here's a couple pictures of the engine mounted in the ch***is:

 

Oh my what a beauty.
You are a very lucky man to have Vern leading you in the right direction. I am so jealous.
Is That thing sporting a thickstun intake?
I can’t see the video.

 

Thanks Petejoe,
Truly lucky indeed. Luckily, thanks to you guys here on the forum I made contact with Vern and brought the car over for him to have a look. It didn't take more than about 30 seconds for me to look around and realize I had come to the right place. Luckily, I had the presence of mind to keep my mouth shut and listen while Vern was talking. And most of all - luckily when I did open my mouth what came out was, "When can you start?"
My only experience with Vern is this car, but he is going to great lengths to make certain everything is authentic and period correct.

I believe that intake is an Edmonds high rise, if someone identifies it as something else - please let me know.

 

Here's a shot of the body sitting on a donor frame so it can be cleaned and prepped.

 

Are you going to paint it?


Sent from my iPad using The H.A.M.B. mobile app

 

Kinda surprised you're having it painted, but then again, photos always look better, and unless it was the original Ford paint, it deserves to be pretty setting on that ch***is! Nice job, thanks for the updates, I'm looking forward to seeing it finished. Not as much as you are, I'm sure.

 

Sorry, it does read like it's being prepped for paint. The decision to paint or go with it as is has been left to Vern, I do not know enough about which would be a better choice to make that call. I have heard the expression "barn find" used when describing the condition of the car; and I figure it can always be painted at some later date. Right now the guys are cleaning, buffing? - doing all they do to make the call. I don't know if that's the original paint job or not. When I looked at it, I didn't see any evidence of an underlying color - but I'm not as familiar with what to look for as you guys. There are some pictures of '34 roadsters on Vern's wall with very similar color - so maybe it's a faded out stock paint job. I do agree with you, it deserves to look pretty - so we'll see in a few days how it turns out.

Thanks for the "Nice job" compliment, (I have been following your 34), but I really didn't personally do much other than buy it and bring it to Vern. Let me know if you ever come to Northern Calif - maybe we can get our cars together.

 

Your commentary on the initial back and forth with Vern (through the ***istant) is epic funny stuff. Having owned a Tardel powered and built car I feel safe in saying you'll enjoy the drivability it should afford. It does take what I refer to as "roadster at***ude" to put up with an older, open car..............but for those of us that enjoy it, it can't be beat.

 

Wow, cool thread. I just read through it and I think you made a good call. Looking forward to seeing it completed.

 

The paint on your roadster is not the original. Ford didn't offer a color like that in 34, and all fenders were black anyways. But I still like that you have kept the paint "as-is". I love a lived-in look. You are right, you can always paint it later if you get tired of the maintenance-free look.

 

That looks like an Edmunds intake with bolt on "high rise" risers

 

Uncle Bob, thank you for the compliment - but I have to tell you - it has taken at least 5 minutes for me to stop laughing at your 20/20 quote. My father p***ed away over a year ago, but when I read your post, it was as if he was standing in the room. It took 2 attempts for me to call my mom, I was laughing so hard on the first try I had to hang up and call her back. It's not just hearing him say it - it's being a little kid with an imaginative mind and visualizing the actuality of it being true. I will stop now before I get myself in as much trouble as when I was a kid, and just say thank you for the laugh.
Every moment I have spent with Vern, and his staff, has been an absolute delight. They are knowledgeable, talented, and generous of their time. When asked, I say, "Yes - of course" and try to stay out of their way.
You are so right about proper at***ude; I grew up flying '20's, '30's, '40's biplanes, cl***ics, fighters, bombers, transports, etc., and have been broken down more than I care to recall. At least if that old flathead quits I can coast to a stop and call AAA.

Perhaps we chat more about your use of Seneca's quote, "Luck...". I don't want to take up time and space editorializing on this forum - but you are spot on.

 

Thanks Alchemy

 

Thanks Chris

 

Just finished reading this thread. Great car, glad U didn't "cut" it. I met & talked to Vern a few years ago at the LA Roadster Show - great guy & the right choice. Mine was built to drive, a mild '51 Merc flathead, T5 & 9". Stock, uncut body, but with some creature comforts. Photos are the way I got it, the 1st "done", hood change, the current look with original hood back on & wires. Not sure what era it represents, but I luv it. Do it your way.

 

Shamus,
Wow, beautiful car. I know Alchemy said that is not a stock color, but yours is the 5th or 6th one I have seen - either in person or a picture. I'm sure if they were side by side there would be a difference, but in pictures they are real close. I saw one last year driving through Napa Valley, same color, blower, wire wheels. Couldn't tell much else about the car.
Vern says I should be driving mine in June.
What part of North Carolina? My wife is from Kinston.

 

Project update: The body is on the frame and the fenders and running boards were mounted for a test fit. I don't know if they are still on or not - if Vern was happy with the fit - they're on, if not - they're not. Wiring could begin next week, then it's on to the interior. Here's a couple pictures of the test fit.

 

Love your build- absolutely perfect!

 

The Race Is On:
For those following this thread who share in my excitement and anticipation of project completion and seeing it on the road; Vern and his team are working daily and the estimate is still 2 months out.
As for me, I can't wait to get behind the wheel but, I may not have much choice; I have some added equipment - a steel plate and 11 screws are now part of my right femur. I won't go into details but I engineered a 7" spiral fracture starting just above the knee. The Doc says 6 weeks before I can put weight on it. I have full range of motion in my foot and about 70 degrees of travel in my knee. So - Vern says 2 months for the car, the Doc says 6 weeks to start therapy. I see the Doc Monday, maybe I can convince him driving the 34 would be part of the therapy program?

 

Super ride & I'm sure Vern will do it justice. Sorry to hear about your misstep ,I know bad pun ,but the devil made me do it,. The time will drag by ever so slowly sorry for that but listen to the sawbones he knows best. Just keep looking at the pictures & it may help p*** the time. Shouldn't be too hard on the leg working the gas feed but braking may be a bit of a strain for a spell. Wish you all the best & a speedy recovery & 8 weeks.

 

Looking back over the thread, I see that you took my advice. That Jul 27,17 post where I referred you to Vern came in handy, I thought that this 34 looked familiar..... Great Job!!!!!

 

Thanks Bob,
You are right - everyday just kinda drags, but I do my stretches and I can get around pretty well on crutches. I can get from the bed to the couch, get outside - back to the couch, etc.
I agree, throttle shouldn't be an issue - but getting my foot off the gas and onto the brake pedal in a timely manner - might be. I may be a p***enger for awhile.

 

Kevin,
Right, you are! There has been some great advice on this thread but yours has to be at the very top. Thank you. If I did not send you a pm, then let me apologize here on the public forum for not doing so; and let me also acknowledge your part in getting this project on the right path. Thank you!
Getting together with Vern was the best, smartest, most sensible thing I could have done. I am sure there are many others as capable, and I have no desire to start a, "Who's the Best" debate. But as you pointed out - he's less than an hour away. And, he is an absolute character. I do not/ have not left his place without my sides hurting from laughter.
It will be an honor for me to have a '40's roadster touched by Vern.
How often do you get to Vern's? You said you've seen it a couple times. Are you close by? I'm just over the hill, I would say I'd meet you there but it doesn't look like I'll be driving for a bit. If you want to come by the house, let me know and I'll pm you the address.

Thanks again.

 

That’s really Kool that you two built this car together.
I’m glad that I got to be a part of it in a small way.
My brother lives in Rohnert Park, just between you and Vern. I’m down in So-Cal.
I was up putting heads on a customer of both Vern & Myself, He’s got a 40 merc. I used to go up there pretty regularly, I was up there for a week and made sure that I visited Vern as well.
My customer made sure that he sent a picture of the 34 as he knows that I love Model 40’s. All I can say is
*****en Hot Rod!!!!!!!
PM me your addy and I’ll drop on by to introduce myself when I’m up there again. Again-Good Job!!!!!

 

Sorry to hear about the new hardware.... spiral fractures are nasty things! Hope you heal up quick so you can enjoy the hot rod!

 

Thanks Matt