ORIGINAL only ONCE True unrestored Survivor Hot Rods representing the 50's Doo Wop Era are next to impossible to find. Like race cars, most hot rods evolve over time, changing colors, wheels and tires, engines, and other parts to suit a succession of new owners. This 1932 “Deuce” style roadster appears to have changed little since the days of Engineer Boots and Poodle Skirts, when it was built near Indianapolis in 1955. Other than the nose, it is all '41 Ford with a custom roadster body, built in the 50's. Now over 60 years old, it is a True “SURVIVOR” category car, it still retains it's original red paint, black upholstery, and original engine, which from the appearance of the motor mounts and cloth covered wiring, has never been taken out, since installed, and has NOT been restored. Authentic cars such as this, provide a snapshot of a Historic Period in the past. The car remained with its original builder for about 50 years in Indiana. Now in Alabama, this unique Ford hot rod is currently registered, insured, and driven 2 or 3 days a week, and has a current Alabama Vintage Registration and insurance certificate, as well as an old Indiana registration describing the car as a 1941 Ford . This is excellent documentation for export This is an all steel 50's custom body, and is built on a sectioned '41 Ford frame, shortening the wheel base to a sporty 98 inches. Replicas of this popular old style hot rod frame are currently available at the Roadster Shop http://roadstershop.com/product/full-chassis/1941-48-ford-chassis-revo/#&gid=1&pid= The frame is finished in red, and shows it's fine curvature and is the lower rocker sill of the car. The color-matched chrome reversed wheels wear correct Ford stainless steel hubcaps. The tires are older 70's style Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread tires, H70-15's in the rear and F70's up front. The 1932 Ford grill shell, grill, and porcelain emblem are authentic . The rear bumper and taillights are '50 Buick. Rear suspension is modified transverse leaf with panhard bar, which gives a good ride with very good road handling . The modifications shown to the rear spring are period correct, and are another example of hot rod 'technology' of the 50's. Done correctly, this has survived for over 60 years, the car has a great ride, tracks straight, and really handles well on country roads. The original mid 50's interior is black vinyl and is unrestored . It has no tears or heavily worn damage. Lap belts for both driver and passenger were recently installed, and the '41 Ford Steering column ignition switch and lock, with 1949 Ford gauge cluster includes gauges for fuel, oil pressure, charging system, and engine temperature, all of which work. A 70's period 3-spoke steering is fitted to the original '41 Ford column, which still retains the working unique ignition lock, and the Ford 3-speed manual transmission is column shifted . The original large black steering wheel that was found in the rear compartment is still with the car. Engine is a 1941 Ford 239ci 59AB flathead V8 with Edelbrock intake and dual carburetors, a Clay Smith camshaft, log-style headers, and zoomie pipes. A Powermaster PowerGen alternator, Pertronix ignition hidden in the distributor, and a new high-torque geared starter, were added several years ago.. The original motor mounts remain intact, as does the original cloth covered wiring , showing the originality of this car . The high torque starter and an aluminum radiator that was blackened to retain the period appearance, and fitted with an electric fan that is not obvious to casual observers.. were added this year . The car street drives very well, and is currently highway driven about 3 or 4 times a week. Steering is very good, and the car does not pull or drift on the highway and feels in control on country roads. Brakes work well for drum brakes. The engine runs good and does not smoke or make unusual noises. The exhaust is not excessively loud when cruising. The engine pulls well, but the fuel pump is slow to keep up if pushed hard. This flathead does not overheat. Water pumps don't leak. Transmission shifts properly into all gears, both up and down shifting. Occasionally it slips out of second on decelerating .. Clutch is fine, but could use a new one if you will be drag racing it. The headlights work. All gauges work except speedometer and directional nights do not work There is NO rust, except for light surface rust on the underside.. There is a top in good condition, as shown in the 'as found' picture on the lift. You will probably replace the tires, even tho' I drive it as they are and have no plans to replace them in the near future. A walkaround video and a driving video can be seen below. Some pictures may show the car before the radiator was changed DRIVING WALKAROUND If you are from the Indianapolis area and remember this car , please contact me..... dave@race-cardrivers.com
The Jalopy Journal
