Back in August of 2020 I was doing my usual search through marketplace searching for a project. Most mornings I would search for a reasonably complete Model A coupe ( I had my heart set on one), preferably a '30 or a '31 that I could build a traditional style Hot Rod out of. A '29 roadster came up on my feed, a project that was being sold off due to ill health. My wife and I were busy that weekend so first thing Monday I rang, but the phone rang out. At that time I thought I'd blown it and missed out. Tuesday morning I rang again, this time I got through and found out the car was still for sale. Covid was in full swing and the state borders were shut so I couldn't drive the 2,000 klms to view the car, so, with the gentleman sending videos and photos to me I bought the car sight unseen (except for the media he'd sent) two days later on the Thursday. Over 3 months went by before I could get the car transported home, this is that car. To say I'm stoked would be an understatement
Thanks guys, I have lots of pics to post up of my progress over the last 5 months since it arrived. It's almost done, hang in there
When the car arrived it had a trunk full of manuals, jet kits, spares, gasket sets all sorts of parts that took me 3 days to sort through just so I wouldn't double up on stuff I thought I would need. First actual day of work was to re-chop the windscreen and posts another 2 inches to make it 4 inches lower and lay the posts back. The equivalent to a 6 inch chop.......there abouts
A little bit of history of the car. The build was started over 10 years ago as a chassis, original cowl and doors, a Brookville rear body, 1940 brakes on a dropped A axle and 1940 diff with 1937 wheels. It was then sold 4 years later to the gentleman I purchased it off. He did all the work to get it almost finished. He rebuilt the motor, gearbox and diff, set up the steering, wired 99% of the car, fitted a brand new T model tank behind the seats, everything you see, all in 6 years prior to me buying it off him.
A guy here in Australia was selling some reproduction Indy caps so that was my first purchase for the car, as soon as it arrived it was fitted. I was lucky enough to be given hundreds of brass bolts and screws, all period correct slotted head of all different diameters and lengths by an Uncle, so pretty happy with that
Nice looking roadster. I like the exhaust exit, and louvers. My 28 is almost like yours, original cowl, rest B'ville. Like the fuel filler with the brass screws.
What a great feeling to take 'er out for the first time... getting to know each other. Good for both of you!
I decided to make a front crossbar similar to what I'd seen made from an old brake crossbar, I also had an old 50's era Marchal fog-light I'd kept from a previous car so made a bracket and mounted that too. While surfing epay for parts I came across a 1920's Magnavox horn for it as well and fitted that up.
A guy here in Australia makes these awesome carb risers. They sell out as fast as he can make them so I had to wait a couple of weeks for a new batch to be made but they're worth it.
Way back when I bought the car I decided I wanted to put a '32 grille on it. Took as long to arrive as the car did and I fitted it up with a few modifications to the radiator. Almost didn't fit because the radiator was made for an A model grille.
I'd searched for a while for a set of BLC 362-C headlights, I didn't want reproductions and they don't exactly grow on trees here in Australia. Finally found a nice original set for sale in California and duly bought them. 4 weeks later I had them here, a local rodder had an original '31 headlight bar hanging in his shed, cash his way saw it mine. A couple of hours cutting and welding and they were on. Well worth the cost
That works... now, with the indicators on the top of the headlights, you can loose the little nubby lights below on the frame. It's got the look.
The Jalopy Journal
