Hot Rods Scored an 'A' Roadster project - Time to build a Hot Rod!

Wow, where do I start!? I feel very fortunate to have some good friends. They are the reason I ended up with this cool hot rod project.

For the past few years I've been talking about gathering some parts to start a Model A project. I've been close a couple times, to getting the ball rolling, but kept putting it off and deciding to keep working on my Galaxie. The Galaxie is in decent shape now, and a great driver, so I can just drive it and maintain it for a while.

About a month ago, I brought a few things to sell at our local swap meet. One of the first people I ran into was Joe Russell (JRussell on here). He was there bright and early - still dark out! I chatted with him for a bit and he moved on. He stopped by a little later to chat some more (and collect some money I had made for him ). We were talking about current and future projects and I mentioned wanting to put together a Model A hot rod some time. He told me about an 'A' roadster that a friend of his had, and was wanting to sell it. It seemed like a good deal and I decided to take a look at it the next time I went 'back home'.

Fast forward a week or two - I was in Sioux City and stopped by to check it out. It really seemed to be a fairly solid car and chassis for the money, so I thought it over for a few more days and decided it was too good of a deal to pass up. I called the owner, Blaine, and made a deal with him.

That brings us to today - we went to pick it up!
Gary (hot-rod roadster) offered to use his pickup and trailer to go get the car, so I gladly accepted. It is about a 90 mile trip from Omaha to Sioux City, IA. Our friend, Andy, also went with us - he is cal1954 on here.

Here it is! It's a '29 - the door handle holes have been filled and the date stamped on the firewall side of the cowl/gas tank is 3-5-29.
(that's Andy and Gary in the background)






My dad stopped by to check it out, too


Yep, it's definitely a project, and I have alot of learning to do, but I can't wait to dig into it! I've already collected a few parts in the past couple weeks to get the chassis going. Another good friend, Davey (Roadburner1), offered to help with the chassis, so I'll definitely be leaning on him for advice and knowledge.

 

Some of the parts I've collected so far:

I traded Jeff (hiboy32) for this F1 steering gear/column/wheel


Earlier this week, I picked up these F100 front brakes off of Craigslist (I'm also getting a brake pedal assembly/mount from the same guy)


Last weekend I picked up this 292 Y-block. Another good friend, Joe (str8enough) hooked me up with it. His co-worker wanted to sell it. It's out of a '63 Ford pickup and came with a nice pair of rams-horn manifolds and the truck 4-speeed and bellhousing.




Davey's dad gave me this 3-speed trans, bellhousing, flywheel, and clutch out of his '57 Ranchero. He also said I could have the steering column out of that car, with the 3-speed shifter and likage. I will use the column-shift 3-speed to start with and switch to a T5, down the road.


I've had this '35 Ford dash for a while and thought it would work good in this car - needs a little trimming to fit properly, but looks cool!

 

My plans are to use the 'A' chassis. I want to channel the body the height of the frame, sweep the front of it (Bobbleed style), drop the 'A' axle (Davey built a jig to drop axles), and Z it in back. I've also been offered a 9" rear housing, from another good friend, Jason. I will most likely use that with a ladder bar set-up and transverse leaf spring.

I don't want it to be super low, but 'low enough' , with a good Hot Rod rake.

I'm thinking about using this '35 Ford front spring on the rear. I've heard of alot of guys using '40 type front springs on the rear. Does anyone know if this is similar?


That's just the first of many questions I'll have. I know you guys, on here, have the answers, so please bear with me.... and Thanks in advance for the help!

This panel came with the car and looks like a seat riser - is it? Does it appear to be in approximately the correct location?







I'm really looking forward to that 'first drive' day - there's alot of work ahead, but it will happen... soon enough!

Gary, thanks a ton for hauling this thing back for me - I owe ya big time!

Andy, thanks for riding along with us - and offering to help with the bodywork, bracing, etc. There's no doubt I'll take you up on that offer - I know I have alot to learn from you, so again, bear with me.

Jeff, thanks for all of the advice and info you've given me so far. You've been a great source of inspiration thus far, and will continue to be

Davey, you and your dad have also given me some great advice and info.... and a huge thanks for offering to help with the chassis!

Joe, you are one cool dude. I can't thank you enough for setting me up with this deal. Get that 'A' coupe back together and we'll head to Austin in April!

Joe's coupe:






There is, no doubt, more people I need to thank.... I'll catch you guys later. I need to get some sleep!

 

Awesome! Welcome to the A club!

 

Sweet!!!!!!!! I got one of those behind my shop I am fixin to start

 

Good stuff, Malcolm!

Keep us updated with your progress!

 

Seriously jealous over here. I love my 30 roadster but those 28-29's are just beautiful. Great score!

 

You had me all excited until I scrolled down and saw the Y-block!

What about keeping the Banger? Maybe go with a flathead? Early Caddy? Nailhead?

No?

Keep us posted...

Sam

 

Dude---yes that is a seat riser, but it goes it the trunk over the rear crossmember. Same panel is used for rumble and trunk models. Great start and good luck!

 

Go gettum Malcolm! I think that spring will work fine. Look forward to following your build.

 

Wow - it really makes mine look like a pile of junk!!

You have a really great start there & I Look forward to seeing what you do with it.

There have been some really nice A- Roadsters posted here lately & I am sure yours will join them.

Good luck ( as if you need it )

 

Very cool! It looks like you've got a good start on the parts collection and several guys to help. You should be driving it in no time.

 

Kickass! Keep us updated on progress!

 

You lucky bugger. Good on ya! Have you and Megan made a bet yet...?

 

Damn. Looks like a good score. Thats cool. Looks like there might be a banger for sale?

Yea I am a lil jealous too. Good start for ya.
Scott

 

Thats a great looking roadster body you have there. Congratulations and do keep us posted.

 

Congrats ! Cant wait to see future up dates .

 

Great start to the project...post some progress pic's.

 

Congrats man, I am glad to help out. Did you guys have a fun ride home? that wind was brutal!!...that roadster was a hot rod along time ago and will be one again!!!...Joe

 

Up running, driving and stopping in less then two weeks right??? I mean come on, ya can't let a girl beat ya.

GREAT score bud! Looking forward to watching the build process on here. You do know though that it would have been much easier to just buy Gary's roadster.

 

Congrats man! Looks like you have a great start and a solid plan.
Brett

 

It's a great score Nick, glad to have been able to help out. Love the wheel and no tire combo, looks like you could pick up a few extra bucks inspecting rails for the Union Pacific. That curved panel goes on the inside of the very back end of the trunk. Gary

 

What a great start, Malcolm!! Now, get to work....winter's coming! Plenty of time to make a lot of progress..........good luck with your project!

CB

 

Looks like a great start.

Keep us posted!

 

Looks like a great project Malcolm! Keep us posted.

 

sweet, diggin your engine choice too !

 

Nice scores all around! Lucky guy. Good luck with the project.

 

killer man. i just lined up a yblock for an upcoming project

 

keep it ford...y block or flatty is the way to go