Issue No. 13 April 1998
Issue No. 13 April 1998
After building a '30 Ford roadster and '30 Tudor over the years, Ross decided to build a hi-boy style rod. Inspiration came from reading some old Petersen magazine articles on salt lake racing, where roadster pick-ups were in the background of shots being used a support/push vehicles. After checking on the supply of old parts collected and stored under the house, enough bits were found to make a start on a traditional '28 roadster on '32 rails.
The basis of the car was a sad set of '32 rails, which Ross boxed and fitted with a Model 'A' front and rear cross members. The front end consists of a 4" Magnum axle, located by '32 wishbone and fitted with '48 brakes. Rear end is from a '54 Mainline Ute, with 4:11 gears, located by '36 track rods and Model 'A' spring. Shock absorbers are lever action off a Ford Zephyr. Wheels are '48 Ford Mercury 15", fitted with trim rims and Baby Moon caps.
It was intended to initially run a side valve V8, but after chasing up several leads, and finding a "good" motor full of water, a 289 was used. The 289 has been bored 30 thou, and fitted with a mild cam. Heads have been cleaned up and fitted with roller rockers and a four-barrel Holley is mounted on an Edelbrock manifold. Ignition is by dual point Mallory, and hand made exhaust manifold through 2" dual system. Fuel is supplied from the original Model 'A' fuel tank. Behind the motor is a single rail 4 speed, fitted with a Cortina shifter, to keep the shifter in front of the bench seat. The original '32 pedals are used for brake, clutch and accelerator.
The body is made up of a steel cowl, doors and rear section, which were repaired and fitted to a steel frame. The pick-up bed, three piece bonnet and grille insert were fabricated by Scott. The pick-up is painted in yellow enamel, also by Scott in the back yard. The interior bench seat was trimmed by Toowoomba Hot Rodder, Peter Twidale, who also covered the ply fabricated top. Dash is out of a '34 truck, and is fitted with modern gauges and switches. The '39 Banjo steering wheel was fitted with a wood rim, turned up my Ross' brother Mark on his wood lathe. The wheel mounts on a '37 column, and turns a HQ steering box.
The electrical wiring was done by Ross, and connects 'A' Model headlights on a cut down original bar. Taillights are early V.W., mounted on their side.
The pick-up was finished in early '97, and took approximately 4 years to build. The cost was kept down by doing almost all work themselves, and using parts accumulated over 30 years. Despite having buggy suspension, the car rides and drives surprisingly well, and Ross and Scott are looking forward to many miles of enjoyment. Ross thanks his family members for their patience, and help, during construction!
Get your own Free Home Page