History Dick Kraft / Bronson family 32 roadster undergoes transformation back to 1951

Great story! Thanks for sharing. The smile on your face is priceless!

 

Great story, thanks for posting.

 

Good stuff, that car is superb.

 

Yes, Ralph (Jr.) Potter it is the same one. I believe he still has the Ralphs Muffler Shop in Indy. I have been meaning to get into contact with him for some time about the car to see if he can provide any additional history.

 

Wow....What a great story.

 

OK, been doing a little work and thought I would post some update pics. Again, the big theme here is to try to transform the car back to what it looked like when given away in 1951, but not change anything (or not too much - I did do some touch up painting on the frame and flathead block) that could not be changed back in a weekend's time....


First step was to switch back the radiator cap to the original style and to add the half moon headlight covers. I don't know for sure if the covers were on the car when when given away, however, I do have a photo from 1953 with them in place, so I will take some liberty here....


Cleaned up the motor a bit with some fresh paint....


Finally, worked to get the hood back in place. Had to fabricate some hold down brackets for that...


Slowly getting there, but almost done.....



Thats it for now. Visited the sign shop today and will be getting quote for graphics for passenger side door next week. Also, still need to locate a orginal rear spreader bar (anybody got one for sale out there?)

Finally, A big thanks to my father in law (4my2dads on the hamb) for all his help with this transformation!!

 

Man I love these kind of threads.

 

Looks great Bill! I am sure your Grandfather, your father, and Mr. Kraft are all pleased. Look forward to seeing it at the show.

 

Very cool Bill. Can't wait to see pic's. Todd.

 

Naomi Long of the Road Rockets gave me a few additional pics of the transformation that I thought I would share...








I cannot begin to thank the guys again for all there help.

The Motorama '62 show was a HUGE success for the Road Rockets. I believe they had 196 cars, making it one of if not THE largest indoor traditional car shows going. Everyone seemed to enjoy the recreation of when the Roadster was given away at the very same place in 1951.









More photos of the show at the following links...
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=422581&highlight=road+rockets

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=440528&highlight=road+rockets

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=446432&highlight=road+rockets

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=446426&highlight=road+rockets

Again, I cannot thank all of the Road Rockets enough for all their help in getting the car ready.

 

Wow! How cool! I missed this the first time around. Thanks for the update.


-mikethegreek-

 

Super, Thanks again Bill. Slim

 

That's so cool!
What a History!
I LOve that Car!
Did your gradfather ever belong to the "Modockers" car club from Indy?
I think they were the first Car Club in Indy in the 50's
I noticed a different club in the picture
He probably knew, or was friends with Robert Hamke (Hamke car from Indy)
Robert Hamke was also a close friend of Mr Potter (Ralphs Muffler Shop)
Mr Potter sponsored him at Bonneville Salt Flats in 1951
Mr Potter's wife is posing in the picture with the car in "Hot Rod Magazine"

 

Thanks for the nice compliment. I know that my grandfather belonged to the Mile Masters Club. He may have even been a charter member. He also was friends with many members of the Cluster Busters car club in Indy, as he drag raced at Stout Field when they had races there in the mid 50's (see link in my signature for info on his dragster). While I am familiar with the Hamke car, I do not know if my grandfather knew him or not.

 

Awesome car... and fantastic history.

I love threads like this...

 

Amazing how many threads I find like a year or two later....this one is so cool

 

yes it is.

 

I just found this today! Great story and history. Looks great. Any updates on what the car looks like now?

 

Yes X 2 ^^^^^^^

 

. Thanks for your inquiry. After running as a hi-boy for several years, a little over a year ago, I Transformed it back to full fendered form, the way my Grandfather and Father left it for me.

 

I missed this story first time around, sure is a nice one. Just noticed the inside hub caps on the rail, a feature I don't think I've seen on others. Bob

 

That car looks great with the graphics back on it. Makes a great story!

 

I love seeing Indiana history in hotrodding

 

My Grandpa was a Hammond, Ind. pioneer. Dad moved to California in 1937. We're all Californians since...but my soul is in Indiana.
Hence...the fedora. Never leave home without it.

 

Thanks for noticing. My father was always proud of the fact that he suggested that idea to his dad (when my father was probably 14-15) and his dad listened to him and did it. It is a idea that was WAY ahead of his time.