Hard to believe, but it appears it's been 2 years since I've posted anything about my Roadster. Coincidentally, it's been about that long since I've broken a leg, or had some form of surgery. I had a minor procedure on my back this morning and was instructed to stay put on the couch for at least a day - so, here I am - perusing the forum. The last I posted about the Roadster; the engine had let go, we obtained a new one from H & H, and my nephew installed it for me. I'll let the pictures describe the rest.
After we (I watched) swapped engines, it was obvious the rear-end and tranny (can we still say tranny, or is it gender-neutral gear-box?) could use some attention. My nephew rebuilt the trans, and we took the rear-end to Hot Rod Works and had them do their thing - new gears, splined axles, etc. It drives like a different car. No whine, no vibration - 60 mph down the road and smooth as glass. We got rid of that old upholstery in favor of Italian leather, and redid the top. A proper set of top irons are on the way.
Thanks guys. I have a couple questions: On the grill, I have an NOS 1934 grill from Ford. It is beautiful - like a work of art. I gave it to my nephew for the work he did on the car. That grill has an NOS V8 emblem - does it matter whether or not I run the V8 emblem on my car? And no, he won't sell the grill - he's turned down some big $$$ for it. Next question - the Greyhound. I had 3 originals and 2 replicas - now I have 2 originals, 2 replicas, and 1 expanded version. Going down the road at about 60, it rattled loose, did a hard left turn, and departed. When asked, "Does the tail touch the leg?" I say, "Well, I have 1 that the tail doesn't touch anything." The question - run the Greyhound or the stock cap? What would have been "Hot Rod" appropriate for the 50's?
I think both were appropriate but being born in 1960 it's just an opinion... Beautiful Hotrod @bandoola...you're living the dream...
Hot rodders didn't want extra weight on their cars, so they would have removed the V8 emblem and greyhound.
That's what I thought too. I actually like the look without the Greyhound and the V8 emblem. It also increases the odds I won't break another one or have either stolen.
Less is better on that very nice car, maybe some thin trim rings to bring out the wheels. Love the interior.
Here's a few more pictures of the Roadster. I brought it to the Fuente Family Foundation dinner/auction, Aug 2019, in San Diego. That's Carlito Fuente in the Roadster. The Greyhound, pre disaster, as a cigar holder. The Fuente family is opening another facility in Tampa in March. We are considering going and taking the Roadster; haven't decided whether to trailer it or have it shipped and fly in for the event. The logistical problem is where/who to deliver it to in Tampa.
You seem to have blocked in a rather pricey vintage (yellow) Ferrari in one of your pics Beautiful car by the way
Hamber @33Doll had a wounded hound and brought it back from it's similarly acquired road crash...I will share the link...ooooh double leg wounds, there's ways of welding that metal... https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/rudy-road-rash-fixed.1183965/
Beautiful Roadster, I wouldn't change a thing...except maybe quit sharing a perfectly good Cohiba (Siglo?) with the Greyhound
I don't know why you didn't think the roadster would make a 250 mile day. We drive to Minnesota every year in our sedan that is set up just the same (the flatty isn't an H & H hottie though). In the past fifteen years I think we've only had a couple concerns. Trips like those are the best way to find your limitations. Especially since you had a stretcher available if needed.
I wasn't the one who said I didn't have a 250 mile car - it was actually a buddy - the guy who organized the rally, and owns that yellow Ferrari. He made the announcement at the opening night dinner - since my car was not a 250 mile car - I would be driving the tow/recovery rig. I have no hesitation to drive my roadster that far and more.
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