So... I've got a couple of vehicles that I love, but I've always wanted a proper hot rod. After a couple of stalled Model A project I finally came to the realization that if I really wanted one I was going to have to buy someone else's car and make it my own....big talk for someone on my budget! So a few months ago my friend Mike (kingrollo on here) called me and informed me that he had already gotten a room squared away and if I were to go the the Lonestar Roundup, I had better get my butt in gear! We were going to be driving up from San Antonio in Mike's 1953 Ford. I left my stuff at home in New Orleans and headed to Texas... At risk of repeating what has been said before, the Round was pretty spectacular! That being said, on Friday night we got ourselves over to the grounds. During a quick walk around we spotted the car corral for cars for sale and from a distance I spied the orange top of a mopar coupe. Cool - let's check it out... No small block chevy! 3 pedals! Posi rear end! Whoa! And a reasonable price?! The owner, a very nice older gentleman named Frank, graciously showed the car off to two semi drunk strangers. 351w - T5 tranny - ford 8.8 posi rear. He built it about 11 years ago, drove it from Waco to Colorado Springs, then basically parked it. Mike and I huddled and discussed how solid the build quality seemed to be. He was no help in dissuading me from getting a crazy idea... I finally pulled myself away, thanked Frank, and proceeded to have a drunken, sleepless night. Lots of "what if" talk...thanks Mike for putting up with me! Early the next morning we were right back at the show and pretty much immediately went to see Frank. Now heres the deal - I have a good job, but I didn't really have any money to buy a car. I was totally unprepared. But...soon enough Frank and I agreed on a very reasonable price, shook hands, and he loaded up the car and left the show! Oh my God! What have I agreed to do?! After the show I went back to Louisiana and called my bank. They think I'm remodeling my kitchen... Back to San Antonio. Mike and I drink many drinks and it's up to Waco with more cash than I've ever held at one time. Franks got the coupe ready, we test drive it ( he wails on it ) - check out his pretty cool shop and collection - and we're off. I waited until I was out of site of his driveway and did my first ever proper burnout. Wow..how did I wait so long? Immediately after leaving Waco it's bumper to bumper traffic in Texas heat all the way back to San Antonio. Car never missed a beat. Thanks Frank! Back at my buddy's house in San Antonio Immediately pull the hood and hub caps Time for more drinks and some bench racing Next morning it's out for breakfast Then some new front tires And a trip to the local roadhouse Up the next morning and drive back to New Orleans. 80+ mph in 5th gear, two fingers on the wheel, 15 mpg. Uneventful trip home. In its new home And all tucked in for the night... At this point I had to go back to work ( on a boat offshore) so a month of dreaming ensues. .. Home again - first things first; goodbye orange interior Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
After the interior I had to do something about how the radiator sat A little reworking of the upper mounts and voila! Better. Also butchered a nice oil bath air cleaner... Also mounted the coil under the cowl Can't drive around in orange for long so.... Looking good! Ha! Time to go back to work again...
OK - now it's time for a road trip! My older brother lives in Virginia - let's go! This car sounds great, runs great, rides great, I couldn't be happier. Well, I arrived unannounced only to be told I was just in time to go to the machine shop - my brother's engine was ready! Put some parts on with one of Jake King's ratchets... An original Hemi 4spd car.. the rest of his garage is equally insane.
Very cool, you made it yours. But I love the look with the long hood. It really helps the proportions of the car, plus the top of the firewall just looks weird without the hood covering it. Just my 2 cents, you get what you paid for. congrats on a very cool car.
While standing around drinking beer my brother turns to me and says " are we gonna paint flames on that thing or what?". Um. Ok. A couple of hours and $40 in rattle cans later... Back to New Orleans!
After another hitch at work it's time to detail the engine A pleasant surprise... And time to go make more money!
OK - at this point it's time for wheels and tires. I had a vision, but no cash. Wheels and tires are pricey! I robbed the tires from my Coronet just to see... Hmmmm. Ok. Time to rob Peter! New rear tires... And that's where I'm at today... Loving this car! But....saving my pennies. My 241 is lonely and wants a big brother...
At first I didn't like the black but now that you put the flames and the white walls on it it all came together now it screams hot rod nice combo Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Great story. I like the way you think, I'm right there with you, man. I love that coupe, everything about it. What do you do for a job on a boat offshore? (you did such a great job telling this story, we need that detail to complete it). Sent from my iPhone using H.A.M.B.
Very cool car you have there, thanks for keeping the parallel spring and tube axle. Yes a hemi would be killer in it, it would make it all Mopar!
Ben, Great thread! Thanks for letting me share in this adventure! Your boundless enthusiasm and "never say die" attitude were the kick in the ass I needed to get going on my '29 AV8 p/u build! Thanks, Brother.
Great find, it's serving you well too. Awesome car! Now a Red Ram Hemi would be exceptional..... Sent from my XT1585 using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
Ok - been a while since I posted; started a new job and have been busy, etc. Anyways, in October I drove over to San Antonio for the Moonshine Run, which was an awesome event...
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=1928770223805990 Sent from my SM-G950U using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
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