I've been working on my '50 F1 lately and ignoring the AV8 roadster that's been languishing in the corner of my garage for years. Two months before Autorama Detroit I decided I'd bring the roadster and try to have it running for the show. Today I dropped off the last parts to the engine builder and they plan on firing it up next week. I put a '32 commercial grill on it last night that I borrowed from Kirk Hanning. I dig the way it looks now. I'll try and do a few updates before the show in three weeks.
Thanks guys, I was really moving on the truck but I took it to Autorama last year and wanted to bring the roadster this time. After the show I'm going to try and register it for The Race of Gentlemen. Hopefully they select it. Here's what it looked like with the A grill. I got a '32 V8 radiator from Rudy (Roadstar) but it pushed the grill out too far and there was a big gap between it and the hood. But I like the way it looks now with the deuce grill.
That's a great looking car! What kind of seat did you use? I have a 1930 model A, and I found a third row seat out of a Honda mini van that I basically stripped and modified the heck out of for mine. The one you have looks like a perfect fit!
Middle row Dodge Caravan, like a 1994. I just separated the two parts of the seat, found the angle I wanted then welded it up solid. It's hinged in front and the whole thing tilts forward till it hits the steering wheel for access to under seat storage.
Not really. I bought it a year and a half ago from a farm out in western MO on Route 66. Flathead seized up in 1976 and they parked it in the barn till I got it. 4" dropped axle from Nostalgia Sid, lowered the rear the same way Kevin Lee did on his F1. New wiring, iPod stereo/iPhone charger, Mustang gas tank out back, new bed floor, and a SBC a Speed Gems adaptor mated to the original three speed. Just a few clutch parts and I'll be firing it up and see what happens.
My flathead gets fired up today, pretty excited about that. Also got my steering column and wheel sorted out. It's an F1 wheel, '36 column with the bell cut off, and a piece of a '40 column spliced in to reach the F1 box. One step closer, 17 days till the show
What a nice blend of old parts. This just proves how good a roadster can look on A rails. Engine sits perfect in the bay, and the tire sizes right on. Thanks for taking the time to post.
Well, this happened last night. Engine, trans, rear end all bolted in. Put the wheels on and set it on all four. First time I've seen the front end with the weight of an entire engine on it. My dad stopped by last night and he had to try it on for size. The Merc flathead was broke in on a stand two weeks ago. 60 psi of oil and never got over 160 degrees. Wiring, plumbing, and some exhaust and it'll be ready for Autorama in a week.
The Jalopy Journal
