Just saw this article on the Hemmings daily web post. I've seen the photo before here on the vintage photo thread, I believe, so here are their thoughts. See: http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015/11/12/the-mystery-roadster-of-boyle-heights/?refer=news
Wow, that's interesting. Not only the hop-up history, but the (possible) Ed Iskenderian connection. Cool.
That is a really cool picture, and the story behind it just makes it even better. Thanks for posting it.
My favorite photo on the internet. The inspiration for my own T project. There is so much going on in that photo.
Very cool pic and deciphering of the components. Some I noticed (front springs), but lots I never would have picked up on (Ruckstell rear, and rear body line cut down). I wonder what the missing steering wheel hoop does for the performance?
Not that I'm an expert by no means, but wasn't there a way of doing things, running early chevy frame, front axle and springs. And install a Ford rear end because it's stronger then the chevy counterpart, so the three springer was born. But this is a nice one, in my book. The steering wheel looks like an early chevy one exposed to the elements, and that migth have been helped in some way. Does the HAMB agree on it being a Ford A trans and engine, or could it be a chevy with an olds head. Like an early Spurgin and geovanni car
T engine. See the hogshead under the car just above the dog's head? I would think you'd be able to see the exhaust if it were a standard T head...my guess is an OHV (Rajo? Roof?)
With all do respect there is very few items I can spot and ID in the dark, and non of them is bellhousing of a Model T. Sorry But that's still a nice rod.
The pic was taken in 1938 so it's not number 1 by a long shot!! Gow #1 was probably in like 1903 or something.
That wasn't a swipe at you..."I'd think you'd..." is a common Texas expression meaning "I figure" or "I guess".
'Cut down and Suped up'. Epitome of Gow. A Grand daddy of Gow-jobs, for sure. Note windshield stanchions, and w/s frame...swept back, chopped. "Twenty Three Skidoo!!!"
I remember reading somewhere that when Isky bought his T, the price was $25, or $20 without the turtle deck, so he bought it without and got another at a junkyard for $2. I wonder if this really is his car, if that would account for the lack of bodywork on the back.
There's not a person in the world that can see the hogshead in this picture, not even Mr. Model T, because the hogshead is on the top of the crankcase, accessible from the inside of the car. What can be clearly seen, to me anyway, is the unmistakable shape of a Model T crankcase. Model T's did not have a bellhousing. Sorry. It may or may not have a Ruckstell, if the shot was from the other side of the car it's be obvious. It could have a Warford, it wouldn't be visible from this angle, if it was a lower side shot, then we could see. This shot is from the mid to late 1920s, dropped axles, chopped windshields, and raised rear cross members, long before the car in question. My old friend Gabbys T, 1933. My all time favorite cut down, that grill was almost brand new.
The Jalopy Journal
