Shop Tour of the East Coast company 1945 Speed and Custom

Posted on December 13, 2018January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

13 Dec

Well, we see many shops in Southern California, but its good to see what being built in other states and of course, all over the globe, today we look at a company way over there on the other side of the East coast, known as 1945 Speed and Custom. They are also in the Oilers Club, an original Hot Rod club that is still strong in their Vintage lifestyle as it is down here in California, I saw some of them Racing at TROG in NJ and it sure did draw a lot of spectators. So below is just a little blog on this great company on the East side of the country, if you over that way, drop in and see them.

Formula Drift Champion Chris Forsberg takes us on a tour of garages around the country, from professional outfits to grassroots backyard garages. In this episode we visit 1945 Speed And Custom in Troy, New York. Owner Jeremy Baye shares his love for building some of the coolest custom hot rods in the world. Baye is a master designer and fabricator creating classics reminiscent of a bygone era with a focus on high-quality metalwork, his 10,000 square-foot shop is in a renovated car dealership along the river. Baye tours us through finished works including a custom Rail Dragster, a late 40s Big Car, a 1927 Ford Model T, and Baye’s own ’51 Ford Flathead V8 Truck. After a tour through the garage checking out some works in progress, Forsberg heads out for a drive in the 1927 Ford Model T.

Located on River St in NY, this shop has been around a few years now and know their way round Vintage, Custom and race cars, they are a hands on fabrication shop and can go from a small modification to a turn key head spinning Hot Rod.

Custom Work

Taking a piece of history and transforming it into something entirely new is the ultimate form of innovative self-expression. 1945 has the ability to take that idea in your head and make it a reality. Our expertise in hot rodding and resto-modding automobiles from all eras is unmatched across the Northeast. Anywhere from period correct American hot rods, to Modern Day Imports, we have all the resources to make your custom work possible. “Customization” may range from simply adding power brakes to a car for better drivability, to completely innovating how a car looks, drives, and sounds.

Restoration Work

There are times when an automobile or bike is so neat or rare that a restoration is the best route to take. This is no simple process; it takes expertise and skill to complete a restoration to top quality.

1945 has the abilities to authentically restore your automobile or motorcycle from any era. We are dedicated to doing work that stands out from the rest, work that makes our clients confident in their project’s development, and highly satisfies them with the outcome. The most important advice we can give is don’t bring your project to an auto-body shop who does restorations on the side. Choose an experienced and full service shop like 1945 for unparalleled craftsmanship in fine automobile restoration.

Refinishing

1945 Speed and Custom holds itself to the highest standards when it comes to refinishing automotive classics and masterpieces. With some of the best talent in the world on our team, our abilities in the refinishing sector of automotive work is unmatched in terms of quality and aesthetics. Anything from authentic looking paint jobs, to custom metal flaking, to flawless pinstriping, 1945 can turn your project into a true masterpiece. Visit our portfolio to see some of the wild paint jobs we have completed in the past.

MECHANICAL

Whether you are looking for a “juice” brake upgrade on your ’31 Model A or a full LS swap in your ’68 Camaro, 1945 has the abilities and skill to execute and complete any mechanically oriented task with ease and perfection. Anything from engines, transmissions, front and rear axles, suspension, and steering, to simple dashboard components and wiring, 1945 has the expertise to restore or customize your automobile or bike of any era to a flawless finished product.

We are sure there is no part of a vehicle’s mechanics that we can’t repair, restore, or customize – from any era or make.

1945 SPEED & CUSTOM

631 River Street Troy, NY 12180

info@1945SpeedandCustom.com

(518) 595-DRAG (372

RPM NATIONALS SANTA MARGARITA RANCH WAS A BLAST

Posted on October 31, 2017January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

31 Oct

Well, what can I say, I had no idea what this place looked like, other than a few internet pics, but Jenn and I loaded up our Van and headed off to Pismo Beach, as that is where we would hook up our Van in the RV park, pull out our Triumphs and ride to Santa Margarita ranch, where they are holding the RPM Nationals.

Now this was going to be a place I had hoped to drive my 1928 Model A Roadster to, but it has so many teething issues, it just would not of made the trip, so this year I wanted to at least attend and support this great Nostalgic Drag race event.

Originally used for the Four Banger Fords, they thought they would extend this out to the flatheads and boy am I glad that they did, as what a joyous sound.

So, after 3 and half hours, we pulled up to Pismo Beach and plugged the Coffee Maker in and had a Brew, unloaded bikes and whilst I was amazed how foggy it was, it did not deter us in the least.

To be honest, it reminded me of home and I wanted Jennifer to experience some colder riding conditions and we got some big time, the Fog was indeed Pea soup, Thicker than Anderson’s Soup thats just down the road from Pismo.

But I had a Fog light and we were all set to go first thing in the morning, sure enough, the Mist rolled in and stayed longer than a relative you dont like.

We jumped onto our steeds and rode to the Madonna Inn and had brekky, great place and so much history, if you get a chance, pop in as they have so many cool things to see, from hand carved doors and ceilings in wood, to Themed rooms from a Stage Coach room to a Rock room, all very cool not cheap but what an experience.

So after having breakfast, blocking their crapper, we hastily headed North to Rancho Santa Margarita Ranch, we rode though the fog and then after a few miles the Sun was out, the roads were smooth and a smile on both our faces as we cruised around 75 MPH with open faced skid lids, what a great day already I muttered to myself.

Before too long we had gotten off the main road and into a few country roads, with Trees changing color as Autumn took an abrupt hold over this way, we cruised into the start of this Great Big Ranch, that was out of some Bonanza Episode, well it looked like it to me.

Cattle grids, Bridges, Old rail Road Lines were all over this place, we slowed right down along the road on the Ranch as there was a herd of Cows just sat by a tree and across the old rail Road lines, fearing we would get stampeded on, we rode past as quiet as could be, hard to do on 2 Triumphs though but we got passed and to our surprise, they just stayed their grazing, as if we were not even there.

We pulled up at the Parking area and I could smell that wonderful internal Combustion engine aroma, then I could hear some Flatheads revving then letting go of the clutch and banging on down the Drag strip that was laid out.

There were vendors along one side of the track and on the other was the swap meet, what cool stuff to see.

Here are a few pictures I took with my Iphone, I did take more with my SLR but will blog that another day.

Some very cool stuff to look at, what an awesome event and was stoked that I attended the RPM Nationals, looks like it will be the start of bigger things to come.

I sure wanted to bring My 28 Roadster- but it was not running right and its a 4 hour drive but next year I hope to make it.

An assortment of cool rides to look at whilst in between rounds, this was up at the end of the strip where the Pits were.

Above, I loved this 3 window just bloody gorgeous in its Drab attire, killer machine for me right there.

Above- How tough is that, what is not to like about it and so many great vehicles here and everybody was brilliant to talk to and had time for you.

Flatty Powered 29 Roadster with Q/C and Zoomies, it was quick too.

Simular to my 28 but a way cooler built version, high Boy with its 4 Banger and this was quick, the Bangers were faster than the flatheads, it was a solid built Hot Rod for sure.

Everything was so cool on the A-Bone, loved the louvered panel, the Q/C and the Tonneau cover too .

Our Mate Jay Dean from Nostalgia Ranch with his Flattie powered Modified, was a fun and period built machine.Hop Up Magazine Special.

Jenn met up with Skateboard Pro, Steve Caballero, he has a passion for Hot Rods, Art as well as Skateboarding, super cool bloke.

Me and the Girl I love to Bits, Jennifer Sun, an amazing Woman

Below are the Videos that I took with my Iphone, what a blast it was to see.

Below Diane Branch in her Roadster having a go and doing well.

Loved it all and so many cool people to chat to as we are all into the same stuff, no attitudes just miles of Smiles.

How can you not like all this and away from the main stream too.

Loved these 2 Roadsters, The Guy tried to sneak his kid in the car too, I think we all wanted to see that, but still A FUN race none the less.

OOH- A tasty 5 window against a Roadster, just like back in the day.

Diane Branch taking on a chopped and channeled Coupe on the strip.

Model A’s a plenty, these were so fun to watch and no change since back in the day, sure wished I had mine here but next year we shall attempt to drive it there.

How about this, 2 Drop Belly Tank Racers, Both running V8-60 flatheads, I had one of these I love them but great to see 2 running and racing.

Loved watching this 34 Coupe and Flatty Powered Fully Fendered A Bone.

How about this, two Roadsters, One 4 Banger and One flathead, man such a great sight and sound, period looking rides too, awesome.

Our Buddy Jay Dean in his hop Up T Modified goes up against a Roadster, jay had a blast, what a Neat rig too.

Chin in his Original Model T Roadster, running against an A Bone, Chin ran well all weekend right up to the semi’s, consistent Ride, loved this Hot Rod.

Wow- How about this 36 Coupe, what a sweet ride and glad to see a couple of these on the strip today.

I shall Blog over the next few days as these take ages to load, but I thought you would get a kick out of this one today and I sure hope to see some of you next year as I loved this so much, all fun, No attitude and all period machines, very cool indeed. BRAAAAAP!

My 1928 Roadster

Posted on July 27, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

27 Jul

Well, here it is, my 1928 Roadster, with a Flatty hooked up to a 1939 Box. But, it needs some work and over the next few weeks, I hope to have this running well and driving down the road.

I shall be changing this to a more traditional AV8 Roadster of the era I really love and that’s post WW2, I will be selling the top and making a lower version with chopped windshield too.

I am looking forward to changing the look and this is pretty good shape too, even though it is cool, there is a lot of re-work that has to be undertaken.

There is the beloved flathead, the very first V8 came from ole Henry Ford himself, but the Motor sits too far back so need to move an inch and half forward to make it right and no vibration.

Below is a list of things that this A-Bone already has. But the note to the side is what I am changing.,

1938 v8 motor late 24 stud
39 rebuilt trans
40 ford juice brakes front and back
40 ford master cylinder
New hoses and plumbing
New shoes and cylinders
Edelbrock polished intake
Edelbrock Aluminum heads
Original A radiator modified – Changing to a Original 1932 deuce grill shell and insert later.
Rebuilt generator – Its junk so I have purchased a Powergen.
New Distributor
New battery – Battery is only 6 volt, so converting to 12 volt. And repositioning .
Original model A dropped axle
Original banjo rearend- been gone through- The Banjo is going to be changed for a Columbia rear end I have.
Rear drum locks
Original model A Steering column- Pulling that out and fitting an F1 steering box.
Stromberg 97 carbs only one hooked up
Electric fuel pump
6volt – Am changing over to 12 volt.
New cloth spark plug wires with rajah ends
1935 Wire wheels
New 1934 v8 caps
New Firestone bias plys
Original unsplit bones – Rears will be getting 1936 Radius Rods.
Slanted windshield- Will be replacing with a 2 inched chopped windhsield.
New Smithys dual mufflers- Replacing with Race headers and New pipes.
Original Points ignition

Limeworks 40 Ford steering wheel.

New X member and re worked pedal assembly.

The electrical is a disaster, the guy who had it did a terrible job and I am having many power issues now and am trying to source the issue as this is still a 6 volt system, so nothing wants to turn over long else the battery will die. This is all going to change as I shall have it converted to 12 volt as it makes for far more easier starting and can see at night with no dim Glow from 6 Volt bulbs.

This will still need a ton of work and I hope I can get there soon as I want to be able to drive it in the next month or so as I love the look, just mechanicals need sorting.

I shall be fitting a 2 inch chopped windshield and later get a chopped top for it and of course I will lower the seat a few inches to allow for that.

Above will be the New X member that will be going in place of the shoddy one some fella attempted at welding in with some cheap stick welder, so this is going to be gone through and make sure all is safe and strong, as my Girlfriend will drive it too and need it to be roadworthy, right now I have a few issues to get ironed out but will get there bit by bit.

The Motor is now going to be moved forward, as well as the rest of the running gear, the Muppet who originally fitted the flatty put it back too far and the motor was pushed against the firewall.

Takes time, Money and Patience but I shall be keeping the Roadster in memory of my dear MUM.

I will run with No bumpers later and will also be taking the A-Bone Radiator and Shell out, and replace with a genuine 1932 Grill shell and insert as I have always loved that look.

This will be such a fun Hot Rod and dream of the day I take it for a run across El Mirage dry lake later on, as thats been a dream for so many years.

Above, 1936 Rear Radius Rods, these will be fitted to my Model A to give it much added strength for the V8 Flatty Motor.

Later on I shall be making this 1936 Ford Dashboard, fit the 29 Model A Gas tank, as I love this Post war style that was popular in Southern California back in the day and will simply swap out once painted and gauges fitted etc, but that’s a little later on down the road, but exciting stuff none the less.

I want to make sure this A Bone is safe and with a X member I know the chassis wont be flexing as much, as I have seen so many crack over the years on the shitty roads we have here in California as the freeway beats Hot Rods up for sure.

As you can see, the body had to come off for a number of reasons, and one was to move the engine forward and secondly to be able to fit the X member and over riders correctly, glad we have got to this point,

A better solution than the crap that was one there before, and also Bungs were welded in chassis to make fitting Roadster body easier.

Up in the air and soon to be laced back on the strengthened frame and I will be feeling a lot happier for that.

Flatty Motor is a 24 stud 1939 Era with Edelbrock heads and intake with three 97 Strombergs, The Radiator fan is now replaced with new bearings too, and the 6 volt system has been removed and 12 volt system now lives there with a one wire powergen to make sure I have plenty of electrical Voltage.

My 28 Roadster Body is in pretty good shape, Later on i shall be replacing the gas tank with another as I will be fitting a 1936 Dash in the old gas tank area.

Looking forward to when she is sat back on the rails and can get on with a few other things as she will be having 1936 Ford wish Bones on the rear and I have a 2 inch chopped stainless steel windshield to fit, along with a 1948 F1 steering box with a Limeworks 40 Ford style steering wheel.

The 1936 Rear Bones were cut and shortened and the welded and will make a big difference in the Rigidity on the rear end for sure, as this is a proven Formula from back in the day.

The complete X member kit is now in place with Boxing plates and this really is a good thing for me as I will feel a lot safer, I have seen many stock Model A frames that have stress cracks as they fitted a Flathead and the power does cause a lot more stress on the chassis, this was a Hot Rod Fab back in the day too.

Well, the stock winshield posts have gone and now a 2 inch chopped Stainless Steel set up is in place, looks way better now and am stoked to have it on the Roadster.

The Body is about to be plopped back onto the rails, all the old nuts that sat under the frame have now been replaced with threaded bungs, so no more struggling to hold the nut with a wrench under the chassis.

Now I have the 1936 Ford rear Radius Rods in and the Handbrake cable from 40 ford to Model A in Place, things are getting closer to be finished.

Slave cylinders are all good , as is the brake shoes etc, bit of adjusting to do but on step closer to getting her ready for a road test.

New fuel line will be added to the pump, filter and to the Strombergs.

New OEM 1939 Fan assembly but with New bearing and to help with Battery, a New Powergen, this goes from a 6 volt ride to a 12 volt.

Limeworks 1940 Ford steering wheel will be fitted to the F1 Column I have and wil be smooth to turn now, before, the notchy A Bone Column was a nightmare.

I shall keep the Model A Grill shell for a little while but have a genuine 32 one to replace it.

Reworked Model A pedal assembly will be fitted today, then the handbrake will be made to fit the 39 gearbox and a New floor to be added too.

Bit by Bit she will get stuff done, wont look much different but will handle so much better than it did when I first got iy.

Hope you like how she is turning out, this is something I shall keep as it is in memory of my Dear Mum!

Steering Column is in, just needs the tube cover to go on but it looks the right height, although I want to lower the seat somewhat.

I am glad how everything is working out as this needed a lot of work that someone had thrown together badly.

I have a Limeworks Steering wheel on that F1 Column and it looks great, great value for money. Also fitted 40 Ford pedal tops to Model A pedals.

Looks great in Black and White photo and wont be too long now before I can have a test drive.

Next up was to make a handbrake for the Rod, as there was not one in it at all, so a hunt for a few parts was needed as this A Bone now had Juice brake, lucky for me I located the handbrake, the wires and attachments as I need to be able to have a handbrake in this Jalopy.

Sat back on the floor for some more work, wiring needs to be addressed and as she is now 12 volt, make sure the bulbs are changed in the 6V lamps etc.

Bit more done but the battery will be repositioned, then, new wiring as well as securing the F1 steering box and fitting new switches for fuel pump and ignition etc.

Up next was some floor work that needed to be rectified , as the original is just wooden and I did not want that, this body is now sturdy to the chassis since the X member kit was added, and the doors will not pop open like many stock version do when the Ford goes up a drive way hill or a dropped kerb etc.

These are hand rolled and sure look nice in steel rather than ugly timber.

You can see that the Model A pedals have been reconfigured and now have 40 Ford tops on them.

Feels more like a Hot Rod now, rather than a Resto and will not be long until I can test drive her.

The Motor now runs and is smooth, only running the middle Stromberg right now but hope to use all Three later on once all the bugs have been worked out, straight through pipes for now until later in the year when I remove the fenders and run as a high boy and will use 1936 Torque Tubes for the headers like they did back in the Dry lakes days.

I am so glad that she is running Now, sounds quite smooth now that is fitted with a New Old stock fan and as she is turned from 6 Volt to 12 volt, she will fire up a lot easier and no more dim headlights.

Well, time has just tocked on a few days and I am glad to say I at last got the chance to drive it for the first time yesterday, mind you it was 100 degree’s outside.

Sitting pretty, this was a big moment for me, I dreamt of having my own Roadster in California for ions, and now here I am and its great.

She sits well but have to tell you, the rear shocks are shot to bits, so I will need to find some slightly longer and robust versions, maybe Pete & Jakes, but have to weld on shock mounts as the person before set these up for standard car shocks with no clevis at the top, but that’s all repairable and even though it bumps pretty hard, its so much fun.

I am happy at the style right now as I parked it outside my Motorcycle shop in Anaheim, it was 100 degree’s but I still drove it around and smiled all the way.

I will eventually remove the fenders and grill and fit a Genuine 1932 Grill shell and change lights and that is what Hot Rodding is all about.

Looks way better with the 2 inch Windshield chop and eventually I will get a retractable top but not just yet, but- I do need to cut the seat riser down about 4-6 inches I think.

The seat is Bone stock Model A and I sit too high, but I will try and locate another seat Riser and channel it a few inches to sit lower and have that early look too.

The flatty runs pretty good and right now, just on the middle 97 Stromberg but hope to hook the other two up at a later stage, once I have worked all the bumps out.

Having a bit of fun with a 1956 Flying Cloud Airstream,as these are the coolest trailers and easy to tow because they are so light and balanced well.

Yes- reverse does work and had to get used to the old style clutch pedal and it worked really well indeed on this AV8 Roadster of mine.

This looks like back in the day as I put it in Black and white, Classic lines and thought I would share with you.

Eventually I will locate a 1940’s trailer and be able to tow it to the dry lakes.

My Girlfriend loved it, it was fun driving it on the road for the first time, albeit 100 degree’s out and I live about 13 miles from the shop, so as I pulled into our street the radiator started to puke hot water out of the top cap, but that’s to be expected from the summer heat. All was good later on in the evening when I drove it around the block with Jen to try it out.

I have more plans for the Roadster, I will change the Radiator and the grill shell for a 1932 version and will remove the fenders too, then use 1936 Torque Tubes for headers and run them out the sides for an older style of Hot Rod, the car is always an on going challenge but that’s what Hot Rodding is all about.

So stay tuned for more on my 1928 Roadster…………………..

So now its time to get a few miles on her and work all the bugs out of it, that all takes time, money and patience.

Hot Rods are part of my Life too !

Posted on March 4, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

04 Mar

OK- many people think that I am only into Motorcycles, and I can understand that, as I have been building Cafe Racers here in California in the last 14 years, but- since I was a youngster, I had the Car bug big time.

I grew up near to many American Air force bases and that’s where I got my first influences from of cool old American cars, I loved everything about the cars, the country and the lifestyle as well as the passion for Hot Rods.

Then, I had my first Hot Rod, a 1932 Deuce Coupe, it was Chopped and channeled and was a Right Hand drive Model, this Deuce meant so much to me and I felt like I was living in the U.S.A. with that ride.

I wish I had kept it now, as we all do when we look back at things we have had.

This was my ONLY form of transport and I drive it in all weather, I didn’t have a floor in it for a year, the snow and rain used to blast up inside the Coupe, until I lost a couple of cassette tapes and then my keys jumped out of the ignition as I was driving back from work and that’s when I decided it was time for a floor.

This used to be so much fun blasting about Brighton and I traveled all over the UK in my 3 window and some super fun memories that’s for sure.

I was a lot thinner back then, maybe from pushing the damn thing when the battery dies or I ran out of gas as my gas meter did not work.

I drove up to Hemsby for the traditional Rock n Roll weekender and then visited some old school mates and friends in that area, it was such a blast to drive, loud old and bumpy but that’s an old traditional Hot Rod in the 1980’s in Britain for poor working class folk like me.

The I-Beam axle was a 4 inch drop and shorty shocks, made sure you didn’t fall asleep at the wheel when ever you drove this Coupe.

Watch ya head, this coupe was chopped and channeled and with a 4 inch windshield, not much vision, plus when it rained you couldn’t see anything, and- to get me through the yearly MOT test, you have to have a windshield wiper, so- I took a complete motor and wiper arm off a Volvo Headlight and fitted it indie the coupe, it was perfect.

Such fun times and glad I actually took some photographs, else they would just be my own views in my head.

We were all a close knit community and had so much fun at Rock N roll weekenders, especially on the beach etc.

How about this shot, many many moons ago with my First car, a 1961 Low line Ford Consul, with a 4 banger and a 3 on the tree, I drove the lug nuts off this machine.

Oh dear- what was I thinking? But this was my 1959 Ford Zephyr that I 2 door-ed and made some mad steel fins on the car, this had Candy Red and white tuck n Roll too, I was in a crazy zone when I did this.

This was me in 1997 when I moved to Australia, and I bought a 195 XP For Falcon, very similar the the American Ranchero, this was a cool ride, they call them Ute’s out there but it was a fun ride that I played about with and really liked that car.

I used to pain the old race style numbers on the doors of my rides back then, I still do on the bikes I build sometimes, this time I painted the car flat black in my mates driveway and then fitted pin line whites and then fitted a cool set of MOON discs.

But I get restless and have to keep trying things out on this machine.

I cant leave anything alone for too long, this time I scalloped the car and pin lined it, as well as fitting a steel sun-visor.

I fitted a Black Tarp on the back and later on I located some fender skirts for it too. Then I painted the Coop Devil on the back and added more scallops!

But I will always love tinkering with stuff, just the way my Brother and I was bought up, not really had a happy child hood but kept busy.

I started to get into this Roadster when I moved to Australia from the UK in 1997 and then continued over here in the states as I shipped the body over, the photo above is me in New South wales, I was patching the side of the Roadster body as it was completely shot with old bullet holes, but- I wanted the same thickness steel and the contour, so used a 1940 Ford truck door to use and it worked out so well.

Above, Anthony Castaneda of the Infamous Shifters gave me his old Dodge Dash Board and I spent the next few days cutting my old gas tank and fitting this set up, I was so stoked to have accomplished this and loved the way the dashboard flowed, similar to the 1936 Ford versions.

I used a Belgian Flat head in the end and this was a great motor, I love the sound of side valve motors, a very unique sound of their very own.

Jeez, this was a while ago, i was wearing a watch, who wears watches any more?

I chose a eggshell Blue and a Flat white firewall as it reminded me of the Al Sharp Coupe.

I also had My 1958 F150 short bed painted by Anthony Castaneda in his old shop (RIP mate) I stayed up and hand painted the logo and lettering getting ready for me to go with the shifters to Paso Robles back then.

I will have to look to see if I have any more photos of this 29 Roadster of mine, I loved that car but had to sell it when everyone moved out to go forward in their lives and I knew I would have another later on.

I had so much fun building this in the garage at home in Southern California and sure wished I still had this Roadster.

Days of old but soon I will be getting back into another 1929 Roadster that I located in Indiana and My Girlfriend Jennifer Bought for me,I am looking forward to driving it with her in the following months.

This was a fun build and now resides in the land of the rising sun, sure hope to see photos of it as I sold it to a very cool friend of mine Ken Sakata.

I now have this 29 Roadster at my shop, needs a ton of work but- I will get there eventually, once I have located all the parts I need.

I have a super amount of work to do to this little A-Bone but it will be worth it and cannot wait until I can get onto El Mirage and of course one day at Bonneville Salt Flats.

I am not sure what color it will be but I will be running a Flathead, not the 4 Banger that’s in it right now.

My plan is to locate a cool Vintage dash board, be it a 36 ford, Chrysler, Pontiac or Caddy etc and have a unique look to it with cool Gauges.

I will be running a 1932 Truck grille, so that will all change but will still use original chassis etc and Kelsey wire wheels of course.

I have an original Moredrop axle for the front but will need 1940 Ford Hydraulic brakes all around too. And below, I was so fortunate to locate this Original plaque that used to be on the guys Roadster back in the day, a nice bit of history right there.

I will be using old plates as well to capture the spirit of the style that I am into and hope that this will make people smile once completed.

This will be a cool build but maybe a year before I am halfway there I believe, hard to do on a low budget.

But stay tuned, as i will up date when I get more parts together etc.

GRAND NATIONAL ROADSTER SHOW THIS WEEKEND.

Posted on January 29, 2016January 30, 2020 by Steve Carpenter

29 Jan

On Sunday, Jennifer and I will be attending the Grand national Roadster show, of which I was lucky to WIN trophy’s Three times for my Cafe Racers, but, I have always been into Hot Rods and back home in the 80’s I had my very own three Window, chopped and channeled 32 Coupe.

Well, I now have a stock 1929 Model A Roadster, More Rust than I really had thought and needs a total strip to the frame and will fit a flathead etc and what I have been looking for is a cool color, I love Black but many out there, I love Blue but built a 29 Roadster in early 2000 and that was Blue.

This was a great ride but had to sell it when bills at the house got out of control and I sold it and it ended up in Japan where it still is today.

I am hoping to get the Roadster into a Vintage style by Next year with any luck and of course, in Memory of my Dear Mum of which if it wasn’t for her, I would not be here.

So I have been looking at Car shows with Jennifer and of course any where I see a Color that jumps out at me to try and think of what would look great on my Hot Rod. Jennifer and I both thought a WW2 style Green would be different then I saw a buddy I know has just completed his 32 and painted his Green, and this was the color I looked for over the months, so may have to go a little darker, but this 32 Roadster is so nice I had to share it with you all. I love this Hot Rod and am sure you do too.

This weekend and Its going to be a super show with many cool rides for everyone.

Mine will never be as cool as this but will have fun with my ride for sure so, wish me luck.here is mine right now. she needs tons of work but it will be a fun machine later.

Below is what HOT ROD wrote about this super cool set up and I wanted to share this with you today, if you are at the GNRS on Sunday drop me a text or message as I shall be there with Jennifer and would be awesome to see you.

Some of the best advice a father can give to his son is the phrase: When you want to learn how to do something correctly, watch a professional do it. The “right way” is nothing that can be taught by reading a technical book or even watching a YouTube video, but rather hands-on immersion and a learn-by-doing mentality.

Darryl Hollenbeck, a 48-year-old automotive painter who grew up in Concord, California, had a distinct advantage when it came to learning his craft: his grandfather, uncle, and father were all car painters, with Dale (Darryl’s dad) carving out a respectable niche in the custom car world before he died in 2003.

Now known as the “go-to” guy in Northern California for many of the country’s top rod builders, Darryl’s paintjobs have been found on an America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award winner, dozens of STREET RODDER and Rodder’s Journal cover and feature vehicles, and well as a handful of Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance show winners.

But Darryl’s approach to all these cars is the same: it’s all in the details. As owner/operator of his Vintage Color Studio in his hometown, Darryl usually works by himself, perfecting any given body long before the color ever leaves his spray gun. But he’s also a car enthusiast and, after working on dozens of vehicles over the years, he really wanted a hot rod for himself, but time, the job, and money always seemed to get in the way. He did get close a few years back, starting a 1932 roadster project, but he ended up having to sell the car well before it got finished.

Recently Darryl’s friend, Brandon Flaner of East Bay Speed & Custom, told him about a project that someone had lost interest in. It was another Deuce highboy roadster, with a standard street rod build started but not finished. Darryl bought the car but soon realized, considering his workload, this one may not get finished either.

As fate would have it, one of the cars slated to roll into Vintage’s paint booth was a Deuce highboy from Cory Taulbert. The Michigan native is a part-time rod builder and married to the former Ashley Webb, she’s the daughter of fabricator (and former Ridler winner) Dan Webb. As anyone who knows Dan can attest, he likes a good joke, and when dialing in the drop-off times for the roadster to get painted, Dan half-heartedly suggested Darryl trade the paint- and bodywork on Cory and Ashley’s roadster for the build and fab work on Darryl’s ride.

Not wanting to potentially ruin a good friendship with Cory (as it happens sometimes in these situations), Darryl discussed the trade with his wife, Terri, and the pair decided it was probably the best way to get his car finished, so they said yes and, in February of 2014, the swap was made. Once at Darryl’s shop, he started working on laying down a perfect single-stage black paintjob on Cory’s ride, and Darryl’s roadster ended up in Michigan at Webb Automotive Art and up on Dan’s chassis jig.

Though sufficient for a basic street rod, most of the items on the chassis would be out of place on the style of car Darryl wanted to have, so the SO-CAL framerails were left, but just about everything else, including the X-member, was removed. In went a 1940 Ford X-member, which already had provisions for the correct pedal assembly Hollenbeck wanted, and the rear was kicked a little to lower its stance and accommodate the Model T spring.

Dan and Cory also installed a Rodsville Halibrand-type rear (4.47:1), which was prepped and painted by Brandon Flaner. The rear featured Dutchman axles, and is located with a custom three-bar system (two lower outer rods along with an upper center rod) built out of split 1940 wishbones by Cory, who also fab’d the Panhard bar.

MT Products’ 1940 Lincoln-type drum brakes are on each corner, and a transverse spring and SO-CAL shocks smooth out the ride. Steering is handled by a Vega box and a LimeWorks column, and original 1940 Ford 16×4 wheels (wrapped in Firestone 500×525 rubber) were used up front while 18×4.25 wheels were shod with 700-18 tires.

Darryl turned to Edelbrock for one of their 380-horse crate motors, which was outfitted with an Edelbrock 2×4 intake manifold, a PowerGen alternator, and an MSD ignition with Taylor wires. Cooling is cured with a Walker radiator and Cooling Components fan while stock ram horn headers and a custom 2-inch stainless steel exhaust removes unwanted gases. The V-8 bolts to a T5 BorgWarner transmission, prepped by Astro Performance. What chrome there is on the car was handled by both Tennessee’s Advanced Plating and California’s Sherm’s Custom Plating.

The 1932 body originally came from Brookville Roadsters, and Dan and Cory fit it with Rootlieb 25-louver hood sides, a sectioned hood, and a Brookville Deuce grille shell and insert (with a custom center bar). More custom fabwork can be found inside the cockpit, with Dan fab’ing gloveboxes for the ends of the Deuce roadster dash, which was also lengthened for the Stewart-Warner Hollywood five-gauge insert that features a big Police speedo. Cory also modified a Model A shifter to work with a Pro 5.0 shift tower, and DynoTech supplied the driveshaft.

Once all of the fabrication was complete, the roadster was returned to its owner where he and Darrell Schneider prepped the ride before Darryl added the color, which, along with its stance, may be the most important thing about the car. Most folks toil with the choice of color for their rides but, with Hollenbeck being a well-known painter whose choice would also make an obvious statement, color choice became critical.

Not wanting what someone else already had entered into the decision picture, as did making sure the wife liked it, too. The roadster had a lot of traditional elements, so something that looked like it could have rolled out on a Lincoln in 1940 would be going in the right direction. All said and done, Darryl mixed up his own unique shade of brown with PPG Envirobase waterborne paints to cover his car.

Once out of the paint booth, construction continued with help from Joe Compani and Ryan Campi of Compani Color (who prepped and painted the chassis), as well as Jack Stratton, plus Bill Ganahl and his team at South City Rod & Custom, who helped with final assembly. Next came the addition of a one-of-one Bop Top from Sid Chavers (the bows were repositioned), the chopped windshield posts from Cory, a set of Guide headlamps, and a pair of taillights and door handles from a Chrysler Airflow. A LimeWorks Crestline steering wheel fits the car’s profile, and a multilayered chunk of paint from Darryl’s father’s paint booth was turned down on a lathe to produce a one-off shift knob.

Cory Taulbert flew out to NorCal to wire up the roadster using pieces from Rhode Island Wiring Service harness and an Enos panel, and Sid Chavers created the bench seat in the car before covering it with sections of leather as well as a fabric insert piece from a 1969 Cadillac.

Both Darryl’s and Cory’s roadsters were finished up (Taulbert got his dream paintjob—an inky black one-stage for his Deuce) and the pair decided to debut their rides by driving them from their respective states to the Roadster Roundup in Austin, Texas (a 3,400-mile roundtrip for Darryl), in 2015.

But for Darryl, just as important as delivering a world-class paintjob is making and maintaining the friendships he’s fostered throughout the years. For him, he wouldn’t want one at the expense of the other and, luckily for the rest of us, he’s really good at both!

Grand National Roadster Show:

POMONA FAIRGROUNDS

CALIFORNIA

Custom Work

Restoration Work

Refinishing

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