October 2022 Hot Rod of the Month

Additional Details

This car post dates the Multi Aldrich T, and pre dates the Ed Iskendarian T. Both cars were a major influence when it came to this build which started with a T I found in Sacramento, CA, and shipped home to New Zealand. I built the car as a 30’s era “gow job” and wanted to only use components or build techniques of that era. I have long been into Model A Ford engines, so I utilized the running gear from a Model A Ford to make it more driveable. I retained the Model T front axle, and the use of a Model T chassis as I really like the look of a spindly Model T hence why it doesn’t have front brakes and rides on the 21″ Model A wheels.

The chassis was kicked up 4″ in the rear, and I sat the Model T rear spring ahead of the rear end, which retains the torque tube assembly up to the Model A gearbox. The Model T front end uses the later “dropped” spindles and steering arms, the flattened front spring sits under the Pete Eastwood spring perch which kicks the front end forward of the radiator. Effectively the car is a good 12″ lower than a standard Model T Ford. The Model A engine is mounted on four flathead V8 rubber mounts and uses a V8 waterpump turned on its side to clear the T radiator.

The all steel body has been steeled out with 5/8 steel conduit and fabricated sheetmetal steel floor channels with plywood floor inserts. The steering column is dropped down at the dash, and I have incorporated a Model A gauge panel on to a reworked T dashboard. The shifter has a joggle in it for leg clearance, and the Model A pedals got reworked to fit into the tight confines of the Model T body. Original Model A throttle and hand brake are used. The seats are custom made with Army style blankets. Screen is a C-Cab screen frame which has been raked back. We finished the car off by brush painting the car black.

I am 41 years old and love hot rod history. Many people helped on this car, but I really gotta thank my Dad, Mark, as it’s his influence, inspiration, and mentoring which has me really entrenched in hot rodding and its rich history – thanks, Dad!