1929 Ford Roadster - Channeled 50's Hot Rod

[Dennis Lacy]

Got another traditional style hot rod going based on a Revell 1929 Roadster body, channeled frame option, floor pan and interior panels. And that's about where the kit provided parts end, LOL!

Outwardly the wheels are Revell 1937 Ford Pickup / Panel Truck. The rears were modified to a slightly larger diameter to fit the big Monogram 1941 Lincoln tires. The front tires are AMT 1941 Woody. Normally the hubcaps have the V8 logo but the truck / panel kits includs a single "Ford" logo cap for the spare. Luckily I have enough truck / panel kits on hand to put together a set of 4 caps! The Model A engine with Riley 2-port performance head is from Revell's 1931 Sedan kits modified with a pair of carburetors from the Revell Tweedy Pie T, Vertex magneto from AMT's Ala Kart show rod and a Revell '48 Ford transmission. The stylized roadster top is a resin piece from Drag City Casting that I actually made the original master for. The Revell '32 grill was chopped 1/4" (6 scale inches) to be in better proportion with the channeled A body.

These roadster bodies were rendered with over-sized wheel wells which I think look terrible. I employed an old traditional trick of completely filling them in making the body smooth sided. What's nice is that the filler panels don't interfere in any way with the kit floor and side panels. I just had to notch them for axle clearance.

The frame was modified with scratch built engine brackets, a Revell '48 Ford rear cross member and axle. I installed the kits transmission cross member with the trans tab removed. A second trans cross member was installed (with the suspension brackets removed) to mount the front wishbone to. The front suspension is the dropped axle, spring, tie rod, brakes and shocks from Revell's 1940 Ford Coupe or Convertible hot rod versions with a Revell '29 Pickup wishbone. Also from the '29 Pickup is the steering gear box mated to a Revell '48 Ford column shift and '40 wheel.

More to come...

Comments, good or bad, welcome!

 

[Modelbuilder Mark]

Looking really cool, you have my attention.

[alan barton]

I like all your work but there are some features here that really strike a cord as they were seen on Aussie rods as well.  I'm thinking especially the filled in rear wheel arches and the front spring in front of the axle for a slightly shorter wheelbase.  The four banger not so much because by the time Aussie rodding took off we were well and truly in the flathead era so it wasn't common to see banger roadsters.  

I love the building blocks you've selected for this roadster - look forward to seeing your progress.

Cheers

Alan

[Modlbldr]

I like what you have done with this project. Beautiful work. It reminds me of this one that I am gathering parts for. You've given me some ideas.

Later-

[afx]

Another great Lacy hot rod!

[Paul Payne]

Dennis,

This project is looking really interesting- very well thought out and engineered. Are you thinking of a lowered windshield and cut down top? What kit did you start with- I think I need some!

Paul P. 

[Phildaupho]

I really like your choice of components for this traditional hot rod

[Sam I Am]

Grest concept AND execution! 

[Dennis Lacy]

On 4/2/2020 at 10:06 PM, alan barton said:

I like all your work but there are some features here that really strike a cord as they were seen on Aussie rods as well.  I'm thinking especially the filled in rear wheel arches and the front spring in front of the axle for a slightly shorter wheelbase.  The four banger not so much because by the time Aussie rodding took off we were well and truly in the flathead era so it wasn't common to see banger roadsters.  

I love the building blocks you've selected for this roadster - look forward to seeing your progress.

Cheers

Alan

Thanks, Alan! There were quite a few A hot rods out here back in the day with filled fender wells, too. I have noticed from pictures quite a few Aussie rods with the spring-ahead arrangement. It’s a hard look to pull off without having screwed up proportions. Thankfully these Revell A kit frames are stretched so doing the spring-ahead thing actually corrects the wheel base. 

[Dennis Lacy]

On 4/3/2020 at 7:43 AM, Paul Payne said:

Dennis,

This project is looking really interesting- very well thought out and engineered. Are you thinking of a lowered windshield and cut down top? What kit did you start with- I think I need some!

Paul P. 

Thanks! Windshield and top will stay as they are. I want it to look like a grown man could actually sit in the car! The car is going to be finished in a 50’s aesthetic and  the taller windshield and top are part of the era, too.