You gotta start somewhere. "Slammedlead" from the HAMB forum has paid his dues.... "When I saw Vern Hammonds 34 in Rod and Kulture, I knew I wanted to build a traditional hot rod like that and started the search for a 34 3 window. I found a body, or pieces of a body, from my now friend Rodger in Boron, CA aprox 6 years ago. I started collecting parts and working on it on and off over that period. During the build, I was also influenced by the coupes built by the Rolling Bones crew. The further I got into the build, I wanted to complete it closer to one of the many Weesner prints that I have. Finally it is on the road, almost done. A few things left to change/work out after the initial run, but I hope to have it at Viva this year. Everything was done in my garage and backyard, except the engine. It was rebuilt by Carters in La Puente. I did the build/chop/channel/metal work with initial metal work help from my friend Jason Moore. My friend Rex from Rex’s Upholstery did the interior, and my friend Jim did the skim coat and paint in my backyard. My buddy Mark did the wiring. My sons Kyle and Ryan helped whenever I needed a hand.
The top is chopped 5 ½ inches in the rear, and 4 ½ inches in front with the A pillars leaned back by splitting the metal below the windshield. The body is channeled 2 ½ inches over the frame.
Original frame. Front frame horns removed, spring behind axle front suspension. Lever shocks. Rear frame bobbed to put spreader bar next to body. Model T gas tank in trunk. Buick drums, drilled backing plates, drilled 34 front axle. Drilled and sleeved 34 wishbone. Reversed eyes on front spring. Model A rear cross member, 40 rear end with culver city Halibrand quick change.
Radiator is shortened 2 ½ “. 4” rims in front, 4 ½ rims in rear, rims were separated/chromed/welded back together. Original modified pedal assembly. Schroeder sprint car steering. Vintage stewart warner gauges.
The engine is a 54 Caddy 331 with edelbrock intake with 4 stromberg 97’s. Worldclass T5 tranny. Exhaust is made from a 36 Ford driveshaft. Eventually I plan on running the hood, or at least the top, but I do not want to cover up the engine yet."