Ian’s Hot Rod

By: Kevin Preciado

As a long time member of the hot rod community and now The Rod Writers community, what a better place to talk new back yard projects. Here I’d like to introduce the first of a series on building a hot rod with a young first time builder named Ian.

Ian’s 40’s era Ford Hot Rod is to be based on the type of Hot Rods that prowled to streets of Southern California at a time when this type of design was in its infancy.  

The chassis will consist of 1932 rails with a model A front and rear cross members and if possible a replacement 1932 K-Member. The transmission will be a top loader design of 1932-39 vintage.

Steering box should be a F-1-100 unit set up for this application. A Forged I-beam axle with
38 Round spindles and 39-41 front backing plates, A dropped axle that is forged I-Beam construction will used along with the reversed eyed front spring. A split wish bone 28-24 will need to be used. The rear end will consist of a 1940 Ford rear end with a transverse rear model a leaf spring mounted over the rear end allowing for clearance of a Cyclone Quick change rear end.

Rear brakes will be the stock 40 ford units in their entirety
and shocks will be of lever action variety. Master cylinder will be of 39-48 vintage.

The power plant will be based on a 1940 “59A” Ford Flathead engine. It’s speed equipment will be Cyclone Racing Equipment based out of Los Angeles Ca., for the past 75 years. The heads will be 24 Stud Cyclone Center neck of 8.75:1 compression ratio. The induction will be Cyclone 3 carb intake. An after market generator bracket of Weiand mfg. and will need to be used in order to mount a mechanical fan and a “on head” generator mount will need to be used in order to mount the generator.

The Body will consist of a genuine Model A Ford Roadster Body from Cowl to doors, If original 1/4’s are not able to used-replacement 1/4’s will be accessed through Brookville roadster. The front grille shell will consist of a Vintiquereproduction with a crank hole in both the shell and insert. Painted grille bars preferred. The radiator will be an original set up for an A bone.   

The Chassis items needed will be:
Front End:
1. Front Spring Shackles (OEM Style).
2. Front Spring U-Bolt and Mounhting Kit.
3. Front Brake Hoses, Metal Lines.
4. Front Drums Wheel Beraings, Dust Caps and Backing Plates (described above).
5. 10 count 1/2″ ID. Wheel Nuts.
6. 37 Ford Style King Pin Kit.
7. If tube shocks are to be used, Mounting kit will be necessary.
8. Steering Collumn, Box & Pitman Arm. Frame-Engine Mounting
9. Weld in Engine Mount and Rubber Bisquits
10. K-Member Trans Mount-Stock 32 Style
11. Brake Pedal and Master Cylinder Mount assembly.
12. Brake and clutch pedal pads.
13. Clutch mounting hardware.
14. Brake Line mounting Rear End:
15. 40 Ford Chrome differential housing and brake set up.
16. Cyclone Racing Equip Quick Change Center Section, lower shaft bearings, Change gears and rear cover.
17. Model A rear spring, shackles and u-bolt mounting kit.
18. Rear shocks, (possible lever action?)
19. E-Brake cables and mounting handle.

Ian will determine the interior and exterior color of the project and will guide it along the traditional Hot Rod era.

The possible exterior color choice could include a deep maroon, blue, green, purple or emerald green. Wheels to be: 40-56 Ford 16″x5″ steelie using 5×5.5″ Ford pattern, Rings and caps 42 Ford Vintage and will be traditional black color. Tires will be Lester 750-820-16″ WSW Tires Rear, Front will be Denman ribbed. 600-16″ WSW tires.

So I think that covers it for now. Stay tuned as we will be updating the blog series progress on “Ian’s Hot Rod”.

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