The old adage is still true, and you can buy this 1932 Ford hi-boy roadster for less than the cost of building your own. And don't worry, it's got all the good stuff inside, ranging from a rumbling small block Chevy to a fully finished interior that's ready to cruise. The only thing that matters is whether you're tired of sitting on the sidelines or if you're ready to get in the game.The body's a replica and the car was built by Timeless Rods & Customs, so there's a professional look that you don't get with every fiberglass roadster. Built in 2009, this retro-looking suede rod is pretty much the way you'd do it yourself, isn't it? The paint is urethane with a flattener, so it has that old-school satin black primer look yet it should last practically forever and you won't fret over every little bug or raindrop. It was applied over that straight fiberglass body, which also features a traditional 1932 Ford radiator shell painted to match, so it has that smooth look that all the top builders shoot for. Add in a chopped windshield that's been laid back, those cool low-mounted headlights on the shock mounts, and a few bright red highlights peeking out from underneath, and you have a rod that will be welcome anywhere you take it.The neatly stitched red and black vinyl bench means that this car needs no additional funding. Pleats and simple patterns duplicate the vintage look of hi-boys of yore, but the interior is remarkably consistent with matching red carpets and a leather-wrapped wheel that is a neat 3-spoke spin on the traditional track-T look. A billet aluminum panel in the center of the dash houses the white-faced VDO instruments, but all the working parts are cleverly stashed underneath and out of sight. It's basic, make no mistake, but it's comfortable enough to cruise all day, and uses things like a tilt steering column, long Lokar shifter, and vintage-looking pedals to make it feel authentic without wearing you out. And it comes with a good-sized trunk with a power lid and matching red carpets and vinyl side panels.Reliability and performance? This car has both in spades. The 350 cubic inch Chevy is the de facto choice for any rod that's meant to be driven, and when augmented by an Edelbrock carb, polished intake, a big scoop up top, and plenty of polished aluminum, it looks great (which is important, since there is no hood). A big aluminum radiator with electric fan, HEI ignition, and a serpentine belt drive system for the accessories help with reliability. The block, frame, suspension, and just about everything else under the car has been dipped in bright red paint, giving it a retro look that's kind of the inverse of what you'd expect. The transmission is a TH350 3-speed automatic driving a Ford 9-inch with towering highway gears inside, since you don't need much gear with something this light. Traditional suspension components, including a chrome 4-bar front setup with a dropped axle and a 4-link setup out back, mean that it has the right look and rides right. Rack-and-pinion steering makes a huge difference on the road, and front disc brakes are plenty powerful for this lightweight rod. Staggered Torque Thrust wheels complete the vintage ensemble and sport staggered 15-inch BFGoodrich radials.Traditional in all the ways that matter to you and fully finished in a way that makes people sit up and take notice, this is a fantastic Deuce roadster you can own today. Don't wait, call now!
|