1926 Ford Model T "Zipper" Lakes Modified Roadster Hot Rod

Built in 2001, registered as a 1926

26,500 miles

a crate 350 V8 built to ZZ430 specifications by Chevrolet

Modified with an Elgin cam, bigger valves, new guides, rocker studs, and timing-chain to produce an estimated 450 horsepower, so acceleration is very quick — yet it's dialed in to purr easily on the street. The engine boasts a four bolt main block, forged steel crankshaft, forged connecting rods, fast burn aluminum heads, Vortec dual plane aluminum intake manifold, roller rockers, an aluminum water pump and two-piece timing cover so the camshaft can be changed without pulling the whole cover.

Backed by a GM 700R4 automatic overdrive transmission running through a polished Winters quick-change independent rear end with 3:38:1 gears — at 70 mph it turns only 1900 rpm.

Carburation is by a Holley 770 CFM Street Avenger. The polished aluminum Moon gas tank holds 11 gallons. I've never measured gas mileage, but my roadster buddies have always needed gas before I do.

The radiator is aluminum, with a thermostatically-operated electric fan and a "burp tank”.

Exhaust manifold and pipes are ceramic-coated, Spin-Tech mufflers give a beautiful tone.

The frame is 2" x 3" x 3/16" steel tube with three cross members and a K-member for a solid transmission mount.

Suspension is by semi-elliptical springs with friction shocks front and rear. Control arms, trailing arms, uprights, half-shaft, and brackets are by Zipper Motors.

Brakes are 12 inch Wilwood disks up front and Corvette inboard disks rear

Wheels are Halibrands with BF Goodrich Traction T/A P185/65 R15 tires up front, BF Goodrich Sport Truck T/A LT345/55 R16 in back.

Zipper bodies are hand laid fiberglass with steel reinforcement, the radiator shell is Model A style.

The dashboard has Classic instruments and the horn, overdrive lockout and turn signal switches are handy but inconspicuous.

Striping and illustrations by Real Ralph

The interior is in red leather, handcrafted by legendary Howdy Ledbetter,

Rearview mirrors are by Steve Moal

Included are hood sides, fully louvered and painted to match, and a custom-built stainless steel and aluminum luggage rack.

Not a trailer queen, only taken to one indoor show, Black Gejeian's invitation-only Fresno Autorama (see photos us with our trophy, and our position in the show alongside very famous roadsters).

On the cover of Goodguys' April 2002 "Goodtimes" magazine, and inside the January, 2004 issue

Featured by online sites in Australia, New Zealand, and European countries (see picture of British photographer shooting for his site).

Many local awards

Great fun, easy handling (my wife sometimes drives it), has taken us to many places (including the track at Laguna Seca) and built friendships with dozens of people