olddaddy intro

[olddaddy]

I am a long time car guy, many projects, operate a small sideline shop to finance my toys. Currently rebuilding a 50 model Plymouth Suburban wagon, mild custom and upgrades.

I'm preparing to build a fairly traditional highboy roadster.  I need to learn from others about this type rod.  I want a very low tech, simple machine that can be driven on a fairly regular, but only local basis.

I'd like to use original model A/32 Ford style frame, front end and suspension, original rear end, wire wheels etc.  I'm looking around for a body, glass or steel.  I want to use good serviceable parts, but nothing that would belong in a proper restoration.

Driveline will be Mopar flathead six and a T-5 five speed tranny.  I would like discs up front even though they are not traditional....I want it to stop.

That's about it, simple, old, cool.

[Eyeball]

Welcome aboard. Are you local to the ND MN area?

The power train for the roadster sounds kool. Are you thinking about a banjo rear then? It would work pretty good with the OD tranny. I have a banjo in my 27 roadster but am running a Ford V8 flathead with a '39 toploader behind it so 70MPH is about it.

The only glass roadster that I would ever consider, well I guess I wouln't. Brookville can get you into a nice steel bodied car for just a hair over 5grand. You could also consider doing a roadster conversion on a Model A sport coupe.

If you drove a roadster with drum brakes up front you may change your mind on the disk brakes. The cars are very light and if the brakes are properly maintained they do a great job but I would never want to talk someone out of safety!

[olddaddy]

Hey, thanks for the welcome, and the info.  This is exactly the kind of help I need.   Drums may work well enough, I may not need discs after all.  I've got a lot of experience with Mopar flatheads, and the T-5 works magic on them rpm-wise.  I'd like to find a 3:78 banjo rear, but I've heard the later ones are stronger but 4:40 ratio.  The body will be a tough nut to crack.  I really don't want to spend 5Gs on anything, even the whole car........so beating the bushes may yield an old glass body, or even an old steel one that has little value to a restorer or street rodder, that's my goal.  I am not local to ND/MN, I'm in Florida, but have a very good friend out there in Bowman, ND.  I'm hoping to locate something he can pick up for me as prices in your area seem reasonable compared to mine.  I've got at least a year left on the wagon, so I've got time to learn, and locate and hopefully afford what I need.

[Eyeball]

I will keep my eyes open for a roadster body. If I find two of them I'll  let you know. :king:


As long as you have time you will come up with something. Stan Orness at www.greaterdakotaclassics.com has been sitting on a glass 28-29 body for quite a few years. About 5 years ago I heard the price was $1800.00

[Tom]

.  I am not local to ND/MN, I'm in Florida, but have a very good friend out there in Bowman, ND.  I'm hoping to locate something he can pick up for me as prices in your area seem reasonable compared to mine.  .

I know one hot rodder in Bowman, he's a farmer, could that be him.

As far as sheet metal around here it's getting picked over. Not much left.

Good Luck, and welcome.

[olddaddy]

That's him, Dale Klug, just talked with him last night.  I met him about 20 years ago when I bought a Dodge coe from him, great guy, and good friend.  He just brought me an engine for my Plymouth wagon last month. I've got him looking around now for a frame and parts for the roadster. I started out looking for a Plymouth or Dodge body, but prices were unbelievably high.  That's when I decided I could live with glass if I have to.

[Tom]

Yeah Dale's  been making a trip down there at least once a year, for a long time. He's really into the coes, takes a load down every trip he makes. He would be the one who knows where the Mopar roadsters are.

I met a guy named Tom, who is a friend of Dales, from Florida. Do you know him??

[olddaddy]

I have only spoken with Tom on the phone, haven't met him in person.  Dale's been down three times this year, planning four trips for 06.  Busy guy for a retired farmer.......

[CJHacker]

Welcome to the site!  I hope that we can help answer some of your questions!