33 Roadster We've Got a Ticket to Ride!

By Rich Boyd
Photography, Rich Boyd


It's about time! For the past decade my '33 Ford roadster has been "in-progress" as a source of how-to-stories. Yes, I've purchased or traded for every part, and patiently learned how to assemble them. On at least a dozen occasions, I wondered if I'd ever see 'em all together--changing jobs, raising a family, and additions to our home constantly pushed the roadster to the back burner. I've ignored advice to just
"get it done," hoping it could be a bit different, yet with some degree of quality. Still, there are details I'd do differently. Are they ever finished? Not really!

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An invitation to the Grand National Roadster Show provided the final incentive to set a date to present it to the public as a painted and upholstered car. Thanks to Jeff "the Tann Man," I took a week in January to reassemble the freshly painted body, fenders, and hood panels, and transport it north for an interior.

It's impossible to express my gratitude to the many people involved over the years. Forgive me if I simply say"thanks to everyone who helped" --the list of names is long and most have been mentioned in the build-up stories. However, I must thank my wife, Linda, for her unwavering support. There were times when selling the roadster would've made our economic life much easier, but she never once brought up the subject.

When bartering for parts and services, I've learned it's important to do vices, I've learned it's important to do everything you agreed to do, then do a little more. It helps prevent chaffed feelings and rewards a manufacturer's generous support. To all who've supplied product and labor in exchange for editorial consideration, I hope I've fulfilled my promise to your satisfaction. In our business, there's always another project in the garage.

Writing this article has been both difficult and rewarding. I've had far too long to dwell on what to put in and what to leave out. There are, at least, past stories with greater detail and appropriate credits. On a personal note:

Driving the roadster means Linda and I are no longer rod run spectators. For the first time in recent years, we're full-fledged participants, proud of our bright red ticket to ride. Look for us this summer.

Since Ward Auto Interiors completed the upholstery,

I've put a thousand miles on the odometer while playing with the Grear Vendors overdrive and listening to the Kicker speakers pump out cruzin' tunes. Turning the key puts my smile muscles on full-lock. Boy, what a fun toy!

One thing I'm sure of: If there's a future for our old cars, it will be this delightful feeling that fuels it-- God Bless Street Rodding America!


** Text under 1st photo **

A unique feature is the curved windshield. A Long Beach friend, Jim Mobley, created the pattern. Steve Dozall of STD Glass in Coos Bay, Oregon, cut just what we needed to fit between shortened windshield stanchions that were chromed by Verne's Chrome Plating in Gardena, California. Sun Specs outside mirrors are in the works.

** Text under 2nd photo **

I wanted a few louvers on the smooth hood sides. Scott Guildner came up with the idea of two rows of three--three 'n' three, get it? Thanks, Scott!


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Parts Sources

Chassis - Roy Brizio & Just A Hobby
Body & Fenders - Wescott's Auto Restyling
Running Boards Hood - Rootlieb & Valley Auto Accessories
Grille - Valley Auto Accessories
Top & Interior - Rich Santana / Ward Auto, Glide Engineering,
Steam Bent Bows & Girtz Industries
Engine - Chevy 305 with Edelbrock roller cam
Induction - Edelbrock Performer manifold
Starter Trans - Tilton Engineering Turbo 350 with B&M kit &
Gennie Shifter
Rearend - Currie Enerprises 9-inch
Overdrive Radiator Instruments - Gear Vendors Babb's Radiator
Westach and Haneline
Paint - PPG by Lanzini Bodyworks
Front suspension - Heidt's SupeRide
Rear suspension - Deuce Factory
Breaks - Wilwood Engineering & TCI Engineering
Wiring - Jack Poet & Jim Baker
Shocks - Aldan Eagles
Steering - LeCarra on ididit column & Borgeson
Seatframe Wheels - Glide Engineering American Torque Thrust IIs
Tires - BFGoodrich Radials
Headlamps - C.W. Moss
Bumper - C.W. Moss stainless steel
Exhaust - Street & Performance, Borla Performance Products &
Cone Engineering

Final Assembly - Coy's Customs
Polishing - California Polishing SK