INSIDE THIS ISSUE! Injected ‘32 Ford Coupe - Nostalgia ‘32 Ford Tudor Blown V6 ‘26 Ford Pickup - Blown Big Block T-Bucket Florida Dragstrip Riot #4 - Lygon Street Toy Run Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown - NSRA South East Nats
ISSUE #4 - DEC 2020
The
Tribute
Jeff Hind finishes his brothers dream Rod! T his one’s for y ou R ow dy!
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OUTLAW ANGLIA WORLD RECORD!
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WIN THIS 1970 BYE-BYE 2020, IT’S BEEN A HELL OF A RIDE... Wow, thank god we’ve come to the end of 2020. Honestly, you couldn’t write a movie script about having a year as bad as the world has endured since March. There’s been people killed and businesses closed as this disease brought the world to its knees. States went into lockdown in Australia, families were forced to enjoy their own company and if you had to attend a funeral or wedding - that all changed too. And who can forget the shortage of toilet paper of all things... In the car scene, event after event got canned - some many months in advance, some, like the most recent Extreme Auto Expo in Adelaide, got the no-go just days before the cars were set to arrive. I still feel bad for Geof Tartoosie for that one, but know that when the show does happen over the last weekend of January, it will be a huge event.
Buy a $25 ticket for your chance to win this award winning muscle car, and more importantly, help the fight against cancer. Use your phone to scan the QR code below. See website for details | www.raffle4cancercouncil.com.au PROUD SPONSOR Erina/Gosford
So what’s going to happen in 2021? Well, we already know that the Hot Rod Nationals have been cancelled until 2022, but with restrictions starting to get revised around the country towards the end of November 2020, we are hoping that we will once again have many events to choose from each month. The annual CRAKK Run in Canberra will kick-off the year with a Covid-friendly version of its Canberra-based run along with the second-coming of the Extreme Auto Expo / SA Hot Rod show. I am so hoping the Narrandera Rod Run happens (I’ve got my room booked!) along with the Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo at Rosehill Racecourse in Sydney. Rest assured that if these events happen, we’ll have coverage in Super Rod. Speaking of Super Rod, make sure you get Issue #5 to see who gets the bragging rights to the first ever Super Rod Car of the Year. Plus, we’ll have news about our own, indoor Hot Rod & Harley Show where we will find Australia’s Most Beautiful Hot Rod & Harley. I’m already excited about 2021 and getting back to some sort of normality. Enjoy Issue No.4 of Super Rod. Thanks for your support over the first four issues. Merry Christmas to you all. See you in the new year. Oh, and don’t forget to vote for Car of the Year! Until next time...
Paul
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SUPER ROD MAGAZINE Po Box 165 Oak Flats NSW 2529 PUBLISHING EDITOR Paul Beck (0432) 795336 paul@pscmag.com.au
ISSUE NO.4 Dec 2020 06 THE DASHBOARD News, views and things of interest 14
LETTERS Got something to say?
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THE END GAME The NSRA closes out 2020 with the Tampa Nats!
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ROLLIN’ FOR ROWDY Jeff Hind build’s his brothers dream ‘37!
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AGAINST ALL ODDS The SA Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown
Don’t forget to Subscribe at www.superrod.com.au
WEBSITE www.superrod.com.au
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48 SUPER PHOTO NOSTALGIA - Rod Hadfield style 50 NATURAL PROGRESSION From Dragster to this sweet ‘32 Coupe 62
STEP BACK IN TIME 2004 Rat Rod Day, Sydney
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PIN UP CHIC Heidi and a slick ‘32 Ford Coupe
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OLD WORLD CHARM Bought back from the brink ‘28 Tudor
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COMMERCIAL APPEAL Blown V6-powered ‘26 Ford Pickup.
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TOY RUN FUN Kingpin Kuztoms Lygon Street Toy Run
104 GONE IN 6-SECONDS PROMOD Anglia strip monster. 114 BLACKTOP BATTLEFIELD Florida’s Drag Riot #4 goes off! 122 BUCKET LOAD OF FUN Fun times in a blown big block Bucket!
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NEW EPISODE OF ENTHUSIAST INSURANCE ‘SUNDAY DRIVER’ NOW ONLINE.
Check out the latest episode of Sunday Driver featuring Kyle Smith’s 1947 Pontiac Custom.
SYDNEY SHOW RETURNS IN 2021!
Just as this issue was about to go live, the news that we’ve all been waiting to hear came through - the Hot Rod & Custom Auto Expo had secured new dates for 2021. Set to take over Rosehill Racecourse over the weekend of May 29th and 30th, the only indoor show in Sydney will be a mass of Hot Rods, Street Machines, Customs, traders , live music and more. For regular updates, check out www.hotrodandcustom.com.au
VALLA PARK ROD RUN NO MORE
After the decision by the Valla Beach Tourist Park to decommission the onsite accommodation was made, the Valla Rod Run has come to an end. One of the must-do events on the HotRodding calendar and staged by the Drag-Ens Hot Rod Club for as long as anyone can remember, there will be many hot-rodding families that will miss the trip to Valla Beach each year. It seems that the Park owners are removing the cabins to allow space for permanent dwellings. Here’s hoping the crew at the Drag-Ens can find a new place that’s suitable to stage the event and start a fresh new run!
VICTORIAN HOT ROD SHOW CANCELLED FOR 2021
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www.superrod.com.au
Usually held inside the historic Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton each Australia Day long weekend, the Victorian Hot Rod Show was the annual start for the indoor car show season and always attracted a great mix of car and a huge crowd, but for 2021, this won’t be the case. The annual Victorian Hot Rod and Cool Rides Show will be missing from the calendar leaving a big hole for Hot Rodders who made the pilgrimage to the venue each year. Let’s hope the show returns bigger and better in 2022! 7
REVISED CRAKK RUN FOR 2021
With Covid-19 playing a huge part in everything we do these days, it’s more difficult than ever to put secure plans in place – especially for car events a few months out. But the team at the Canberra Rod and Kustom Krooze are confident they can put the annual CRAKK run on over the weekend of Jan 22-25, 2021. Based at the Capital Country Holiday Park in Sutton, the event will feature cruising around the grounds, a show and shine at a venue to be advised and many other attractions. The organising team at busy trying to get things sorted as soon as they can, whilst still adhering to the strict Covid guidelines put in place. To find out the latest information, check out www.chra.org.au
SUPER ROD CAR OF THE YEAR
As of this issue, we have now filled all the spots for the inaugural Super Rod of the Year. That means that voting is now open for you to pick your favourite car to win the bragging rights to owning the first Super Rod Magazine, 2020 Super Rod of the Year! To vote, simply check out the list of cars on offer and email, SMS or PM through the Super Rod Facebook page the car that you think was the best of the bunch we featured in 2020. Voting closes Jan 31st and the winner will be announced in Super Rod #5.
Merry Christmas!
Thanks to our Advertisers, Car Owners and Readers for helping us get through a difficult year with all cylinders firing! 2021 is going to be huge as Super Rod kicks the year off by naming our first ever Car of the Year! Hope the big guy in Red is kind to you all and fills your garage with all kinds of cool stuff!
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SOUTH COAST NOSTALGIA HOT ROD & CUSTOM RUN
Moruya, on the NSW south coast, is set to stage the South Coast Nostalgic Hot Rod & Custom Run over the weekend of February 5th-7th at the Riverbreeze Holiday Park, situated right on the river bank. The low key, family orientated event is also a Toy Run and will cost you just $10 and a donation of a toy as an entry fee. There will be cruising around the park, an outdoor cinema night, live music and a Lunch cruise on Saturday. Super Rod Magazine is proud to be a sponsor of this event. For more information, give Lee a call on (0419) 845890.
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SHOW US YOUR SHED
It’s no secret that Hot Rodders care just as much about their garage as they do the vehicle(s) they store in it. Some ae amazing works of art, whilst others have more memorabilia than most museums. Cool hot rod garages don’t need to be full of neon signs and have million dollar tool boxes in each corner! Check out this old school cool backyard garage I found on the Internet recently.
HOT ROD VIDEO OF THE MONTH
DRAG RACING SMOKEY BURNOUTS OLD SCHOOL ROUTE 66 RACEWAY
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CONGRATS ON ISSUE #3
Letters’
Hi Paul, After just three brilliant issues, Super Rod is now my favourite look into the Hot Rod and Custom scene. The mix of styles, brands and build quality is second to none. Well done! For me, the best car featured in Issue #3 is by far Chris Thomas’ blown Hemi’32 Ford coupe. That is just pure perfection and that’s why I’ll be voting for Chris’ stunning coupe in the Super Rod of the Year award. Can’t wait to read number 4! Stuart R Via Messenger. G’day Stuart, Thanks for your kind words. I put a lot of effort into each effort to get the mix of makes, models, styles and colours just right. With the travel restrictions in place, it’s getting more difficult to make that happen, but I am trying my best. Hope you’ve enjoyed Super Rod #4!
SUPER STUDE
G’day Paul, Well done on putting together another great issue of Super Rod. Like you, I am a fan of Studebakers and was so happy to see the ’52 Starlight custom. It’s such an awesome custom that obviously gets used. It’s a credit to Murray. Mind you, the rest of the cars feature were top notch too making yet another great issue of Super Rod. Greg T Via Email Hi Greg, Yep, I love my Studes. Unfortunately, due to time restraints, I have been unable to do anything to mine for quite some time and we parted ways recently. The good news is that the new owner was determined to make a mild custom out of it and get it on the road. Can’t wait to see it…
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PICKUP PERFECTION
Hi Paul, The front cover of Issue #3 of Super Rod was one of the best covers I have seen in the Australian hot rod magazine scene for quite some time. And the Pickup that Tim Stewart has created is a stunning piece of work. The colour, style and obvious driveability makes it the perfect Hot Rod to cruise in. Congrats on yet another fine issue of Super Rod. I only wish you produced this one monthly. Hopefully that’s not too far away… John P Via Email Hi John, I agree, Tim’s Pickup is awesome. The first time I saw it at the Vic Hot Rod Show I knew that we would feature it eventually. It took a while, but thanks to Jimmy Tee Photography, we managed to get it done, and Jimmy knocked it out of the park! As for monthly, well that all depends on how much support I can get from advertisers… Hint, hint…
HOW’S THE ATTITUDE?
G’day Paul, To me, a Hot Rod should have, before anything else, a bad attitude. The right stance. The right demeaner; and the right bad-ass engine combo. In Issue #3, Craige Ward’s Hemi-powered ’34 ticks all the boxes. Forget about the chrome-clad, candy-coloured show cars, for me, this chopped coupe is sheer brilliance. Congrats to Craige – he’s created a monster! Stephen L Via Messenger Hi Stephen, Craige’s ’34 is certainly one of those cars that simply demands attention. Sure, a fully-exposed blown Hemi will do that, but it’s the overall package that gets heads turning. The wheels with hubcaps, the colour choice and the overall attitude make this ’34 on of the best.
If you have something to say about Super Rod, the scene or even you’re own project car, and want to sahre it with us, simply send an email to: paul@killerrides.com.au
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NSRA South East Street Rod Nationals Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, Dec 4-6, 2020 WORDS - Paul Beck PICS – Gary Rosier
end game
The NSRA capped off a trying year with the 33rd running of the South East Street Rod Nationals in Tampa, Florida.
2020 will be remembered for as being one of the worse years ever encountered in the modified car scene. Make no mistake, the entire world is suffering, families are losing members every day and financially, every country is doing it very tough. Whilst car enthusiasts the globe over can spend the down time tinkering in the garage, the simple act of going for a cruise to an event or even just down to the local burger
joint in your pride and joy has been lost. Events have been cancelled and cars have been parked in the garage. Thankfully, it appears that restrictions are now starting to lift and hopefully sometime soon, things will get back to an acceptable level of normal. For the NSRA, they have said good riddance to 2020 with the staging of the South East Street Rod Nationals that was housed at the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Our man Gary Rosier was on the ground, pointing his camera at the hundreds of cool cars that had gathered inside the expansive Fairgrounds for the final NSRA event for 2020. 16
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Our man Gary Rosier was on the ground, pointing his camera at the hundreds of cool cars that had gathered inside the expansive Fairgrounds for the final NSRA event for 2020. Open to pre 1990 cars, the event featured everything from patina’d trucks, slammed and candied customs, the hottest hot rods and high-powered street machines. Adding to the events atmosphere was the huge array of traders both inside and outdoors peddling their wares, and of course the live music the filled the grounds.
For the NSRA, they have said good riddance to 2020 with the staging of the South East Street Rod Nationals that was housed at the Florida State Fairgrounds. 18
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Open to pre 1990 cars, the event featured everything from patina'd trucks, slammed and candied customs, the hottest hot rods and high-powered street machines. The 33rd South East Street Rod Nationals was a complete success for the NSRA and it appeared that even with the Covid-restrictions still placed on events, the entrants, spectators and traders all had a great time, whilst abiding by the rules and regulations that we may need to adhere to for some time yet. With the close of the Nationals on the Sunday evening, the NSRA wrapped up another year of events, though this won’t be remembered for a year where attendance records would be broken, we can all be thankful that the organising team overcame plenty of hurdles to provide an event for people to enjoy. Let’s just hope that 2021 brings more and more events back onto the calendar‌ 20
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Every car featured in Issues #1 - #4 of Super Rod will be in the running to win the 1st Car of the Year award and it’s up to you to choose the winner for 2020! Voting starts when Issue #4 (Dec) goes live and issue No.4’s feature cars are revealed. Voting will stay open until Jan 31st, 2021. Voting can be made by SMS to 0432 795336; by email to paul@killerrides. com.au or via messenger on the Super Rod Facebook Page. Votes are to made in the format SR_Issue1_01. The Winner will be announced in Issue #5 of Super Rod.
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WHO IS YOUR CHOICE TO WIN THE INAUGURAL SUPER ROD CAR OF THE YEAR?
Rollin’ For
y d w o R
When his brother Rod passed away, Jeff Hind took on the build of the Hot Rod his brother always wanted to build. This is his tribute‌
Jeff Hind 1937 Ford Slamback Words / Pics - Paul Beck 24
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Affectionately known as Rowdy, Jeff’s brother Rod, bought this sleek ’37 body, chassis and engine in from the USA some ten years ago. Being way too busy with work to get started on the project, it sat idle for three year. But before Rowdy could lay a spanner on it, he suddenly passed away. Devastated, but knowing how much Rowdy was looking forward to building the ’37, Jeff purchased the project from Rowdy’s wife and got stuck into the build as a tribute to his brother.
As the owner of a panel shop, Jeff had the right skills, tools and staff to get the Rod to the stage he knew Rowdy would have been more than happy with. 26
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As the owner of a panel shop, Jeff had the right skills, tools and staff to get the Rod to the stage he knew Rowdy would have been more than happy with. Getting the body and chassis sorted was the main priority, with Jeff dedicating his own time in preparing the fibreglass body for paint. But before any colour could be added, Jeff added electric openers to the bonnet and bootlid, recessed the rear floor to accommodate the planned rear seats and completely steeled out the interior space. As with any fibreglass body, there was plenty of work to get it to a point where the team were able to lay down some colour. Every component required that couldn’t be purchased, had to be fabricated and even those they could buy, still had to be modified to fit.
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After a solid 18-months of constant work, Jeff and the family had the '37 on show for the first time at the 2020 Victorian Hot Rod Show.
The body now sports cool flush mount taillights, fuel filler and number plate. The rear of the body also scored cut-outs for the dual exhaust. This restyled ’37 Ford body comes with big fenders, late-model style headlights and an impressive grilled that continues along the bonnet sides. The front and rear windows are flush-mount and the late-model side mirrors suit the style to perfection. With the panel working tools back on the shelf, Jeff filled his spray gun with a custom mix silver and laid down its contents onto the smooth body. The colour is as smooth under the body as it is on top. And in a bold move, there’s no chrome on the car at all. Any metal that would normally be chromed or polished, had been painted metallic black, giving the high-tech ’37 that late model feel that both Rowdy and Jeff were aiming towards. 29
Like the body, the chassis has seen plenty of attention lavished on it. The rails have had plenty of tube cross members added to stiffen up the ride, while a Ride-Tech front end has been added along with tube control arms, coil-over shocks and a power rack and pinion steering assembly. Down the back, there’s a 9-inch diff located with a custom four link and relying on Ride-Tech coilovers for a smooth ride. The brake booster has been added to the chassis and controls the quartet of Wilwood discs and calipers that live inside the 17x7 and 20x12 Billet Specialties rims that have been painted in a custom metallic black. Low profile and sticky Dunlop SP Sport tyres offer great grip on the road. With the fit up done, Jeff once again added the custom Silver to the chassis which was now ready for the driveline to be bolted up.
Rowdy wanted his ’37 to be user friendly and the 6.0-litre LS2 engine is perfect for this application. Not only does it make plenty of usable power, their reliability and fuel efficiency make them ideal and offers a drive compared to a late model Commodore. Essentially stock, Jeff did add “Rowdy 1967-2013” to the detailed engine cover. For added comfort when out cruising, the engine was fitted with a custom air-con set-up. The custom headers unwind into a dual system and to ensure the heat doesn’t affect the floor (or the passengers above it), there’s heat shield incorporated into the underside. The LS-engine is mated to the 4L60E four-speed auto with a 3000rpm converter, while the 9-inch diff is kitted out with 4.11-gears offering great acceleration.
As the owner of a panel shop, Jeff had the right skills, tools and staff to get the Rod to the stage he knew Rowdy would have been more than happy with. 30
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With just the interior space to complete, Jeff went to see O’Shea Trimming with a firm design plan in hand. Using a pair of Nissan 280Z front seats as the basis for the retrim, these have been mounted as low as possible to offer more head room. Normally, in this body style, there wouldn’t be a rear seat added, but with Jeff having two sons that like to go cruising too, Jeff designed a pair of custom buckets for the rear, complete with flash mounted seat belt stalks, retractable belts and a JBL speak system mounted to the parcel shelf. A neat touch are the interior lights added to the bottom of each rear seat. The flat dash now houses a cool billet facia holding the Dakota Digital gauge cluster, with the aircon dials located just below. The tilt column is a Flaming River item that is topped with a billet steering wheel, trimmed in the same leather and painted metallic black. The interior was covered by Chris in a great mix of leather and suede. Like the engine cover, ROWDY has been added to the seats and steering wheel.
With the panel working tools back on the shelf, Jeff filled his spray gun with a custom mix silver and laid down its contents onto the smooth body. 32
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C A ATFR V A E A L IL O E A G B U L E E
NROEDW UCTS
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ELECTRIC & MANUAL BEAD ROLLERS
After a solid 18-months of constant work, Jeff and the family had the ’37 on show for the first time at the 2020 Victorian Hot Rod Show, which is where I first spotted the car. Like everyone else, I was blown away. Sure, there were cars on show that were painted brighter colours, sported much bigger engine packages and were all out show stoppers. But there was something about this ’37 that just grabbed everyone’s attention. Maybe it was the sleek style? Maybe it was the lack of chrome? Whatever it was, Jeff and everyone else that put any time into the build, achieved their goal of building a show-quality hot rod that could be driven anywhere at any time. As Jeff explained, “There’s absolutely nothing I would change. I couldn’t be happier with what we’ve achieved!” And you know what, I reckon Rowdy is looking down with the biggest grin on his face agreeing with Jeff one hundred percent!
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Against All
Hot Rod and Kustom Showdown COLONEL LIGHT GARDENS RSL – NOV 7TH, 2020
WORDS / PICS – JON ANTONIW / 9000RPM PHOTOGRAPHY
ODDS
After Covid-19 put paid to the annual Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown’s original dates, the Monarchs Hot Rod Club worked tirelessly to make the show a reality in November.
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The Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown is more than just a Hot Rod Show – it’s a celebration of the lifestyle associated with that era. Sure the cars play a big part in what makes this event special, but it’s also the other attractions that make the Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown such a success. As with any event of this type, there was plenty of live music on hand belting out ripper tunes. Those on stage included Don Morrison’s Raging Thirst and Killer Instinct, who put together a 25-year reunion gig. With strict social distancing policies in place, there was no dancing allowed, but that didn’t stop just about every pair of feet tapping in tune. Also adding to the great atmosphere was a Ms. Showdown parade!
Each year, the Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown raises money for a worthy charity and in 2020, that was to be the Little Hero's Foundation... 40
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It was evident early on that the venue was going to max out due to the number of cars wanting to go on display...
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There were plenty of cool rods and customs scattered around the RSL’s grounds for all to enjoy with a great mix of traditional customs (both Aussie and US), Hot Rods of all makes, models and styles and even a sprinkling of muscle cars – all of which absolutely glistened under the clear SA skies. It was evident early on that the venue was going to max out due to the number of cars wanting to go on display, so some had to park on the street and became a prelude into what was waiting once inside the grounds.
Sure the cars play a big part in what makes this event special, but it's also the other attractions that make the Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown such a success.
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Each year, the Hot Rod & Kustom Showdown raises money for a worthy charity and in 2020, that was to be the Little Hero’s Foundation, a South Australian-based not for profit organisation that supports seriously ill children and their families. All of the money raised on the day from car and bike entries, donation bins placed around the venue and from the sale of raffle tickets went direct to the Foundation making the day more than worthwhile for all who attended. With a bit of luck, the event’s program will return back to normal in 2021. To keep up to date with the event as things happen, jump onto the Kustom Kulture SA Facebook page.
22—25 January 2021 Wes Pudsey and the Capital Country Sonic Aces Return for Holiday Park Saturday Night Bidges Rd, Sutton Rock n Roll! Bree’s Give-aways, Karnival Kuisine, Major Entrants’ Prizes, M&G Auction, Skid Pan, Bike Show, RC Cars, and much, much more!
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PHOTO BY PAUL BECK
CANON EOS 1D Mk3
“NOSTALGIA” ROD HADFIELD STYLE
Super Photo
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l a N r O I u t S a S E N R PROG
Words / Pics - Paul Beck
tention to at s hi ed rn tu it m m Za e rg ng days over, Geo ci Ra g ra D ve ti ti pe m co s hi With ’32 Ford Coupe. ol co o-s oh is th y da y in ra away for a the project he had stashed
George Zammit 1932 Ford Coupe 50
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Having always had an interest in Hot Rod’s, he put the feelers out to see what he could find, and he found exactly what he was looking for in an unfinished ’32 Ford three-window coupe project that was sitting idle in Victoria just waiting for someone like George to come along and finish off the build. With the body, chassis and a big pile of parts loaded up and ready for a long trip up the Hume to Sydney, George no doubt spent plenty of time thinking of “where to from here?” The body was unpainted, the chassis was partially completed and the interior was basically non-existent. Sure, there was still plenty of work to do, but our man George was up to the task,
knowing full well the dedication it was going to take to get the coupe finished. Not to mention the time and money needed as well. The coupe was stored away for some three-years whilst George continued racing, but when the day come for the Dragster to be shipped off to its new home, leaving his weekends free, the ’32 was wheeled from storage to occupy the space left vacant from the sale of the Dragster. Now, when George lifted the garage door, he was staring at a partly completed Hot Rod project instead of a ready to rumble Dragster. Four years later, the Coupe drove from the garage under its own power. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves just a bit.
There's no denying that red is a popular colour for Hot Rods, and you can understand why when you see them looking this good. 52
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Let’s start with the body. It’s from the Gibbons factory in the US and features a nice roof chop, and familiar lines that make the ’32 Ford three-window coupe one of the most sought-after Hot Rods on the globe. There’s no denying that red is a popular colour for Hot Rods, and you can understand why when you see them looking this good. For George’s deuce coupe, the colour is Vermillion Red and covers the fully-fendered body from top to bottom. The colour flows into the interior space covering the dash panel and the tilt steering column, which by the way, sits on the left-hand side and is topped with a billet steering wheel. The material of choice is tan leather and is the perfect accompaniment for the body colour. Covering the custom bench seat, fabricated door trims and headlining, the leather makes spending time cruising the Coupe so much more comfortable, as does the electric windows and air-conditioning – though the latter wasn’t fitted at the time of the shoot. A row of Classic Instruments sits inside a billet surround and keeps George up to date with all the vital info. Though it’s not visible, George installed a Pioneer sound system with a six-stacker and speakers hidden behind the seat.
It's taken George around 4-years and $100,000 dollars to get to this point in the '32's resurrection
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The painted body sits on top of the custom chassis that has been detailed from front to back including all of the components added to the bare chassis rails including the 4-bar front end and ladder bar rear end – both of which have Super Bell springs fitted up. A pair of Pete & Jakes shocks found their way onto the nose while coil-over shocks provide a better ride in the rear. A quartet of discs with GM calipers up front and Wilwood’s on the rear hide behind what some consider to the be ultimate Hot Rod wheel – polished Halibrands that measure 15x7 and 15x10-inches.
s a w r e f f o t h ig r e h t if t He did say tha e b y a m e h , e g a t s e m o to come along at s . e p u o C e h t h it w y n a p tempted to part com
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Being pretty handy on the tools, George took to building the engine for the ’32 himself. Not wanting to go as wild as the blown injected small block that powered his Dragster to 7-sec quarters, but not wanting a stock-spec engine either, George filled the four-bolt main block with a balanced Scat crank, King Rods with Wiseco forged pistons wrapped in Mahle rings and a mild roller cam and Howards lifter combo. From there, he added a pair of reworked heads that now feature larger valves, springs and roller rockers from the Comp Cams catalogue. Ample amounts of high-octane fuel is passed through the Borla 8-stack EFI system that’s controlled by a FAST 2.0 computer. After the MSD
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ignition fires the 385-cube small block into life, the ceramic coated block hugger headers come into play and dumps the spent gases through a stainless exhaust system and dual Borla stainless mufflers. The Turbo 700R4 three-speed auto with overdrive, that backs the injected small block was built in the US at Animal Performance and features an inhouse converter with a 3200rpm stall speed. Gear selections are made via the B&M Shifter that is raised higher via carbon fibre mount. The power is sent rearward via a shortened GM tailshaft and ends up at the 3.5-geared nine-inch diff. The engine produces great usable power – just the thing George wants for the coupe.
Being pretty handy on the tools, George took to building the engine for the '32 himself. 59
It’s taken George around 4-years and $100,000 dollars to get to this point in the ‘32’s resurrection, and since it’s been on the road, George has amassed some 23 awards at various shows. And he’s not finished just yet, with more cruising and showing planned now the Summer months are here, but he did say that if the right offer was to come along at some stage, he may be tempted to part company with the Coupe. Until that happens, he is more than happy to idle the ’32 out of the garage and out onto the open road as often as he possibly can…
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Gettin’
Step Back in Time 2004 Rat Day - Taren Point, Sydney Words / Pics - Paul Beck
RATTY
Back in the early years of the Rat Day held at Junkyard Classics in Taren Point in Sydney, the emphasis was placed on bringing the rattiest ride possible. For some anyway… Held on Father’s Day each year, the Rat Day quickly become an institution for Hot Rods, many leaving their families at home as the idled their hot rod or custom out of the driveway in the early hours of sunlight to take part in the event. And you really needed to leave at the crack of dawn to get a decent parking spot, as hundreds of cars lined the streets, factories and footpaths around the venue.
Whilst the Rat Day attracted plenty of cool rods and customs (including a few VW's and bikes) it was the rattiest of the bunch that really had tongues wagging.
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There's no doubt that these guys had been planning these builds for quite some time and decided to piece their cars together using gear stashed (make that hoarded) away in the garage for a rainy day. By 8am, the streets were full and traffic had come to a virtual standstill on busy Taren Point Road as cars continued to pile into Box Road. The fact that parking just wasn’t available didn’t deter many people, some deciding to put up with the lengthy delays, hoping that someone would leave early and they would just slip into a vacant spot. It rarely happened… The organisers were left with no choice other than to open the gates to the sports oval nearby to house those turning up to be part of the Rat Day.
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Whilst the Rat Day attracted plenty of cool rods and customs (including a few VW’s and bikes) it was the rattiest of the bunch that really had tongues wagging. Looking like they had dragged them from an old barn the night before, these rusty old rods were the centre piece of the event and as they made their way past the crowds into the carpark, the crudely running engines spewing smoke, fumes and probably a little oil for good effect. Those lining the show area stood in amazement. Probably amazed at the fact that they were even running and driving into the venue in the first place‌
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There’s no doubt that these guys had been planning these builds for quite some time and decided to piece their cars together using gear stashed (make that hoarded) away in the garage for a rainy day. The Rat Day cars aren’t about paint, trim and engineering – none of these cars that were taking centre stage excelled in any of those area. In fact, the only paint colour was the rust that had found its way onto the sheet metal and chassis over the years and the interior trim really only consisted of a pair of seats. As for engineering? Forget it. As long as the driveline held in place long enough to get into and out of the show, that’s really all that mattered. Yet as rugged as these cars were. They were certainly the headlining act surrounded by more showy hot rods and customs that turned up for the outing.
Held on Father's Day each year, the Rat Day quickly become an institution for Hot Rods, many leaving their families at home as the idled their hot rod or custom out of the driveway in the early hours of sunlight to take part in the event.
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These days, the Rat Day continues at a new venue and still attracts quite a few cars. I’m not sure if there’s the same commitment happening by Rodders now to create those magical pure Rat Rods like they did in the early years, but that’s the great thing about stepping back in time – we can relive those great events over and over again. Enjoy the 2004 Rat Day…
And you really needed to leave at the crack of dawn to get a decent parking spot, as hundreds of cars lined the streets, factories and footpaths around the venue.
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Pin-Up Chic’
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MODEL: INSTAGRAM: VEHICLE: PHOTO BY: INSTAGRAM:
Heidi @love_heidi_heart 1932 Ford Coupe Jimmy Tee Photography @jimmyteephotography
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Old World
Charm
Ian Wick’s love of cars was handed down from his Dad. But it was a very different path into Hot Rodding than what we usually see happen.
Ian Wicks 1928 Ford Tudor Words / Pics - Paul Beck 74
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There’s usually two scenarios on how people get into Hot Rodding. Either they were raised in an era where that was all they could afford and just held onto them, or they cut their teeth in street machining first and then decided they wanted to go hot rodding, For Ian, it was a much different story. Whilst his mates were all working and buying muscle cars to modify, Ian was at Uni learning his craft whilst living on a steady diet of baked bean sandwiches before scoring a job in his mid 20’s. Having always had an interest
of cars, he followed his Dad’s path and started to take an interest in Jaguars. His Dad had Jag’s from long before Ian came into the world and when you grow up around them, they are going to stick to you. So Ian tracked down a well-worn XJ6 and started the restoration, the end goal being to have it ready for his wedding, which he did. Whilst life moved forward at a rapid rate, the Jag sat in the garage for some ten years until a move to a new house saw the Jag emerge, igniting Ian’s love of cars again. With some spare cash in his pocket, he went looking for a five-window coupe as everyone was doing three-windows. But with a growing family needing to be worked into the equation, Ian, after hearing the stern advice of wife Vanessa, quickly came to realise that a coupe was out of the question. The search continued but it was now for a Tudor. A search on eBay lead Ian to an old barn in Bendigo. Not wanting to just hand cash over for a car he hadn’t seen, he grabbed some cash, a couple of mates (and one of their Dad’s) and a car trailer and headed south from Sydney. Road trip! Once in Bendigo, they found a rough as guts, but almost complete ’28 Tudor that had been sitting in the same spot for 40-years and was part of a decessed estate. This owner had purchased the car but had realised he didn’t have the time to get into it. It was fairly solid in all the right areas for what the boys had planned. Apparently a lot of people looked at it, including a couple of hot rod shops, but all passed it in thinking it was just way too much work to do anything with it. Not our man Ian. A deal was done and the crew with Ian’s new project hit the road for home. The trip took exactly 24 hours to complete, but the long drive was well worth it!
The chassis now rolls on pure Nostalgia wheel stock - Firestone Crossply whitewalls on body-coloured steel wheels. 76
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Ian just so happens to be mates with master panel man and hot rod builder, TJ at Camden County Customs. Initially TJ told Ian it would be six months before he could start on the ’28, but when he saw the project, he was keen to start straight away. Starting by sperating the body and chassis, TJ turned his attention to the frame, stripping down the bare chassis and boxing the rails before adding tubular cross-members and a purpose-built K-frame. TJ also stepped the rear up over the diff to get the car much lower. A 3.7-geared, drum braked 9-inch diff was added and located using a four link and coil overs. At the pointy end of the chassis sits a RodTech front end incorporating a dropped I-beam on hairpins. A HQ Holden donated the steering box (connected to a Flaming River column) and master cylinder, while the disc brakes were once part of a VR/VS Commodore. TJ fabricated the pedal box and added an eight-inch booster from a Gemini. The chassis now rolls on pure Nostalgia wheel stock – Firestone Crossply whitewalls on bodycoloured steel wheels. TJ then refitted 78
the body on the completed chassis and channelled it four-inches, chopping the top by the same amount giving the ’28 the right proportions. When you build hot rods, you learn to be resourceful and TJ certainly did that when it came time to fill the roof in on the ’28. Putting his knowledge and skills to the test, TJ adapted a Kingswood wagon turret before adding reproduction gutter rails. TJ also weaved his magic on the floor and firewall, completely redoing both area’s. With TJ’s part done on the body, Ian had the reworked shell sandblasted before shipping it off to his cousin’s panel shop when the modified metal was subjected to months of body work to get it ready for paint. Colin at Menai Smash got the task of laying on the colour. That colour is called Corvette Lime Rock Green and gives the ’28 a classy look. And in certain light, you can see the cool ghost flames that were added by Aaron Turner. The chassis got coated in gloss black before the two came together for the final time. The driveline was painted in a contrasting Gun Metal Grey.
But with a growing family needing to be worked into the equation, Ian, after hearing the stern advice of wife Vanessa, quickly came to realise that a coupe was out of the question. 79
The interior is the handiwork of the team at Inside Rides in Nowra. TJ had already fabricated the seat frames, but due to the diff sitting high into the floor, the rear seat needed to move forward by 12-inches – making the available leg room in the back limited. The front seats are Mustang Fastback that have been modified to suit the ’28. Acres of light Lime Green leather with suede inserts, fills the Tudor’s interior space. Inside Rides made a fibreglass headlining which they then covered to suit, adding oval dome lights in to the mix. A Lokar shifter sits upon a custom console just behind the flat-panel dash that holds just two gauges. More is less, right? All of the necessary switches and warning lights are now located on a hidden panel under the dash to keep the dash clean and uncluttered. A 40’s style steering wheel tops the billet column, with more billet found around the shifter, handbrake lever and pedals. The retrim also features custom seats belts, hand layed carpet and a series of belts and buckles added to each seat insert and on the unique door trims where the belt buckles a door pocket. The trim work is nothing short of spectacular and works in with the body colour perfectly. Sean at Frankies Auto Electric supplied and fitted a Bluetooth sound system.
When you build hot rods, you learn to be resourceful and TJ certainly did that when it came time to fill the roof in on the '28.
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For power, Ian had always planned on driving the Tudor, so he ordered a 302-cube Ford Windsor crate engine. He then upped the ante by adding a thumper cam, double row timing chain and decking the Ford Racing alloy heads for more compression. A trio of 97 Stromberg carbs feeds fuel into the small block for the custom headers to dump the gases after the big bang takes place. Power wise, Aaron at APM dyno’d the Windsor recording 370hp in the process. Backing the tripower 302 is a four-speed Ford AOD auto box that is fronted with a 3200rpm high-stall converter. The power is great for cruising and with no bonnet, it certainly looks the part too! Winning…
A Lokar shifter sits upon a custom console just behind the flat-panel dash that holds just two gauges. More is less, right?
THANKS TO: Mark at WHYNOT Motorsport. Colin at Menai Smash Repairs. TJ at Camden County Customs. Phil at Fuelworx. Sean at Frankies Auto Electrics Nowra. Matt at Inside Rides. Mouse at Rocket. And of course my wife Vanessa that did some parts chasing for me and also my kids who I didn’t see every weekend and most nights for months on end. 82
The build consumed two solid years of work to complete, which happened just before the 2016 MotorEx show in Melbourne. At that event, Ian’s Tudor scored an invite to the Superstars finalist show in Sydney the following year. The ’28 was also scored a Top Ten Elite award at the Red Centre Nats and a spot in the Top 60 Hall at Summernats 2017. And as much as the Tudor deserves the accolades from the show judges, Ian is more keen that ever to just get the ’28 out on the road and cruising. Let the good times roll… 83
L A E P P A L A I C R COMME
Words / Pics - Paul Beck
with this ’26 Ford ve lo in ll fe a m ri G e in ph Jose t she laid eyes en om m e th p -u ck Pi er st Road ace, the pl ok to n io at ti go ne f ie br on it. After a to its new home. ay w s it on as w er ul ha d ro hot ng since! ili sm d pe op st ’t sn ha e in ph Jose
Josephine Grima 1926 Ford Roadster Pickup 84
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It’s easy to see why Josephine found the ’26 so appealing. First up, there’s not that many of this model around, let along hot rodded! And let’s face it, having something unique is what it’s all about in the modified car scene. But it’s not just the model that makes this pick up a one-off. The true-fire artwork certainly grabs plenty of attention as does the blower mounted to a V6 Chev powerplant, and when you combine all of those elements, it was a must-have deal for Josephine.
Also in full view from the driver's seat is the scoop that tops the supercharged 4.3-litre V6 Chev engine.
Josephine is the first to admit that she usually isn’t too fussed on flames added to any colour paint, but there’s something about the slick True Fire flames licking their way from the curvy front fenders and grille shell across the cowl, doors and running boards that look just look right. As Josephine bought the Pick-up ready to go, the exact details on the body and paint are unknown, but we can tell you that the body and base colour were done and dusted some 20-years ago with the flaming artwork added later. Those with a keen eye will also notice the period perfect pinstriping added to the tray area. The removable hardtop and tray cover are made in the same black material.
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The base colour was added to the chassis as well, keeping the colour flowing from top to bottom, front to back. Before any colour was added, the chassis rails were fitted up with an I-beam front suspension set up incorporating heavy-duty springs and shocks, Commodore disc brakes and a steering box from a HX Holden. At the opposite end, the drum brake 9-inch diff is located with a four-link set-up using the same springs and shocks as the front end to provide a stable ride. Nolathane bushes have been used exclusively replacing the older rubber items. The wheels of choice
are stylish 15-inch Ultra billets. The interior of the Pick-up isn’t what you’d consider to be large by any stretch, so let’s just call it comfy. Josephine sits on a custom front bench seat that has been covered in grey vinyl, the tiny door trims copping the same treatment with red inserts added to match the seat belts, painted dash and carpet. A wood-rimmed steering wheel tops the painted column with a row of VDO gauges fitted into the dash right behind it – in easy view from the driver’s position. The shifter is a HK Holden item housed in a custom-made alloy base.
It's easy to see why Josephine found the '26 so appealing. First up, there's not that many of this model around, let along hot rodded!
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Also in full view from the driver’s seat is the scoop that tops the supercharged 4.3-litre V6 Chev engine. Again, in a break from tradition, the previous builder of the ’26 decided that there was no need for a V8, opting instead to go with the smaller engine instead creating a huge talking point in the process. Again, not a lot is known about the engines internals other than it has forged pistons and a blower spec cam with hydraulic lifters. The 4/71 blower is obviously the hero of the engine build and relies on a single 650cfm Holley carb to feed the 98-octane fuel through the engine. Custom headers ditch the spent gases through a stainlesssteel dual system. Although the exact power output is unknown, for Josephine, that’s not an issue. She is more than happy with how the engine performs. A 2-speed Powerglide auto sends the power to the limited slip equipped nine-inch diff.
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Although Josephine has only had the Pick-up for a short period of time, she has managed to get it out and about often, with hubby Laurie riding shotgun. When the world gets back to normal and we are allowed to enjoy our cars more and the events start happening again, the little flamed Pick-up will be polished up and out on the road every chance Josephine gets‌
THANKS TO: My husband Laurie Grima for finding the Pick-up in the first place
and for bringing it home for me. Since its been home, Laurie continues to maintain it and keep it detailed, ready to go cruising at any time! 92
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TOY RUN
Fun
Lygon Street Toy Run LYGON STREET, CARLTON - SUNDAY 13TH DEC 2020 WORDS / PICS – PAUL BECK
It’s common knowledge that Melbournians will go to the opening of a toilet door in droves, so it was no surprise to see so many cars and people filling Lygon Street for such a great cause. Organised by Rob Bellio and the team at Kingpin Kuztums, the breakfast cruise has become one of the most anticipated events on the calendar. With lots of food outlets lining both sides of the street, and plenty of cars to admire, the event is not just fun for the entrants, with lots of people heading out onto the street to check out the proceedings.
Melbourne’s most famous stretch of inner-city street rumbled to the sound of hundreds of slick street cars as the owners came together for breakfast and to donate toys for those in need.
After months of events being cancelled, there was plenty of hype surrounding the Lygon Street Toy Run.
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After months of events being cancelled, there was plenty of hype surrounding the Lygon Street Toy Run. Rob had been in constant communications with those who make the rules and took on board everything that had to offer. With these people happy, the event officially got the nod to proceed. With that news, Rob started promoting the event to anyone and everyone. All eyes were on the weather forecast with a week to go, and the closer it got to the day, the more it looked like Melbourne was going to be bathed in complete sunshine, just the thing to bring all that chrome-plated, candy-coloured cars out early on a Sunday morning.
Officially set to kick off at 7am, there were many car owners that got their parking spot much earlier so there was no chance that they would miss out on a good spot close to where the action takes place. Mind you, with so many cars cruising both sides of the iconic road, I don’t think there’s a bad spot to be in. Most though wanted to hang around the park area where the Salvation Army had set up their truck to collect the amazing number of toys that were donated by the car owners to be distributed to those kids that would be doing it very tough come Christmas day. Well done guys and girls, your generosity was going to make a huge difference to lots of families‌
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No matter where I pointed my camera, either down Lygon Street or down any of the many side streets, there were an abundance of street machines, muscle cars, hot rods, resto’s and customs - all gleaming in the morning sun. In and amongst the throngs of cool rides were groups of car owners all checking out each others cars, watching the cruising take place and generally having a great time. After being in isolation for so long, everyone made the most of the outdoors, socialising and playing cars.
The Lygon Street Breakfast & Toy Run not only got plenty of support from car enthusiasts, but also got the thumbs up from the Melbourne City Council and Victorian Police including the Highway Patrol.
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The Lygon Street Breakfast & Toy Run not only got plenty of support from car enthusiasts, but also got the thumbs up from the Melbourne City Council and Victorian Police including the Highway Patrol. Events like this go a long way to bridging he gap between modified car owners and the Police. Thankfully, everyone behaved themselves, bringing smiles all round from the boys and girls in blue.
Most though wanted to hang around the park area where the Salvation Army had set up their truck to collect the amazing number of toys that were donated by the car owners...
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There’s no denying that the 4th running of this event on Lygon Street was the biggest an best yet. I have no doubt that everyone was hanging to get there cars out and about again after so many months in isolation. And with 2021 looking like we’ll all be able to enjoy going to regular events, Rob and the team at Kingpin Kuztoms will soon have a list of cool events they have coming up in the months ahead. To find out where and when these will be happening. Click the logo and go to their Facebook page to get all the latest info.
No matter where I pointed my camera, either down Lygon Street or down any of the many side streets, there were an abundance of street machines, muscle cars, hot rods, resto's and customs. 102
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6
GONE IN
John Willard 1948 Anglia SECONDS
Words / Pics - Paul Beck Race Pics - Grant Stephens
John Willard spent three years of weekends constructing his angry Anglia. All the while, he had one goal in mind – to beat the Pom’s to that elusive 6-second pass!
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In the UK, the Outlaw Anglia class is massive. At any track meeting, it’s not uncommon to see up to 40 Anglia’s ready to go head to head over the quarter. To date, not one driver in the UK has managed to drop into the six-second zone, prompting John to get his Anglia on track sooner rather than later to own the bragging rights. John’s interest in tough Anglia’s started with his previous drag-spec Hot Rod Anglia that was tubbed and sported a big block Chev topped with staggered injection before being swapped over to a blower and hat for street use. The previous Anglia was (and still is) tough as hell. John owned that car for a long time, but parted company with it, leaving the space to build the new Pro-Mod styled car.
The heart of any tough drag car is of course the engine and in John's Anglia, that's one hell of an engine. Yep, it's a Hemi!
Being the owner of Flat-Out Services, a chassis shop constructing all kinds of tough street and strip cars, John possess the skills to tackle the fabrication of the new car inhouse – saving lots of time and money. But before any tube could be bent to start on the chassis and cage, John needed the body. He found exactly what he wanted in Scotland and promptly did the deal with Colin Millar who crated up the fibreglass body before sending it to Australia. Once it landed, John worked out how he needed the body to be shaped and called in Stephen Busch to help him modify it. Thinking ahead, they boys grafted the front clip to the cowl panel to allow easy access to spark plugs and rocker covers at the track. The front clip also had the wheel opening moved forward and made smaller. While working 106
on the front end, reliefs were cut into the guards for the exhausts to poke through and a removable panel was created for the starter to attach. Moving to the rear section of the body, the wheel arches have been modified for larger slicks and there’s air relief flaps added to the boot area. The Lexan windows are all-but flush mounted to the body too. Once the now mostly carbon fibre body was sorted, Concept Paints were called into mix up the colour and lay on a few coats of bright Ford Lemans red. Those cool decals adorning the paint are the handiwork of Colin Hardy in the United Kingdom. The large rear wing was designed and fabricated by John inhouse and is fully adjustable. Tied into the chrome-moly tube chassis and cage, the wing also mounts the dual parachute. 107
John spent hundreds of hours constructing the Anglia’s tube chassis and roll cage that form the basis for the body to mount to. The mass of tube used in the frame’s construction forms a cocoon around John when in the driver’s position, but also offers mounting points for the chromemoly sheet-metal diff housing, 4-link and Stilleto rack and pinion steering. Hypercoil springs are used on each corner working with Strange struts on the front and JRI 4-way shocks with air-lock on the rear. The entire braking system wears the Strange brand on the master cylinder, four discs, single piston front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers. Hiding all the hard work and keeping the chassis off the ground are 15x3.5-inch and 16x16-inch Weld
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Alumastars – the rears also scoring bead locks and billet solid centres courtesy of Peter Mitcherson Engineering. The cabin area is focussed solely on getting the job done safely and in the quickest possible time. Carbon fibre is used extensively throughout the interior for its strength and lightweight and you’ll find the tubs, seat and other panels made from it. An allimportant fire-system takes up the space where a passenger would normally be and there’s just the right number of switches, electronics and buttons included in the interior for John to fly down the quarter mile in under 7-seconds at a time in complete safety. Yeah, it’s a tight space, but it’s not like you’re driving across Sydney strapped into the driver’s seat!
The heart of any tough drag car is of course the engine and in John’s Anglia, that’s one hell of an engine. Yep, it’s a Hemi! But not just any old Hemi, this tiny Anglia has a 451ci BAE Hemi that was built by fellow racer and great mate Brett Gillespie. Making around 1700hp at the moment, the Hemi features a 14/71 Littlefield hi-helix blower with an oh-so-cool Enderle ‘Barn Door’ injector, Brad-5 heads, a Promag-44 and cool 3-inch stainless steel Zoomie headers. Inside its all top shelf gear that should make well in excess of 2000hp once the boys get on top of the race tune. Backing the potent Hemi is a 3-speed Lencodrive with a Dominator converter and air shifter. The power passes through a chrome-moly tailshaft to the very narrow rearend fitted with a Strange 4.3-geared Ultra centre, floaters and Strange 40-spline axles. Drivelines don’t come much tougher… 109
So, after a long build period, the Anglia was ready to go. But then the damn Coronavirus showed its full force by shutting down countries at will, and on top of that, John suffered a major back problem putting him out of action for a few months, affectively shelving any plans of giving the Anglia a blast. That was until Saturday December 5th when restrictions were lifted enough for a club track day at Sydney Dragway. The time had finally come‌ With rain forecast on the day, John and his team were itching to get the Anglia on track and managed to get a couple of low 7-second passes
laid down. With everything on the car doing exactly what it should do during each pass, Brett upped the tune and prepared himself for a full pass at full noise. Bang, 6.93@201mph! Mission accomplished! Can you hear that? That’s the sound of 40-odd Anglia racers in the UK crying into their warm beer! To say John and the team were ecstatic is a gross understatement. Getting the Anglia onto the track has been a battle in itself, but to come away from the meet owning the bragging rights to having the quickest Anglia in the world is a huge achievement.
Yep, it's a Hemi! But not just any old Hemi, this tiny Anglia has a 451ci BAE Hemi... 110
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So now that John has achieved his goal, what’s next? More passes at Sydney Dragway where they will continue to develop the chassis and tune to get the Anglia running at its absolute best and then if everything falls into place and all the stars align, John would like to ship the little red Anglia to the UK to show those competing in the Outlaw Anglia just how we do it down under and also to take the record officially on their track, and on their terms. Stay tuned…
Being the owner of Flat-Out Services, a chassis shop constructing all kinds of tough street and strip cars, John possess the skills to tackle the fabrication of the new car inhouse - saving lots of time and money.
THANKS TO: Neil ‘Gonzo’Webb for all his help. Stephen Busch for the body mods and paint prep. Colin Boyd for the 112
electrical work and data system install. Brett Gillespie for his expert tuning and engine advice. Doug Willard (my son) for his work on the fibreglass gear on the body and accessories. And my understanding wife, Margaret for being there through it all. My Sponsors: Atlantic Oil, Concept Paints, Craig’s Automatics, Dominator Converters, Torque Calibration Services, Peter Mitcherson Engineering, Gillespie Hemi, Banshee Drag Racing Team, Flatout Services. 113
FLORIDA DRAGSTRIP RIOT #4
FLORIDA DRAGSTRIP RIOT #4_ORLANDO SPEED WORLD_OCT 31, 2020
Pics - Gary Rosier Words - Paul Beck
D L E I F E L T T A B P BLACKTO
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While most of America were preparing for a big night of Halloween fun, a bunch of Nostalgia Drag Racers were laying down some passes at Orlando Speed World for the 4th staging of the annual Dragstrip Riot!
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Even with the dreaded Covid-19 scare still very much upon us, the organisers of the Florida Dragstrip Riot went ahead with their annual meet and still managed to bring together more than 170 cars and a house full of spectators for the 4th Florida Dragstrip Riot. Hundreds of people gave up their Halloween festivities to be part of the annual event that is open to all Pre ’79 race and show cars only. Yep, not only was ‘The Riot’ a feast of horsepower, but there was also a wellattended show and shine, vendor alley and big swap meet on the program making it a full-on day for car lovers, but especially for those who love the Vintage Drag Racing lifestyle.
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The pits particularly, showcased many cool Door Slammers, Gassers, Dragsters and Hot Rod style race cars all uniquely nostalgia, not just due to the fact that they were all Pre '79, but because of the outlandish paint schemes, period correct engines and overall styling.
The venue, Orlando Speed World, was overflowing with nostalgia race and show cars. The pits particularly, showcased many cool Door Slammers, Gassers, Dragsters and Hot Rod style race cars all uniquely nostalgia, not just due to the fact that they were 118 all Pre ’79, but because of the outlandish paint schemes, period correct engines and overall styling. If you’re into this type of car, this was mechanical heaven. There are several different brackets for racers to contest the Drag Riot event that include Gassers, Dragster, Classic Door Slammer, Classic Street Door Slammer, 1/8 Mile Nostalgia Shoot Out and Motorcycles – including a quirky bracket for Mini Bikes. Each bracket was well subscribed and the racing was hard-fought resulting in some spectacular passes.
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After proceedings kicked off around 9am, it was time for the finals in all classes. All final races were heads-up and started by a flag drop. The four fastest in each bracket were in the finals race. After the final pass of the day was run, the fourth Drag Riot was over and after a full day of racing, the show and shine and trader alley, the 4th Drag Riot event proved why it has become one of the must-do events on the Nostalgia Racing calendar. If the 2020 event was anything to go by, the 5th Drag Riot event should be an absolute cracker‌
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All final races were heads-up and started by a flag drop.
BUCKET Load Of FUN
Paul Tabone started building this wild T-Bucket when he was just 15 years old. 31-years later, he still gets a buzz from driving it!
Paul Tabone 1923 Ford T-Bucket Words / Pics - Paul Beck 122
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You can imagine just how that would feel when all of those ponies were unleashed through a very light hot rod. I reckon it would be bordering on scary. Whilst most 15-year olds are trying to keep their hormones in check and spending most weekends at (supervised) parties, Paul was in the shed toiling away on his very first car – this ’23 Ford T-Bucket, knowing that when it was done, he would be cruising the street in style. It may have taken some seven years of work to finish initially, but when it did emerge from the home garage, Paul’s T-Bucket was one of the toughest around. With a firm plan in place of how he wanted the ’23 to look like when finished, the impressionable young Paul got stuck into the basic T-Bucket frame. Paul fitted the pointy end with a chromed drop axle that utilises a inverted leaf spring, EH Holden steering assembly and HQ disc brakes with
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calipers sourced from the same donor car. At the opposing end, Paul opted to go with a Jag rear-end – a popular choice, even today. As the T-Bucket sports a very short rear-end, the diff assembly is fully exposed, and you know what they say, “If you’ve got it, flaunt it!” With that in mind, the crusty old Jag diff was stripped down, fully detailed and put back together. With inboard disc’s and coil-over shocks, the Jag rear screams “look at me!” Mind you, the wheelie-bars don’t hurt the visuals either! Keeping the chassis rolling are 15x6 and 15x10 Cragar Draglite wheels wrapped in cross-ply tyres up front and big Mickey Thompson’s on the rear, giving the Bucket that undeniable Pro-Street look.
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With the frame sorted, it was time to partially cover it with the body. Starting with a Gel Coat body and pickup section, Paul trial mounted both sections up to the chassis to make sure everything fit just how it should, before he even went anywhere near the spray gun. Happy with the fitment, Paul prepped the fibreglass panels in readiness for colour. The great thing about building a T-Bucket is that there’s not much to paint. Not wanting to follow any trends, Paul stayed away from black and red, deciding upon Aqua Marine – a colour (and paint job) that still adorns the Bucket today and still looks the goods. Unlike the paint, the original upholstery has been replaced. Trimmed in tan leather with
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cool snake skin accents and alloy strips, Paul gave trimmer Darren a free reign on the redesign of the T’s interior space. No doubt, Darren took this to be as creative as he wanted to be, covering the custom seat, side panels and pickup top in a custom pattern before adding a custom centre console with cup holders and an alloy dash facia filled with AutoMeter gauges to keep well informed from the driver’s seat. Darren also added a snake skin cover to the base of that tiny, deep dish steering wheel to extend the theme to the column. There’s also a Kenwood sound system in it, so Paul can share his cruising tunes with everyone within ear shot – if they can hear it over the engine and open pipes that is!
After 30-years of slipping in behind the wheel, Paul is pretty content with how the Bucket now looks and performs, and is now getting stuck into the new pro-street Coupe project.
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Speaking of the engine, Paul has always had big block’s powering the lightweight ’23, with various different combo’s being bolted up to the chassis over the many years he has been cruising the T. When it first appeared under its own power, the Bucket sported a stroked 454 cube Chev. After he grew tired of the aspirated horsepower, Paul installed another 454, but this time it was topped with a 6/71 blower making around 700hp. Whilst that combo provided plenty of smiles, Paul was far from done. The next engine was built by Sam Fenech at Westend Performance and was, yes another 454! The blower size was increased to an 8/71 and the big block Chev was kitted out with much better internals. On Sam’s dyno, that engine pumped out 870hp!
Not wanting to follow any trends, Paul stayed away from black and red, deciding upon Aqua Marine...
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You can imagine just how that would feel when all of those ponies were unleashed through a very light hot rod. I reckon it would be bordering on scary. Those big old Mickey’s would never stand a chance. Knowing that he’d surpassed the T-Bucket’s limits with that engine, Paul pulled it from its mounts and dropped it into the ProStreet ’34 Coupe he is currently building. Soon taking its place was a single carb big block. Whilst not as wild as its predecessor, the 4-bolt big block was far from stock and performed well, but Paul just couldn’t get over the fact that there was no longer a big polished blower topping the fat block Chev, so he made the call, adding an 6/71 Weiand supercharger and dual 600 Holley carbs to the aspirated engine. The increase in power was amazing, and the looks, well they speak for themselves. Backing the blown big block is a built Turbo 400 auto with tougher internals and a 4500rpm Dominator converter. Gear selections are made via a B&M shifter. 129
After 30-years of slipping in behind the wheel, Paul is pretty content with how the Bucket now looks and performs, and is now getting stuck into the new pro-street Coupe project. No, he won’t be parting with the Bucket but if this is anything to go by, the Coupe is going to be pretty special. Keep an eye for updates soon‌
Paul just couldn't get over the fact that there was no longer a big polished blower topping the fat block Chev, so he made the call, adding an 6/71 Weiand supercharger and dual 600 Holley carbs to the aspirated engine. 130
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