Custom Car Magazine September 2024

SEPT 2024

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Death Row Pardon

‘35 Chevy condemned as scrap then brought back to life – by Phil Proctor’s first ever hot rod build

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Contents

is O s 29 ue ct ’ Au on 24 gu sa st le

Find us on Facebook at mCarMagazine www.facebook.com/Custo

58

36

Regulars 2

News & reviews Hall of Fame inductions are announced

48 Readers’ Rods

22

MGB built in the true spirit of modding

54 SoCal Diaries Not one but two classic Calu events

62 Events

Still got a free weekend this year?

64 Next Month Steve Smith’s super-smooth Nova

Features 8

14

48

Saved from the Grave Phil Proctor’s landmark ‘35 Chevy

14 Blown A-Way Part 5: The inside story

22 Street Weekend Two years in and already a legend

36 Hollywood Heart-throb Pat’s Slonaker award-winning Deuce

8

www.customcarmag.co.uk

56 Spring Break A great turnout at Stonham Barns

58 Hayling Reunion Glorious cars aplenty by the sea

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News & reviews

Pre induction As is now tradition, the names of the latest inductees to the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame were announced at Dragstalgia. The official induction presentations will be the focal point of the BDRHoF Gala on Saturday 23 November.

Ray Baskerville and Pete Miller

Ray Baskerville and Pete Miller began drag racing motorcycles independently in the late 1960s and carved separate early careers of distinction. Having become good friends, they teamed up as BM to build a fresh bike powered by the UK’s first purpose-built drag racing engine, with several leading teams of the era finding success using BM transmission components. The duo’s involvement with the sport continues.

In a scrape

The rechargeable cordless hot-blade scraper from Laser Tools aids removal of stubborn gaskets, sealants, and stickers.

Powered by a 2400mAh Li-ion battery, the scraper features a battery charge-level indicator and two inbuilt LEDs to illuminate the work area. It is supplied with a mains

The Huxley Family

The Huxley Family celebrates 45 years as a fixture on the British drag racing scene, with former grass track racer Brian having switched disciplines in 1979 running a ’69 Mustang for several championship-winning seasons at Long Marston. Brian persuaded eldest son Lee to enter a ’32 roadster, second son Marc joined the fray through his Huxley Motorsports business, and third son Darren completed the family quartet.

John Spuffard

John Spuffard is the sport’s longest-serving UK Funny Car driver, having campaigned almost continuously from 1985 to 2015. Inspired by visits to the Chelsea Cruise, John bought his first Funny Car in 1984, and after fielding Funnies in conjunction with Trevor Young and Andy Craddock, John’s partnership with Bob Jarrett began in 1990 acquiring and driving an ex-Tom Hoover car imported from America and inheriting Hoover’s Showtime car name.

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Straightliners

Straightliners, founded and led by Trevor Duckworth, has offered a ‘steppingstones’ approach for new riders and drivers into the sport of drag racing. Originating from the Streetfighter magazine class of motorcycle in the mid‘90s, the organisation has successfully run grass-roots motorsports events on temporary tracks across the UK and has more recently found a permanent home at Melbourne Raceway, which they are working to develop.

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Martin Hill, the doyen of Europe’s Jet Car drag racing, debuted the first of his FireForce fleet in 1989. Having begun his drag racing career on two wheels, Martin’s fascination with jet machinery was sparked by watching Santa Pod’s Jet Cars of the time. Subsequently, he imported a Jet Funny from America which became FireForce1, the first of five models he would run at home and abroad.

charger (with adaptor to switch between BS UK 3-pin plug and 2-pin Euro plug), spare metal blade, and blade holder. The charging time is approximately 2.5 – 3 hours and a full charge offers a continuous run time of around 35 minutes. www.lasertools.co.uk

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Paul Lisle

Surrounded by his loving family, long-time rodder and racer Paul Lisle passed away suddenly on 12 June aged just 61 years.

Much loved dad to Hollie, Ethan, and Cherry, and a loving grandad to all his grandchildren, Paul will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. He truly was one of life’s nicest people, kind-hearted, always having time for a chat and a laugh invariably with a smile on his face – unless he was concentrating on the Christmas tree lights.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

RIP Paul

Ron Hope

Renowned Fuel Altered racer Ron Hope passed away on 21 June shortly after his 80th birthday. Having been active Pic: DB in Dry Lakes racing as a teenager, Ron and partner Jerry Tucker set a C/ Gas Roadster Bonneville Land Speed Record running a Chrysler-powered ’32 Ford in 1964. Ron’s racing interests Pic: Julian Hunt then led to him campaigning a Chrysler-powered Gas Dragster throughout the ‘70s.

Ron had a staunch affinity with Fuel Altereds which dates back to the mid-‘60s when he was a member of Don Green’s Rat Trap team.

He recreated that iconic Altered in 1995, with the car first appearing at the California Hot Rod Reunion in ’96.

Ron was a dedicated family man and a true gentleman. His passing has left a hole in the lives of many, acknowledged by a start line minute’s silence at Dragstalgia, an event that Ron was part of in 2014 and 2016.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

RIP Ron

Celebr ating 74 years

Lizzy Musi

Lizzy Musi lost her year-long battle with breast cancer in late June and passed away at home, surrounded by her family, aged just 33. Professional driver Lizzy rose to fame when she became a cast member of the Discovery Channel series Street Outlaws: No Prep Kings.

Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.

RIP Lizzy

RAISED WHITE LETTER TYRES 13”-15” MOST SIZES IN STOCK NARROW BAND, WHITEWALLS 13’-15”

George Poteet Just as this issue was going to press news broke of the passing of land speed racer and hot rodder George Poteet, at the age of 75. Long may his memory live on.

Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

RIP George

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News & reviews

Something for the weekend?

Classical stunts

Wild in the West

Hop to it Tickets for the limited numbers Cannibals Car Club Hot Rod Hop are now on sale.

Admission for the weekend costs £70 per person plus a minimal booking fee, with under 17s admitted free when accompanied by an adult. The weekend offers 3 nights of topnotch entertainment, including a military-themed fancy dress on the Saturday. The dates are 23-26 August, and the venue is Scald End Farm, Thurleigh, Beds MK44 2DP. Facebook: Cannibals Car Club – UK

The Blue Ridge Runners WildWest Weekender takes place on Friday 30 August Sunday 1 September at West Huntspill, Somerset TA9 3RH. Friday is arrival and chill-out day, with live music and a disco in the evening. A cruise out to the local seaside departs at lunchtime on Saturday, with more live music and a Wild West theme fancy dress later in the day. Sunday is show and shine time with usually anywhere between 300 and 400 vehicles on display.

The cost for the weekend is just £15 per person if you pre-enter, or £20 if you pay on the gate. You’ll have to be quick though as entries close Saturday 3 August. www.blueridgerunners.co.uk

Fire alarm

The Sywell Classic: Pistons & Props takes place at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on 21-22 September. Aerial displays and the Racing Runway are highlights of the weekend offering action from historic race cars and hot rods. Static displays are provided by numerous classic vehicle clubs, whilst other attractions include a vintage village and live music.

Advance ticket prices are £25 for a day or £40 for the weekend, with on-the-gate prices being £35 and £50 respectively. Camping is available for the Friday and Saturday nights at a cost of £40 per pitch – maximum 4 people. www.sywellclassic.co.uk

Reuniting again The 30th Anniversary of the California Hot Rod Reunion, presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California, takes place on 25-27 October.

The three-day event is staged at Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield, California, and promises a feast of nostalgic drag racing action as well as a car show and swap meet. www.famosodragstrip.com

Beach dates

If you’re on the ball and already have a 2025 calendar, open it up and turn to the weekend of 14-15 June. Those are the dates for Race The Waves, the vintage beach race event staged in Bridlington, East Yorks. You can’t put your race entry in to the organisers until New Year’s Day, so that’s another date to mark on that calendar.

It’s hard to imagine how you would react upon discovering your garage was on fire. Sadly, that’s exactly what recently happened to Jonathan Hebeler. Pretty much everything in the garage was destroyed, including his cherished Model A sedan. His wife’s car parked nearby was also destroyed, and their house suffered some damage as did the neighbouring property.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, and Jonathan is keen to spread the word about the lessons learned from the traumatic experience.

Keep a decent-sized fire extinguisher by the garage door so you’re not fumbling around in thick smoke trying to locate it. Also carefully check your insurance policies, in particular the cover provided for garage tools and equipment.

Check those policies now as it will be too late after the event, and, if you don’t already have it, take out a laid-up policy for the project you have part built.

Jonathan has asked that we express his thanks to fellow Apple County Rod & Custom members for help with the clear up and for storing what few items were salvaged.

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News & reviews BDRHoF news

Last month we highlighted the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Benevolent Fund auction being held at Dragstalgia. Thanks to the generous donations of auction items, such as the picture donated by Randy Bradford shown here, and the deep pockets of those placing bids a total of £4,000 was raised over the weekend.

If anyone has any pre-loved or new artefacts, artworks, T-shirts, books, models, stickers or anything at all drag racing or hot rod-related for future Auctions, please email lesley@britishdragracinghof.co.uk Other news is that Lesley Wright, Chair of the BDRHoF, is the latest recipient of the prestigious Peter Crane ‘Spirit of 76’ Award for outstanding contributions to nostalgia Drag Racing in the UK, which was presented at Dragstalgia.

Short of driving a racecar, Lesley has done most things in drag racing during a lifetime’s involvement in the sport. From dealing with pit gate money at the Pod, Lesley then served as a committee member

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Pic: Lesley Wright, and Lesley and Peter

Spring back

Webcon offers an external return spring system for the Weber DCOE carburettor.

Such a system is now mandatory for most race series but also offers road car owners a quicker return to idle and the benefit of a fail-safe mechanism to guard against a throttle sticking.

The return spring system is priced at £34.68. www.webcon.co.uk of the then BDR & HRA. More committee work followed, this time as secretary of the newly formed Santa Pod Racers Club, and in 2006 Lesley was involved in the founding of the BDRHoF, and together with husband John she was inducted into membership in 2017. Lesley subsequently joined the BDRHoFs board of directors and in 2020 she was asked to chair the organisation in succession to its founding chairman, the late Stuart Bradbury.

Lesley is a truly worthy recipient of this prestigious award.

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News & reviews

Giving you the Willys

A range of ’41 Willys coupe GRP body and panel packages are available from M.G.R.P. All panels are supplied in brown gel coat, with coloured gel coat being an option at additional cost. The range is too extensive

to list here but to give you an idea of what is available, a body only with no wings, doors or bonnet etc is priced at £1,400, whereas a full 16-piece body kit costs £2,995. Front wings are £200 each, with the rears being £150

Feel the Force

Legendary Funny Car driver 75-year-old John Force was involved in an explosive crash when running at over 300mph at the NHRA Virginia Nationals on 23 June. The severity of the impact resulted in John suffering a traumatic brain injury along with injuries to his wrist and sternum. He was transported by medical helicopter to a trauma hospital where he was admitted to the intensive care unit before being transferred to a neuro intensive care unit.

Ever the fighter, John has since moved to a rehabilitation centre closer to his home where he is being supported by his family.

Although there is still a long way to go, he has recently been out for strolls with his daughter Brittany, with them even enjoying an ice cream together.

We’re sure you will join us in wishing John all the best for a full recovery.

Pic: John Force Racing

each, a dashboard will cost £100, and door garnishes are £60 a pair.

The contact details for M.G.R.P. are Matt 07538 710339, Guy 07947 605091, Richard 07810 883550, and Pike 07713 247890.

Altered record

Getting horny

Webcon’s low profile 16mm air horn for the Weber 50 and 55DCO/ SP carbs is ideal for applications where engine bay space is at a premium. The horns are machined from billet and clear anodised for longlasting protection at a price of £47.94 including VAT. www.webcon.co.uk

Funny pair

Congratulations to Nick Davies who ran Havoc to a record-breaking time at Dragstalgia and then backed it up on his next run, becoming the fastest Altered in the UK and setting a new European Record of 6.0440 / 237.43. The previous record was 6.081 / 215.87, set in 2015 by Chaos driven by, err, Nick Davies.

Pic: Julian Hunt

In a sensational side-by-side pairing at Santa Pod’s Main Event, Patrik Pers ran a PB 4.4032/284.63. However, that was overshadowed by the 4.2450 / 296.80 from Kevin Kent setting a new European Nitro Funny Car speed record.

Congratulations to Patrik on the PB and to West Ten Motorsports for the record.

Added fame

This year the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show celebrates 40 years since its inaugural staging in 1984. To help mark that milestone, the show’s Hall of Fame initial inductees will be announced later this year. From this year on, subsequent inductees will be selected spanning four categories; Industry Ambassador, Community Ambassador, Classic Car, and Motoring Club.

The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show will be held at Birmingham’s NEC from 8-10 November. www.necclassicmotorshow.com

Pic: Julian Hunt

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ckal,

It’s a brave man who takes on a project another has already condemned to the scrap heap, but that’s just what Phil Proctor did Words: Dave Biggadyke Pics: Alan Kidd

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Scrappage scheme 1.

This was how the Chevy looked just 18 months ago

2.

It’s easy to understand why Bryan Whitfield had given it the thumbs down

3.

As the adage goes, if you can’t weld don’t bother

6.

4.

This is the pile of rot that Phil cut from the nearside corner of the body shell…

7. …and features front and rear kickups negating the need to channel the body for a low-down stance

5. …with the opposite corner producing even more of a pile

8.

The painted rolling chassis nearing completion

The new chassis was fabricated from 100mm x 50mm box section with stiffening plates where required…

9.

The Phil-fabricated 2 1/2 inch stainless steel exhaust features a crossover pipe and Profusion silencers

11.

12.

10.

A custom stainless steel fuel tank is mounted between the rear chassis rails

The new floor and transmission tunnel were formed from 1.6mm sheet steel

Phil formed a new grille shell from scratch…

13.

14. …with the sides featuring the end sections of the body swage lines

Despite the limited availability of metal forming tools…

12.

15.

…Phil put what he had to good use to form replacement and repair panels

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Left: With the body stood vertically, Phil finished the underside welding before covering it with Raptor coating

16.

Below: The Chevy in primer and ready for final prep and paint

17.

18.

Although Bryan Whitfield had dismissed the body as a lost cause, it was he who painted it

19.

Almost time to unite the body with its fresh undercarriage

20.

Cleaning and polishing the finished rolling stock will keep Phil occupied from now on

The one-off front grille features a stainless steel mesh insert with a finer black stainless mesh mounted behind it. The Chevy badge was 3D printed from a picture The new old stock 1935 headlights – what a find they were – have been converted to halogen, and custom indicator lights have been added to the sides of the bowls

T

he car in question was a 1935 Chevy Master Sports coupe, and the man who’d decreed it was a lost cause was renowned rodder and racer Bryan Whitfield. Amazingly, just 18 months later the coupe was placed in the top eight in the Best in Britain line-up at the National Hot Rod, Custom and American Car Show. Take a look at the images of the project when Phil took it on, and you’ll appreciate just what an outstanding achievement that is.

Even more amazing is that the Chevy is Phil’s first ever hot rod build. He’s been involved with bits and pieces in the past; a few engineering jobs for Bryan, wired a few cars and tackled occasional chassis jobs for others. Nothing that came anywhere near to a project of this magnitude though.

What Phil started with was essentially an almost 90-year-old bodyshell and a set of knackered wings. The bonnet top and sides were rusted beyond repair, the front wings had been heavily bodged and the

rears stoved in, while the running boards had previously fallen by the wayside, along with the front grille and surround. The floor and transmission tunnel had been cut out, as had the framework for the boot, and there was no glass.

It was readily apparent that over the years, a few folks had a go at repairing what metal was still there. It was just as apparent they shouldn’t have bothered, as they were by no means up to the job. There was nothing for it other than for Phil to fire up the grinder and cut out the rot and dodgy welding.

British rails

The reason the floor had been cut out at some stage was to channel the body over the chassis. But that presented Phil with a problem regarding the seating position as, unless he sat on the floor, his head brushed the roof and he couldn’t see through the ‘screen. When you find out that Phil stands at 5’ 7” tall, you’ll appreciate the full extent of the problem. That issue was resolved

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The suicide doors pivot on hidden hinges, and the windows have been converted to one-piece with their power operation utilising scrapyard-sourced single runners and hand-made glass clamps on the bottom edges

“The panels were finished off old school style using a hammer and wooden log” following further close inspection and the realisation that the chassis was bent, buckled and twisted, meaning a fresh set of rails was needed.

Box section steel was cut and welded to form fresh rails, with a narrowed Jaguar XJ6 IFS then being installed at the front. That installation was by no means conventional though, as Phil designed it to incorporate provision for adjustable ride height. That was achieved by bolting the crossmember to the chassis rails rather than welding it. The mounts feature kidney slot apertures on one side of the rails and drilled and tapped plates on the other.

The frenched rear number plate flips down to reveal the concealed fuel filler

The suspension has been fully reconditioned, and high-performance 6-pot brake calipers help ensure the coupe has plenty of stopping power. At the back, Phil hung a Volvo 240 axle from a pair of coilovers, locating it with a 4-link and Panhard rod.

With the body then mounted on the new rolling chassis, Phil set to and fabricated a new floor and trans’ tunnel using a bead roller and press brake. The panels were finished off old school style using a hammer and wooden log.

Having looked for a repro grille shell from the States, Phil decided he couldn’t justify the $800 price tag and fabricated his own.

Having made reference to pictures only, Phil admits it’s not a truly faithful reproduction of the original but as close as he could get with the equipment he had. He also formed a new bonnet top and sides from sheet steel, right down to making his own tooling to press the louvres in the side panels.

Phil removed a good deal of steel from the tops of the front wings and replaced it with fresh metal formed to the correct shape. He also replaced the trailing 18 inches of the rear wings with freshly formed repair panels.

Phil tidied up an original rear light stalk and bowl casting before it was scanned and a new pair 3D printed. The Chevy emblem lens he had was broken in half, so he cast replacements in a silicone mould using clear resin with a spot of black dye added to hide the LED lights mounted behind them

With the bonnet open, there’s no mistaking the year and make of the coupe

Panel game

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The horn button is actually the bomb release from a 617 Squadron Lancaster bomber, while the toggle switches originally saw duty in a Spitfire

This was Phil’s first interior fit and he did it all himself with the exception of trimming the bench seat. He did make the seat itself though, firstly constructing a steel skeleton and then adding wood cladding and foam padding. The veneered dashboard is coated in lacquer and houses an assortment of ‘eBay special’ gauges including a GPS speedo. The hand-made steering wheel features a laser cut centre plus a rim cut from a yew tree log and mounted using brass blind rivets. Note the powered Toyota steering column

That just left replacements for the missing running boards, which were laser cut then folded on the press brake.

Block party

With the ‘shell repaired and the new panels fabricated and fitted, weeks of fettling were finished off with final filling and blocking by the man who passed up on the car, Bryan Whitfield. In a fitting finale, Bryan then painted the restored metalwork.

In a nod to modern-day motoring, Phil has fitted electric windows, along with

As we’ve mentioned the steering, you may already have noticed that the Chevy

door poppers to actuate the suicide doors.

To help make driving a more pleasurable experience, the brakes are power assisted with an under-floor mounted servo, while the electric power steering column came from a Toyota Phil found lurking in a scrapyard, with him telling us there’s no need for a speed sensor as it’s regulated by a torque sensor inside the column.

has been converted to right-hand drive. Phil added an electronic handbrake, operated via a 12v actuator and Ford Transit cables.

As always with a car like this, it’s the bits you can’t see that make the difference – like the sunken stainless steel battery box mounted in front of the fuel tank, or that the braided fuel lines run through the chassis section and have an over cover of heater

To add a touch of sophistication, the body and panels were finished in Bentley Black.

Only a true aficionado would notice that the rear window has been enlarged slightly to aid driveability. The 15-inch diameter painted steels are enhanced with trim rings and hubcaps, the front rims coming from North Hants Tyres and the rears being supplied by Bryan Whitfield

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The engine is a 5.7-litre Chevy LT1 V8 which has pretty much been left just as bought. It had already been converted to run a carburettor, but as that was knackered Phil ditched it in favour of a Holley Brawler. He also removed the power steering pump and pulley, converting the Serpentine belt drive to a more conventional system having made a new tensioner pulley.

Transmission is a TH400 auto’, again left as bought, which drives the rear axle via a Philfabricated propshaft

Custom-made bonnet hinges with concealed gas struts lift the bonnet up and over the firewall scuttle. Phil confessed their design and fabrication caused a fair bit of head-scratching

hose for protection. Some of the details you can see, though, like the exhaust tips that Phil formed from stainless steel sheet with stainless rod welded to the trailing edges to give them depth.

Phil wired the car himself using a fuse board from Car Builder Solutions and 7-core trailer wire which he swears by. “It makes the job far easier,” he explained, “with all the lighting circuits being connected using the correct colour wires.” Prior to turning his attention to the inside of the coupe, Phil covered all the interior metal panels, including the roof and floor, with sounddeadening insulation. As with pretty much every other job on the car, Phil tackled

every aspect of the interior himself, with the exception of trimming the seat. Not bad for a bloke who’s never built a hot rod before.

The inevitable question closed my interview with the first-time builder. What’s it like to drive? “Very good,” was Phil’s enthusiastic response. “I wanted it to be a driver, not a trailer queen, and that’s just what I’ve got. While keeping its traditional appearance I made it as modern a drive as I could. It runs straight and true, and the brakes are really good. The only future plan is to sort out that bench seat as it’s not to my liking. Apart from that I’m just going to drive it. As far as I’m concerned, it’s as done as it’s going to get.” CC

Phil took on an immense challenge and came out on top. Great job

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“Making his own tooling to press the louvres”

Thanks: “Brian Whitfield for help, advice, parts, support, encouragement and the fantastic paintwork; Richard and Loz for help and support; Duncan at SLP for deciphering my crappy drawings and turning them into countless laser cut parts; Ian Tubbstein for help, advice and tuning the engine. Special thanks to my wife Julie for putting up with me not being around and for clearing up after me!”

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Words: Dave Biggadyke Pics: Custom Coach Trimming

PART 5: SITTING COMFORTABLY

T

he final journey in the build of Adam Sayers’ Model A sedan took it to Evesham, the home of Custom Coach Trimming. Having discussed his ideas with the man with the needles, Chris Vining, Adam then left it with him to turn that vision into a reality.

There are many facets involved in achieving the end result, and there’s far more to it than sitting down at a sewing machine.

Take the glue Chris uses, for instance. It’s the same product used Stateside by Gabes Custom Interiors, Sid Chavers and Bill Dunn, to name but a few. The problem is it’s impossible to get it in the UK – but Chris has found a solution, and as far as he knows he’s the only trimmer in the UK to use it.

The upholstered panels Chris fits are all readily removable, the use of top-quality Auveco clips ensuring their durability and longevity. To ensure everything is fit for purpose, Chris trials it all first – which in this case meant work had to be done to

First job was to check the fit of the Morris Minor front seats and the original Model A rear bench seat With the seat mountings in place, the floor was completely cloaked in Dynamat

Chris described the bulkhead panel as being particularly tricky to design, as it’s formed from 3mm MDF, 1mm fibreboard and a shaped aluminium strip – producing two panels providing access to the ignition components and fuse panel mounted behind, while allowing foot room around the pedals

Another taxing task was the packing out and spacing of the wooden roof ribs to get an even and level finish for the headliner board to attach to

16 CUSTOM CAR SEPTEMBER 2024

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Note the extensive use of Dynamat, which covers every square inch of interior metalwork

The diamond stitch pattern was drawn out on the headliner backing panel, along with the position of the interior light

The original seat upholstery and springing were well past their sellby date and have now been replaced with high-density foam covered in diamond-stitched vinyl

The headliner fixings extend the whole length of the roof panel, finishing just above the windscreen

The door panels were formed from a 2mm and 3mm MDF sandwich, while the kick panels and rear quarter panels shown here were formed from 3mm MDF, 3mm ply and 1mm fibreboard for the curved areas

Likewise, the driver and passenger buckets needed Chris’ attention

The headliner backing panel was cut from a sheet of 3mm MDF and features a folded and fabricated 1.2mm steel C-section as a centre spine. The finished panel is screwed into position and bonded with Tiger Seal

The original rear bench seat back has had its springs removed and plywood added for shape. The seat squab is made from plywood with elastic webbing stretched across the cut-out holes so passengers sink into the seat creating more headroom

The first stage was to strip them back to bare metal. Then, as a dummy run with Adam in the driving seat revealed he sat too high, too upright and too close to the steering wheel…

“There’s far more to it than sitting down at a sewing machine” …Chris set about modifying the frame with his grinder and welder, after which the metal was cleaned up and painted

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 17

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modify the front seat frame to achieve a comfortable driving position.

Such work means that one minute, Chris is grinding and welding, then the next he’s having to clean the bench and workshop – and, of course, his hands – before he’s back on the sewing machine.

Apologies once again for the lack of colour in the images on these pages but we are bound by the Official Secrets Act, or something like that. At the time of writing, the interior is finished save for the covering of the front seats – and in the meantime, Adam is concentrating on assembling the Hemi motor so it won’t be too long a wait for all to be revealed. If all goes to plan, that will coincide with this issue hitting the newsstands

The sewing machine was put to good use when it came to stitching the diamond pattern into a total of 14 metres of vinyl

Above: The headliner is the largest single panel Chris has ever stitched. He describes aligning and attaching it, while bending over backwards, as a big mission Right: A raised panel was cut to shape to form the headliner’s focal point…

Below: …which is a mounting plinth for the interior light. The only things left to be fitted are the front seats

Chris at Custom Coach Trimming will tackle all manner of upholstery work, from retrimming a seat to a full-on interior. Using fabrics from vinyl to leather, and everything in between, the craftsmanship is superb and the results are stunning.

Tel: 01386 834454 Website: customcoachtrimming.co.uk

18 CUSTOM CAR SEPTEMBER 2024

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34880

65

ENGINEERS HEAVY

DUTY STEEL • Sturdy lower shelf • Durable powder WORKBENCHES coated finish FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.98 exc.VAT DOUBLE £347.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

BEST

Shown fitted with optional 3 drawer unit ONLY £155.98 INC VAT * WAS £394.80 inc.VAT Dims.

Model LxWxH (mm) CWB1500D 1500x650x985 CWB2001P 2000x650x978 CWB2000D* 2000x650x978

329

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £394.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

SELLER

SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

289

5 DRAWER WORKBENCH

EXTRA LONG 1700mm WORK TOP

INCLUDES SINGLE LOCKABLE DRAWER exc.VAT £289.98 £299.00 £319.00

Britain’s Tools & Machinery Specialist

inc.VAT £347.98 £358.80 £382.80

CWB1700P

MODULAR GARAGE STORAGE SYSTEMS SAVE UP TO

PRICE CUT NOW FROM ONLY £ .00

£394

1149exc.VAT

£1378.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £1437.60 inc.VAT

COMBGSM01

10 PACKAGES IN THE RANGE

A choice of stainless steel or wooden worktops

Customer Pictures

compared to individual prices

✔ CREATE THE PERFECT FITTED GARAGE/WORKSHOP ✔ HEAVY DUTY, PROFESSIONAL PACKAGES ✔ ALL UNITS ALSO AVAILABLE SINGLY FOR CUSTOM BUILD

Corner units in stock

1

HEAVY DUTY & PROFESSIONAL

154

£ FROM ONLY .99 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £185.99 FOOTER inc.VAT

CHESTS/ CABINETS

THE ULTIMATE IN TOOL STORAGE!

FULL DETAILS SEE IN STORE OR VISIT WEBSITE

279

NB Overall length includes handles

TOOL SETS

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.95

PRO396 222 PIECE TOOL SET WITH 7 DRAWER TOOL CABINET

WAS £131.98 inc.VAT

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

629exc.VAT

£754.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £778.80 inc.VAT

CHT859 300 PIECE AF/METRIC HOME GARAGE REPAIR KIT

£12 inc.VAT

LxWxH (mm) 716x316x256 710x315x420 710x315x420 710x315x475 758x468x815 758x468x975

104exc.VAT

£125.94 inc.VAT DOUBLE

exc.VAT inc.VAT £86.99 £104.39 £149.98 £179.98 £154.99 £185.99 £169.98 £203.98 £249.00 £298.80 £279.00 £334.80

56

£FROM ONLY .99 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £68.39 inc.VAT

PRO378 PROFESSIONAL 1/2" DRIVE SOCKET SET

WAS NOW Model Desc.

LxWxH (mm) exc.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT 1 CLB900C* 9 Dr Chest 685x305x474 £159.95 £203.98 £191.94 2 CLB1007C 7 Dr Cabinet 740x465x955 £259.00 £310.80

2

259

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £310.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

PRICE CUT £DOUBLE.99

1

84exc.VAT

£101.99 inc.VAT DOUBLE

NEW DIY & PROFESSIONAL FROM ONLY

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WAS £107.98 inc.VAT

FULL EXTENSION ROLLER RUNNERS FOR SMOOTH OPENING ACTION

.98 139 3 £DOUBLE DOUBLEexc.VAT PROFESSIONAL £167.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

• Superb quality & value for DIY & professional

TOOL CHESTS/ workshops * WAS £107.98 inc.VAT CABINETS # WAS £310.80 inc.VAT

PRO394 PROFESSIONAL 91 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CANTILEVER TOOLBOX

4

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

249exc.VAT

£298.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

CHT634 MECHANICS TOOL CHEST AND TOOLS PACKAGE

WAS £310.80 inc.VAT

Model Desc.

LxWxH (mm) exc.VAT MECHANICS RANGE 1 CTC600C* 6 Dr Chest 620x257x335 £84.99 CTC900C 9 Dr Chest 620x257x380 £89.98 CTC500C 5 Dr Cabinet 680x330x765 £149.98 CTC800C 8 Dr Chest/Cab Set 616x295x1027 £149.98 2 CTC700C 7 Dr Cabinet 680x330x875 £179.98 PROFESSIONAL RANGE CTC103C 3 Dr Step Up Chest 691x310x256 £74.99 3 CTC109 9 Dr Chest 685x305x419 £139.98 4 CTC107C# 7 Dr Cabinet 739x461x953 £249.00 NB Overall length includes handles

BOLTLESS SHELVING/ BENCHES Simple fast assembly in minutes using only a hammer

RED, BLUE, SILVER, GREY & GALVANISED STEEL

189

BOTTOM DRAWERS

* WAS £203.98 inc.VAT

CHOICE OF 5 COLOURS

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £227.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

EXTRA LARGE

SAVE

HUGE CHOICE OF HAND TOOLS

* WAS £310.80 inc.VAT

30KG

MAX DRAWER LOAD

SEE WEBSITE FOR PACKAGE DEALS WITH TOOLS

32 PIECE SET

2 £ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £334.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

Model Desc.

CBB203C 3 Dr Step Up CBB205C 5 Dr Chest 1 CBB209C 9 Dr Chest CBB210C 10 Dr Chest CBB215C* 5 Dr Cabinet 2 CBB217C 7 Dr Cabinet

159exc.VAT

£191.94 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £203.98 inc.VAT

Combines premium quality with fiercely competitive pricing & super smooth ball bearing roller drawers

• Extra heavy gauge double wall steel construction

Rubber grip side handles

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.95

1

279

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £334.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

MM1 Custom Car 275x200 pg1.indd 1 Custom Car_2024_09_September_Machine Mart_FP.indd 1

PRICE CUT NOW FROM ONLY £ .98

39exc.VAT

£47.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £51.59 inc.VAT

NOW inc.

VAT £101.99 £107.98 £179.98 £179.98 £215.98 £89.99 £167.98 £298.80

2

179

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £215.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

WORKBENCHES WITH PEGBOARD

Easy to assemble, providing valuable working space and plenty of additional storage capacity.

• Dimensions (LxWxH) - 1150x560x1440mm • Pegboard back wall with 30 hooks supplied

LOADING OPTIONS

150 350 KG KG

PRICE CUT FROM ONLY £ .99

74exc.VAT

PER SHELF PER SHELF EVENLY DISTRIBUTED

Dims WAS NOW Model WxDxH(mm) exc.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT CSM5150BP 150kg 800x300x1500 £39.98 £51.59 £47.98 CSM5350BP 350kg 900x400x1800 £57.99 £71.98 £69.59

£89.99 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £95.98 inc.VAT

CWB-R1B

Available in Red or Galvanised Finish

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65

TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.98

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B = Bench mounted F = Floor standing Motor (W) * WAS £406.80 inc.VAT model Speeds exc.VAT inc.VAT CDP5EB 350 / 5 £99.95 £119.94 CDP5RB 350 / 5 £99.95 £119.94 CDP102B 350 / 5 £115.95 £139.14 CDP152B 450 / 12 £209.00 £250.80 CDP452B 550 / 16 £299.00 £358.80 CDP352F* 550 / 16 £329.00 £394.80 CDP502F 1100 / 12 £699.00 £838.80

Britain’s Tools & Machinery Specialist 8/260 Motor Tank WAS NOW Model HP CFM ltr exc.VAT inc. VAT inc.VAT 8/260 2 7.5 24 £109.98 £143.98 £131.98 11/260 2.5 9.5 24 £119.98 £155.98 £143.98 8/550 2 7.5 50 £149.98 £191.98 £179.98 11/550 2.5 9.5 50 £169.98 £215.98 £203.98 16/550 3 14.5 50 £239.00 £298.80 £286.80 16/1050 3 14.5 100 £299.00 £370.80 £358.80

HIGH VELOCITY FANS

£

39exc.VAT

DEHUMIDIFIERS & AIR CON

CFF18B100 * WAS £56.38 inc.VAT # WAS £52.79 inc.VAT Model Size CBF20# 20" CFF18B100* 18" CPF18B100 18"

exc.VAT 239 £286.80 inc.VAT

3-in-1 ✔ Air Con ✔ Dehumidifier ✔ 2 Speed Fan Inc. Remote control, flexible outlet hose & window slider vent

Model AC7050 AC10050 AC13050

89

£ DOUBLE .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT FOOTER £107.98 inc.VAT

Model AC5000B AC7050 AC10050 AC13050

exc.VAT £199.00 £239.00 £279.00 £319.00

inc.VAT £238.80 £286.80 £334.80 £382.80

46

£FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £56.38 inc.VAT

CAM14HV

CFF18C100

JUMP STARTS

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT FOOTER £47.98 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY

39

EXTRA LONG 1m LEADS

Max Amps Charge/ Boost 20/120 38/180 25/200 35/180 45/240 60/350 50/510

exc.VAT £89.98 £104.99 £149.98 £159.98 £184.99 £219.00 £259.00

inc.VAT £107.98 £125.99 £179.98 £191.98 £221.99 £262.80 £310.80

INTELLIGENT BATTERY CHARGER/ MAINTAINERS Max. exc.

WAS NOW Model Volts Charge VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT IBC7 12/24V 7A £39.98 £47.98 IBC15 12V 15A £49.98 £59.98 IBC20 12/24V 20A £62.99 £80.39 £75.59 IBC25 12/24V 25A £79.98 £101.99 £95.98 IBC40 12/24V 40A £99.98 £125.99 £119.98

£FROM ONLY .99 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £32.39 inc.VAT

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MICRO JUMP STARTS

Model 910 JS1100C BEST 4000 SELLER JS12/24

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .99 EXC.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £44.39 inc.VAT

36

compressor Long life battery Starting Peak Boost Amps exc.VAT inc.VAT 400 900 £96.99 £116.39 500 1100 £96.99 £116.39 700 1500 £164.99 £197.99 1000 2000 £179.98 £215.98

PARTS WASHERS FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £71.98 inc.VAT

59

WHEEL DOLLY (PAIR)

CW1D

AWD1

BEST SELLER

Extraction Rate CAT131 Motor (ltr/day) exc.VAT inc.VAT PRICE CUT 785W 16.8 £239.00 £286.80 £DOUBLE exc.VAT 59.98 1100W 21.6 £279.00 £334.80 £71.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE 1370W 28.8 £319.00 £382.80 WAS £83.98 inc.VAT

Provides essential home, garage

and roadside assistance Integral exc.VAT 96inc.VAT work light 910 includes air DOUBLE £116.39 FOOTER £ DOUBLE .99

IBC20

WORKSHOP AIR TOOLS

79

£FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £95.98 inc.VAT

18"

Cooling Capacity 5000 BTU/h 7000 BTU/h 9000 BTU/h 12000 BTU/h

26

AC7050

14"

AC7050 CPF18B100 exc.VAT inc.VAT £39.98 £47.98 £45.99 £55.19 £59.98 £71.98

Ammeter Multiposition charge regulator Overload protection on charging cycle

Model BC125 BC190 BC210C WBC180 WBC240 WBC400 BC520P

CHV18WF

3-in-1

✔ Air Con ✔ Dehumidifier ✔ 3 Speed Fan

199exc.VAT

BC210C

.00

Lightweight, portable, durable and suitable for home indoor use.

Strong and sturdy 360° tilting stand Max air flow up to 2338cfm

79

£FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £95.98 inc.VAT

DOUBLE £238.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

BATTERY CHARGERS /ENGINE STARTERS FROM ONLY

FROM ONLY HEADER

HIGH VELOCITY DRUM FAN

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.00

£47.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £52.79 inc.VAT

.00

†V-Twin *230V # WAS £1438.80 inc.VAT ‡ WAS £1678.80 inc.VAT ▼ WAS £1774.80 inc.VAT AIR. DISP MOTOR AIR MODEL CFM (HP) RCVR EXC.VAT INC.VAT XEV16/100 (OL)†* 14 3 100ltr £589.00 £706.80 XEV16/150 (OL)†* 14 3 150ltr £659.00 £790.80 XEV16/200(OL)†* 14 3 200ltr £719.00 £862.80 XEV16/150(400V)† 14 3 150ltr £699.00 £838.80 XE18/200 (OL)†* 18 4 200ltr £759.00 £910.80 30 7.5HP 200Ltr £1179.00 £1414.80 XE36C200†# 28 2X3HP 270Ltr £1349.00 £1618.80 XE29/270†*‡ XE37/270 (OL)†* ▼ 36 2x 4 270ltr £1459.00 £1750.80 SE46C270† 40 10HP 270Ltr £2129.00 £2554.80

£

18"

PRICE CUT NOW FROM ONLY £ .98

FROM ONLY HEADER

exc.VAT 589 £706.80 inc.VAT

Mobile Units provide quick & effective cooling & drying

18"

INDUSTRIAL AIR XEV16/100 COMPRESSORS

CHROME HIGH VELOCITY 18" FANS

DEHUMIDIFIERS & 3-IN-1 AIR CONDITIONERS

Ideal for creating a powerful air flow, suitable for both domestic & commercial locations 3 Speeds Tilts to adjust direction of air flow

LOAD RATING: 500KG PER DOLLY

63

£FROM ONLY .99 exc.VAT DOUBLE £76.79 inc.VAT PER PAIR

PGF14

GARAGES/WORKSHOPS

603x370x150mm

SWIVEL, NON MARKING CASTORS

ANGLE GRINDERS

249

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £298.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

FROM ONLY

Start Peak exc.

Model Boost Boost VAT inc.VAT JSM180 180A 360A £36.99 £44.39 JSM100 1000A 400A £49.98 £59.98 JSM1200 600A 1200A £69.98 £83.98 * WAS JSM350* 350A 500A £79.98 £95.98 £105.59 JSM600 300A 600A £49.98 £59.98 inc.VAT

* WAS £179.98 inc.VAT # WAS £226.80 inc.VAT ‡ WAS £275.98 inc.VAT Tank Model Cap. Type exc.VAT inc.VAT CW2D 10Ltrs Bench £59.98 £71.98 CW1D* 45Ltrs Floor £144.99 £173.99 CWM20# 22.5Ltrs Floor £179.00 £214.80 CW40‡ 75Ltrs Floor £219.00 £262.80

CW2D

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

HOT WASHERS

589exc.VAT

SANDBLASTERS

£706.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £718.80 inc.VAT

Heavy duty steel construction

145 Bar 2100 psi

sandblasters for the quick exc.VAT 29 DOUBLE FOOTER £35.98 inc.VAT removal of surface rust, £ DOUBLE .98

CIG81220 Ideal for use as a garage/workshop Extra tough triple layer cover Heavy duty powder coated steel tubing Ratchet tight tensioning Model CIG81212 CIG81015 CIG81216 CIG81020 CIG81220 CIG81224 CIG1432 CIG1640

size (LxWxH) 3.6x3.6x2.5m 4.5x3x2.4m 4.9x3.7x2.5m 6.1x3x2.4m 6.1x3.7x2.5m 7.3x3.7x2.5m 9.7x4.3x3.65m 12x4.9x4.3m

exc.VAT inc.VAT £249.00 £298.80 £279.00 £334.80 £329.00 £394.80 £349.00 £418.80 £399.00 £478.80 £499.00 £598.80 £1099.00 £1318.80 £2599.00 £3118.80

ALUMINIUM RACING JACKS

CIG1432

LENGTH UP TO 40’

Model Disc (mm) Motor exc.VAT CAG800B 115 800W £29.98 CON1150 115 1150W £36.99 CAG2350C 230 2350W £69.98

KEEPS THE WEATHER OUT! BRIGHT WHITE INTERIOR

CIS8612

FROM ONLY HEADER

.00 exc.VAT 269 £322.80 inc.VAT

Model CTJ2GLS CTJ3GLS CTJ5GLS CTJ10GLS

Tonnes 2 3 5 10

150mm PAD DIA.

64exc.VAT

£77.99 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £83.98 inc.VAT

CP150

FROM ONLY

.98 DOUBLE exc.VAT .VAT 109 DOUBLE £131.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

exc.VAT £109.98 £139.98 £169.98 £199.98

inc.VAT £131.98 £167.98 £203.98 £239.98

MM2 Custom Car 275x200 pg2.indd 1 Custom Car_2024_09_September_Machine Mart_FP.indd 2

169exc.VAT

DOUBLE £202.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

1 TONNE FOLDING WORKSHOP CRANE Folding and fixed frames available Robust, rugged construction Overload safety valve

69exc.VAT

£83.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE

Fully tested to proof load

AMAZING LOW PRICE!

INCLUDES SANDBLASTING GUN, DELIVERY HOSE, 4 CERAMIC NOZZLES AND SAFETY HOOD

INC. CONTAINER FOR DETERGENT

2 & 3 TONNE TROLLEY JACKS

219

WAS £89.99 inc.VAT

Inc. hook & loop backing pad and wool polishing bonnet CP185 180mm PAD DIA.

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.00

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £263.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

PRICE CUT £DOUBLE.98 £

paint, dirt/grease etc.

* WAS £718.80 inc.VAT inc.VAT # WAS £1437.60 inc.VAT Tank Flow Rate £322.80 Model Volume Req. exc.VAT inc.VAT Model BAR Press.

VOLT exc.VAT inc.VAT £430.80 £574.80 CPSB100B* 32 litre 6-25 cfm £169.00 £202.80 Harry 2 145 2100psi 230 £589.00 £706.80 £766.80 CPSB200B# 63 litre 6-25 cfm £209.00 £250.80 KING 200 150 2175psi 230 £1169.00 £1402.80

CFC100

Dual action combines rotary & orbital motions to produce an excellent polished finish

CTJ1250AB

Lifting Cap. 1.5T 1.25T 2.5T 1.8T

exc.VAT £269.00 £359.00 £479.00 £639.00

PRO SANDER/ PRICE CUT POLISHERS £DOUBLE .99

Quick lift Non-marking nylon wheels Rubber contact pad - helps protect vehicle undersides

Model CTJ1500QL CTJ1250AC CTJ2500QLGB CTJ1800AB

HEAVY DUTY LONG REACH JACKS

CTJ2GLS £

inc.VAT £35.98 £44.39 £83.98

PRICE CUT £DOUBLE .99

18V ½"

£51.59 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WRENCH

42exc.VAT IMPACT

WAS £53.99 inc.VAT

3 forward and reverse gears

99

£FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £119.98 inc.VAT

450NM

CTJ2250LP

BRUSHLESS JACKS ALSO IN # WAS £53.99 inc.VAT STOCK UP TO 5 TONNE ‡ WAS £63.59 inc.VAT X2AH Model Type Tonne exc.VAT inc.VAT CTJ2L# Long 2 £42.99 £51.59 CTJ2250LP*‡ Low Profile 2.25 £49.95 £59.94 CTJ3000GB Pro Garage 3 £109.98 £131.98 Model Desc Batteries exc.VAT CTJ3000QLB Quick Lift 3 £122.99 £147.59 CCIW160 Cordless 2X 2AH £99.98 Low Quick Lift 2 £159.98 £191.98 CTJ2QLP LI-ION CIR184LIP Cordless 2X 4AH £144.99 * CTJ2250LP has a 2.25 tonne capacity, has a LI-ION low entry of only 80mm and includes 2 sockets

2

inc.VAT £119.98 £173.99

24/04/2024 17/07/2024 11:01 14:15

35223

PAY Monthly

EASY TO USE WEBSITE

HYDRAULIC FROM ONLY PRESSES £ DOUBLE.98

21,000

NOW OVER

Spread the cost over 12, 24, 36, 48 or 60 months Any mix of products over £300 5 MIN 19.9% APR APPLICATION!

For 15,000 hard to find items vist the

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY Built for tough daily use in automotive/ industrial workshops

* Available with/without BEST 7 pce pin, bracket & pressing plate kit SELLER safety screen # Economy model Model Tonne exc.VAT inc.VAT CSA4B# 4 £169.98 £203.98 10 £289.00 £346.80 ‡ WAS CSA10BB* CSA12F# 12 £379.00 £454.80 £598.80 CSA20FBT‡ 20 £489.00 £586.80 inc.VAT

section on:

BRITAIN’S NO. 1 FOR WELDING

1 TONNE

MIG GAS/NO GAS WELDERS

COMPRESSOR

Hydraulically powered, foot control operated device Adjustable spring retainers Springs up to 400mm diameter & 520mm in length Tough steel safety guard

“Excellent machine and exactly as described. Easy to set up and comes with everything you need to start welding straight out of the box”

up & use

See www.machinemart.co.uk

BEST

SELLER

SSC1000G

HEAVY DUTY PETROL POWER WASHERS PLS195B

69exc.VAT

Rotates through 360˚

0.00 FOOTER £161.99 inc.VAT * Gas/No Gas MIG103NG

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

135TE

£322.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

130AMPS

269exc.VAT

WAS £334.80 inc.VAT

exc.

WAS Model Capacity VAT inc.VAT CES340 340kg £69.98 £87.59 CES450 450kg £79.98 £99.59 CES560 560kg £104.99 CES680F 680kg £135.99 £167.98

NOW inc.VAT £83.98 £95.98 £125.99 £163.19

* WAS £334.80 inc.VAT CAN DRAW # WAS £598.80 inc.VAT OWN WATER ‡ WAS £922.80 inc.VAT Pressure Engine Model Bar/PSI HP exc.VAT inc.VAT Tiger1800B* 110/1595 3 £269.00 £322.80 Tiger2600B 180/2610 4 £379.00 £454.80 Tiger3000B 200/2900 6.5 £399.00 £478.80 PLS195B# 182/2640 5.5 £479.00 £574.80 PLS220 230/3335 9 £679.00 £814.80 PLS265B‡ 225/3263 13 £749.00 £898.80 PLS360 248/3600 13 £998.00 £1197.60

Honda engine models available

WAS NOW Model KVA HP exc.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT PG2500A 2.2 5.6 £209.00 £262.80 £250.80 PG3800A 3 5.6 £239.00 £322.80 £286.80 PG3800ADV 3 5.6 £279.00 £358.80 £334.80 PG6500ADVES 5.5 9.7 £519.00 £646.80 £622.80

BEST

SELLER

79

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MM3 Custom Car 275x200 pg3.indd 1 Custom Car_2024_09_September_Machine Mart_FP.indd 3

24/04/2024 17/07/2024 11:02 14:16

WEEKEND WARRIORS Words: Dave Biggadyke Pics: Julian Hunt, and as credited

The second coming of Street Weekend took place on 14-16 June. The format was the same as last year’s inaugural event, as it wasn’t broke so there was no need to change it.

The plan was to set a time at Santa Pod on Friday, then drive to Melbourne Raceway taking in a couple of checkpoints along the way. The next day the cars clock a time over the eighth mile before returning to the Pod, visiting two further checkpoints en route.

That was the plan, but the weather played a cruel hand, and out of the almost 200 cars that had entered only about 60 put in a run on the Friday morning before the track action was called by the Pod’s officials. The

only option was to discard any times run on the Friday, a cruel blow to those who’d set a really good time but that’s racing.

The weather then played a part on the road trip to Melbourne, with some arriving at the first destination in torrential rain. The rules state that all cars had to be driven though, so there was no taking it easy and loading the car on a trailer or transporter. To prove all was above board, a photo of the car and driver, together with this year’s Santa Pod-issued artefact – an inflatable palm tree – had to be taken at each checkpoint. Rain subsequently dogged some of the teams as they travelled to the second checkpoint and then on to Melbourne.

Saturday saw all entrants clock a time before heading back south to Santa Pod, again with rain playing a part, more so in the case of one particular driver. Come Sunday it was all to play for on the fully prepped Santa Pod track, with the burning question being who would be crowned king of the street and scoop the £1750 prize pot.

That wasn’t all that was on offer though, as £1000 went the way of 2nd place, £700 to 3rd place, £400 to 4th place, with the 5th place driver receiving free entry to Street Weekend 2025.

It was tense, it was heartbreaking, but most of all it was fun. That sums up what Street Weekend is all about.

CHECKING IN

Pics: DB All cars and drivers had to check in at 2 different locations on the Friday, and then 2 more on the Saturday. The first of these was Skegness Pier, an almost 90-mile drive from Santa Pod, where the weather took a turn for the worse later in the afternoon.

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Pic: Ollie Bilney

Pic: Rhys Griffiths

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: Callum Pudge

It was then a further 60-mile jaunt along the east coast to Barton-on-Humber. The destination was The Viking Way Café Bar and its photographic backdrop of the Humber Bridge. The final leg of Friday’s drive was 28 miles across country to Melbourne Raceway.

Pic: Andrei Mija

Pic: Callum Pudge

Pic: Mackenzie Kelly

Pic: Rhys Griffiths

Pic: Andrei Mija

Pic: Andrei Mija

Pic: Callum Anderson

Pic: Callum Anderson

After setting eighth-mile times at Melbourne the racers headed off to the first port of call on the return journey, The Motorist near Leeds. Located just short of 25 miles from the Raceway, this unique restaurant and meeting place venue boasts an on-site classic and modern-day garage and body shop.

Pic: Callum Pudge Pic: Ollie Bilney

Pic: Callum Pudge

It was then on to Derby, the home of Great Northern Classics, a journey of around 75 miles. Having checked out the exhibits and sampled the delights of Café Miura it was time to embark on the last 80 miles of the journey and return to Santa Pod Raceway.

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 23

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TRAILER QUEENS

Pics: DB For many, trailers are an integral part of Street Weekend. Carrying parts, tyres, camping equipment, and more besides, they negate the need for a support vehicle, with some even providing somewhere to sleep.

The prize for the most novel, had there been one, would undoubtedly have gone to Matthew Southcott’s oversized can of Tango. Pure genius.

TRAILER THRASH

To round off the racing on the Sunday a few racers hitched up their trailers and headed back to the start line. Some very impressive burnouts ensued.

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Ray’s Classics

San Carlos CA since 1980

California Collector Car Export Sales Specialist 1973 Ford Pinto, 2 door wagon, rebuilt 4 cylinder Engine/4spd Manual, very nice original interior, rustfree California car $10,250.

1952 Ford Zephyr Mk1 LHD Rust Free Car. Rustfree sunbleached body and underside, all new brakes/clutch hydraulics, on the button driver sold new in the USA and not to be confused with the usual UK welding nightmares, not the cheapest but the most solid example you will find outside of Australia $8250.

1950 Austin A40 devon LHD USA car, small fortune spent on extensive restoration, only a handful of miles since completion $11,250.

1935 Chevy Pickup Project, all steel, Mustang two frontend, coilover rearend, very nice cab/sheet metal, extra doors and roof panel, all sheet metal is present, 350/Auto, not running , California title and factory vin plate $11,950.

1964 1/2 F Code Mustang 260CI/Auto, P/S, matching numbers california black plate car, rustfree stripped to bare metal 100% complete $11,750.

1989 Ford F150 Lariet Xlt 4x4 V8/Auto, P/W,Pdl, C/C, A/C, excellent condition throughout $12,250.

1932 Real Henry Steel Ford Sedan Delivery, v8/Auto, p/s, pub, p/w, a/c, Dakota digital dash, mustang two/9” rear excellent condition throughout and ready to show, the last part of a good friends Model B collection who recently passed away $68,850

1967 Chevy G-10 Rust free, Black plate California Van, V8/Auto, Vintage Mags, Originally a factory Martin Walters type Camper conversion, on the button, runs great $9,875

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10/07/2024 12:03

THE MILES

The road trip between the track and checkpoints totalled around 400 miles. The route took in 8 counties, each offering differing landscapes for the race teams to appreciate, with the cars undoubtedly brightening the day of unsuspecting members of the public as they passed by.

Pic: Rhys Griffiths Pic: Ollie Bilney

Pic: Mackenzie Kelly

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: Bradley Haywood

Pic: DB

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com

Santa Pod commentator, Colin Theobald, described the weekend as an epic adventure. Having arrived at Melbourne at 12:30 am he slept in his car before running the eighth and returning to the Pod later that day.

Best of all, Colin was sponsored every step of the way raising money for the BDRHoF Benevolent fund.

Not only was Rob Carter the overall winner, he also picked up the Turbosmart Quickest Turbo award for his VW Passat.

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 27

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THE SMILES

Street Weekend is all about those who take part and the adventures they have along the way. The trials and tribulations, the fun, and most of all the camaraderie between fellow competitors. The weekend generated countless treasured memories that will last forever.

Pic: DB

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: DB

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com As her own car wasn’t ready in time, Tracy Nettleton borrowed her mum’s Pop pick-up for the weekend. Despite it not having been used for 3 years, and only emerged from the garage the week before, it never missed a beat.

NSCC Spirit of Street Weekend was awarded to Alex Darcy running his VW Camper…

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Pic: Rhys Griffiths

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com

Pic: Rhys Griffiths

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: Roxy McCarthy

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com Phillip Evans was the recipient of the Unusual Car Sales UK Hard Luck Award as a result of an unfortunate incident driving in adverse weather when his ’41 Willys pick-up spun and crashed when travelling from Melbourne to the Pod.

Colin Millar only clocked a time on the Saturday, a 9.20, in his 3-window coupe. In case you’re wondering, he did change the slicks for treaded tyres when out on the road.

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 29

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TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Pics: DB Ingenuity comes to the fore for Street Weekend. Whether it be improvised air conditioning, designing a hand-operated ‘screen wiper actuating mechanism, plotting out the route when you don’t have a sat nav, taking that palm tree for a trip down the strip, or glamping in a penthouse tent.

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com Neil Melliard’s gorgeous Mk1 Zephyr caught the eye of the Straightliners at Melbourne as they selected it for the Best Turned Out Car award.

Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com Adam Sindrey’s Commer Wanderer suffered brake issues when leaving Melbourne. Having stopped at a random house with a Landy on the drive, Adam sourced a replacement master cylinder a 30-minute drive away, then arranged to fit it under cover from the rain in a nearby barn.

Result.

The Serck Motorsport Coolest Award went to Matthew Southcott and his on-so orange 565ci Scampy.

30 CUSTOM CAR SEPTEMBER 2024

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TOP TEN TOP TEN TOP TEN

STREET WEEKEND WINNER Rob Carter

6TH Simon Paul

427ci VW Passat - 6.26 / 7.8219 – Total 14.0819

GTR R35 - 6.41 / 9.5618 – Total 15.9718 Pic: Tog for Eurodragster.com

2ND PLACE Michael Castle

7TH Wayne Gill

Twin turbo Ford Cortina - 5.85 / 8.721 – Total 14.581

VW Golf R - 6.37 / 9.7354 – Total 16.1054

3RD PLACE Ian Walley

8TH Graham Smith

351ci Ford Cortina - 6.63 / 9.132 – Total 15.762

632ci ’57 Chevy - 6.82 / 9.3434 – Total 16.1634 Pic: Robin Cook Collection / Across The Decades

4TH Matthew Southcott

9TH Darren Scannell

656ci Plymouth Scamp - 7.75 / 8.0727 – Total 15.8227

1,993ci Ford Escort - 7 / 9.5774 – Total 16.5774

5TH Mike Whittaker

10TH Andrew Fry

3,000cc VW Caddy - 6.62 / 9.335 – Total 15.955

Tesla Model S Plaid - 6.83 / 9.9916 – Total 16.8216

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 31

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SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 35

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ckal,

A Deuce apart 36 CUSTOM CAR SEPTEMBER 2024

8pp Gauntt Coupe.indd 36

19/07/2024 17:18

How do you build a ’32 Ford that stands out from all the others? Over the course of more than half a decade, Hollywood Hot Rods answered that question with a Slonaker award-winning Deuce inspired by prewar European race cars Words and Pics: Stephan Szantai

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 37

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T

The grill is from Alumicraft in Pennsylvania.

The hood behind it is unique, with the hoodto-cowl seams following the same sweep as the doors

hanks to its terrific styling, the 1932 Ford remains hot rodders’ darling to this day. So many have been built, and continue to built… which is great, but how do you each new one from looking like a copy of others that have gone before?

‘It’s certainly a challenge to build a Deuce differently,’ acknowledges Troy Ladd. Yet the man who founded Hollywood Hot Rod (HHR) in 2002 recently managed to unveil one that has truly wowed even the most blasé motorheads.

Known as the Gauntt Coupe, after its owner Pat Gauntt, it managed to win the incredibly competitive Al Slonaker Memorial Award, presented at the 2022 running of the annual Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. Troy can add this honour to his long list of accomplishments, which includes building America’s Most Beautiful Roadster, Bruce Wanta’s 1936

Quarter-elliptic springs control one of HHR’s own front I-beams, with Woods & Holly Racing Co’s Perform-O-Adjust system allowing the car’s ride height to be finely tuned. Just when you thought you’d seen everything there is to see on a Deuce…

Note also the side steering set-up, which is controlled by a JB Donaldson four-spoke wheel

38 CUSTOM CAR SEPTEMBER 2024

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Packard roadster entered by HHR at the same event in 2017.

To understand the dawn of the Gauntt Coupe, we need to travel back to 2007, when Troy participated in the GNRS’ America’s Most Beautiful Roadster competition with his own ’32. While it did not win, the car – dubbed Respect Tradition – helped put HHR on the map. He later sold the Deuce, which ended up in Europe before returning to the US – more specifically to Texas, Pat’s home state. That’s where he discovered the Hemipowered roadster, fell in love with it and went to track down its builder…

A phone conversation ensued a few days later, with Pat announcing to Troy his interest in owning an HHR-built hot rod.

It turns out that Troy had a project in the making but stalled due to a lack of time: his personal dream hot rod. Pat was immediately on board, giving Troy carte blanche to create it the way he wanted –

a rare and always welcome opportunity for any hot rod builder.

The concept imagined by Troy takes its cues from 1930s’ European race cars such as Bugattis. Realising these were graceful and relatively compact in size, he envisioned some of their details applied to a ’32 Ford, a model which was fairly small as well.

Vintage Automotive Designer Eric Black came to up with some cool renderings, which further defined the shape the vehicle would take during the following six years.

Six years! You can’t rush perfection.

Work began with a Brookville steel shell, chopped 514 inches in the front and 412 in the back. To get the body even lower, HHR’s team sectioned 1¹2 inches down the middle, with a smaller section removed around the belt line. Opening the side windows half an inch helped restore the profile’s proportions.

Starting from the front of the car, check out the neat Alumicraft grille and uniquely

shaped hood; Troy wanted the hood-to-cowl seams to follow the same sweep as the doors (they’re straight in stock form). The roof received plenty of attention as well, with the A-pillars leant back to an 18-degree angle and featuring radiused corners.

Doing the splits

The V-shaped cowl and roof frame the twopiece windshields, which open at the bottom as you might see occasionally on 1967 and earlier Volkswagen buses (“safari windows” in the VW lingo). The back of the cabin integrates a split window too, somewhat in the vein of 1939-40 Fords. Other not-soobvious details include the rear wheel wells reshaped to match the tall tyres, while the deck lid was moved up and made smaller in size.

With a large chunk of the metalwork complete, Troy and his crew could concentrate on smaller details. “Like a race

SEPTEMBER 2024 CUSTOM CAR 39

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You don’t win the Al Slonaker Memorial award without a world-class cabin, but that barely starts to describe the combination of bomber-style buckets, vintage gauges and brass knobs with a showpiece exposed shift rail. Leather upholstery by Elegance Auto Interiors and German squareweave carpet, not to mention that JB Donaldson four-spoke wheel, ensure the material quality is right up there with the design

‘30s-era Andre Hydro Telecontrol shocks are pre-pressurised by a bulkhead-mounted pump integrated into the reservoirs and fine-tuned from the cabin by knobs on the tunnel

car, anything we added to the coupe had to be functional,” he explains. See the cowl exhaust tips inspired by racing Bugattis for instance? These pieces needed a heat shield mounted thanks to rivets. To make that panel and the hood vents better looking, the team rolled a bead around them – the vehicle is all about “subtle elegance” as Troy calls it. Note that HHR does not have a CNC

machine… all parts are formed with more traditional gears and by hand. “And I’m proud of that,” he comments.

More race-inspired features come in the shape of leather straps front and aft, along with quick-release pins for the doors.

Incidentally, the taillights are Swiss-made Scintilla – an official Bugatti supplier back in the day.

That painstakingly fashioned body sits on an HHR custom frame equipped with one of the company’s own I-beams. Quarterelliptical springs guide the latter, in the same way a four-bar system would perform.

Troy thought he had crafted something new with this, although he soon discovered that Miller race cars ran the same type of set-up back in the 1920s and 30s. Nicely finished

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adjusters come in handy to change the car’s ride height by calibrating the quarterelliptical springs upward or downward. Troy created the fantastically tongue-in-cheek “Perform-O-Adjust by the Woods & Holly Racing Co.” plates. (Well, Holly & Woods would be too obvious…)

In the rear, a single quarter-elliptical spring complemented with a three-link system

help smooth out the road bumps. HHR additionally conceived their own floating brake shoe set-up, along with one-off wheels. Their various components travelled all the way from the UK before being delivered to Wheel Smith in the USA, which laced them together. These rims, measuring 16x5 and 18x7, welcome 5.50-16 and 7.0018 Dunlop Racing rubber.

We should also comment on the striking Cadillac V8, a pre-1956 331ci version that gained some oomph courtesy of later 390ci heads. Several other go-fast goodies complement the build, including an Iskenderian hydraulic cam and an Offenhauser intake manifold topped with dual Stromberg 97 carbs. Burnt fumes exit via a custom header leading to hidden valves

Troy reprofiled the A-posts to an angle of 18 degrees and radiused their corners. Framed by the roof and cowl, twin windscreens are top hinged

Below: Leather hood straps add further to the vintage racecar image. So too do the additional exhausts, which exit through the base of the cowl when hidden valves behind the header are opened

Above: Wheels are unique items brought in from Britain. They’re home to a set of 5.50-16 Dunlops here at the front and 7.00-18s at the back

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The 331ci Cadillac V8 runs later 390ci heads, an Iskenderian hydraulic cam and an Offenhauser intake manifold with dual Stromberg 97 carbs, allowing it to produce around 300 horses. Troy went to great lengths to make the engine look ‘beautiful yet simple,’ modifying the water pump and machining a custom bracket to let him move the generator to the centre of the vee

on each side: leave them closed and gases will make their way out under the neatly shaped rear roll pan, or open them up and the exhaust will also escape through the dual tips set on each side of the cowl.

Simple beauty

“Making these engines look beautiful yet simple can be quite the challenge,” adds

Troy. As an example, take a look at the generator, which he moved to the centre of the V8. His idea was to bring symmetry to the motor, a theme he adheres to, though it called for modifying the water pump and machining a custom bracket. The 300-or-so horsepower travels through a BorgWarner T-5 gearbox before reaching a Speedway Engineering quick-change rear end.

When it came time to paint the coupe, Troy had his mind set on British Racing Green. But Mike Jenkins of Mick’s Paint had a different idea: a brown hue reminiscent of a land speed racer driven by Art Chrisman in the 1950s. The mix was slightly modified for a deeper and more vibrant result. Troy debated for weeks before giving Mike the green light – a move he never regretted.

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Although brown remains the primary colour, gold and polished stainless steel brings some contrast where needed. Cream pinstripes add a neat touch as well.

The cockpit is another tour de force, with details very much in tune with the raceoriented exterior – including the bomberstyle bucket seats and the great-looking vintage gauges of unknown origin. A JB Donaldson four-spoke wheel connects to a side steering set-up, while several brass knobs reside in an HHR-modified Crafty-B

switch panel with riveted tags above the rear-view mirror.

Of course, the exposed shift rail (inspired by modern Pagani sports cars) gets people talking. Troy made it adjustable so drivers of different heights can enjoy it comfortably.

They’ll enjoy the leather upholstery stitched

by Elegance Auto Interiors, too, as well as the German square-weave carpet which adds another touch of class.

Ahead of the shift rail, notice the two knobs used to fine-tune the oil pressure

in the ’30s-era Andre Hydro Telecontrol shocks. These can be pre-pressurised by a pump integrated into the reservoirs, which is mounted on the bulkhead.

Since its completion, the Gaunt Coupe has been a favourite at numerous car shows around the States, as far as Tennessee, garnering awards anywhere it goes. It might be just another Deuce to some folks – but then again, it’s a Deuce like no other. And that’s what makes it so special in the hot rod world. CC

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In the Blood

N

athan Butler’s Dad, Graham, was always keen on cars and remains that way to this day.

And he was always a fan of British tin, having owned a couple of Triumph TR4’s as well as a few Land Rovers in his time.

He wasn’t a mechanic but was self-taught out of necessity. He did own a paint shop, but then he switched to a job in the construction industry that still involves colour but this time it’s bricks he’s colouring.

At a very early age, Nathan, like many other kids, started messing about modifying his toy cars and remote control vehicles. This then progressed to petrol powered go-karts. You can already see where this is going…

One day, Graham found some old cine film footage of his favourite vehicle of all, an MG Midget, and showed it to his son.

Words and Pics: Steve Edwards

Such was his enthusiasm, the young Nathan immediately promised himself that one day, he would emulate his father and have one just like it himself.

That day turned out not to be too far away.

Aged just sixteen, Nathan got his first Midget – and he still owns it to this day.

Perhaps not surprisingly, when Nathan bought the car it needed a full restoration.

The plan was to have it ready for his seventeenth birthday and hopefully on the road as soon as he had passed his test.

Sounds simple, right? Unbelievably, unlike 99% of the times when people with old cars tell you about ‘the plan,’ it worked out. The Midget was indeed ready and it provided Nathan with many years of sterling service.

It’s now waiting patiently for its second resto, Nathan’s head having also been turned by various other motors during that time.

Such as this one. The young man headed off to university, where he studied multimedia and virtual reality. He applied for and obtained his student loan… but rather than frittering it away on things like keeping himself warm, fed and clothed, he bought an MG BGT. You’ve got to admire his style.

The MG in question is the one you’re looking at here. Though it didn’t look anything like this then. It was painted in primer grey, a job which someone could have saved themselves doing because it was still absolutely riddled with the worm.

The entire floor was rusty and even the roof needed attention.

Of course, the state of the car was reflected in the bargain price Nathan paid for it. But it then took the remainder of that student loan to complete the

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restoration. A perfect use of the money, I’m sure you’ll agree, and so what if he had to live on Pot Noodles. Fortunately, Graham had taught his son well and given him all the information he needed to weld anything, having imparted knowledge on MIG and other welding techniques.

Nathan’s first rebuild was a full-on restoration job, right down to the twin SU carbs. He painted it in MG gloss black and was very happy with the results – using the car as a daily driver, he was out and about in all weathers.

As time went on, the MG was treated to a few upgrades. Most notable among these was to the engine, which was steadily tuned until what Nathan was packing was a Stage 3 motor built by Peter Burgess, an MG specialist of note and published author on the subject.

Then in 2013, Nathan started reading into engine swaps. In particular, he focused his attention on the BMW 3 Series lump used in

the 318 and 316 – as well as another popular conversion, the 1.8-litre motor from the Mazda MX-5.

The BMW conversion required some serious modifications to the crossmember and gearbox tunnel. Doing that can be frowned upon by the DVLA and the Mazda didn’t need quite as much work – so it was the Japanese unit that he plumped for.

After finding a 1994 1800cc DOHC 16 valve MX-5 that was sadly rotten but still had a few months of valid MOT so he could drive it home, Nathan set about removing all the useable parts and either selling or disposing of the rest. The engine, gearbox, wiring loom, fuel sender, gauges and of course the all-

important ECU were saved and for the next six months, all of Nathan’s weekends were spent in the garage in the company of his friends Lee, who is a wiring genius, and Greg, who assisted with the fabrication.

The engine started life as a normally aspirated version. It was fitted with a supercharger for a while but Nathan decided he’d rather get a turbo, and so he installed a Saab Viggen Td04 unit which had started life strapped to the Swedish company’s 2.0-litre power plant. Thus equipped, the 1.8 is now putting out around 200bhp.

The Mazda motor and gearbox utilise the original MG clutch, which at the time of our photoshoot is what was controlling the

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The cabin is all about the business of going fast, but it still has a pleasingly retro vibe to it. All the extra gauges let Nathan monitor the engine in use, while the tablet at the base of the centre facia lays it all bare for analysis afterwards

amount of power the engine could produce.

The turbo was set to 9psi, see, as any more boost and the clutch would just slip. Once replaced, Nathan reassured me, things would be back to normal.

The gearbox is connected to the standard MG rear axle by means of a custom built propshaft made by Wilson Drive Shafts.

The suspension is still MG but has been upgraded, with the front end brought closer to the ground by means of some race spec springs and the rear controlled by a pair of Spax adjustable shocks.

The ECU has been switched to a standalone ME221 unit from Motorsports Electronics, which is pretty much plug and play – there’s just a vacuum hose that runs from the unit to the inlet manifold, and it’s good to go. Nathan has installed a tablet into the interior as the software can be adjusted on the fly – air flow, launch control, boost and ignition timing can all be tweaked, among other things.

The tablet lives alongside a full set of gauges in an interior that’s all business.

Between them, they ensure that the engine’s status can be monitored at a glance – with the modern tech also allowing information to be analysed after a run, be it up a hill

Having beaten the dings out of all the panels and got them smooth in primer, Roger loaded up with a supply of Ford Caribbean Turquoise and laid down the glory coat. He used Ermine White, another Ford colour, to put a nice contrast on the roof

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climb or down the drag strip, to make sure the car is putting out as much performance as it can handle.

It’s very much function first, this car. But despite hitting the half century this year, it’s ageing very well. In particular, its flared wheelarches are bonded on to the British Leyland bodywork, where as well as creating the racecar look they give the Rota Wheels Aleica rims and 205/55R15 tyres plenty of room to move.

Nathan and his mates are now sharing their knowledge on their own YouTube channel. Search for GFB Developments – there’s even a video of this very car heading up the hill at Shelsley Walsh at the 2019

“It helps it you learned well in the first place, and Nathan learned from the best” Retro Rides Gathering. In addition, they have a website, gfbdevelopments.co.uk, where there is a host of information available along with some specialist parts that Nathan and his buddies now manufacture.

These include a bracket which helps solve the lack of throttle response due to the location of the sensor, and MX-5 door bushings which replace the originals. These have a tendency to wear and produce a very annoying rattle; switching the bushing stops

that and also helps to stiffen the chassis, making it a clever and useful addition.

This is the kind of stuff that comes with experience, but it helps it you learned well in the first place. And Nathan learned from the best place possible. The car may evolve further as time goes on but one thing is for sure, Nathan’s not letting it leave his grasp.

This MG BGT has been as important to Nathan as that Midget was to his Dad. You could say it’s in his blood.

205/55R15s are wrapped around a set of Aleica rims by Rota Wheels

Nathan chose Mazda’s 1.8-litre engine to repower the MG as it’s less hassle to install than the equivalent BMW unit. A Saab turbo helps get around 200bhp from it, though this in turn helped put the MG clutch on a one-way trip out the door

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Best of both worlds

SoCal S Diaries

Former Custom Car editor Tony Thacker lives in California these days, and this month the diary has been particularly full…

BARONA

pring in Southern California is jammed up and jelly tight with events and there is somewhere cool to go every weekend—the hard part is to decide which events you can’t attend. Two of my favourites are the RPM Barona Drags and the Antique Nationals – and so I went to both.

The Barona Drags is the sister event to the RPM Nationals. It’s timed 1/8-mile drag racing for 1963 and earlier period correct Buick, Cadillac, small-block Chevy, Chrysler and Dodge Hemis, Pontiac, Y-block Ford and other early-style ohv engines as well, of course, as flatheads and bangers. Race cars must be 1940 or earlier and all parts must be period correct and appear pre-’63.

Barona is tucked into Wildcat Canyon on the Barona Indian Reservation near San Diego, a two-hour drive from LA. Not so Irwindale, which is almost in the middle of LA – meaning the 52nd Antique Nationals attracted a lot more participants.

Racing here is open to all pre-’59 cars, trucks and motorcycles. Classes are made for antique flathead, inline and four banger engines. Pre-’59 bodied cars, hot rods and kustoms can race with newer engines, as these classes are timed bracket racing runs.

Both events are great fun and if your travel plans include LA in the spring, you should definitely add them to your list. For more info go to RPMNationals.com and, for the Antique Nationals, FourEverFour.com

Below: Because of Ralph Nader, the fl at-six air-cooled Chevy Corvair got a bad rap. But I for one love them, especially the ’95 pickup – many of which had an easy-load ramp on tuther side

‘Riverside Johnny’ can always be seen at the RPM events pushing his banger-powered ’29 Roadster through the traps. The engine is fi tted with a rare Brierley head and twin Stromberg 48s fi tted with SP tops

Another banger-powered car is this slick Deuce-grilled T Modified owned by Dave Roach. Ya gotta love that punched-out grille, the slotted I-beam axle and the acres of louvres

These guys hauled their sleek fl atheadpowered rail ‘Nitro Agenda’ all the way from Canada for some shake-down runs. Engine is fi tted with some Kong Jackson-style heads and four Strombergs. Love that ’37 smiley axle too

Justin Scaplo and his father Mike haul all the way from Colorado Springs to race Barona.

This is Justin in his recently completed S.Co.T.-blown fl athead-powered Deuce Roadster ‘The Unnoticeable’

Those who know, know I’m partial to ’27 Roadsters. This one was powered by a smallblock Chevy with a single carb. That wavy axle makes for an interesting front end

Sadly, I never found the owner of this tough looking ’33 5-window but you’ve got to love everything about it from the front nerf bar to the outside headers to the black-fi nished wheels – just right

Brit Simon Gluckman, a member of the Bedlam car club, had his blown Olds-powered Deuce 5-window there but again suff ered from V-belt slip. Expect this car to reappear with lots of changes

Early-style rail jobs are starting to appear and this one is about as minimal as it gets. If it had been me, I would have shortened the wishbone bracket along with the top tube of the wishbone and pulled those up

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Below: Not all the cars have enough juice to smoke the tyres but retired professional kangaroo boxer Marty Walls does. Marty not only raced his ‘Tuxedo Coupe’ but also got The Lifter’s pick for Best Hot Rod of the Event

Above: Yet another ’26-27 Roadster with four cylinder power was this one with a pair of Strombergs atop a rare Equalizer intake designed and made by Charlie Yapp. They’re said to be worth 10hp over the stock Zenith

Another fl athead-powered rail job, this one fi tted with Off enhauser heads and three Strombergs atop what looks like an old B&M supercharger. The tin work was just superb and check out those engine-turned inner wheel discs

ANTIQUE NATIONALS

Showman of the day, with long smokey burnouts and giant wheelstands, was Paul Soliz in his ‘The High and Mighty’ Chevy. Paul is a member of the So Cal Outlaw Gassers

Yet another banger-powered ’27 Roadster.

This one is cut low with a dropped I-beam axle and a reversed-eye spring and lever-arm shocks. Red oxide is the colour of the day

Ya gotta have a sense of humour in hot rodding and Adrian Nassif sure does with his double-A-framed roadster pickup. He said he always wanted an AA race car and two frames was the only way he could achieve that

Dennis Wile’s lil’ Deuce 3-window is a real sleeper and as you can see from the photo has been known to pull giant, bumper scrapin’ wheelies. Power from a Scott Shafi roff 434 puts Dennis in low 6s in the eighth

Real of fake? It doesn’t matter as this patinated early-40s-style fl athead-powered Deuce has the look everybody wants to see.

It also looked like the racer was A-framed to the track

This Deuce-grilled Model T roadster pickup grafted to an A frame is a bit of a mishmash but the guy was at Barona as well as Irwindale givin’ it his all. Small-block Chevy has twin fours

Some patchy paint on this Nick Matranga-style ’40 Merc’ coupe but what beautiful execution of the chop and the side window treatment. I don’t think there’s anything I’d change

Vauxhall this then? In my 30+ years in the US I don’t remember seeing another ’58 F-Type.

This is a neat roll-caged sleeper nonetheless – and note the shaved rear handles and big meats

Its new engine was not quite on song but nevertheless, Marky Idzardi’s radical ‘Purple People Eater’ is crowd pleasing bonkers.

Power comes from a 450ci bored and stroked 389 Pontiac Now that’s a proper ’30-31 Model A roadster pickup, powered by a hefty Jimmy-blown small-block Chevy. And 8.7 in the eighth is not bad for a car of this type

The looks of the 1939 Willys coupe are not for everyone but when dressed up A-Gasser style with a straight axle what’s not to like about ‘Hot Head’ Lou’s big orange?

I have a soft spot for these Volvo PV444s.

They began importing them to California in 1955 and in two years Volvo became the second biggest import brand. They did not run like this though

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Out & About

The Rite of Spring

Can’t beat a line-up of good trucks and cars

Words & Pics: Alice Fairhead Event: Spring Break Date: 2 May Venue: Stonham Barns Held in association with Knuckle Busters Car Club, Spring Break is one of the first meets of the year in East Anglia. It’s always a great way to blow away the winter cobwebs – and this year it certainly didn’t disappoint.

Sunday morning arrived and the sun was with us. We arrived at the advertised time of 10am to find the show arena already full and the surrounding area filling up. Sitting at the front of the car, I watched vehicle after vehicle arrive, from trucks to muscle cars and classic Americans to modified Europeans, as well as bikes. Traders were plentiful, with something for everyone, and food choices weren’t short either.

Once again, we had the familiar voice of John Price to keep us entertained and informed around the music from the opening minute to the last hour. I was unable to stay to the end, unfortunately, but well done to all the winners which were selected by the Knuckle Busters Car Club.

Fresh from its starring role in the April issue of CC was Terry Barton’s ex-Kev Rooney Consul Capri

No day out is complete without man’s best friend

Both Hoity Toity and the Hulk made it out for the day. Imagine the fuel used between those two…

Lots of history in it, but this was one was new to me

Trevor Gardiner made it out with Diggers Express

A choice of Impalas on this occasion

This ’53 Sedan Delivery was one of my personal favourites from the day

Are vans making a comeback?

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Out & About

Victory V8s

Two different forms of patriotic ’41 Willys coupes

Words & Pics: Chris Jones and Carol Rule Event: Victory Wheelers’ Hayling Reunion Date: 12 May Venue: Funland Amusement Park, Hayling Island The sun made a welcome appearance at the Victory Wheelers’ 18th Hayling Reunion, held at the Funland Amusement Park on the beach at Hayling Island. A great mix of hot rods, customs, muscle cars, bikes and a few classics soon filled the venue – then flowed over into the adjoining car park and beach areas as the day progressed, making it possibly the best attended show for many years.

Set up by the late, great ‘Big Al’ Partridge, the Haying Reunion commemorates the revered Victory Wheelers’ weekend shows, held at the Oven Campsite on the Island

Gary Blandford and Joolz Hayes with their ’32 Fords

American muscle new and old

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All pictures on this page: Carol Rule

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Out & About

The show attracted plenty of American Classics...

…plus of course a whole lot of customs too…

…and not forgetting plenty of Hot Rods

This great looking T bucket looks like a rebuild from back in the day, judging by the Southern Roadsters club plaque and Internationals ’83 sticker

A prize winner from the last Wheelers show is this contemporary Model A sedan

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FAVOURITE FIVE Simon Smith – ’38 Oldsmobile (Wheelers Committee choice) Maxine Xavier – ‘Sundancer’ Buick (Wheelers Committee choice) Chris Moore – ’40 Ford (Wheelers Committee choice) Lotus Cortina Mk 2 (Air Ambulance choice) Jon Giles – ‘Roar’ ’41 Willys coupe (Funlands choice)

“Possibly the best attended show for many years”

Lisa colour matching with her partner Gary’s pro-street Pop

Ron Stallard’s tidy Pop with Valley Gas chassis and Rover V8

That’s a pretty wide variety of vehicles – the Victory Wheelers Hayling Reunion attracts all sorts!

Is that Christine waiting to prey on an unsuspecting ice cream purchaser?

Mick Wakeford taking a break from the sun in his ’32 coupe

Airbrush artist extraordinaire Maxine Xavier has won countless trophies with Sundancer

When she’s not polishing Airstreams, SJ likes to get out in her track T

back in 1981. In those days, thousands flocked to support the Wheelers, who organised and attended Rod Runs on and off the island.

Billed as the ‘big chill out by the sea,’ the Reunion always creates a great atmosphere. Catching up with friends, strolling on the beach with lots of cars to check out, enjoying the amusements, all to the soundtrack of Wheelers stalwart Mick Mears supplying the tunes… you can see why it draws a crowd!

With the show being held at a popular holiday destination, it’s also a perfect chance to introduce a younger audience to the hot rod and custom car scene.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance has been the Wheelers’ chosen charity for a number of years and thanks to the owners and supporters who came along, more than £1200 was collected this time. It was a busy day for club Chairman Iain Russell, who alongside the committee and members have always enjoyed putting on the annual show.

In fact they keep themselves busy more than just annually. We get to do it all again at the Hayling Sunset on 6 October – it’s gonna be cool!

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BRENTACRE CUSTOM CAR & HOT ROD INSURANCE

NB: We advise you to double check with organisers that the event or show as listed is still going ahead, to avoid any wasted journeys.

To submit an event, email alan.kidd@assignment-media.co.uk

AUGUST 2024 1-4 NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals Old Warden, Cambridgeshire. www.nsra.org.uk 2-4 Hot Rod Hayride Bisley Shooting Centre, Brookwood, Surrey. hotrodhayride.co.uk 2-4 Ultimate Street Car Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 3-4 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events 5 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 6 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach.

Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire.

Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach

10 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events 11 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

30-1 Sep Blue Ridge Runners Motor Show / South West Van Nationals West Huntspill, Somerset. www.blueridgerunners.co.uk 30-1 Sep VW Action Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

11 Ford Fair Silverstone Circuit www.fordfair.co.uk

31 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

15-19 Hillbilly Hoedown Crystal Lakes Leisure, Huntingdon.

Facebook: Hillbilly Hoedown Weekend

31-1 Sep Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

16-18 Hot Rods in the Borders Liliardsedge Holiday Park, Jedburgh.

01835 830271

SEPTEMBER 2024

16-18 NSVA Truck-In Drum and Monkey, Upton-on-Severn. nsva.uk 16-18 STP Greenlight Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

7 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

18 Classic Car Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www.stonhambarns. co.uk

9-11 Mopar Euro Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

20 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

9-11 Retrofestival Newbury Showground. www.retrofestival.co.uk

23-26 Hot Rod Hop Thurleigh, Beds.

Facebook: Cannibals Car Club – UK 24-25 Eastbourne Feastival Hampden Park, Eastbourne. www.visiteastbourne.com

3 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach.

Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire.

Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 4 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 4-8 FIA Euro Finals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 6-8 Trip Out Euston Gardens, Thetford. www.thetripout.co.uk 6-8 Goodwood Revival Goodwood Estate, West Sussex. www.goodwood.com 6-8 Kustom Kulture Blast Off Slates Farm, Lincolnshire. fienta.com/kustom-kulture-blastoff

25 Knuckle Busters at the Barns.

Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www. stonhambarns.co.uk 25 Throttle Auto Races Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire. www.vhra.co.uk 26 Bacon Bash. Maldon, Essex Facebook: Banded Custom Wheels 26 Drive and Jive Auto Show.

Whitstable Bends, Whitstable, Kent www.driveandjive.uk 26 V8 Hot Rods at the Keys.

Redgrave, Diss. Facebook: V8 Hot Rods 29-4 Sep Race of the Last Rebels Dunavarsány, Hungary. www.lastrebels.hu

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7-8 Run What Ya Brung Machrihanish Airport, Campbeltown, Argyll. www.straightliners.events 8 A602’s Autorama Stevenage, Herts. www.autoramashow.com 8 Flames’n’Dice Car Show Wearmouth Colliery. donna.wilkinson14@virginmedia.com

22 Ford Fest. Mallory Park, Leics. www.fordfestshow.co.uk 27-30 Fort Paull American, Rod & Custom Show End of Season Bash.

Hull. yancs1@yahoo.co.uk 28 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

13-15 Hot Rod Drags Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

28 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events

15 American Car Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www.stonhambarns. co.uk

28 Kustom Kulture Hillsborough Arena, Sheffield. Trade space, text Chris on 07908 809001

15 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

28 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

17 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 19-22 Isle of Man Festival of Motoring www.iomfm.com 20-21 Flat Caps and Ferrets Elland Cricket Club, Halifax, West Yorkshire Facebook: Huddersfield Hot Rod & Custom Car Show 20-22 STP National Finals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

29 VHRA Swap Meet Ramsey, Cambridgeshire. www.vhra.co.uk

OCTOBER 2024 1 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach.

Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire.

Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 2 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 3-7 Rhythm Riot Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth www.rhythmriot.com

21-22 Full Throttle Weekend Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events

5 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

21-22 Pistons and Props Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire www.sywellclassic.co.uk

5-6 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

6 Victory Wheelers Hayling Sunset Funlands Amusement Park, Hayling Island. Facebook: Victory Wheelers 7 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 12 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 13 Straightliners Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 15 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 20 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 25-27 California Hot Rod Reunion Famoso Raceway, Bakersfield, CA www.famosodragstrip.com 26 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

NOVEMBER 2024 6 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 19 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 24 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 30 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

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