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In 2000 a
complete barn fresh 1935 Standard Chevrolet tourer was located and
the project began. The usual rust and panel damage was evident.
The car then sat in pieces for 2 years due to some irreconcilable
differences; 3 years later it was finally completed. Being the odd
one out, everything had to be custom fabricated to suit as any non
Fordafile would only be too aware of. Many parts were sourced from
the USA or E-Bay.
A donor 1934
chassis was located and boxed, an HR cross member being recessed
50mm into rails with a 420 Jaguar differential grafted to the rear.
Mark did all the fabrication, including the double row tube cross
members, chassis jigs and numerous other items. Gas shocks are
fitted to the front with standard Jag coil-overs on the rear. A
modified HT front sway-bar was used on the front with an HR sway bar
fitted to the rear.
Originally
set up as right hand drive, it was changed to LHD halfway through
construction. Although not the first purpose built LHD street rod
on the road, Mark believes it was one of the first LHD proposals by
Qld TAC as it caused some consternation. QT registration guidelines
for vehicles (over 30 years) state it can be either LHD or RHD on
full / concessional registration. Q’ld TAC guidelines differ in
that it must be RHD for full registration but Mark only wanted
concessional registration. A slight anomaly, but not
insurmountable, and easily resolved.
HZ stubs /
calipers were fitted with P76 discs on the front with LH Torana R&P
rebuilt by John Kean. Rods Racks supplied the rack arms that
connecting rack to steering arms. Jag discs and calipers were
retained on the rear. A Gemini booster and XW master cylinder
complete the braking.
A 1986 IROC-Z
from Chris CARSON surrendered its 5 litre TPI, T700 and computer,
having recently been rebuilt in the USA. Energy Suspension mounts
holds everything in place. Apart from an airfoil, K&N filter and
chip, everything else is standard. Braided S/S cables and hoses
complete the engine bay. A sealed battery and computer are hidden
under the front seat.
Mark handled
most of the panel work and was assisted by Greg Heilbron in
finishing off. Old friend Dave Johnson and Cheryl from Cruisin
Panels applied the Mazda ‘Spicy Orange’ 2-pack, after stoneguard was
applied under the guards and running boards. Greg then applied the
purple / blue flames, finishing with yellow hand pin striping.
A modified HZ
column connects to the R&P via billet aluminium universal joints
with a MoonEyes Banjo steering wheel. A VL Commodore
indicator/light stalk was fitted along with VDO Heritage gold gauges
to maintain that original look to the dash, which was fitted with an
aluminium insert. ‘Gennie’ shifter / hand brake and period style
brake & accelerator pedals finish the OEM look. A radio cassette,
CD changer and speakers are hidden. All fluid lines are S/S braid
or S/S with all attaching bolts being zinc plated or S/S.
Everything else is either chromed, painted or powder coated. Trevor
from ABLAZE did the alloy polishing.
OEM
headlights were re-silvered and fitted with QH bulbs and amber
indicator bulbs. Dale McShane at Classic Plastic made the rear tail
lamp lenses which incorporate amber indicators.
A modified
Aussie Desert Cooler radiator was fitted to the OEM grill shell and
an external auto transmission cooler fitted between the chassis
rails. A 1600 c.f.m. fan keeps the water temperature right. A S/S
overflow tank catches any excess fluid. A new windscreen frame was
made by a well known hot rod supplier, who took 3 attempts to get it
right. Tandem wiper blades were fitted.
RACE fitted
the HPC coated flat block huggers, 2 ¼”
exhaust and turbo mufflers. A swirl pot and return line were added
to the OEM fuel tank - a Commodore fuel pump and Volvo filter help
the fuel get to the motor.
Logan Priest
did the wiring that is hidden in an insulated S/S false floor
between body and chassis. The entire body being insulated and sound
proofed. All OEM jewellery and suspension was chromed by Ipswich
Platers who also handled the zinc plating. Jock Bondock assisted in
fixing computer gremlins.
The original
seats were trimmed by Richard Bumpstead in chamois leather, the rest
in matching vinyl. Hood irons and bows were redone and covered in a
darker vinyl. Stampy provided the colour coded seat belts. Period
15x6 and 15x7 Cragar S/S wheels were fitted with 205/65/15 and
235/75/15 tyres to complete the package. ◄
Accreditation: The Editor,
and information supplied by the owner.
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