Page 14 - Beep Beep October 21

A Passion to build
I’m not sure where the idea to build my own Hot Rod came from, probably when I was around 10 years old and like many kids at that time, building model car kits was a great hobby. My big brother bought me the Mother of all model car kits, a 1/8th scale kit called ‘The Big T’. It was a good experience that taught the many components of a real Hot Rod and subsequently influenced my life in the mechanical trade. Over half a century later, retired and 2 Vintage Oldsmobile restorations completed, I had the urge to build my own [full sized] Hot Rod thinking that it couldn’t be that difficult – this proved to be a misguided thought.
I began the search for an original steel body Model T Ford. That search led to a rare rust-free 1926 Ford Model T body, located in the USA.
A couple of phone calls, a few clicks on my computer, a diminished bank account and the Model T body was on its way to Tewantin.
The building process started with my friend and fellow club member John McGovern helping make the chassis from lengths of steel. There were many building regulations to comply with Australian design rules, the build also requires parting with lots of dollar coins.
The 21⁄2 year build challenged my ability to overcome the many mechanical obstacles commonly associated with custom auto work and at times seemed like progress was in reverse gear.
Perseverance and motivation are essential items to have in avoiding projects like this becoming ‘unfinished projects’ – luckily, I had both!
Noel and John with the completed Model T
Photos by Iain Curry: his photos/article for Australian Car Mechanic Magazine will be released soon.
Young Noel dreaming!
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