Page 20 - Beep Beep September 23

Philip Mules in his workshop with the stripped down 1934 Ford
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Photos : Noel
St John-Wood
BEHIND
THE
WHEEL This month Noel visited a project in action – Philip Mules and his 1934 FORD 2- Door Coupe
This month I’m taking a look at club member Philip Mule’s 1934 Ford 2-door Coupe Hot Rod. Unfortunately the Ford is still in the workshop undergoing a major restoration, undertaken by Custom Classics Noosa, so I won’t be driving this little beauty for a while yet! However, as I was keen to see where progress was at Philip and I met at the C.C. Noosa garage to take a close look at this all steel Rod.
The Ford is undergoing many structural, chassis and body modifications to bring it up to the engineering standards set and overseen by the Street Rod Federation of Australia. Because the car was built over 35 years ago in New Zealand most of the original build modifications do not meet current Australian standards so Philip made the decision to restore. There was also a workshop fire that nearly destroyed the Rod – this made the restoration an easy decision.
The chassis upgrades have been done and awaiting paint before the 5ltr Ford V8 engine, Jag IRS rear end and all steering and brake components can be refitted. Once bodywork repair is complete, painting can start with new electrics and interior trim to follow.
Philip has owned the Rod for 35 years and says the Coupe is a pleasure to drive and he’s looking forward to the completed resto and I’m looking forward for a drive in the beast too!
Cheers Noel SJW
This is the history of the vehicle in Philip’s words...
I was thinking about purchasing a hot rod in the early ‘80s.
I had set my mind on a 1934 Ford Coupe, 5 window.
The 3 window was probably a better shape, from 1932, but the grill style of the 1934 was more desirable.
The next step was to find one.
The two places to begin to search in 1985/86 was the 'AutoTrader' or the NZ Herald, in the Saturday Motoring Cars for Sale section.
The advert, one Saturday read : "1934 Ford 2 door requires assembly $8500 o.n.o . Wayne 02 34....."
On ringing Wayne he informed me he was in Nelson. (South Island, NZ)
My busy business was in Rotorua (North Island), about 600 kms plus a ferry crossing.
After a good discussion about the car, I felt this 2 door was what I was looking for. So ‘tongue in cheek’ I proposed that I pay the amount requested on the condition he deliver it to me in Rotorua. The phone went quiet for a few moments, then he said "OK, I shall bring it up to you". Phew!!
On the date arranged for delivery, I received a call from Wayne about 3pm on Saturday afternoon. "Phil, I have got as far as Turangi, and have left the -34 behind the large BP Service Station on the main road. I can't get any further as I have to hi- tail back to Wellington to catch the ferry home, sorry!!" (about 200 kms away). I was still at work and could not get away till Sunday morning. I set off with the trailer to drive to Turangi. Yes, there behind the service station was the Coupe, waiting for a new home.
On returning north to home, I stopped at my Mother in law's for coffee at Taupo (about half way). "What the hell are you going to do with that bag of junk!”
Stan Everson, a long time panel beater lived nearby to me. He had the perfect workshop and spray booth. With the -34 project sitting on the trailer outside, we discussed what was to be the plan of attack. I was hoping to lower the roof line and extend
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