Matthew Wyatt
Long Beach, California
1930 Ford Model A
Chassis
A Total Cost Involved chassis was selected when the original unit found under the car was determined to be in very sad shape. The new '32 frame would give the car a much better profile with its sweeping lines and provide a much sturdier platform with its boxed 'rails. The rear of the frame was shortened 6 inches to tuck the '32 Ford fuel tank under the rear of the Model A body. Up front is a chromed and polished stainless I-beam and hairpin set up with a monoleaf transverse spring, with a four-bar and coilover suspension in the rear. SO-CAL Speed Shop Buick-style disc brakes slow down the front with a pair of Ford 9-inch drums in the rear.
Drivetrain
For power, Chip Foose elected to use a "retro" powerplant and tracked down a Ford 312ci Y-block that was rebuilt at L&R Automotive Supply in Santa Fe Springs, California. A Ford Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic transmission backs up the mill that has been dressed up with a trio of Stromberg carbs on an original Edelbrock intake, flanked on each side by a pair of polished Mooneyes finned valve covers.
Wheels & Tires
The set of '36 Ford wheels and hubcaps was one of the most unique features on the car when it rolled into the "Overhaulin'" garage. Chip decided to retain this element and had them restored and fitted with a set of fresh Firestone wide whites from Coker Tire. A 5.50x16 was selected for use up front with a 6.50x16 in the rear.
Body & Paint
Basically every panel of Matt's original car was heavily massaged, as well as reinforced, before the final bodywork could even begin. Once squarely placed on the new chassis, the passenger door was found to be 1 1/2 inches too short, and the list goes on. Major mods include the fitment of a narrowed '41 Ford dash and a custom aluminum windshield frame mated to the cowl. After the last panel was straightened, all the pieces were hauled over to West Coast Customs and sprayed with a deep coating of BASF Black. The checkerboard firewall is a touch from Chip's own childhood.
Interior
After a '56 Ford F-100 seat was narrowed to fit the body, Bill Dunn's team handbuilt a rear seat to match and then covered them and the interior panels in genuine red leather from Keyston Bros., accented by white topstitching and white piping. Redline Gauges reworked the '41 Ford gauge panel to use VDO gauge internal and custom sprayed a gauge faceplate with a Bones-style font for all the numbers. A '40 Ford-style steering wheel and Swan Stick from Gennie Shifter finish off the inside.