The Ford Barn

Revvin’ Kevin · 02-11-2025, 10:29 AM

Recently purchased a 1930 RPU. It’s my first A. Though I have a couple projects before this, I’ve wanted an open A for a long time.

She’s by no means pretty. I want to do some mods to her, such as 5.5:1 head, Stromberg 81 or 97, FSI electronic ignition, Mitchell OD, cast iron brakes. Plan on making a somewhat traditional pre-war hot-rod out of her, without altering anything radically at all in the event it should ever get restored by the next caretaker. I’ll pull all extraneous sheet metal (fenders and boards are re-pop steel), install offset bias ply-looking radials, obligatory painted red wheels (body is primer black already), possibly lower front end.

Basically, I want to make this into a nice little daily to run around my small town in, as well as being able to do long highway commutes in (hence the proposed mods). I want to keep it looking the way it is, but fix all things mechanical and mod it to be reliable and fun without taking away too much original charm.

My inspiration is the car owned by the late Larry Shinoda on page 12 of “How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod by Bishop and Tardell. The car has a ’32 windshield, which doesn’t quite fit, so I may just run it without one.

I’m excited to be a part of this community, thanks again.

02-11-2025, 10:29 AM	#1
Revvin’ Kevin Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2025 Location: AZ Posts: 20	Thanks for the add. Recently purchased a 1930 RPU. It’s my first A. Though I have a couple projects before this, I’ve wanted an open A for a long time. She’s by no means pretty. I want to do some mods to her, such as 5.5:1 head, Stromberg 81 or 97, FSI electronic ignition, Mitchell OD, cast iron brakes. Plan on making a somewhat traditional pre-war hot-rod out of her, without altering anything radically at all in the event it should ever get restored by the next caretaker. I’ll pull all extraneous sheet metal (fenders and boards are re-pop steel), install offset bias ply-looking radials, obligatory painted red wheels (body is primer black already), possibly lower front end. Basically, I want to make this into a nice little daily to run around my small town in, as well as being able to do long highway commutes in (hence the proposed mods). I want to keep it looking the way it is, but fix all things mechanical and mod it to be reliable and fun without taking away too much original charm. My inspiration is the car owned by the late Larry Shinoda on page 12 of “How to Build a Traditional Ford Hot Rod by Bishop and Tardell. The car has a ’32 windshield, which doesn’t quite fit, so I may just run it without one. I’m excited to be a part of this community, thanks again.