When we opened the package from Randy, inside was the whole story of how he ended up with a stock Model A coupe body and chassis after some horse-trading and quickly realized the antique chassis components weren't up to the demands he would make on his hot rod. He started by boxing the original 'rails and then added a dropped front beam, Pete & Jake's four-bars, and a Mustang steering box and disc brakes. Simple "backyard billet" pieces (Randy's slang for junkyard scrounged parts) include the entire drivetrain, along with many other crucial bits.
Randy says he sent in his story to encourage others who don't have a fortune to dump into a hot rod, just lots of determination and homespun ingenuity. Randy learned a few things he would like to share with everyone while building The Toad:
1. Brakes are important. He says his early drums looked cool, but for him, they just weren't up to the task. He swears by his ECI disc brake setup that can be easily serviced with over-the-counter parts.
2. Some things are better bought than fabbed. He says there is no way he could have done a better job for less money than he did with his pieces from Bitchin' Products, Pete & Jake's and Tanks Inc. All the pieces from those companies save money and lots of time.
3. Try to see the big picture. Think about things like working on the distributor and filling the master cylinder and transmission before you make it nearly impossible to do down the road.
4. Keep a list of components and part numbers. A list of brake parts, hoses, and belts can come in very handy when trying to find parts out on the road.
5. Keep it simple and keep it real. Randy knows of several projects in his local area that will never get finished because they are too complex and too expensive. He kept his cheap and has already enjoyed many road miles.
6. Expect trouble. Randy says there are going to be unforeseen problems and the only way to sort them out is to get out and drive the car. His motto: "Drive it, break it, fix it better."
7. Every hot rodder knows something I don't know. Randy says that some of the best tricks he's picked up were learned at rod runs and swap meets. It always pays to keep your eyes and mind open.
Send your photos and info to:Rod & Custom774 S. Placentia Ave.Placentia, CA 92870or kevin.lee@primedia.com