Rick's
Rides - 1930 Ford Model A Victoria
This
car has been on the road since 1991 and as of summer
2003, it has 30,000 miles (the car is driven!).
Rick purchased the car in 1985 from a priest who
collected old Fords, mainly Model A's and T's. The
body was very rough. Perhaps one of those cars he
should've passed up and waited for something better.
Rick always wanted a Vicky, and a steel body Vicky
is hard to find. The seller was also willing to
take payments and, at the time, that was all Rick
could afford to do!
After
mocking up several different engines, Rick ultimately
settled on a big block Chevy. If Rick had that to
do again, it would be a Hemi, but the decision was
made. At the time, stuffing a big block in a Model
A was unheard of...so, it was a bit of a challenge.
Rick scratch-built a space design tube frame. It
has an aftermarket dropped tube axle up front and
a Mopar Pro Stock inspired adjustable 4-bar with
coil-overs in the rear. Four-wheel disc brakes assure
safe stopping power. A Vintage Air a/c system keeps
the interior very cool...as Rick likes to say, "If
you want to LOOK cool, you got to BE cool!!!"
One
day, Rick says he will tear the old girl down and
freshen 'er up but, for now,the car is still very
presentable and runs great. Rick may go back to
the black suede primer look, but he'll see when
he gets there. Rick misses that sinister look and
the "no-fuss" cleanup.
Fabrications
by Rick include motor mounts, chop top, cowl seams
filled, doors suicided, door hinges hidden, windshield
flush-fit, space tube frame, rear 4-bar suspension,
all body wood replaced with metal, metal floors,
recessed firewall, alligator hinged hood top, removable
hood sides, radiator splash pan, leather interior,
hand stitched steering wheel, custom dash panel,
tilt-telescopic steering column mounting, electric
release door opening, power window mechanisms, custom
fit gas tank, floor drop-in battery mount, rounded
door corners, top filled with station wagon roof,
custom built headers and stainless steel exhaust,
taillight panel with amber turn lamps, gas door,
and power windows.