Inspiration at The Roadster Show

The L.A. Roadster Show ruled.

I could've snapped a thousand pictures but the truth was I was having too much fun to stop a moment and take pics. Here are a few of the pics I did take.

I finally got to meet the guys from Ionia Hot Rod Shop.

Here's their booth (and my frame).

An amazing 35 Roadster. They're pretty high on my wish list. This one was super-clean

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Love the Casny Coupe...

The only thing missing on Father's Day was my dad. I'd love to get him to fly out with me next year. If you'd like to see more of the show, this man took TONS of pics.

Teaser...

It's been a little while since an update.  It's a shame, I know.  Life, however, is always life-ing and the Coupe hasn't had any attention.  

I spoke with Matt from Ionia Hot Rod Shop today and we talked hot rods for a few minutes.  In the conversation he slipped in how incredible the frame looks since they hand polished it and have been treating it with Gibbs.  I can only imagine what it looks like.  Seriously, that's all I can do until Linh and I head out to the L.A. Roadster's show on Father's Day weekend where I'll be able to snap some pics of it before it comes home.  It'll be in Ionia's booth on display --- that alone excites me!  I've never owned anything that's been displayable but these guys rule and I'm sure it'll be amazing.  I cannot wait to see it.  

More, more, MORE!

...from Ionia Hot Rods!

They flipped the frame and fabbed up the front wishbone mounts.  This will pull the mounts more toward the center.  One reason I wanted the "bones" this way is for a cleaner look.  Many times people mount the bones to the frame at the leading edge of the reveal.  While it's traditional and it works, I've never been a huge fan of the look.  Plus, pulling the ends of the bones in may improve the suspension characteristics but that's a whole different conversation. I'm a sucker for details too.  The rivets really make a rather simple modification look like it was done by the factory,

I'm excited to get the frame here and get the body on.  However, that moment is being postponed.  Originally it had been planned to be here around mid-May but Matt and I spoke and the frame is going to the L.A. Roadster show with the fellas and is going to sit in their booth.  I think that's pretty cool.  They're going to hand polish the frame and I'm sure it'll look stellar.  Like always, I'll keep the blog updated.

Update Pics from Ionia

Matt from Ionia Hot Rod Shop came through with more pictures.  These guys rule.  I'm not going to mess up this post with words.  Just enjoy their art.

Shaping Up!

The frame is starting to take shape.  The stock Model A cross-member is installed along with some of the boxing plates.  There's still quite a way to go but it's neat to watch it take shape.

Matt Lesky, from IHRS has been awesome about sending me pics and updates. I'm really thankful for that.  Props to you, Matt!

Ionia Hot Rod Shop

Today is a great day, the fellas over at Ionia Hot Rod Shop, in Ionia, Michigan have started building my frame.  This is VERY exciting!

These guys build one of the nicest and best crafted after-market 1932 Ford frames.  If Henry Ford were still making them, he wouldn't have a thing on these guys.  When this frame is complete it will be artwork.  It'll almost be a shame to cover it up with a body.  No matter if you know hot rods or not there'll be no denying the level of skilled metalwork and fabrication.

In the photo below is Dennis Lesky.  He's tig welding "spacer blocks" into the frame.  Against these spacers is where the "boxing plates" will sit.  Boxing plates are used to strengthen and stiffen the frame.  Plus, the way IHRS does them, they look extremely cool.

There'll be more frame updates as I get them.