Rod Hadfield is a self-described full-time hot rodder. But then what else could he be? When you spend your time building things like a '55 Chevy with a P-51 Merlin engine, maintain a fleet of street rods, run a drag race car, and compete for land speed records on the Aussie salt, a bloke doesn't have time to work.
For the summer of '05, Rod and wife Carol said goodbye to Castlemaine (that's just a few kilometers from South Muckelford) and came to the states to see the sights and go to rod runs; the latter would be accomplished with the Model A pickup you see here.
While the Hadfields' creation was a hit at home, the reception the Model A has received in the states has been overwhelming. When it shows up at rod runs, crowds will invariably walk past cars that cost six figures to get a closer look. Asking onlookers what the attraction is will usually elicit one of two responses: "It's different" or "It looks like fun." We agree, on both counts. It's a bloody right-on rod.
Rod Hadfield's '28 Ford pickup...
Rod Hadfield's '28 Ford pickup rides on a frame made from two sets of A 'rails that have been boxed and stepped 12 inches in the rear. The front suspension consists of a 2-inch dropped axle, a reversed eye spring, Austin shocks, '48 Ford brakes, and VW bus steering. Headlights are Fordson tractor.
Balanced and blueprinted,...
Balanced and blueprinted, the basically stock Lincoln Flathead V-12 is topped by a 6V53 blower and three Stromberg 97s. Both manifolds are homemade; the upper is water heated to help throttle response.
No, the photo isn't flopped;...
No, the photo isn't flopped; the A is rhd. A GM four-speed trans shares the passenger compartment and is controlled by a one-of-a-kind shift knob. Seats are Austin Healy Sprite, instruments are Stewart Warner, and the steering wheel is a cut-down T.
The chaindrive window regulator...
The chaindrive window regulator is one of those things that make everyone who sees it smile. Rod credits his mate, Bill Mussett, for helping with construction. The boys at Bendigo Trim were responsible for the interior.
In typical Hadfield style,...
In typical Hadfield style, some things are so obvious they go unnoticed. As an example, that pair of Jeep cans strapped in the bed actually serve as the gas tanks.
A combination of Firestones,...
A combination of Firestones, 5.00-16s up front and 8.90-16s in the rear, are wrapped around '35 Ford wire wheels. The rear axle is a '48 Ford with 4.11:1 gears and stock brakes, while the spring is a narrowed Model A. Body and paintwork were done by Waddington's in Castlemaine. Note the turn signal.