Our minds play funny tricks. I would dare say many of us would find it hard to believe how long it has been since our first hot rod. Yet, there's no denying the calendar and we find ourselves revisiting experiences from four-plus decades ago as if it were recent memory.
All of us, for the most part, have fond memories of previous street rods. (OK, there are a few dark clouds.) However, the most fun, the most memorable, and the most driven was my Magoo Model A highboy built on an original Deuce frame that I scrounged out of the backyard of longtime friend Jack Stewart. With this in mind, I wanted to "go back" and make modern memories to match those of yesteryear. The latest project started seven years ago with a pair of Deuce 'rails. However, there were several obstacles to overcome, not the least of which was corralling a sometimes-cantankerous Richard "Magoo" Megugorac, who had long since retired from the builder's ranks. I knew where he was "hiding" and we kept in touch so there was a chance. His days of driving Model A highboys cross-country are long over, but he and his wife, Lois, still make the rounds in a sharp-looking chopped Merc with all the proper appointments. (Just like driving a fully loaded rental car!)
But all isn't lost. Magoo had come upon a youthful Phoenix, Arizona-based builder who showed promise and, according to Magoo, "If he listens ... should be OK." Listening to Magoo is an experience in itself, but Dean Livermore of Hot Rods by Dean has hung in there, which should make him eligible to receive some sort of award (or reward!). After spending years putting in his time working for others, Dean was ready to give it a shot. Magoo figured if the "kid" would listen, we might just be able to create a modern version of the old '70s Magoo highboy. And so that's where this story begins. After two years of building and seven years of gathering parts, here in front of you is today's version of a 1974 Magoo Model A highboy on Deuce 'rails-for the most part-and I will be the first to admit there are some deviations, but the idea is there.
Since most projects begin with a chassis, this one was no different except for the never-ending whining on my behalf to Pete Chapouris of SO-CAL Speed Shop fame. I was convinced he needed to produce a step-boxed frame for Model A highboys. SO-CAL was already producing one for Deuces, so why not for Model As? (Possibly the most famous of the A-V8 projects was the Bud Bryan Model A highboy that was chronicled in Rod & Custom decades ago.) Pete liked the idea, but the wheels of business turn slowly. In time I had the pinched A-V8 frame with the appropriate crossmembers and was ready to get going on the project. I had my chassis, Dean would do the work, and Magoo would oversee the project. As for me, well it's best that I am kept away from sharp objects, objects that have gears, tools that require electricity, and, in general, anything that can hurt you.
The chassis is a SO-CAL Step-Boxed '32 chassis based on American Stamping 'rails, 107-inch wheelbase, buggy spring in back, and an angled (7 degrees) front crossmember to which a drilled and dropped aluminum Super Bell axle (and spindles) are outfitted with SO-CAL hairpins, and The Deuce Factory bat wings, perch bolts, shackles, and lower shock mounts. The springs, shackles, shock mounts, and spindles are all fitted with Teflon by Hot Rods by Dean, a suspension trick Magoo implemented back in the '70s and to this day, it still makes the suspension supple, functioning without any harshness apparent in the ride. In back is a Currie 9-inch rearend with Pete & Jake's Hot Rod Parts ladder-bar setup and buggy spring.