Another outwardly interesting feature is the wheel/tire combo. The custom-made steelies have aluminum rings (almost covers) that are safety wired to the wheels reminiscent of what you might find on an aircraft wheel. They measure 20 inches in diameter with a width of 4 inches in front and 6 inches in back. Wrapping the wheels are Excelsior Comp V measuring 5.00-20s and 6.50-20s. Now that's tall 'n' skinny!
The windshield is a handmade...
The windshield is a handmade aluminum frame again built with an open cockpit aircraft flair as the ends and center support feature enhanced structural integrity.
The rearview mirror is again...
The rearview mirror is again vintage aircraft.
Arguably the most intriguing area on this one-of-a-kind hot rod is the interior. If your first response is, "World War II fighter aircraft," you get it and we're sure Zack (and Ladd) would feel the build was a successful effort. Where to start?
The bomber seats are covered in surplus military canvas over cushions; as for the seatbelts-military surplus (what else?). The carpeting is again military canvas that snaps into position, while all the stitched handiwork was performed by Dave Martinez who is stationed in Burbank. Finishing out the cockpit persona is the HHR tinwork. We imagine for effect and affect there are two steering wheels; effect is a genuine P-38 yoke; and affect is a traditional aluminum three-spoke, large-diameter traditional hot rod wheel. The custom-made stainless steel aircraft-esque dash panel that's outfitted with loads of working (yes, working) gauges collected through the surplus route from various aircrafts such as a P-51, a Corsair, a Catalina, a B-25, a Spitfire, and a Bell-H13 (that's a helicopter!) is fascinating. The switches are the traditional "kill-switch" with indicator light and all the wiring runs through a Centec panel handled by HHR.
The drilled framerails are...
The drilled framerails are reminiscent of the inner skeleton structure of a warplane; something Zack is familiar with given his father's background. The axle is a 5-inch drop I-beam, Pete & Jakes shocks, with '41 Lincoln backing plates and '39 Lincoln drums.
To bridge the gap between...
To bridge the gap between where the steering shaft and steering column "want" to go and their actual alignment, a custom chain drive was developed.
Power for our earthbound hot rod comes via a vintage Cad circa 1949, however the original 331 inches and 160 hp have been upped to 363 inches and nearly 300 hp through the use of 10:1 compression, custom ground cam, and an Edmunds aluminum intake with dual Carter carbs topped with a one-off teardrop-style air cleaner. Firing off the load is a Spalding Flamethrower and dual coils while the spent gases exit through a set of stainless "weed burner" headers. (Remember, earlier we said that Zack is designing mufflers to accompany the headers for those long drives-good decision!) Backed up to the Caddy is a T5 (five-speed) out of a Chevy S-10 with a hydraulic throw-out bearing setup; note the shifter, which is reminiscent of aircraft throttle controls.
HHR built the '32-style framerails (and complete chassis) with a 10-inch sweeping Z to the rear and a 4-inch sweeping Z to the front; keeps the car a true highboy yet gets it down in the weeds, much like a channeled rod. The rear suspension is wrapped around a Ford 9-inch with limited-slip 4.11 gears, 31-spline axles, and Ford drum brakes with drilled backing plates. A pair of Pete & Jakes (Peculiar, MO) ladder bars and shocks are used along with a '40 Ford transverse spring, and Panhard bar. In front, a 5-inch drop solid I-beam axle with split 'bones rests between the early Ford spindles, transverse spring, P&J shocks, and the '41 Lincoln backing plates mated to the '39 Lincoln drums.
The HHR custom pedal assembly works the hydraulic clutch and the brake pedal for the dual reservoir master cylinder. HHR also built the custom steering column that operates the Vega cross steer, which passes through the split wishbones. Another unique feature is the firewall mounted chain drive steering that allows the steering column to pass through the firewall (at the driver's discretion) yet easily connects to the steering shaft, which resides beneath the engine.
Well, our recommendation would be to keep away from any FFA inspectors as they just might take this hot rod a little too seriously, but in the meantime we believe Zack through Hollywood Hot Rods nailed the presentation.
The trunk has the usual goodies,...
The trunk has the usual goodies, but you will notice a holder for the steering wheel when the P-38 yoke is in position within the cockpit. Don't you have two steering wheels?
We suppose we could refer...
We suppose we could refer to this as the landing gear door but our guess is it's extra storage!