Set up on a wheelbase of 105...
Set up on a wheelbase of 105 inches, the SO-CAL chassis was modified so the custom crossmembers and brackets looked like they came from the factory, rivets and all. The driveshaft came from J.E. Reel Drivelines. The front suspension uses a Mor-Drop axle, a Model A spring, and a set of rear '36 split wishbones turned around and modified to be used up front. The 17-inch wheels (4.5 and 5.5 inchers) are a combination of parts (Kelsey Hayes hubs, hoops from Coker) and assembled by the Wheel Smith. They're wrapped in Excelsior 5.50 and 7.50 rubber.
When we last saw Tom Lieb's Model A roadster, it was on the cover of the Oct. '09 issue of STREET RODDER. Dressed only in metal, the magazine asked the question: Is this the ultimate Model A? In that article, the old Ford was depicted with its fantastic metal fabrication by SO-CAL Speed Shop's Jimmy Shine, along with the rare vintage parts used on the build. With a unique "how'd-they-do-that?" point of view that only non-painted parts and pieces can provide, the story goes on to comment, "It would be a shame to paint it."
Well, it had to happen sooner or later. Tom has finished his ride, and it is as nice of a top-of-the-line car as you could ask for. The SO-CAL team in Pomona, California, did an excellent job of coating all the components in their respective colors, paying special attention to what parts contrast which pieces. And in doing so the vehicle has become a whole 'nuther car: one deserving of praise and accolades in its own right. But one can't help the fact that the all-metal car that invited scrutiny because it was so exposed to the world, will never again be seen except as a collection of photographs.
The idea behind the car was to combine design elements associated with some of the great coachbuilt vehicles of the era while utilizing all of the best parts and pieces that would have been available in the '30s and '40s. The finished roadster debuted at the Grand National Roadster Show as part of the large display SO-CAL Speed Shop organizes every year, and Tom recently had the chance to drive his roadster car around town. Luckily, the finished car wound up being everything Tom and SO-CAL were shooting for and, after being originally bought by Tom in 1957, it is assured of at least another few decades with Tom as its owner. For those interested in seeing a few hundred extra photos of this car, both in its unfinished metal version as well as in finish paint, check out the Tom Lieb story at www.streetrodderweb.com.
Jimmy Shine fabbed the intake...
Jimmy Shine fabbed the intake system using an air cleaner setup from a '27 Lincoln, which has mini impellers inside the louvered tops that are designed to not only work as mini superchargers but to catch and toss out small dirt particles or debris.
The body was channeled an...
The body was channeled an inch while the cab was extended 3 inches (though the doors retain their stock length). The hood, lengthened to make up for the longer wheelbase, uses '33 Ford-type louvers. The grille is a '29 Ford unit that has been chopped and narrowed to fit the nose's new proportions. Tom picked up a pair of '24 Will St. Claire headlights for his roadster, converting the lower driving lights to turn signals for this application.
The car's fuel and brake lines...
The car's fuel and brake lines are steel but have been copper plated. A 296-inch Ford Flathead was assembled by H&H's Mike Herman using a SCAT 4-1/8-inch stroker crank, SCAT H-beam rods, Ross pistons, and a Winfield 1-A camshaft. Tom found the unique Ford exhaust (which looks like a factory header) in a barn in New Zealand. The system runs through a single Smithy's muffler. A David Key Top Loader transmission is equipped with a McLeod clutch and pressure plate, while the shifter came from a '39 truck.
The Iguana Green Ultra Leather...
The Iguana Green Ultra Leather works well against the deep blue color of the exterior. Gabe's Street Rod Custom Interiors covered the Glide Engineering seat (with a lowered back piece) as well as the door panels (that feature flip-up door pockets). Rubber mat was used in lieu of carpet, and Dynamat insulation can be found beneath the mat. Jimmy Shine created the removable banjo steering wheel and SO-CAL's Richie Noguiera created the stainless steel floor trim.
Under the dash you can see...
Under the dash you can see the effort that went into the wiring. Shine used cloth-wrapped wire everywhere.
SO-CAL's Jimmy Shine also...
SO-CAL's Jimmy Shine also milled the brass gauge insert (reminiscent of one found in a '32 Auburn) before applying a patina oil and wash treatment that gives it its silver blue color. The custom Classic Instrument gauges have no individual glass covers-the cluster is protected by a single piece of glass that covers the entire unit.
Small lights were installed...
Small lights were installed under the dash to illuminate the interior when Tom opens either door.
Shine needed to create a new...
Shine needed to create a new folding top for the car from scratch after the windshield posts were chopped and leaned back. Tom demonstrates how the glass side curtains fit into the door tops. When not in use, the side curtains are stored in protective pockets behind the bench seat.
After SO-CAL's Paco Castille...
After SO-CAL's Paco Castille performed the needed bodywork on the original '29 Ford body, painter Mick Jenkins applied a flawless Lieb Blue (nearly black) PPG custom single-stage paintjob.
As a refresher, here's Tom's...
As a refresher, here's Tom's ride in metal, inside SO-CAL Speed Shop's fabrication building.
An original Halibrand quick-change,...
An original Halibrand quick-change, with narrowed 9-inch Ford axles and a 3.78:1 gear ratio, works with an A spring and '36 rear wishbones. The license plate is the same one the car has had since Tom bought the roadster in 1958, when he was 17 years old. Tom used a '24 Wills St. Claire taillight (though in this application it's twisted 90 degrees) but rewired it so the top is a stoplight and the lower a reverse light.