A Stunning 1929 Model-A Roadster Nets a GM Retro Iron Finalist Award
It’s interesting to ponder how many lives some hot rods have lived, especially those based on early Fords that are nearly a century old. Jerry and Rosalind Payne don’t need to wonder too much about their 1929 Ford Model A roadster, as its history, at least for the last 45 years or so, is pretty well documented.
The Paynes bought the car three years ago from a specialty car dealer in Arizona. The car’s current iteration can be credited to Dave and Rob Crouse of Custom Auto in Loveland, Colorado, who rebuilt it for customer Jim Tuggle in the late-1990s. It was featured in Street Rodder Magazine in August 2001. That feature was the roadster’s second in SRM, as it had also had a spread in a previous incarnation back in September 1977 when Jim Rench from Illinois owned it.
The current version of the car is based on a ’32 Ford frame with a Mor-Drop beam axle, Posies spring, and hairpin radius rods, with Pete & Jake’s ladder bars and a Model T spring locating the Halibrand quick-change rearend. The 15×4.5- and 15×8-inch steel wheels wear ’42 Ford hubcaps and a combination of Firestone and BFGoodrich rubber.
The 350c.i. small-block Chevy was built using a Comp cam, Edelbrock aluminum heads, and a Mallory distributor. Vintage Offenhauser valve covers help lend a vintage look, as does the Edelbrock intake topped with a trio of Rochester two-barrels. Block-hugger headers direct fumes to the custom stainless exhaust, while a Lokar shifter controls the TH350 automatic transmission.
The 1929 body got its share of attention with a filled cowl, hand-formed louvered hood sides, a custom-built ’32-style dashboard, recessed license pocket, and a sectioned ’32 Ford grille shell. A DuVall windshield, King Bee headlights, and ’39 Ford taillights help with the classic appearance. The PPG Viper Red paint was applied by Mike and Jeff Johnson of Past Times.
The comfy cockpit is comprised of tan leather upholstery stitched in classic rolls and pleats over a custom bench seat and side panels by Doug’s Upholstery in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, while Classic Instruments gauges were arranged in the dash. A custom three-spoke steering wheel and spoon-style pedals finish things off.
Jerry says the car earned several awards after it was finished for Jim Tuggle, including the Magoo Pick at Darryl Starbird’s Hall of Fame Car Show in 2000 – a fitting honor, considering that it exudes the style of builder Dick “Magoo” Megugorac. While such recognition – including the GM Retro Iron honor in Texas – is nice, Jerry and Rosalind are simply happy to have a fun hot rod. “It is a hoot to drive,” Jerry says.
Photos by John Jackson
