2020 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year Finalist – Norman Bradley’s 1932 Ford
Henry Richards and his Steadfast Hot Rods crew were a little dubious when Norman Bradley wandered into the shop and declared that he had a ’32 five-window coupe he wanted built. They realized Norman was serious when he returned with the car and soon discovered they had a dream customer who would provide the freedom to build the project to the level it deserved.
For Henry and his team, that meant starting with a low-slung Steadfast chassis built using a 5-inch dropped axle, Steadfast hairpins, a Durant leaf spring, and a Pete & Jake’s rear suspension locating the Winters quick-change rearend. It got rolling on Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop 16- and 18-inch wheels, with power from an Aaron Blatter-built 383c.i. small block fed by triple carbs and backed by a 700R4 overdrive transmission.
A wedge-cut top, reshaped hood, and custom grille and roof insert highlight the body mods under the deep black PPG paint. Inside, M&M Hot Rod Interiors diamond stitched distressed leather over the seat, while Classic Instruments gauges, a custom steering wheel, and a trick louvered headliner insert complete the look.
The end result is not only a bitchin’ hot rod, but a bond between customer and client. “Win or lose, our friendship means more than any award,” Henry says.
