Forney Texas

1927 Ford T Roadster

I was inspired by Norm Grabowski's "Kookie" car on the TV
series "77 Sunset Strip" in the 50's and set a goal to
have a hot rod "some day". That "some day" came in 1959.
I purchased a large part of a 1927 Ford Roadster after
it was pulled out of a Dallas creek bed. The windshield
posts were the only things showing when the digging
began. It needed a lot of work and I immediatly poured
myself into the project, and originally set out to get
it finished in just one year.

It had the exposed engine, a 283 SBC with side exhaust
a 16" pickup bad, Baltic Blue paint with red tufted
upholstery. A close ratio Corvette transmission, 4.56
gear and reversed rims I did myself.

The car drove well. The Hudson steering was great. I also
used a Corvair steering wheel. It was about the fastest car
in town. We beat cars that had 409/425HP engines and all
other comers that were brave enough to race. My brother
had to hold the windshield to keep it from slipping to
the horizontal position during high speed races.

I later put a 471 blower on and it ran even faster. We won
"Best Compartment" and other awards at several shows.

I have always enjoyed "Street Rodder" magazine and upon
viewing a roadster biult by Pete & Jake in 1981, decided
that I wanted my 27 to have a new look. I called and
talked to Pete, took a few notes, went out to the roadster,
cut it up and started all over.

I dreamed, sketched and labored many hours on numerous
details of the new look. There are a lot of parts that
were specially made, including the following; frame,
gas tank, exhaust, hood, side panels, recovery tank,
electric cowl vent, windshield modification, cast
headlight brackets, steering wheel adapter, upholstery
carpet, top, instrument inserts, glove box, shock mounts
thermostat housing, and many others that were fabricated
in our living room/shop.

The mill, lathe, and TIG welder along with all our other
tools in the shop have donated lots of their time in
finishing the car. We were determined if we didn't
smile when we added the new part, we would take it off
and replace it, or whatever it took to get it right.

We completed the new look on January 1st, 1996. Since
that date, we have modified and enlarged the trunk for
some much needed items for trip events and family
vacations. We have traveled over 14,000 miles since
the completion last January. We have no trailer and
to have no excuses to get in and take a spin as it is
Total Fun!! to ride in. You're in total comfort and
surrounded by unique beauty at its best!

I am so proud to have been a part of the hot rod scene
and owned this 27 for 38 years! Our next projects
waiting inside the building are a 47 Chevy Aero sedan
and a 29 Dodge Victory 6.