www.flatheadmeltdown.com

We've always had some great looking cars in the Meltdown, and there are new ones coming out of garages everywhere each year.  One of the nicest to appear in 2009 was Gavin Meanley's '32.  So, in his own words, Gav tells all...

Having been brought up around hot rods and drag racing it was inevitable that I would end up messing with old cars. My first car after passing my test was an Austin A35 which was followed by the usual hot rodders back catalogue of 100e's, 105e's, Zephyr's, Consuls and the odd yank cruiser. At some point along the way though I purchased the first of many Don Montgomery books and my rodding fate was sealed. I was captivated by the history of the sport/hobby and why some cars were built and looked acertain way. I knew that a traditional hot rod would have to feature in my future.

A few years later and after a failed attempt to build a budget nostalgia styled 32 roadster I decided that I was in the fortunate decision of being in a secure, fairly well paid job and so decided to take the easy way out and use a loan to purchase what I wanted.  I kept my ear to the ground for a while but nothing tickled my fancy until I spotted a 32 pick up for sale on a web forum. The body was heavily patina'd and it was rough around the edges but the stance and the fact that it was all early Ford components really appealed.  At the time though I passed on it due to being not quite finished enough, I wanted something I could jump in and enjoy.

         

A few months later, and still on the look out, the pick up re-appeared for sale only this time it had been finished and looked resplendant in a fetching shade of green. I contacted the seller to find out more. The truck was built by Steve Dennish and the team at Limeworks speed shop in California from the cab of an old logging truck found up in the woods of Yosemite. Steve had most of the early Ford parts needed left over from customers upgraded cars so decided to throw together a cool little hot rod hauler. Me and Steve had a few good chats, (we even discovered we went to the same school!), and a deal was done, the car arriving at North American Motor Co a few months later (Nov 08) for Billy to take care of a few jobs and get an MOT on it.

         

Unfortunately a few weeks into ownership a thrust washer let go in the gearbox which necessitated the engine being removed and the box being sent to Billy for a rebuild. Whilst it was away I decided to put my own mark on the truck and to cure a couple of handling issues. The front end was removed, rebuilt and painted and the chassis, drive line, rear end  and engine got a nice coat of Smoothrite. I had always wanted to use gold/copper as an accent colour on a rod since I had bought a gorgeous set of gauges out of an old Austin years ago so the wheels, insert back plates and I - beam web area got a lick of paint.

         

With the truck sorted I have been enjoying it as often as possible and thoroughly enjoyed my first foray into the flathead meltdown running a best of 21.5 seconds in the quarter. Granted not very fast but a whole lot of fun and I intend to improve on it!