Given the state of current technology, it is possible to recreate a hot rod with all new parts. In fact, most of today’s street rods are built from reproduction parts. It’s a perfect way to mix and match new parts with an old look, and create a vehicle that has modern handling with traditional styling.
Randy Harwerth’s bright yellow roadster is a good example. Harwerth’s car looks old, but in fact, it is all new from the ground up. It is patterned after a ‘27 Ford Model T roadster, but it is called a “track T” because of the long, narrow nose that is similar to one from a sprint car. This look was popular with California rodders who took their cars to dry lakes or the Bonneville Salt Flats for top-speed runs in the early 1950s. The engine is a Chevrolet V-8, the brakes are four-wheel disc and the rear axle is a Ford. This is the first car that Harwerth ever built.
The fiberglass Model T roadster body rides on a reproduction 1932 Ford frame. Harwerth, of Overland Park, owns a metal fabrication shop, so he was able to construct the steel framework that sits inside the body and the steel floor pan. He was spurred into building his car by Mark Webster, a friend. He and Webster built their cars together, alternating from one to the other as they complete different stages. Although they are similar, Harwerth said they look very different because Webster’s car has a ‘32 Ford grille.
Harwerth’s street rod bears ample evidence of his craftsmanship and attention to detail. He fabricated the steel hood and aluminum grille insert in his shop. Tiny taillights are recessed into the rear deck and the instrument panel is all custom. Steel wheels and “Baby Moon” hubcaps give it a nice vintage look that is becoming all the rage among street rodders. The overly chromed, high-tech look is waning, while original, 1950-style hot rods are the thin
Six coats of yellow paint and six coats of clear coat give Harwerth’s roadster a finish that is as smooth as it is dazzling. The engine and frame are painted purple, like a Plymouth Prowler.
Harwerth’s car is not merely garage art. He frequently takes it out on nice afternoons, not to mention cruise nights and car shows. He and his wife have taken it to shows in Atwood, Kan., and Delmar, California. For shows that far away, he said, he uses a trailer.
Harwerth said he enjoyed this project so much that he is waiting to start another. This time, though, he said it will be the restoration of an old car rather than building a new one from scratch.
To get in touch with Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.
the state of current technology, it is possible to recreate a hot rod with all new parts. In fact, most of today’s street rods are built from reproduction parts. It’s a perfect way to mix and match new parts with an old look, and create a vehicle that has modern handling with traditional styling.
The fiberglass Model T roadster body rides on a reproduction 1932 Ford frame. Harwerth, of Overland Park, owns a metal fabrication shop, so he was able to construct the steel framework that sits inside the body and the steel floor pan. He was spurred into building his car by Mark Webster, a friend. He and Webster built their cars together, alternating from one to the other as they complete different stages. Although they are similar, Harwerth said they look very different because Webster’s car has a ‘32 Ford grille.
Harwerth’s street rod bears ample evidence of his craftsmanship and attention to detail. He fabricated the steel hood and aluminum grille insert in his shop. Tiny taillights are recessed into the rear deck and the instrument panel is all custom. Steel wheels and “Baby Moon” hubcaps give it a nice vintage look that is becoming all the rage among street rodders. The overly chromed, high-tech look is waning, while original, 1950-style hot rods are the thin