Don Brady's 1936 Ford

From Kustomrama
Jump to: navigation, search
Don's coupe as it appeared in Hop Up March 1953. Photo by Ken Fuhrman.
Photo by Ken Fuhrman.
Photo by Ken Fuhrman.
Photo by Ken Fuhrman.
Photo by Ken Fuhrman.

1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe owned and restyled by Don Brady of San Francisco, California. Don began improving the car's already pretty design by chopping the top 3 inches, achieving a lower, more sweeping appearance. He lowered the car by heating the rear springs, getting the rear 3 inches closer to the road. Teardrop fender skirts were added and the gas filler cap was swapped in favor of a hinged gas door. The front end was tackled, Don was not happy with the look of the front, so he removed the headlights and welded and molded a set of 1941 Chevrolet headlights to the fenders. In order to get the rear end smoother, he welded and leaded the deck lid. The stock taillights were removed and the holes filled in order to install a set of 1939 Ford taillights to the rear fenders at a lower point. The stock bumpers were removed, and he got hold of a pair of re-chromed 1940 Oldsmobile bumpers, with the rear license plate being supported in a compact bracket and frame. The door handles were shaved, and the doors were electrically operated. The hood sides were louvered by Jack Hagemann of Castro Valley, California. The dashboard was reworked by relocating all the knobs for safety purpose, and installing 8 Stewart-Warner gauges, nicely arranged for easy readability. It sported a custom upholstery done in plastic rolled and pleated with a fine textured grey fabric headliner. Dual spotlights were added as well. Once the bodywork was done, it was painted cream white with green scallops.[1]


The frame was kept stock, however it was updated with a 1940 Ford front axle, spindles juice brakes, steering setup with column shift, and wheels. Shocks were Houdaille to keep it a stiff ride. The transmission was from a 1940 Ford as well, equipped with Zephyr gears and hooked to an Auburn clutch and a chopped flywheel. Gear ratio of the rear end was 3.78-1. The car was powered by a 1939 Mercury mill that was ported and relieved with a stock stroke and 3 5/16 bore running a 3/4 Harmon & Collins cam, Edelbrock 8-1 heads and dual intake manifold, running two Stromberg 97's. It had also J. E. pistons and a Spaulding Ignition. The headers were homemade, and linked to dual Smithy mufflers, which made that mellow tone to the engine. The car really went fast, and clocked at the drags turning 105 mph. The car took Don three years and $1800 to build. Once it was completed, it was featured in Hop Up March 1953[1]


Magazine Features and Appearances

Hop Up March 1953


References




 

Did you enjoy this article?

Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.




Can you help us make this article better?

Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about Don Brady's 1936 Ford.


This article was made possible by:

SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!

Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.


Personal tools
Help us
facebook