Tim Rochlitzer's 1949 Ford

1949 Ford Convertible owned by Tim Rochlitzer of Santa Barbara, California. Tim's Ford was restyled by Gil Ayala at Gil's Auto Body Works, and it featured a full race Evans flathead. Painted bright red, the car was shaved for door handles, and a microswitch was hidden behind the sidetrim behind the B-pillar. According to John Gunsaulis, he used his knee to push the trim back slightly which activated the door solenoid. Inside, it ran a custom upholstery by Gaylord's Kustom Shop in dark red and cream with red carpets accented with cream trim and custom floor mats. The top was a real Carson Top by Carson Top Shop. In 1950 Tim brought the Ford to Spokane, Washington where he went to study mechanical engineering and ROTC at Gonzaga.

Wrecked

Unfortunately, Tim's Ford was wrecked in Spokane. Duke Rogers bought the remains from the insurance company and took it to Pat's Frame Shop in Spokane. A photo of the wreck appears in John Gunsaulis book Spokane Hot Rodding, and according to him, "The impact of the collision was so intense that the motor cracked. The Evans motor was replaced with a stock flathead." After the car was fixed, Rogers drove it down to Los Angeles to show Gil Ayala.