I liked the little orange iPhone peeking out from the coat pocket matching the orange beanie, the fact tt she was wearing a slip dress of presumably lighter, more mild weather appropriate fabric, confirmed more by the fact that she was also wearing tights under the dress…paired with more winter weather accessories like the scarf, the heavier coat and combat boots … and the guy’s pinstripe suit with the double jacket vents …which is associated more with British tailoring lineage …interestingly enough by their accents it was clear both of them were European (though not British)

Pastel Mafia

@quagmireisadora finished Chapter 2 - FINALLY! TT ^ TT

CHAPTER 1: A ROUGH DAY

CHAPTER 2: WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH

Kibum sighed as he entered his apartment. Leaning against the door as he took off his shoes. He glanced at the microwave clock he could see from where he stood: 2:18 am. He's got maybe three hours before he has to get up for his part-time job at Albert's, a fancy bakery in the upper east side, at the opposite end of town. He would love nothing better than to sleep in tomorrow, but Albert's paid the best out of all his part-time jobs, and he got tips. 

Right now, he needed all the tips and extra hours he can get. His last roommate had bailed on him, leaving him with an entire two-bedroom apartment to pay. He had begged his landlord to let him pay for his half of the apartment and will get him the rest later.

Kibum remembered the call from St. John's collection department, he still owed them a portion of last month's installment. His fist clenched at the embarrassment of admitting to a total stranger he didn't even have five dollars to his name. His last one disappeared when he lost his wallet.

Kibum trudged to the tiny kitchen and pulled out the leftover Chinese from his bag, thankful that the shift manager had let him take home whatever portions were left. He popped the take out carton into the microwave and looked around his apartment, with its peeling paint and cold air - he had barely turned on the heater since winter began. He was sleeping with thick clothes on, the thermostat just above '5' at the dial. 

Kibum's eyes landed on the syllabus stuck to the fridge. The tears exhaustion couldn't squeeze from him poured at the thought that he will have to stop school. 

 God, he was tired. 

 So tired - but life didn't care. 

 Kibum wiped his cheeks. Squaring his shoulders as he pulled the warmed up Chinese and dug in. No use in indulging his tears. He didn't have enough food to drown his feelings.

  - O -  

 "Carlos Amarillo at 57, was confirmed to have passed away by his son, Gian Amarillo today. No details were given to what caused the business tycoon's sudden death. Amarillo, who was the head of the Amarillo Group conglomerate, was a noted businessman and humanitarian in the area -," Jinki tuned out the late night news, lips tightening at the praises. 

 "What a bunch of hypocrites," Taemin sneered at the TV. "Not a month ago, they wanted Amarillo's head for Hawthorne Bridge!"

 "Had they pushed a little further, they would've found proof of involvement," Minho interjected. 

 "They would have gotten paid off or threatened," Jinki said, reviewing the report on the shipment of electronics that arrived yesterday. "Or found their contact dead."

 "True," Minho agreed, swirling the scotch he had been nursing since the news started. "What do you think Junior will do?"

 Jinki leaned back, loosening his tie. He'd never worked with Gian before. All he knew about the new head of the Amarillo was that he was in the business, and he was ambitious.

 "I heard Gian was banished from the main family for running that side deal with Salazar," Jinki said, referring to a semi-prominent Mexican cartel. "So, I'm not sure if he's going to declare war or be open for business."

 "My money is on declaring war," Taemin said, slurping an oyster. "If he wants to gain the respect of his father's men, he'll be doing just that. I mean, you did when you took over the business."

 "Yeah, but Gian has a hater with his father's numero uno," Minho said, leaning over Taemin's oyster bucket to reach for the charcuterie board. "Rumor has it Vincenzo Benotti might be the old Amarillo's love child."

 "Really?" Jinki asked Minho. "I've never heard of this."

 "I'm not surprised," Minho shrugged before popping a cracker piled with pate and cheese into his mouth. "It's parlour game rumours; some drunken Amarillo lackey may have blabbed over drinks or said out of spite. You know how it is."

 Jinki turned to his computer and pulled up the file on Carlos Amarillo. Under the 'Known Associates' directory, was a picture of Vincenzo. The man had black hair and brown eyes. Just like Amarillo Sr. Being Italian that didn't mean anything. But something about the slant of the man's jaw reminded Jinki of Carlos. 

 "Minho, investigate Vincenzo," Jinki ordered. "I want to know everything. What town his ancestors were from to the brand of their favourite red wine."

 Jinki wasn't sure if he was seeing things, but it was worth investigating. Lovechild or not, Vincenzo might be vying for the top seat. Gian Amarillo could need some help with ensuring his position in the organization. His deal with Carlos Amarillo may not be as dead as he thought it was. On life support, but it looked like it could be revived. 

 He just needed to convince either Vincenzo or Gian that he would make a good ally despite the little fiasco last week. What're a few bullets between business partners? In their world, it was practically considered a nicety. 

 "By the way," Jinki suddenly remembered his pet project. "What do we have on the guy who saved my ass last week?"

- O -

 Albert's was, as usual, teeming with yuppies, grabbing their trendy breakfast before heading off to work. Kibum rang up orders as fast as he could, but his mind still on the unpaid bills he needed to take care of. Kibum glanced down the line, trying to determine how much longer the rush was going to last. With detachment, he noted the quality of apparel Albert's clientele sported and envied the financial security, all of them exuded. 

 "A croissant and a large of your medium roast, please," a woman with flawless makeup and Gucci bag said, barely looking him in the face as she pulled out a Valentino wallet. Kibum punched the order in; $15.08 for Anna. A breakfast for Anna was Kibum's meal budget for 3-days, courtesy of his employee rate at the Dong Fan Chinese restaurant.

 "An espresso please and the fruit and protein box," man in gleaming Rolex and Balenciaga briefcase ordered. His suit was probably Italian, ranging around $5,000.00 to $8,000.00, depending on the make—the leather briefcase around $2,000.00. The Rolex was at least $3,000.00. The guy's entire ensemble would have more than paid off his grandmother's hospital bill. 

 Sir, would you mind pawning me your Rolex so that I can get the hospital off my back? Kibum silently asked the yuppie who didn't bother leaving a tip. 

 "The yogurt parfait and medium-light roast, please," a red-head regular asked. The diamond engagement ring on her finger was so big; it was at least 2 carats with a platinum band encrusted with tiny diamonds. Kibum's entire year of schooling was sitting on that woman's ring finger. 

 Would you mind lending me your ring so I can enroll? Kibum asked the woman in his head as he flashed his practiced smile when she dropped a toonie in the tip jar. I would like to make more of my life than bussing tables and waiting on people. Please. 

 The next customer was dressed in a simple navy blue pinstripe suit. One could say the man didn't belong in the "fashionable" line. Working at Albert's for the past three years had taught Kibum how to size people at a glance. Gauging where they belong in the socio-economic ladder had become his weird expertise. Though the outfit was simple, borderline plain, the perfect fit of the shoulders and elegant drop of the knife-edge crease of the pants said tailored. The understated silver - most likely platinum - watch and leather loafers screamed old money.  

 "The blueberry muffin and a tall medium roast, please," the man said, handing Kibum a fifty dollar bill. 

 Kibum barely stopped an eye-roll. C'mon, dude, it's barely 8 am. Have a little sense, and don't drop a bill so large so early in the morning. "Sir, do you have a smaller bill?"

 "No change?" the man asked an eyebrow raised. 

 "Unfortunately," Kibum said with a fake apologetic smile. 

 "Keep the change then."

 "Sir, your total is $12.30," Kibum exclaimed. 

 "I don't have a smaller bill," the man said as he placed the bill on the counter and walked away.

 "Sir -," Kibum called out, but the next customer stepped in front of him. 

 Kibum punched the payment on auto-pilot and dropped the change in the tip jar, almost feeling nauseous. That was hella over the top, and somehow assholish in its extravagance. But he was thankful for the extra cash he was going to get. 

 After his shift at Albert's, Kibum rushed to the bus stop for his afternoon shift at Dong Fan. The bus was pulling away from the curb when he arrived. Kibum gritted his teeth against the frustration surging through him. He was going to be late for his shift and that meant income loss. 

 Kibum took a deep breath to stifle the string of curses rising from his chest. He took out his phone to call the restaurant but noticed he had an email from St. John's. He was tempted to ignore it but tapped on the icon anyways. 

 Kibum blinked at the message. He scrolled up again to check the sender. Yeah, there it was, St. Johns Hospital. But something was wrong because the email contained a receipt for the amount he owed the hospital.

 Confused, Kibum clicked on the phone number in the signature, brow furrowing as the call went through. After being transferred to accounting he asked about the status of his account. 

 "Your account is up to date."

 "Excuse me?"

 "Your balance was paid for in full yesterday."

 "By whom?" Kibum asked still in disbelief, afraid to believe. "I didn't make the payment," Kibum said. "No one else would make the payment."

 "Payment came in electronically from Jjinggu LLC," the agent answered. "It could be one of those angel-sponsors."

 "What's an angel-sponsor?"

 "They're anonymous individuals or organizations who will settle random accounts as part of their charity work."

 "And you don't know their names at all?"

 "No, I'm sorry. Payors are not required to identify themselves."

 "Ok... but you're sure, they made the payment against my account?"

 "Yes, sir," Kibum heard the operator's smile. "I'm one hundred percent sure, Mr. Kim." 

 "OK," Kibum whispered. "Thanks."

 "Was there anything else I can help you with?"

 "No, that's it."

 Kibum disconnected the call, reeling from the relief. Tears pricked his eyes as the weight of the debt lifted off of his chest. Kibum cupped his hands over his phone, holding it against his forehead. 

 "Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you," Kibum chanted in whispers, collapsing on the bus stop bench, trying to contain the tremors running through his body. Glad for a very long time he was alone. 

Transformers wish list

I was bored yesterday and when I get bored I begin to speculate and mentally create. A post on TFW2005 had me thinking about underused characters and new molds. So I came up with this list.

10 Transformers I'd loved to see get new sculpts and my choices for their altmodes. Of course I know licenses would be fun, so maybe the altmodes would be 'Inspired' by these then.

Autobots:

1. Glyph - Xeno-geological scientist

Though she started out as a Bumblebee clone, the lil blue scientist deserves a mold of her own. Maybe she would come with a hunk of unrefined 'Energon' as an accessory.

Her new alt mode is a Uniti One, 2018. A Swedish crowd-funded electric car. Done in a royal blue with white highlights/pinstripes.

2. Pincher - Chemical Engineer

The Autobots can always use more scientists  (even of the mad variety) and in their constant need for energon a chemical engineer would be perfect. His former altmode was a scorpion, but there are too many Decepticon scorpions so here we go. He can keep the pincher hands and have a beaker as an accessory.

His altmode is Buick Regal TourX station wagon. In honor of his former Pretender shell his altmode would be done in a yellow with teal highlights (roof, door handles, mirrors, etc)

3. Bumper - Scout

The Bumblebee fanboy would get a chance to shine on his own.

For his altmode I chose an Audi S1. Change the yellow to white and there ya go.

4. Quickshadow - Intelligence

Redcue Bots intelligence officer comes to the main line.

Her altmode is an Audi TT Coupe. With a silvery white paint job steering wheel on the right side (UK style).

5. Minerva - Medic

I know she recently got a new Headmaster figure in Japan, but I want at least a commander size figure in the US. And this also would give Ratchet a break. Give her a pair of defibrillator looking pads as weapons/medical equipment.

Her altmode is a LADA Largus, a Russian station wagon esque vehicle. Why a Russian car, well i came across it while looking for vehicles and liked rhe look. I could easily see this done in her paint job and being used as an ambulance in rural areas.

Decepticons:

1. Scowl - Werewolf/Lycan warrior

Like his fellow Pretender Monster Icepick, Scowl is just too good of a name/character to leave alone. His robo-mode would still have Werewolf features, but would no longer be a little square block.

His alt mode is a Chrysler Portal electric minivan. Ok so it's just blocky enough to be a small rib at his former figure.

2. Greasepit - Saboteur/Resource Procurement

Though his Micromaster altmode was that of a monster truck, I feel he would be better suited (as a conman and as a saboteur to have a speedier/quieter altmode). Maybe come with a gaspump that turns into his weapon as a homage to his old gas station set.

His altmode is a Plymouth/Chrysler Prowler. Silver grey paint job.

3. Filch - Thief

RID2015 had this theif as a magpie alt mode and well I thought a plane to magpie would be interesting.

Her altmode is an OV-10 Bronco Light Attack Plane in all black

4. Gutcruncher - Scrap metal salesman

The unscrupulous former Action Master needs a nice altmode to carry off all the scrapmetal from the battle field.

His altmode is Fiat Toro in a green, gold, and grey color scheme.

5. Nightracer - Sniper

I'd love a mainstream release of this character.

Her new alt mode is a Citrogen GT painted in her normal color scheme of black with blue pinstripes.

Ja spinnen die Engländer? Hier sind ein paar Fotos von einem privaten Projekt aus England. Die Fotos sind schon seit 2009 in einem Yamaha-Forum gepostet. Unglaublich was hier für ein Aufwand getrieben wurde. Übrigens, das Ding war mal einen YZF 750.

Hier ist der Link: http://www.yamaha-forum.net/forum/82-fzs-fzrs-yzf-750/7073-my-yzf750-1000sp-98-haga-rep.html

Der Link lohnt sich, da sind noch mehr Fotos von dem Bike. Ihr glaubt die Sache mit dem Aufwand nicht? Hier ist die Beschreibung des Bikes: Spec: Suspension & Steering: Ohlins R&T Forks 1998 R1 Fitment (Superbike Internals) Ohlins Rear Shock (Off TT Race bike) with standard linkage R1 Top and Bottom Yokes (Looks like R7 Ones) Harris Fork Crash Bungs Alloy Top yoke Nut Harris Billet Race Clip Ons Maxton Steering Damper Harris Fork Clamp For Steering Damper Braking: AP Front Adjustable Ratio Front Master Cylinder AP 6 Pot 1 Piece Front Brake Calipers, built with titanium bolts Harris Ducati Fitment Caliper Brackets Goodridge Stainless Braided Hoses Billet Rear Caliper Bracket (One Off) AP 2 Pot Race Rear Brake Caliper AP Fully Floating Race Discs Alloy Pressure Brake Switch YEC Factory Rear Floating Brake Disc Brembo Mini Fluid Reservoir Wheels: Marchesini Magnesium 5 Spoke Front Wheel (500 Gp Fitment) Marchesini Magnesium 5 Spoke Rear Wheel (Off Factory Boost Yamaha YZF750SP) Fitted with alloy angled valves R1 Front Wheel Spindle (Lightened) Lengthened Standard Rear YZF750 Wheel Spindle Michelin 180 55 ZR17 Pilot Race 2CT Rear Tyre Michelin 120 70 ZR17 Pilot Race 2CT Front Tyre Hand Painted Pinstriping On Wheels Engine: Thunderace Cams & Cambox Thunderace Barrels Thunderace Crank & Conrods built into original YZF750SP Crankcases FZR1000 Gasflowed Cylinder Head Dynojetted Thunderace Carbs Modified YZF750SP AirBox with K&N Filter YZF750SP 6 Speed Gearbox With Highly Modded Banded Clutch FZR1000 ECU Akropovic Full 1998 Thunderace Exhaust System Factory Akropovic Titanium Race Can (Ex Boost) YZF750SP Standard Radiator With Underslung YEC Factory Lower Rad (1996 Race Bike) YZF750 Standard Fans With Chromed Brackets BSR Aerotec Coolant Hoses With Anodised Hose Finishes. All Waterpipes Chromed & Built With Stainless Bolts CSC Moto Clear Billet Clutch Cover Factory YEC Race Coolant Bottle Fitted To Rad Factory YEC Engine Crank Crash Protector Factory YEC Magnesium Cable Cutch Conversion Modified Sprocket Cover Standard Wiring Harness & Modified Front Sub Harness BSR Aerotec Oil Filler Cap Produces 142 RWHP & 81ft/lbs of torque Controls: SPA Design Speedo & Rev Counter SPA Design Water Temp & Voltmeter Speedo Pick Up Mounted Off Rear Brake Caliper And Sensor Mounted in Discbolt R1 Thottle Assembly (Quick Action) Standard YZF750 Switchgear Factory YEC Cable Clutch Assembly With Factory Adjuster Standard YZF Ignition Switch Ducati 916 Instrument Lights Mounted On Carbon Dash Renthal Race Grips (Medium) Honda Choke Lever Promach Rearsets And Pegs (WSB Factory Yamaha) Factory Nissin Smallbore Rear Brake Master Cylinder Chassis: YZF750 SP Factory Frame With Bolt on Subframe, Eccentric Swingarm Adjustment Modified to Race Chassis no ********* registered Yamaha UK, Chassis Tagged to ********* Harris YEC Spec Swingarm Modified With Modenas 500GP Bike Wheel Adjusters YEC Exhaust Bracket Modified Standard Underseat & Battery Housing YEC YZF750SP Quick Release Fairing Brackets & Screen Brace (Modified To Suit) YEC Crash Bungs Mostly Titanium Throughout Chassis Renthal Special Edition 99 Yamaha WSB Rear Race Sprocket (Haga R7) Renthal Front Sprocket 520 DID Race Chain ERV3 YEC Factory Chain Protector (Shark Fin) Alloy Stand Bobbins On Swingarm Standard Chromed Sidestand & Mounting Bracket With Cut Out Switch Fairings & Cosmetics: R1 Carbon Front Fender Factory Steel Fuel Tank (Early Boost Yamaha) Full Factory Carbon Kevlar Fairing With Factory Fitment Alloy Brackets (Ex Boost Yamaha, Ex Mckenzie) Full Factory Carbon Kevlar Seat Unit (Ex Boost Yamaha, Ex Mckenzie) Fairing Modded to Accept 2 Spotlights For Headlights Yamaha FZR400 Complete Light assembly Harris Race Fuel Cap Harris One Way Alloy Breather QB Carbon Number Plate Bracket Mini Indicators 1998 Yamaha WSB Haga Colours (Paintjob by Chris @ The Sprayshack (07919242193, Gloucester, UK)

Zum Abschluß noch einmal der Link: http://www.yamaha-forum.net/forum/82-fzs-fzrs-yzf-750/7073-my-yzf750-1000sp-98-haga-rep.html

TG: jesus what the fuck is THAT EB: it’s a... dummy? TG: its an abomination TT: Wearing the most hideous orange pinstripe suit-cum-t-shirt and backwards baseball cap ensemble I’ve ever seen. TG: its freaking me right the fuck out

Old Gold: A classic Triumph Trident T150V restomod

The torque of a twin, the top end power of an inline four, and the sound of angry bees. What’s not to like?

Rob Glenton of Fremantle, Western Australia has a penchant for old British bikes. So when a solid condition 1973 T150V Trident presented itself, he jumped at the chance to relive his younger years on a classic Triumph triple restomod.

“I’ve always liked the triple: they are so different to the twins, and custom examples are very rare. The sound of a bike is as important to me as the looks, and the triple has a fantastic sound, especially with a 3-into-1 pipe. The sound is often likened to that of a classic race car.”

Taking inspiration from the world of flat track racing and Evel Knievel’s steeds, Rob tore into the Trident, starting with the basic lines.

“I wanted the bike to have presence,” says Rob. “A stance. Like a speedway bike with the rider hunched over the bars waiting for the tape to lift. Or Kneivel showboating on his Sportster jump bike.”

The tank is standard but Rob had local fabrication wizard Tom Sharman of Sideshow Cycles chop 40mm from the middle, for a lower profile and a racier silhouette. Tom also built the flat track tail unit to Rob’s specifications and modified the rear loop to suit. The tail lifts off using repurposed Norton Commando fasteners, giving access to the Trident’s oil tank and electrics.

With the lines of the bike done, Rob focused his efforts on minimizing front end clutter. A Motogadget Tiny speedometer was bolted between the handlebar clamps, the cable operated remote master cylinder was hidden under the tank and a single CRG mirror was fitted along with a pair of Biltwell grips.

Rob also removed a few features he deemed unnecessary. “I don’t need a high beam switch for the headlight, as would be required in kangaroo country [aka Western Australian country roads].”

“I have no intention of riding at night beyond the city limits. It’s already fully road registered and I’ll only fit a headlight dip switch and horn if I have to put it through licensing again.”

The result is a gloriously simple set of handlebars, but the simplicity didn’t end there.

The shiny new wheels are a mix of alloy rims and stainless spokes. The front brakes have been overhauled using a Lockheed stainless steel disc and caliper setup. There are also stainless fasteners all around.

The wiring loom has had a serious haircut, there’s a simplified chain guard, the front guard got a subtle chop and the old rubber foot pegs were replaced with a set of knurled units.

Ben at British Imports in Malaga, Perth, gave the Trident a fresh top end and rebuild, plus a new Tri-Spark Ignition, a brace of Premier Amal carbs, and a set of 3-into-1 pipes. This old triple really howls now.

“The bike goes well, and so it should,” says Rob. “The ‘Slippery Sam’ Trident won many TT races back in the day and was good for around 125mph in stock form. But I’ll eventually fit a smaller oil cooler in front of the tank, which will improve the view of the engine and header pipes.”

The only thing about the bike that really isn’t simple is the outlandish paint scheme: a dark forest green, with a hint of flake when it catches the right light.

The gold leaf graphics were designed by Rob and are set off with a striking red pinstripe, all laid by hand.

Believe it or not, the entire build was completed in a mere six months: Rob put himself under the pump so he could reveal the Trident at Western Australia’s premier old school custom bike show, Ride On.

Creating something spectacular in such a short amount of time is no easy feat: Triumph themselves took over four years to develop the first Trident prototype and bring it to market. We can only imagine what Rob could achieve in that same time frame.

Images by Jeremy Hammer of Ride Journal.

We Turned a United Pacific 1932 Ford Truck into our 2018 Road Tour Cruiser

This is the 23rd year of the STREET RODDER Road Tour. For 22 of those years, the diverse collection of purpose-built street rods that Road Tour leader Jerry Dixey has driven all over America has included Fords and Chevys in about a 3-to-1 ratio. We have built ’20s, ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, and ’60s cars. We’ve built roadsters, coupes, sedans, phaetons, and convertibles. Ever single one of them has been innovative, eye-catchng, roadworthy, and cool. Not one of them has been a closed cab commercial truck.

That changed in 2018.

From a historical standpoint, our timing was perfect. The year 2017 marked the 100th anniversary of the introduction of Ford Motor Company’s Model TT, the first Ford specifically built as a truck. Previous Ford trucks had essentially been converted cars with their rear sheetmetal removed and replaced by wooden wagon beds or aftermarket beds.

Last year also marked the introduction of United Pacific Industries’ steel ’32 Ford truck body, unveiled at the SEMA Show. UP had introduced its steel 1932 five-window coupe at SEMA in 2014. The coupe has validated the company’s place in the street rod market, and we had confidence that the truck would carry the same quality.

The new ’32 truck body is officially licensed by Ford. David Odegard of UP said that the company spent three years reverse-engineering the body to ensure that it conforms precisely to the originals and that UP parts (available separately) are compatible with factory parts. One difference is that the UP 18-gauge exterior panels are heavier than the 19-gauge steel used 86 years ago. The inner structure uses 14- and 16-gauge, the same as Ford did.

Choosing the new ’32 Ford pickup to lead the 2018 United Pacific/STREET RODDER Road Tour Presented by Ford Performance Parts was the easiest part of the project. For the build, STREET RODDER turned again to Hot Rods By Dean in Phoenix. STREET RODDER has worked with Dean Livermore at HRBD on three earlier Road Tour vehicles (’38 Ford coupe, ’59 Chevy Impala, and ’66 Ford Fairlane). He knows what we like and we like what he builds. We wanted the truck to reflect classic ’60s hot rod style and we needed it to withstand five months of virtually nonstop cross-country cruising. Designer Eric Black created some concept illustrations to get the style just right, and Livermore and the HRBD builders turned it into the real thing.

Like many of the recent Road Tour vehicles, the truck rides on chassis built at Roadster Shop in Mundelein, Illinois. Neal, Phil, and Jeremy Gerber started with a fully boxed repro Deuce frame, reinforced with a Model A–style front crossmember and X-member. Pete and Jakes is a great source for traditional suspension parts and supplied what we needed for our truck. The period frontend includes a drilled, dropped Super Bell I-beam axle, ’37-’41 style spindles, hairpins, tubular shocks, and a monoleaf spring reversed-eye spring—all chromed to shine like jewels. Flaming River provided the entire steering system from the Vega box and Pitman arm all the way up to the tilt column and Vette steering wheel. Roadster Shop added their Panhard bar to the Pete and Jakes rearend, featuring a polished Winters quick-change, heavy-duty four-bars, and a pair of AFCO adjustable coilover shocks. The whole chassis is a combination of traditional coolness and reliable performance.

UP provided the truck body, doors, fenders, hood, grille, cowl top, and sides with windshield pillars, fenders, firewall, floor, bumpers, LED turn-indicator spreader bar, handles, mirrors, and even the headlights and taillights. Two cowl tops are available with or without a vent; we chose a vent. Dan Fink Metalworks shipped one of their ’32 Ford grille inserts to complete the exterior. The fasteners for this project were provided by Automotive Racing Products (ARP).

All of the UP components are offered individually in their catalog. For the most part, HRBD left the sheetmetal just as Ford designed it and UP recreated it. One notable custom modification to the ’32 specs was with the bed. Dean and his fabricators shortened it 12 inches to even up the dimensions in front of and behind the rear wheels. There is still plenty of room for all of Jerry Dixey’s luggage plus the stainless fuel tank, custom built for the pickup by Rock Valley and equipped with a Holley in-take fuel pump. The inside of the bed is protected with bedliner coating from 3M.

One disadvantage of choosing a pickup truck as the Road Tour vehicle is that an open bed doesn’t provide any security or protection from the weather. The easy solution is a bed cover and we had many to choose from. We really like the retractable tonneau cover from Retrax. We needed our cover modified for the shortened bed and we wanted it to fit over the bedrails. Retrax was able to accommodate us in both cases and is now incorporating that design into their product line.

When choosing a paint color for an early Ford, it’s hard to beat Washington Blue, or any color in that neighborhood. The PPG Nantucket Blue used by HRBD on the Road Tour truck is a couple of shades lighter and is perfect for the early Ford look we were going for. Also in keeping with retro paint styling the fenders were sprayed black. Someday, when the truck slows down for a few days, some lowkey black pinstriping will be added to the beltline. There isn’t a lot of brightwork on the truck, but the parts and pieces that needed to be chromed were sent to Sherm’s Custom Plating in Sacramento. Perfect chrome is the finishing touch to a project, and we have used Sherm’s for many years.

As with paint choice, wheel and tire selection can be a make-it-or-break-it decision. In this case they had to be traditional. We knew just where to look: Coker Tire and Wheel Vintiques. Our Firestone Deluxe Champion bias-ply blackwall tires, now manufactured by Coker from Firestones molds, measure 5.60-15 in front and 7.00-16 in the rear. The 15×5 and 16×6 steel wheels are ’40-’48 Ford reproductions from Wheel Vintiques’ Gennie series, powdercoated black and dressed up with trim rings and ’41 Ford–style caps. The retro-style wheels and tires are paired with up-to-date front and rear disc brakes and master cylinder from Wilwood.

STREET RODDER has always promoted the idea of Ford in a Ford and have used the Road Tour cars to drive home the point—filling the engine compartments with a variety of Ford engines from Flatheads to 427 small-blocks, an EcoBoost, and Coyote modular engines. Ford Performance has been a valuable partner, signing on as a presenting sponsor and providing us with engines. The UP 1932 truck is our 13th Ford-powered Ford since we started doing the Road Tour in 1996. This time, the engine is a Ford Performance 347-inch small-block, which required some modification to the UP firewall to fit.

The 360-horse crate engine is built upon a Boss 302 block, bored 0.030-over, with Ford’s X-Head aluminum cylinder heads. The cylinders are loaded with Mahle forged pistons with I-beam rods connecting them to the Scat forged crank. HRBD topped the Edelbrock Performer RPM Air-Gap intake with a Holley Terminator Stealth throttle body EFI system and aluminum air cleaner—modern electronic injection with the appearance of a traditional carburetor. The MSD ignition system includes a billet distributor and MSD6 EFI ignition control, with Ford Performance plug wires. Patriot Tri-Y headers draw out the exhaust gases. The serpentine drive system is a Vintage Air Front Runner, which includes the water pump, A/C compressor, and Powermaster alternator. Keeping things cool is not a problem with a U.S. Radiator, shroud, and electric pull fan.

The 4L60E transmission from Hughes Performance was delivered with a Ford small-block compatible bell housing for easy installation and is controlled by a US Shift Quick 4 transmission electronic controller from Baumann Electronic Controls. The custom Dynotech steel driveshaft connects the trans to the Winters Performance rearend. AMSOIL INC. has been a faithful Road Tour sponsor, providing engine oil, transmission fluid, gear oil, brake fluid, coolant, and chassis grease.

HRBD has used Hot Rod Interiors by Glenn on many projects, including previous Road Tour cars. The first step in completing the cab was a complete lining of Dynamat and Dynaliner to insulate against heat, noise, and vibration. Dakota Digital built an elliptical analog instrument cluster, mounted in the UP dash. The subdash was fabricated by HRBD for the Vintage Air vents and HBRD billet V-8 column drop. Power door glass and the windshield wipers from Specialty Power Windows are updated components. The leather-wrapped Classic Lowback seats from Procar by Scat suit the ’60s hot rod style we wanted for the truck. Dark gray German weave carpet surrounds the console, fabricated at Dean’s to house the head unit for the Custom Autosound stereo, Vintage Air A/C controls, power ports, and the Lokar shifter and boot. Lokar also contributed pedals and throttle linkage. Wiring the truck was easy with a Painless Performance Products kit.

The newly finished United Pacific/STREET RODDER Road Tour truck Presented by Ford Performance Parts was delivered to the 2018 Back To The 50’s car show in June, hit the road immediately, and won’t slow down until the end of October. By all measures, HRBD’s version of UP’s ’32 hauler is a huge success and a fitting way to celebrate 100 years of Ford trucks. Incidentally, 2017 was also the 100th anniversary of the Henry Ford & Son Company Fordson tractor. We could’ve decided to build our first Road Tour tractor—but we didn’t. Jerry Dixey, consider yourself lucky.

2018 Road Tour Sponsors

•AMSOIL INC. Lubricants & Filtration Presenting Sponsor (715) 392-7101 amsoil.com/cars

•Automotive Racing Products Fasteners (805) 339-2200 arp-bolts.com

•Coker Tire Tires (800) 251-6336 coker.com

•Covercraft Industries Car Cover (800) 274-7006 covercraft.com

•Custom Autosound Audio Equipment (800) 888-8637 customautosound.com

•Dakota Digital Instrumentation (888) 852-3228 dakotadigital.com

•Dynamat Sound & heat Control (513) 860-5094 dynamat.com

•Dynotech Engineering Driveshaft (800) 633-5559 dynotecheng.com

•ET Motorgear Merchandise (865) 671-3000 etmotorgear.com

•Flaming River Steering Components (866) 815-3669 flamingriver.com

•Ford Engine Presenting Sponsor performance.ford.com

•Holley Manifold, Fuel Injection, Distributor (866) 464-6553 Holley.com

•Hot Rods By Dean Builder (623) 581-1932 hotrodsbydean.com

•Hughes Performance Transmission (602) 257-9591 hughesperformance.com

•Lokar Shifter & Accessories (877) 469-7440 lokar.com

•Miller Electric Manufacturing co. Welding & Cutting Products (800) 4264553 millerwelds.com

•Painless Performance Products Wiring (817) 244-6212 painlessperformance.com

•Pete & Jakes Suspension (800) 334-7240 peteandjakes.com

•Powermaster Performance Alternator & Starter (630) 957-4019 powermasterperformance.com

•PPG Paint & Coatings (800) 647-6050 ppgrefinish.com

•Procar by Scat Seats (310) 370-5501 procarbyscat.com

•Roadster Shop Chassis (847) 949-7637 roadstershop.com

•Sherm’s Custom Plating Chrome Plating & Polishing (916) 646-0160 shermsplating.com

•Specialty Power Windows Power Windows & Wipers (866) 951-7543 spwkits.com

•United Pacific Truck Cab, lighting Title Sponsor (800) 7906988 uapac.com

•United Routes transport (786) 377-5785 unitedroutes.com

•U.S. Radiator Cooling system, Radiator (323) 826-0965 usradiator.com

•Vintage Air Climate Control System (800) 862-6658 vintageair.com

•Wheel Vintiques Wheels (800) 959-2100 wheelvintiques.com

•Wilwood Brake kits & Components (605) 388-1188 wilwood.com

•Winters Performance Rear End (717) 764-9394 wintersperformance.com

The post We Turned a United Pacific 1932 Ford Truck into our 2018 Road Tour Cruiser appeared first on Hot Rod Network.

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