Sometimes great cars «just in case», more often they are the result of evolution. In particular, the design of the machine can be born by honing skills or receive «under the influence» of family, friends, financial condition, as well as areas, where this or that person, or rather its inherent trends.
A possible contrary, in spite of them — if desired to create something unprecedented by anyone previously, at least in the vicinity... This Ford Gene Hitlenda may look like one of those machines, which «just started», but in reality for it, but rather its construction, is the real story, not one!
Background
Even back in the 80s of the last century owned Hitlend like roadster, at least, like in the broadest sense of the word. Built at the time Don Tilanom, he was black, with the boat windshield à la DuVall, the tapered front frame, removable metal top.
At the present the car a couple of highlights, namely the vintage engine Ford Gurney-Weslake, as well as a lot of nickel-plated and polished parts and this at a time when everything was covered implicitly omnipresent chrome, or in extreme case, the polished aluminum. Knurled on the roadster, a few years later he sold it to Jean, to pursue other projects.
In reality Hitlend not hot-Rodder, a restorer, not only wasting your time, but often the funds for the restoration of classic cars to their original state. However, the tough hot-rod has left a deep mark on the soul Gina — just a little that can be compared to riding a «gangster» roadster. And now, after a couple of decades, when he saw the body in the sale of «Deuce» (32 Ford) have Hitlenda «clicked.»
Buying has been made, and later in his head «born again» Hot Rodder began to be born the idea of how it should look like its new roadster, but, of course, with an eye to the «magic» of the previous.
To start Hitlend body passed into the hands of the legendary «tinman» Cash Nawrocki, who was to start from the base — in fact a new bottom. At the same time the most Gina not only has its own metal workshop, but he himself owns no small skill in this field, also put his hand to the body.
Gradually, the «project» to budge. Nawrocki gave new forms sidewalls hood and doors so that they were similar to the line later Ford 35–36. The top of the hood has changed with the expectation that the accommodation of the ship's windshield DuVall, in this case produced by Past Tech.
Nawrocki manufactured from aluminum hard-top, but Jean has rejected it and asked to produce a new and different form and a different material. It was the roof of one of the chapters in the history of the roadster, sometimes reminiscent of the familiar «axiom» Cat Matroskin — «whiskers, paws, tail.»
The roof and frame...
Cass took off with an aluminum roof fayberglassovuyu matrix, so then for her to make a wooden punch, and then later on it «tap» old-fashioned «roddovskuyu» steel roof, and that «willed» Hitlend. However, those familiar with the manufacture of steel parts, know that it is a nightmare. Nawrocki shares her experience: «If you work too long on steel, it becomes hard as stone. You will have to cut the required size of the item, and start over. Moreover, stainless steel begins to „float“ when the welding process begins. »
Two basic component — it is actually «skin» top roof thickness 0.035 inch (about 9 mm) and a rear portion, or «perimeter» made of a metal at twice the thickness. «Yes, but it is only» brilliant «part of the roof! — Says Nawrocki. — In reality top should be formed from a dense metal. »
To do this, Cass laminated on its so-called «English wheel», while bending the ends so that they are then docked with the back, which in turn was made by another machine — Pullmax. After shaping, the docking surface of the «perimeter» was ground off to a thickness of the top itself. «Otherwise, they would welding» clocked ", — says Nawrocki.
Meanwhile, he took up with friends Hitlend own chassis. It was based on two guides «rails» from two different, but most importantly, the original 32 frames Ford. They were joined at the ends krossektsiyami from Ford Model A, with a central bearing cross was made «from scratch».
There is just the way fell skills of Gina as a «tinker», as well as not weak laser equipment of his workshop with which were cut out many of the details, after which they were made holes for exhaust, other components and assemblies, as well as the wiring...
«We built the frame while I left the front and rear of the original» horns «- says Hitlend. And as soon as Gene first saw the body in conjunction with a new roof Nawrocki, he immediately ordered the latter „tap“ to the usual hot rods of the „period“ of the sloping rear, which should complement finally he liked the roof.
However, sim project moved beyond the experience itself Hitlenda and he was forced to appeal to professionals and those he knew who could help end the roadster of his dreams. More than 10 years ago, Jean met with the manufacturer of parts for restoration work, also have an interest in hot rods environment MakKennettom Mike from Portland, founder and owner of the company Restorations and Reproductions.
«Among other things, he manufactured the» stock «silencing system for 32 Ford, while relying on the originals — in his collection of cars there were several of these machines!» — Says Hitlend who repeatedly ever restore the «Deuce», applying for spare parts for Mike. This time, Jean personally went to the dealer to personally explain how he sees his future roadster.
Originally it was assumed that the roof will be installed classic «Flatt» Moreover, Jean had already «try on» a single, or even set a completely exhaust him. However, the new roadster Hitlenda began to go beyond the «periodnoy „hot rod“ 50s. Therefore, thinking Jin MakKennetttu again turned to for advice about the motor. Hitlend himself recalls: „I just told him — you'll find me something, what will be written on FORD and we hit on his hands!“ This was the beginning of a new chapter of the story.
… motor…
I come to the aid of an old friend Hitlenda Bob Everts. He had heard of several experimental 5-liter 32-valve engine with pushers that were built for Ford in the early «90s. And it is not simple units. „It was about a 5 liter PR4V — 4 klapannikom with pushers“ — says John Vermeersch, former director of the technical department at Ford Motor Company, who led the technical team Ford Performance for decades.
He continues: «In fact, the cylinder head of the engine are complete analogues of those that have been developed in due time Zhora brothers and Yuri Dante under the classic» Flatt «in order to convert them into the overhead configuration. As head of Dante, these have been developed with a view to further launch a series. They looked „cool“ and they had a potential horsepower engine, even though the theory contradicts this! »
Indeed, mechanical circuit of the engine is quite entertaining. She used Roller compensators and traditional followers, but this commonality with standard head end. The inlet pusher responsible for Vylkove rocker arm, which in turn is driven by two of its valves. These valves have been «stolen» from the 4.6-litrovika relating to the program Mod Motor.
To exhaust the use of smaller size compensators, imparting a force on the secondary pushers, from which an actuator other fork of the rocker and, finally, the exhaust valve.
Vermeersch elaborates: «Strange as it may sound, in reality the whole scheme was not a new one. Back in the early 50's Ken Adams Rudy Moller first used a similar, though on a 2-valve heads. Naturally, the second compensator and the intermediate movable pushers increased weight of the engine, potentially harm performance. However, in addition to this, we „threw“ even more weight to Vilkovo rockers. In addition, each expansion joint was „armed“ with two hydraulic controls. In reality, these expansion joints have been borrowed from the Australian V6, and their application was due to the prevention of beating rockers. Naturally, all this meant a considerable number of movable weight. »
Increasing moving masses in the engine reduces its cardinality properties and, nevertheless, made head allows the engine to develop considerable power, and, most importantly, at a fairly low speed. For example, 386 Nm is reached at two thousand revolutions, while the two-valve 5-litroviki reached such a moment when only 3.5 thousand. And at such speeds PR4V gave an impressive moment in 474 Nm. Moreover, it can support at least 360 Nm in the speed range up to 5000! But that's not all.
Pilot engine developed 295 hp against 215 for the same amount of standard and 265 for the forced unit is installed on the GT-40. These nearly 300 power is reached at 4500 rpm. And despite all of these indicators, PR4V did not become a serial and it was... the noise!
«There were so many moving parts that manufactured them the sound was too loud, while the modular engines were only a far more sensible choice, and in every sense,» — explains Hitlend.
But here, in the «bath-mejk» roadster that has got «to pull» an experimental engine has found its place. He further decorated (in all senses) injection of Hilborn, intake manifold from the California Bureau Hogans Racing Manifolds, which was made «from scratch», to give the opportunity to combine a new injection system with a non-air intake. All this is set up Dave Erlich from Auto Trend EFI.
…"bottom"…
The engine transmits its power through the entire 5-speed transmission Tremec TKO. Axis, which it sets in motion, like most parts of the car are a combination of a specially created for him. For example, used by the gearbox housing from Halibrand not only is a replica of the original part, but was cast by the firm in the same place (the town of Culver City, CA), where they were made originally.
Further handy Hitlenda very savvy, «I took a splined axle ends 1932 Ford, those supported by roller bearings, made the projection in them, and then welded them to the new axis. They are necessary for the further work with springs on the model A. Yes, it was all pretty is not easy, but you know that to succeed there is no short cuts! »
Behind it has been used to restore the original thrust of the Ford models late 30s, and their ends were open at an appropriate angle in order to «stretch» into the frame. To frame are attached by means of silent blocks, and they were made by Hitlendom «from scratch».
But perhaps the main star of the «bottom» of the Roadster is the front suspension, which was literally «licked» the details.
Greg Hines of California Ansen Axle make it as dropped, that is understated, and then her long and carefully treated «sandblasted» to get the «porous» form.
Himself Hitlend how to rummaging in his «zagashnikah» found a suitable front levers, preparing them for new mounting space on the frame. Then Gina wanted to move the axis in its stock position.
«We had to work hard, extending levers and rods, in order to achieve a longer wheelbase — do not forget, because the front part of the frame has been severely narrowed — says MakKennett — to move the front axle closer to the overhang, we had to seriously modify» vishbony «(A-arm), to expand them, making an incredibly disproportionate, extending one end and virtually cutting off the other. »
At the same time, instead of transferring the cross-section, it would be very not easy, as well as springs with shock absorbers ahead to fix the axis shifted forward, it was left in place, and the axis were simply welded appropriate length ledges. Thus not only the chassis remained «sit» as low as possible, but due to the additional «leverage» in the suspension also softened «trip.»
Under the hood is a «firewall» was attached to the steering from Schroder, what is also needed some modifications.
«We Preware dot made of strong steel» shapkopodobny «bracket to the» firewall. " It extends the full width of the engine compartment — says MakKennett — in this case, believe me, there are a lot of tricks hidden in a variety of extensions, do not give a rather massive hood "play" and deform when moving. " But perhaps the most interesting part of the story lies the origin of the wheel... this roadster.
... And wheels!
Oh, these wheels... The people of «our latitudes», they most likely will not cause any particular emotion and accurately, no associations. The fact that their style of repeats Halibrand discs from the early «Indy» 50s when they were real perednemotornymi roadsters.
And they were made «in the light» Ron Blondel — enthusiast of old equipment, become a fan just in the «wheel-structure.»
Ron said: «I started to build a replica of the roadster and Watson to start a meeting with a guy who at the same time built a replica of the car for Roger Ward» (Roger Ward —American pilot with nearly three dozen wins, 2-time Champion USAC, double wins in the legendary «Indy 500» in 1959 and 1962).
«I literally fell in love with the idea of building a replica of a racing roadster, and the reason was quite simple — I could not afford a real» with history. " So I contacted the guy and asked him to build a single chassis, and for me, as well as a whole to help me start my own "project". And in the process of its construction, I was surprised to find that the market simply do not have the wheels for such remarks! To whom I just spoke! I think I went through all the guys who somehow relates to the wheels. Many of them claimed that they could cast up to me, but they were not interested in messing around for a set of wheels. Besides, I wanted to perform them exactly as the originals, not only in terms of form, but also the composition, namely the magnesium alloy, which is now no longer applicable. The closest thing to what I was able to "sneak up" was a guy who offered me their cast aluminum. And then it dawned on me, when one of those to whom I spoke, not sarcastically remarked — "Listen, if you're so smart, why do not you produce them yourself ?!"
«Why not! I ordered to get me removed from the original shape of the wheels, and then hired a foundry, where I cast them out of Magnesium. Then he was ordered program for CHIP-machine that has finished processing the cast strand, in accordance with the original. Someone found out what I was doing, and asked to make one set for him. And then it turned out that quite a lot of people willing to buy these wheels, which simply have not been on the market! »
As a result, starting with indikarovskogo roadster, Blondel produced 100 of these wheels, all of which were cast solely as originals of the time — from a magnesium alloy.
However, those that have been used for our hero, in reality different from the others 96. The fact that the original front wheels have the dimensions 16h6 that several widish under tires Firestone 5.50–16, who intended to use Hitlend. Therefore, the front wheels for him were narrowed to the dimensions 16h4.5. But that's not all.
Typically, these wheels were covered with gold paint Blondel Dow7, however, echoing Hitlendu, MakKennett decided to be original. He sent the wheels Race Miiksu his company Finish Line Coatings of Milwaukee. Using samples of the original golden pearlescent paint 50s Ras mixed «cocktail» of paints Dow more charge-period color, achieving more realistic...
Almost invisible «touch»
Meanwhile, getting incredibly low roof, and with it an incredibly contrasting her massive ass roadster acquired all the new parts. The above mentioned air intake in the roadster is completely hidden under the hood and has a traditional form of «cans». They were made of pipes from Steve Moala, while they themselves engaged PJ Markovic. He «soldered» them, while he Hitlend also made its contribution, using its laser machines. cut out «pad» under the «banks».
Outside, at the base of the trunk appeared brand tank flap schekoldnogo type from Frank Valliksa. He was drowned in a specially prepared place and, therefore, almost imperceptible. The same PJ «Utopia» taillights, the characteristic that immediately withdrew from the creators of the blue oval, using items from the 1941 Chevy. But what else deserves a separate story, so it lights.
In terms of Hitlenda roadster acquired so perfect form that lights are not small just to spoil its appearance. «I just had to do something that would allow me to take them off!» — He says. No sooner said than done. Again, using his extensive experience «tinker» with his own Jin cut a couple of small arms that gently «hidden», and in a very original place — between the actual cover grille and stylish chrome radiator Brass Works German.
Each bracket had the hole drilled, which on the one hand been milled in a plane for fixing. When necessary, Jin could «paste» lights in the slots on the sides of the grille. Each of them is hiding a pair of copper contacts connecting the stylish lights from King Bee to an electrical circuit. Alas, Jean felt head optics is so inappropriate for their offspring that did not even allow them to capture photos! In fact, we see a couple of small metal sail on the sides, looking like a mysterious element of decoration and all...
What it is not yet visible from the outside, so it is the dashboard, which is well above the «sweated» several people. Hitlend ordered it from specializing in these nodes firm Classic Instruments, which fulfilled the necessary niches under a new set of instruments in the sink panel, but they are a little «missed the mark» with dimensions. I had to redo it again, and as a bonus «classic» issued each device Ornamental...
The final «finishing touches»
When the body was finally finished, he went next door to Ron Morfittu who first primed it, and then covered with a base coat of paint BASF / Glasurit, on top of which was applied to the «system» of clear urethane lacquer. Mike Markovich from scratch paved all the wiring, and meanwhile, every detail that could be «to chrome», went to Oregon Plating order to «swim» in the nickel-plated bathroom.
Meanwhile, the center of the steering wheel, gearshift lever knob and grille badge to left in town Anhem Arizona specialist engraving weapons Mark Swanson, in order to put on their original logo conceived Hitlendom for their offspring.
However, the front was another major step. After reassembly, roadster went to a few more long journey to the town of Maun Vernon that state Voshington. Namely Cedardale Auto Upholstery, whose owner says: «Gene wanted to install a hot-seat rodoskie ascetic» bomber «and wanted to buy a pair of new aftermarket. However, shortly before it got to me a couple of seats from the original coupe 1934 Ford tudor. When I took off the old trim them, found themselves back made curved, with steel, they had protrusions and edges rounded off in the region, a hair's breadth as „bombernye“ Seats. I made fayberglassovye „mirror“, „insert“ under them, which were covered with emollient base material, and then covered with skin that was carried out by experts from Townsend Leather Company».
After that, everything was back to suffering the roof roadster — she also demanded interior decoration. The shape of the roof was made of wood punch on which a matrix made of fajberglass. After processing, it covered with green woolen «Vul» laminated on the perimeter, covering the upper part of the upholstery, which will come into contact with the roof, as well as the edges, skin, also painted green.
On the floor were decorated bed similar to the contour of the skin «vulovye» mats square shape.
While experts «were busy» with the soft part of the upholstery found a job for his son Mike MakKennetta Greig. He took a matrix with the boot floor, where there were projections projecting concealed beneath a cross-section of the Model A, on which the «rest» rather massive ass car. Greig performed in the matrix three niches, which can hide those «ghost» lights and tools for their installation.
All this, as well as the rear wall, and were covered with the same green vulovym coating. Hitlend adds: «In the trunk can not see anything, and it is absolutely» smooth ", the tank is completely hidden behind a partition, PJ tried to glory, as well as Greig secreted lights in the niches."
Behind this soul, and with it the creative mind of Jin Hitlenda calmed down. However, there is summarized.
In reality though its Roadster and incredibly stylish, not so different from many similar hot rods. Moreover, most of them are based just on the ubiquitous 1932 Ford, which we wrote: www.dragtimes.ru/blogs/view/2748
Creation Hitlenda not take any prizes at the first specialty show, where he went — 2015 Grand National Roadster Show. Co-creator of this roadster MakKennett even philosophical joke on the subject: «You see, after all the work that we have done, I like to see the fruits saw at least someone — Hitlend lives in Minnesota and most likely he will not arrive on it outside the area of 80 acres of land that he owns. » It is clear — this is a joke, although, as they say, every joke...
