The Daily Grind – A Return to Hot Rodding

Nothing prompts a Daily Grind update like an addition to the fleet: a well established tradition at this point. Over the weekend, we added a largely-original 1931 Ford Model A Pickup to the StanceWorks garage, and it's only a matter of time before the antics begin.

In 2013, I sold my '28 Ford Model A. I was ready to move on - namely to work on Rusty - but it's been a sale I've found myself regretting to a small degree. The '28 was a true hoot to drive, and a no-holds-barred approach to automotive irresponsibility. It needed a lot of improvements, but nevertheless, it was a genuine joy to have. Ever since, I've been dreaming of building another, and I can finally say: what better time than now?

The planning stages have lasted the past six or so months, whittling down exactly what I want to accomplish and what exactly I want to build it with. For the most part, I've known that I want a '30-34 Ford pickup, and have been loosely hunting for one for quite some time. I came remarkably close to pulling the trigger on more than one truck, but as luck would have it, this one nearly fell into my lap.

I found it at the Pomona Swap Meet, known for bringing cars of all types to the Pomona Fairplex. Parked amongst a thousand-and-one other American classics, this '31 Model A Pickup called my name. It's largely original, still sporting its factory flathead four-cylinder engine, three-speed trans, and all of the original running gear too. It's a runner, too, having been in the hands of its previous owner for more than 15 years as a project-in-motion.

It's largely rot free, and in substantially better shape than my last truck. As a starting point, its leagues beyond what I had to work with years ago. The glass is all present and in perfect shape, and the regulators work without effort. The doors open and close nicely, and the engine hums along, allowing me to experience 1931 motoring in all its glory.

The plans will unfold as I make progress, of course. I'm excited to dive into this one, and eager to take everything I've learned so far to go bigger and better than ever before. Here's to 2018's build. Let's do this.