Thread: A very special project in St. Louis

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I just joined this forum. I'm a car nut, and share the passion with my dad. I'm not really a hot rodder. My tastes lean toward exotics - I currently own a Euro-spec BMW M635 - extremely rare.

Anyway, my dad, Tim, is a street rodder from way back. He was certainly at the heart of the movement in St. Louis during the mid-50's before he got into motorcycle racing. He's not doing too well. Earlier this year, he was dealt a major health setback from cancer and can no longer walk. Easter I was visiting him and he indicated that he wanted me to have the parts to his current work-in-progress - a 32 Ford Roadster. At first I hesitated, because I want him to look forward to doing this work himself, but now I'm convinced, after an Easter trip to the emergency room, that he probably won't ever be able to. He showed me some pictures of his vision, and it is very basic. He prefers the unadorned look of the 28 Ford roadsters. No mags, no fenders - kind of a 50's era view of things. He doesn't have a flat-head, though. I think he has a small-block Ford V6 for it. Anyway, I intend to surprise him by having this thing assembled, painted, and done according to his liking. I'm not sure how long he has, and my main goal is to have the finished product out to his house so he can take at least one ride in it while he still can. If I have to, I will probably sell my M635 to help finance the project.

So, to make a long story into a short question - I need to know who (or the shop) in St. Louis that is capable of this kind of project. I have probably 85% of the parts - the body shell is actually fiberglass but lots of other authentic parts. Plus, my dad machined a few parts himself when he was still able to.

Doing a quick internet search turned up Doug Jenkin's Custom Hot Rods on Forest Park. I have no personal experience, but the site looks interesting.

As for the BMW, I think you should take that 3.5L six and pop it in a '50's 502. Be careful in getting started on this project. Once bitten you'll have something powered by a flathead of early hemi in your garage.

Hope your dad get's better and is able to enjoy that car.

p.s., lived there for a year so I know you're already enjoying spring weather. Lucky devils!