Introducing Jerry Laboranti
A Bonneville Salt Flat style roadster
Story By Jerry Laboranti, Photos by Don Carrick/Studio 413
I have always thought that a Ford model A roadster on a 1932 frame seemed to be a winning pair in traditional hot rodding. There’s just something about this combination that gets the car to sit just right.
I started out with a badly rusted shell of a body sourced from a good friend. After replacing the bottom 6 inches of the car all the way around, I paired it with a 1932 Ford frame outfitted with a 1937 X member put together by my friend Andy Kohler in his Pennsylvania shop. Model A front and rear cross members were also inserted into the mix, giving the car a solid foundation to rest on. Other integral parts such as the 1940 Ford rear, dropped 1934 front axle, 1932 front wishbones, reversed eye original front and rear springs, and F-1 brakes complete the picture.
Special attention was given to the deck lid where I hand-hammered old style clam shaped louvers into the skin, a technique that’s long been forgotten by many. The louver pattern was a tribute to the famous Ray Brown roadster, one of my favorites.
Other custom details such as an engine turned front floor, acid etched air cleaners and seat tag, a handmade aluminum bomber bench seat, and Auburn gauges really give the roadster a classic touch and timeless appeal.
The engine is a 1951 Ford flathead that’s been fully dressed with Cyclone speed equipment. The exterior of the car was painted a rich dark red color in tribute to Barney Navarro. Custom numbers and lettering were hand painted on the car by Zach Suhr and really give the roadster the appearance of an early Bonneville racer.
I built this car in my garage along with the help of some good friends, to run in the 2016 Wildwood Race of Gentlemen. Not only did the car perform well, it received some great comments on its appearance. It’s been a blast to drive also!
TECH SHEET
Owner: Jerry Laboranti
Occupation: Teacher
Address: 123 North Robeson St
City/State: Robesonia, Pa
Phone: 215-300-6885
E-Mail: jazkat20@yahoo.com
Builder: Jerry Laboranti
Year: 1931
Make:Ford Model A Roadster
Chop:
Channel: custom subrails and floor by owner
Section:
Other Body Modifications: Hallock style windshield. Custom hand hammered louvered deck lid by owner
Grille/shell: 1932 Ford
Paint Color: Custom mix red by owner
Paint Type: Basecoat/Clear
Painter: Owner
Custom Graphics: Zach Suhr-hand painted numbers and Cyclone logo
Engine: 1951 Ford Flathead, Cyclone heads, ww2 fuel filter, custom etched air cleaners by owner
Transmission: 1939 Ford
Intake & Carb: Cyclone 3 carb intake, Stromberg 97 carbs
Ignition: Vertex Magneto
Exhaust: custom made stainless
Rear End: 1940 Ford
Suspension Front: dropped 1934 Ford axle, 1934 wishbones, model A front spring
Suspension Rear: Model A rear spring in A crossmember.
Brakes, Front: 1949 F-1 Pickup
Brakes, Rear: 1940 Ford
Wheels/Size: 16in 1940 Lincoln
Tires/Size: 5.50-16 front. 7.00-15 rear Firestone bias ply
Seats: custom aluminum bench seat by owner
Upholstery: seat cushion and tonneau cover by Riegel’s Upholstery
Dashboard: 1932 Ford with Stewart Warner dash insert, Auburn gauges
Steering Column:1949 F-1 pickup
Steering Wheel: 1940 Ford
Interior Extras: military seatbelts, custom shifter knob by Nick Terenchin. Custom aluminum turned front floor by owner.
Windows:
Taillights: 1934 Chrysler Airflow
Club Affiliation:
Anything Else:
Photography: Don Carrick Studio 413
Model: Tina Lutz
Hair & Make-up: Carrie Svetz
Credits;
Andy Kohler
Chassis and drop front axle assist
Kevin Preciado, Cook Machine Works
Cyclone heads and intake.
Zach Suhr
Custom Lettering and Graphic Design
Matt Carrick
Videography and editing
Don Carrick
Producer and Still Photography