Built With Speedway Motors: Joe's 1931 Model A
Not only does Joe have a killer Model A hot rod, but he's got a great story and some inspiring words to share about the process...
"I’ve always dreamed of owning a hot rod since I was a kid. I went to car shows and purchased the magazines, just never had the extra money and time to learn a whole new skill. My stepdad was in the painting and bodywork business and he built a couple muscle cars from the ground up. I was always interested and intrigued, but didn’t have the tools and know-how. Where do you start? Fast forward 18 years. We talked about possibly building two cars together. He wanted to build an American Graffiti car and I dreamed of building a traditional hot rod. He purchased a rough but solid 1930 Ford Model A. He said you find one and you can use my tools and I’ll teach you as we go. I’ll show you what to do and you do it.
I was looking high and low for a 1930-31 ford coupe. I didn’t want a glass car because I really wanted the history of real Henry steel. I found an all original 1931 in Minnesota. The guy I purchased from had similar goals for it, wanting to build a high end hot rod. He purchased it from a local farmer and they had it in the family since 1931. The day I picked it up in Minnesota, driving it back to Wisconsin, I kept looking in the rear view and couldn’t believe I had a chance to build my first car.
It's been 4 years of building them side by side. I work on it whenever I have a spare moment. I work a lot and have a beautiful family, so I stay up late to accomplish personal goals. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for my wife and kids pushing me, and me showing them you can accomplish anything if you work extremely hard and put the time in.
We’re almost finished with the bodywork on both cars and the goal is to be done by next year. My personal goal is to win a first place trophy at a car show and be on the cover of a Speedway Motors catalog! I think it’s a unique story that both cars are ground up builds, done side by side in a normal garage like the average Joe has. There are tons of Speedway Motors products in both cars.
I hope my story helps others get into hot rodding. I hope I can inspire just one person. I help as many people as I can on social media with ideas or pictures of my build. The car community is amazing, they help out and are one big family.
I can’t thank my mom and stepdad enough for letting me take up half their garage for 4 years to build my dream car. It’s hard work and I love it. I can’t wait to drive these cars and go to car shows together. And who knows, maybe both grace the cover of some amazing magazines. Thanks for all the amazing products, most importantly for the great staff that helps when needed."
