The Cyclone Roadster

Introducing Jerry Laboranti

cyclone-roadster_fi

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.

www.cooksmachineworks.com

Zach Suhr

Custom Lettering and Graphic Design

www.zachsuhr.com

Matt Carrick

Videography and editing

Don Carrick

Producer and Still Photography