My first street rod was the 1934 Ford Cabriolet. I purchased it in June 1982 at the NSRA Street Rod Nationals East Show. In its original condition it was quite the head-turner at shows and cruises. We had loads of good times back then!

I left it in its original condition for many years — it just looked sweet! The red paint, tan top and wire wheels were one thing, but it had a straight six Ford engine and automatic trans on the floor.

I recall the fun with other street rodders. Like at gas station stops; I’d see all the guys with V8s sucking up fuel, while I didn’t need any. What’s more, my late brother’s three girls would all fit in the rumble seat while we’d “cruise the loop” at the Nats East fairgrounds in York — a big thing in those days! Plus, back then many street rodders camped on the fairgrounds.

At this point, the “Cabrio” was not a true Cabriolet. Although it had its original steel body, the side windows were gone. Unfortunately, the previous owner had the side windows closed-up with body work. Back in the day, I remember going on a two-night road trip with a group to cold, snowy Vermont. To keep warm, I plugged a portable heater into the cigarette lighter and put clear plastic wrap to act as “side windows”. Well, from that trip on I became known as the “Man from Glad”! Oh, it snowed overnight as well.

For years my Cabrio provided many good times. But, at some point, and I don’t recall the year, I parked her, and she sat for a few years because I bought another street rod — a black Ford 3-window coupe.

It was then the body-off restoration started with the following main parts: