Hallett's '35 Convertible

Pieced together over a six year period using bits from a sedan and a coupe...

The concept of this car was probably hatched some 20 years ago by my cousin, Ian Hardman, who has been my hot-rodding influence for most of my life. His passion for early Fords is infectious and after completing my last build, a 1963 Ford Falcon Sprint convertible that was featured in Australian Street Rodding, issue 285, I was looking for a project.

Ian had been collecting parts for years with the ’35 convertible in mind, but like most rodders, had too many projects and not enough time to complete them all. He suggested that it might be something I may consider, and with his infectious passion, I was soon hooked.

The deal sealer for me was that the chassis had already been completed, original ’35 rails boxed, HK Holden front end, Commodore rack, Jag rear, and the motor being a 351 Cleveland to which I later added an AOD four-speed overdrive auto. Ian had also made custom extractors and engine pipes back to the mufflers, a Ford XB brake booster and the master cylinder had also been installed. Ian had completed lots of custom work including a sump modification to allow for the steering shaft, heat shields for both battery and brake components and a Rod-Tech brake pedal was mounted and connected.

The 351 Cleveland is from a 1974 Ford and has been bored .030” oversize by Grants Engines, balanced and blueprinted while being loaded with ACL pistons to suit the 302 Clevo conrods. A hydraulic camshaft, TRW lifters, Jet pushrods, and modified Pro Comp cylinder heads were also installed, along with an Edelbrock dual-plane intake manifold, Holley 600 carby, a Motorcraft ignition system, and rocker covers, and air cleaner from Cal Custom. The radiator is a Walker reproduction assisted in cooling the engine by a thermo fan.