Slide Show - 100 Percent Prime: Rich Schneider's 1927 Ford Roadster - News & Events

Slide 1

This radical street rod actually started life as three! While the body comes from a 1927 Ford, Rich welded up the frames from a ’30 and a ’32 to create the boxed foundation underneath, complete with a 7" stretch just for good measure. Classic American Racing Torq-Thursts shod in Mickey Thompson rubber keep the corners authentically old school.

Slide 2

Rich’s roadster might have a bit more fur than the average hotrod, but don’t mistake it for a rat. “If someone calls it a rat rod, it's probably because they’ve got a lot to learn about old hotrods,” he says. “I built this one the same way the guys were doing it back when I was a teenager. Of course, at the time I didn’t know it’d take two-thirds of my life to get mine!”

Slide 3

By keeping the Ford’s suspension remarkably similar to how it rolled off the factory floor more than 80 years ago, Rich needed only to lose a couple leaves from the springs up front and add a set of coil-overs to the rear to achieve a perfect 4" drop. It’s hotrodding 101!

Slide 4

This trunk’s full of more than just fur—Rich hid a custom fuel cell back there to feed the flathead up front. South of the trunk lid, you can spot hand-applied artwork by local pinstriping legend “Hollywood” Henderson. And just like an old barn find, you’ll see those cool cobwebs painted across the dashboard and in the engine compartment, too!

Slide 5

When it came to getting his street rod down the road, Rich’s choice of engines was easy. “Life’s too short to drive a Chevy,” he jokes. “I don’t like seeing a big Chevy or Mopar under the hood of a Ford. I’ll always be a flathead guy. I just love the noise they make and I love working on them.”

Slide 6

Leather interior? Sort of. Rich’s incredible upholstery comes compliments of four genuine Brazilian cowhides. Just stay out of his way on the streets, otherwise you’re gonna get the horn. Grab the lever tucked under the bench seat and this street rod lets out a thunderous “Mooooooooooo!” And that’s no bull.