Real Aluminum Belly Tank Lakester - Flathead - Hot Rod - Steamliner

Hello Nostalgic Hot Rod aficionado's world wide.   Before we get to the in-depth description of the vehicle in front of you. it is important to give information about the designer and owner of it.   Mark "Marky" Idzardi is well known in the Hot Rod lifesytle & industry. for creating one of the most famous and controversial Hot Rods in the world.   The "Purple People Eater" is a person's wildest imagination come to life.   A Model A Ford coupe that has graced the covers and articles of every major automative publications around the globe.   We state "controversial" due to it's unorthodox stance. style. chop. engine and overall appearance.   Long time Hot Rodder. "Marky" took a historical vintage Pontiac drag racing engine. a Model A frame. and a Model A coupe body. then transormed these ingredients to the most unique automobile in the past couple of decades!

What we have here is an original all aluminum bodied Belly Tank "Lakester".   This recent build has taken years to create due to the time collecting all of the ultra rare parts.   This is up for auction for the sole purpose of purchasing a home. and successful bidder/buyer may receive an autographed copy of the February 2001 Rod & Custom magazine showing the engine of the Purple People Eater (PPE).   "Marky" can also autograph the dash of this Belly Tank if buyer wanted.

As stated prior. this is an all original vintage aluminum Belly Tank.   It's covered & tapered piece is also aluminum. and along with the side blisters for Wishbones. were hand fabricated by talented metal fabricator. Hot Rodder. and Race Car Driver. Fabian Valdez of "Vintage Hammer". Riverside. California.   Custom made 1 3/4" tubing was hand bent to contour the exact shape of the tank.   This includes a roll bar behind driver area.   Period correct 1930's/40's aircraft steering wheel and gauges are utilized in this car for the accuracy of WWII era Lake Bed Racing.   The steering wheel is adapted to a "quick release" for easy removal.   The vintage gauges were provessionally rebuilt by Bob Vega of Aircraft Precision Instruments. Corona. California.

Drivetrain:  A V8-60 Flathead engine out of a 1940 Ford is incorporated in this Belly Tank and has significant history of its own.   The engine originally came out of a "Cracker Box" Boat and still retains a riveted brass tag from the builder.   The tag states the following:  "Bob Redd Auto Parts" - Job #8977 -663. M10 -Bore. 040. P10.   1724 Long Beach Blvd. Long Beach. California.   The engine has been gone through and has Flathead V8-60 cast iron sides instead of the usual tin.   The engine is bored . 040 (40 Thousandths). and the block has been ported and relieved.   It has a high lift camshaft that was specially designed by Clay Smith.   Of course this engine has new oil pump. rings. gaskets. and valve job.   An Edelbrock 2 Carb intake sits ontop of the engine with a rebuilt set of "94" carbs.   Offenhauser High Compression heads take care of the combustion and complete the nostalgic look of the era gone by.   Ignition has an adapter that goes from 3 to 2 bolt "Crab" style distributor.   Arrow Engine in Temecula. California assisted with the restoration of this engine and manufactured a brand new Flywheel. so instead of running the usual 9" clutch. it now has a 9" clutch. and a brand new pressure plate and throwout bearing.

Transmission is an all new standard side shift out of a 1940 Ford.   It is also brand new with zero miles on it.

"Marky" opted to keep everythig nostalgic in the rear end department. so a late 30's/early 1940's Banjo rear is mounted out back.   It is rebuilt with new bearings and seals.   The Pinion Shaft is custom made. and its torque tube has been shortened in order to be bolted directly to transmission.

The front suspension is 1936 Ford but uses Hair Pins.   Solid 16" steel wheels are utilized in this Lakester. and are out of a 1940 Ford.   16x600 Tires are mounted on the wheels. and give it a great stance.   Moon Equipment custom manufactured spun aluminum disc's. the centers are cut out to clear the early spindles on all four corners.

For better steering. handling. and safety. an off road steering box was opted instead of an antique part.   The brakes are rebuilt and the master cylinder is a remanufactured "Fruit Jar".

Well. there you have it folks.   If you want something different. this is it.   You simply do not have to look any further.   Again. this a newly built Lakester with all of the nostalgic & authentic elements of an original.   There is literally zero miles on this so the new owner will be receiving something new.   All sales are final.   There will be no refunds. exchanges. or warranties.   All all questions prior to bidding and/or buying.   Will sell this anywhere in the world. and will gladly ship anywhere in the world.   We know of two reputable and reasonable transport/shipping companies.   Buyers pays for shipping and we will see to it that the Belly Tank arrives in a safe and prompt manner.   Feel free to call any time day or evening.   Thanks and have a great day.   "Marky" (951) 826-9129.

Also published at eBay.com

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