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The 2019 SEMA Show is giving us a glimpse at what’s new in the automotive aftermarket. Today, we’re looking at ARP and its hot rod build of a 1923 Ford Model T.
We talked with Chris Raschke to learn the car’s background. “When you look at T-buckets, some of them look the same, others look a little rough,” he began. “We wanted to do the opposite on both counts — make it unique and make it pristine.”
This beautiful T-bucket hot rod was once an ugly duckling. "It had no front brakes, rattle-can frame, chipping paint on the engine," commented Raschke. "It was 'unpolished,' to say the least."
The T bucket features a one-off, cross-spring suspension on the front, and Jaguar suspension on the rear. The engine is a 383-cubic-inch stroker V8, and it’s paired with a Turbo 350 transmission. “We used an Inglese eight-stack injector, FAST ECU, and just a whole lot of work, and a whole lot of ARP bolts!”
Raschke wasn’t kidding about the last part. ARP’s handiwork is visible around the entire car, from the mirror mounts to the valve covers, to the quick-change rearend. “It showcases our fasteners so well because everything is exposed,” commented Raschke. “Every nut and bolt on the car is ARP. Custom hardware is located on the rear suspension because they’re large-diameter fasteners, but much of the car uses off-the-shelf ARP nuts and bolts.”
No bolt or nut was too small to get the ARP treatment. ARP refreshed the car with 12-point hardware on everything, including the engine, rearend, and brightwork.
With such a high-quality and well-integrated build on display, ARP’s booth was a must-see for all hot rod fans attending the 2019 SEMA Show. Be sure to check out ARP for your hardware needs. Visit the company’s website and Facebook page for more information.
