Full Story

How We Got Started

We organized a committee. Some of us, having dabbled in the hot rod hobby over the years, thought the idea of building a car for charity was a great idea. We presented the idea to friends. It was evident we touched a responsive chord. So, we decided to build a car and channel all our efforts toward a Scholarship Fund for the Children of Slain and Disabled Soldiers.

In August of 2008 we began asking manufacturers if they would come along side us and help build something for the kids. The response has been overwhelming. Our first contributor, Kenny Gollihan of Brookville Roadster in Brookville, OH, ponied up a brand new all-steel ’32 Ford Roadster body. Steve Frisbie, and the guys at Steve’s Auto Restoration partnered with Brookville Roadster and assembled the body on their state of the art body jig in Portland, OR. Steve even donated his own custom steel hood for the kids.

Soon, Total Cost Involved of Ontario, California stepped up to the plate with their offer of a complete chassis. Inland Empire, also from Ontario, California , will add one of their driveshafts. Willett Coachworks in Orland Park, Illinois put the body in primer and will eventually contribute the complete paint job. House of Kolor, the custom color arm of Valspar, committed all the paint for the project. Custom Classics of Island Lake, Illinois volunteered a permanent spot in their facility for the fabrication of the car. Classic Instruments, in Boyne City, Michigan sent us a set of their All-American Series gauges. Ididit, Inc. of Tecumseh, Michigan offered us one of their state of the art steering columns. Ford Motor Company delivered one of their famous 302 cubic inch motors and Street & Performance of Mena, Arkansas said they will finish off the engine’s top end. PowerMaster of West Chicago, Illinois will provide the motor’s alternator and starter needs. And,once that Ford engine is installed on the TCI chassis, Stainless Works of Chagrin, Ohio has offered to craft a complete custom stainless steel exhaust system.

Walker Radiator in Memphis has provided one of their best Cobra Radiators. It will team up with a top of the line heater and air conditioning system from Hot RodAir. Gennie Shifter will place their shift mechanism, connecting cables and brightwork connectors on top of the Bowler C4 Transmission.

Up top, Rodware of Salt Lake City has given us one of their custom Wanlass windshields and custom convertible top. The completed rod will roll around America on MHT Luxury Alloy’s Foose brand Legend wheels encompassed by some of Pirelli’s best rubber. Bob Drake Inc, the famous Ford hot rod parts company has opened up their entire catalog and will allow IronMen Foundation to pick out whatever parts we need for Metal of Honor. Our fuel tank is a stainless unit from Rock Valley Antique Auto Parts of Stillman Valley, Illinois. The interior will be crafted by the artistic hands of John Mayer at Ogden Top and Trim in Berwyn, Illinois.

Julianno’s of Ellington, Connecticut will provide the finishing touches to the interior and exterior. Finally, MotorHead Design of Louisville, Kentucky will cap off the car with the custom emblems and insignias designed in partnership with Caswell Design of Glendale, California.

Once the car is ready, John Welzenbach of Arlington Heights, Illinois will shoot the photos that will be used in promotional materials and public relations articles. Inflatable 2000 of Azusa, California will recreate the rod in an inflatable replica. The balloon replica will tell people at every NSRA event throughout 2010 exactly where our car is on exhibit. Street Rodder magazine will cover the build of the car and the American tour. Throughout the tour, CleanTools Inc. will make sure the car is always its clean best.

Next Steps
In January 2011, Barrett-Jackson Auctions helped the Foundation find a buyer at their world famous auction in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The car is a labor of love for everyone involved. It is our hope that you will favor our Donor Partners when you’re considering the purchase of parts like the ones they sell.

Watch our Progress
If you’d like to see the stages of development, please visit our Blog. If you’d like to donate towards our cause, please visit our Donations page.