Some things appear good on the outside, but are they good for you? Take a chocolate brownie for example. As tasty as they are, consume too many and you'll be wearing those brownies.
On the subject of good things, there are few negatives about wide-open spaces. Native Americans might have kept America to themselves if the Brits and other Europeans hadn't yearned to leave their homelands for a fresh start. Room to spread out and to live is a basic need. Speaking of space to spread out, if you're a hot hauler hobbyist, plenty of cargo space helps make any cruise more comfortable. You may regard Pat and Jim Hart's '37 Ford sedan delivery as a hot rodder's version of a Conestoga wagon. There's space aplenty for luggage, must-have tools, and the Harts. Logging over 48,000 miles gives testimony to the fact that the Harts have enjoyed many adventuresome travels in their 20 years of ownership.
One disadvantage to constant cruising is the road rash that generally occurs. In light of this situation, Jim commissioned automotive artist Jason Rushforth to render the well-traveled '37 for a new paint scheme. The Harts soon realized Jason's more ambitious drawings were too sweet to leave on paper. A complete resto-mod was in order.
Soon Craig Wik's Wicked Fabri-cation in Auburn, Washington, was performing the upgraded chassis work. To the fully boxed TCI Engineering '37 Ford framerails, Craig added a Heidt's IFS with Heidt's drop spindles and Air Ride Technologies ShockWave airbags. Mopar cross-drilled front disc brakes give high-tech stopping power. For the four-bar suspension and ShockWave airbag-located Ford 9-inch, Ford Explorer ventilated rear disc brakes were installed. A Rock Valley 20-gallon stainless steel fuel tank, plumbed with stainless lines, was located behind the third member.
Rather than renew the sedan delivery's well-used engine, the Harts opted for an all-new mill. Forward propulsion was as easy as having a sufficient stash of cash to afford a Street & Performance '02 TPI LS1 engine and 4L60E transmission. Drivelines NW built the custom driveshaft, which transferred the power back to the Scribner Welding narrowed Ford 9-inch.
Once the renewed running chassis was squared away, the Harts transported the delivery to R&J Customs in Buckley, Washington, for bodywork and paint. R&J's owner, Richard Thayer, performed minor bodywork and major paintwork on the '37, utilizing a custom mix of House of Kolor Yellow and Silver. The V-butted windshield, side glass,and rear window were purchased from and installed by Victory Glass of Kent, Washington.
From the owner's perspective, the delivery had to look great, run strong, and be comfortable on long cruises or treks to shows. For renewing the interior, they put their faith in Jamie McFarland, owner of McFarland Upholstery in Buckley, Washington. Jamie trimmed the cockpit and cargo bay in light gray and charcoal leather. Utilizing a Ron Francis wiring kit, the owner then installed a Classic Instruments Quad Cluster into the Wicked Fabrications custom-made dashboard.
With the interior more luxurious and comfortable than it ever was, the Harts were ready to cruise from their home in Orting, Washington, to the Goodguys West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton, California. Their maiden voyage and every trip since have been completed without incident. Unlike our country's frontiersmen, the Harts never encounter any misadventures in their customized Conestoga-wagon-come-'37-Ford-sedan-delivery. When the Harts gun the LS1 engine, you can almost hear the faint cry, "Wagons ho! Move 'em out!"