HI.. I'm looking for some info , add copies , etc. for my "Armadillo" Speedster built in Oregon in the early 80's. Supposedly there were 20 or so built, and they were advertised in the back of the Model T Times or other publications... Currently working on mine to make it cleaner and more roadworthy as it sat for the last 3 or so years. Just got the new radiator.... thanks ... Dan, Santa Cruz, CA
Saw one just like that at the Auburn CA swap meet a few months back. Yours?
Drive safe, W2
Hi Wayne.. Most likely, but before I bought it . I purchased it from the second owner, who had it 17 years plus I believe. It has a Ruckstell axle, Atwater Kent distributor ( it has a crack in the shaft housing from who ever re-bushed it ), and Dodge or aftermarket drum headlights. I just bought a new radiator as the original ( a low style , different than the registered model year) was too far gone to repair . picked up a spare rim and tire,
a wire wheel spare tire holder to make a spare holder, a neat period correct electric horn , etc. Can't believe how many T items keep turning up at my local flea market. There is an twin for sale in Tennessee which I was going to buy, but with out all the after market goodies and in far worse condition. I have a friend in the glass bizz who will make me a correct glass windshield to get rid of the plexi-glass. Also, it had a cracked head , but one of the two the owner threw in was good and is now on and it seems to run well. Has aluminum high dome pistons .30 over so I know it was rebuilt.
Here's the one in Hemmings a dealer has for sale in Tennessee....
Dan K,
As I recall, if it is the same one, it was for sale at a very reasonable price. Sounds like it got a good home. Congratulations, enjoy it, and drive carefully.
W2
My dad and I built one in the early nineties. Got the body, Houk #4 wheels and other pieces in a trade. Sold the car at Chickasha in 2005. Wish I still had it. If I can find pictures I'll put them up here.
hi again.... it was a resonable price made better by some problems it had . Small dent in the body made by a deer knocking over a dodge hood... had to rebuild the starter, and I added a 6 volt solenoid and new starter switch. The new battery fixed the charging problems, and a new radiator will fix the over heating . The block had a lot of rust from sitting with just water , I made a system to back flush it backwards with an electric pump and radiator cleaner, and ran it half a day before flushing for a couple of hours with hot water from the hot water heater . Think I got most of the rust and scale out of the block.....
Thanks for those pictures, guys! Those machines are way cool - I particularly like the tiny cockpits.
Seth
Outstanding Danny ! cant believe you sold it ! Know any history of the body builder ?
I couldn't figure out why I didn't see a tail light lens then realized you ran the exhaust out the center rear ! thats neat !
Danny Thomason - I don't want to hijack Dan's thread here, but I'd sure like to see some detailed photos of that beautiful speedster! Would you consider starting a new thread with some photos? The little bit you can see of the engine is just a "teaser", and I see the dropped axle on the front but besides the engine, I'd be interested to see how the rear end was dropped. From what little I can see, it looks like the rear spring is mounted AHEAD of the rear crossmember,...???
I believe there is one, maybe two bodies in Moriarty NM.,at Archie Lewis Museum. They are in a storage area next to the museum. You gotta talk real nice to see the stuff over there. And, oh yes, don't even think about buying anything.
I would love to have Danny post more here as it is one and the same body built by the same guy/company. But as they sold it , maybe he doesnt have any other pics? How bought it Danny ??
Dan, I don't know any history of the body other than it was new and we aquired it in a trade. It was really nice though and didn't need much for it to be ready for paint.
Harold, The rear driveline was shortened and another crossmember was mounted ahead and higher than the original one. The frame was notched for the spring to clear and the body hides the lowering crossmember.
They are a nice body and came with the interior installed and the fuel tank mounted. They also had an aluminimum firewall that mounted over the wooden one.
I still have a few more pictures, mostly of the engine. I know the car went to OKC, Oklahoma but I don't remember the buyer's name. I was surprised to see another car with the same body. They were so nice and complete, it took alot of work out building the car. They are also very comfortable, at least it was for me (5'10"). You car looks great Dan and if you need anything you are more than welcome to PM me.
Dan, there is an add for your speedster body in The Vintage Ford Jan Feb 19 No 1 1984 on page 49. It says it's manufactured by B-ARD in Salem OR.
I would scan it for you but I'm away from home about 5 hours west where all the floods mentioned elsewhere are.
Its been fine the past 2 days but the ground is so wet all the tractors are getting bogged and the crops even though they are drying out are wet until mid day and again after dusk so they can't be cut at night as they would normally. So its 4 hours a day harvesting instead of 24 as it would normally be if the ground is hard enough.
And just to top it off the grass hoppers are here as well. Still the crop when it can be cut will give the farmers a good return, far greater than they have been getting for the past 10 odd years with the drought.
Peter , thanks for that news ! I'll try to find that Magazine ... if not , maybe in the future you could scan it . I work for Cal Fire ( Dept. of Forestry and Fire Protection ) here in California: You guys have been hit hard the past few years what with the fires and now floods ! .... hey , fried Grasshoppers are good w a little salt ! kind of like pork rinds !
And I've eaten worse in the Philippines where my wife is from ! Funny, I know there was a ford dealer in pre-WWII Philippines , but you never see any pre-war cars there at all, though on the trip a few months ago one of the chain restaurants had a lot of vintage photos on the wall , one of them being a T-truck filled with smiling Filipino faces ...Dan
Found a copy on T-bay so I bought it ... thanks
I found this one in New Mexico in Nov. 2009, owner was not interested in selling at that time. I took several pics. I am keeping in touch with the owner..........
Hi Jeff... thanks for posting the pictures ... I am glad I am getting such a great response ! I hope you can purchase it someday. I was set on a "brass era" speedster when I saw this body style and something about it just drew me too it ....Dan
Two more pics of the New Mexico car......Don Vagasky mentioned this car in his posting above.....Archie let me take hundreds of pictures in his "yard" and I posted the T ones about a year ago.
Mine had Brass windshield stantions and a brass gas cap.
Dan, here is a scan of the add for you if you can't wait for your magazine to arrive, and for anyone else interested
Peter ...thanks for posting it . I see Becker's still has a web site.. didn't get much with a search for Darrel-Rickman though .Interesting it says each body is numbered and registered . I did see a tag in the corner of mine , I'm going to have to squeeze in with a magnifing glass and see what it says ..Dan
Interestingly Becker's has the 503-643-1930 phone number and may have suppied the B in B-ARD
Becker's Model T & A Ford Parts
1025 SW 211th Ave
Beaverton, OR 97006
(503) 649-9931
(503) 643-1930
Becker's Model T & A Ford Parts also appear to track back to William John Becker
Birth: November 29th, 1945
Death: October 13th, 2010
Age: 64 years
Residence: Beaverton
Survived By: Karen Becker - Wife Chris Becker - Son Susan Bishop - Daughter
Affiliations: St. Cecilia Catholic Church
William “Bill” John Becker was the only child born to Dr. William L. and Helen M. Ihringer Becker on 29 November 1945 in Portland, Oregon. He attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Jefferson High School. He did two years of post-graduate work at Benson Polytechnic High School in Mechanics.
He became very active in the old car hobby during his high school years and received his 1909 Brush Run-about for graduation. He participated and helped organize the Lloyd Center Car Show for many years.
Through the Catholic Singles organization (the Chancellors Club) he met his loving wife Karen L. Green. They were married 30 August 1975 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Portland. On Valentine’s Day 1977 they moved into their house on Tile Flat Road and their son Christopher William was born 16 March 1977. Then on 8 November 1978 they welcomed their daughter Susan Marie. Bill and Karen celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 30 August 2010.
Bill operated Tualatin Valley Restorations, restoring many beautiful, show quality, automobiles. In 1978 Bill and Karen entered into business with Bill’s grandfather Lou Becker, selling Ford Model T parts. They expanded the business to become Becker’s Model ‘T’ and ‘A’ Ford Parts, Inc. It was sold in 1980 and Bill began sandblasting, retiring in 2007.
In 2003 as a family we began Becker’s DIY Auto Restorations renting individual spaces, allowing others to restore their own automobiles with a sense of community. Bill also taught auto restoration classes at PCC: developing numerous new friendships along the way.
In 2008/09 our dear friends voluntarily built a new pole building, providing more opportunities and friendships. “Spirit” as we dubbed the new building has been a blessing to us.
Bill went to be with his heavenly family on Wednesday 13 October 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. His wife, Karen, survives him, as do his children and their families. Chris and Melissa Becker with their son Carston and Fred and Susan Bishop with their daughter Ginnie.
Becker's Model T & A Ford Parts also appear to track back to William John Becker
Birth: November 29th, 1945
Death: October 13th, 2010
Age: 64 years
Residence: Beaverton
Survived By:
Karen Becker - Wife
Chris Becker - Son
Susan Bishop - Daughter
Affiliations: St. Cecilia Catholic Church
William “Bill” John Becker was the only child born to Dr. William L. and Helen M. Ihringer Becker on 29 November 1945 in Portland, Oregon. He attended Holy Cross School and graduated from Jefferson High School. He did two years of post-graduate work at Benson Polytechnic High School in Mechanics.
He became very active in the old car hobby during his high school years and received his 1909 Brush Run-about for graduation. He participated and helped organize the Lloyd Center Car Show for many years.
Through the Catholic Singles organization (the Chancellors Club) he met his loving wife Karen L. Green. They were married 30 August 1975 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Portland. On Valentine’s Day 1977 they moved into their house on Tile Flat Road and their son Christopher William was born 16 March 1977. Then on 8 November 1978 they welcomed their daughter Susan Marie. Bill and Karen celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 30 August 2010.
Bill operated Tualatin Valley Restorations, restoring many beautiful, show quality, automobiles. In 1978 Bill and Karen entered into business with Bill’s grandfather Lou Becker, selling Ford Model T parts. They expanded the business to become Becker’s Model ‘T’ and ‘A’ Ford Parts, Inc. It was sold in 1980 and Bill began sandblasting, retiring in 2007.
In 2003 as a family we began Becker’s DIY Auto Restorations renting individual spaces, allowing others to restore their own automobiles with a sense of community. Bill also taught auto restoration classes at PCC: developing numerous new friendships along the way.
In 2008/09 our dear friends voluntarily built a new pole building, providing more opportunities and friendships. “Spirit” as we dubbed the new building has been a blessing to us.
Bill went to be with his heavenly family on Wednesday 13 October 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. His wife, Karen, survives him, as do his children and their families. Chris and Melissa Becker with their son Carston and Fred and Susan Bishop with their daughter Ginnie.
Saw this one at the great oregon steam up in 2008. Always thought it looked cool but never knew what it was, until now.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bruckzone/2925058358/in/set-72157607894209612/
Dad and my great gram pa Lou Becker started Becker's back in the 1960's. Lou retired from Rose City Transit Co.( he was city bus driver for over 40 years, which is now Tri-Met), He was looking for something to do with his retirement and started selling parts for model Ts and As.We sold the business in 1982 to Bill Hills and Don Cocheran (Tin Tillie our 1919 Model T was I think the down payment for the parts business. Becker's is now owned by Ken Rosenzweig here in Aloha, Ore. That add must have been when Bill and Don owned the business as I don't remember that body when we had it. I still have the McMillan head, a boat tail body and frame that we sold as a kit, that we had left over when we sold the business.
Dad passed away Oct 13. I think the pictured speedster was one that was owned by Tom Winterowd here in Portland I was a Robin's egg blue with a Coon tail on the drivers side window stanchion. Tom's car was Flathead T powered with a Ruckstell and Z-head. Tom followed us up from the Steam Up (antique tractor show in Brooks Oregon just north of Salem) one year in it and was able to keep up with Tin Tillie on I-5 northbound @ 55MPH. Saw it on many speedster runs when I rode with Don Shreave and his #58 speedster... I think Tom sold it years ago. I did go for a ride in it once great car.
I was born during the parts business and ended up going to a lot of swap meets with Dad and Gramps. I remember when we had 5 stalls along the wall at Portland Swap Meet with 4 of us working the stalls and me playing under the tables in the empty boxes! Went to so many swap meets that I still have no desire to go to them!
Chris Becker
The Model A was owned by my grandparents neighbor Merle Baldra
Hi again... I'm really impressed with the response guys. Tom's was bought and resored by a gentleman named Rod.. see it here : http://www.customfurniture.net/speedster/page2.html
I have a youtube video of the one Erich posted when it was for sale at a swap meet , just the body. I know its the same one by the dash plaque which is off another brand of custom body builder having nothing to do with the body. I think someone put it there "just because " It lead me down the wrong path at first.. I'll post more when I find it here in my computer ...Dan
Chris.. sorry about your Dad's passing ...thanks so much for posting the history of the business...I'll be copying all this down and saving it so I have a valid history of the origins of my car.
Dan,
One more memory of the parts business...
Early one morning we get a phone call, it's like 1 or 2 in the morning. Phone goes off and My dad answers it. Fellow on the other end is calling from Germany and was very cheerfully greeting dad and says his name is Mr Ottermott, and he would like to speak to some one about buying parts for his 1912 touring. Mr. Ottermott is excitedly rambling his list of parts off when all of a sudden he asks dad "What time is it?" in broken English. Dad says groggily it is like 1:30 in the morning. Mr Ottermott apologies profusely and says he'll call back later in the afternoon. Dad knew when he was going to call so he had me in the office ( we were on Interstate Street where the parts business was located at that time), and Dad put Mr. Ottermott's call on his speaker phone when he called back. I'll never forget him saying "Hello Mr. Becker how are you today? I am trying out my new portable phone and the only place I can get a signal is on top of the Alps and I am looking at the Matterhorn right now!" I was 4 or 5 at the time just before we sold the business.
We had an old retired Wonder bread truck that we used to go from one swap meet to another carting the inventory of parts. My car seat was mounted on the cash register pedestal. Now,the pedestal was made of a 2"x2" square tube about 3' foot high and had a 2'x2' plate welded to it with a same size plate bolted to the floor.. My Car seat was bolted to the top plate and I sat about a foot higher than my dad and Gram-pa when they were seated in the drivers and passenger seat! I had the best view of the open road! That's how I rode from swap meet to swap meet during the summer.
Chris Becker
http://www.nwvs.org/CarPhotos/064/064.shtml
Bob Brandvold and his car Lil' Eddy
I put the wrong link for Rod's speedster, formally owned by Tom.....
http://www.customfurniture.net/speedster/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgYk61JAEsg
I know what happened to the one in my old photo now.
So I now see your photos were from 2008. Looks like the body has some dammage in the 2010 video. Wonder if it was rolled or in some other type of accident?
Found another Armadillo.. hope they dont mind I post a picture here . I sent the owners wife an email ..
Chris Becker
I remember you'r grand dad, I lived in Anchorage Ak in 1980-81 and wood take work trips to San Francisco. I would call and order parts , stop in Portland on the way back. Taking the Bus to his place,getting the parts then back to Ak.I remember getting tires and carring over my sholder back to the air port and on the plane,
couldn't do that these days. Picture of my project in 1980-81 with new tires.
Great memories.
Bob