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"HARD
HAT HAULER"
The
hot rod enthusiasts version of a vehicle for the famous Hard Hat
workers of America, created by Model Products Corporation in hobby
kit form. This unique hot rod concept was immediately brought
to life size by Mr. Bob Larivee of Promotions Incorporated and
Hollywood auto stylist Mr. George Barris of Barris Kustom Industries.
Designed by Harry Bradly, this 1/25th scale model kit was first
engineered and then duplicated in replica to a full size operable
car. The image of the American Hard Hat worker was incorporated
in its concept. Race Car Specialties of Tarzana, California were
commissioned to perform the machine work and construction of the
chassis and torsion bar suspension. Carrera coiled 50/50 shocks
were used on the rear frame center mount, and dual air shocks
were installed on the front end.
A 23-T Roadster fiberglass lightweight body and turtle deck were
channeled over the frame 4 inches in front and three inches in
the rear. Vertical steering was installed with a Corvair box and
Ansen red metal flake steering wheel. The front forklift is mounted
over Ube front axle on sliding channels. A 500 horsepower Chrysler
Hemi engine was used with a torque converter transmission with
an Ansen Posi-shifter. Three G.M.C. 671 blowers with Cragar drives
are stacked on the engine with an Enderly Fuel injection air scoop.
All engine accessories and decorative chrome ornaments are provided
by Cal Custom Accessories. Stewart Warner dials and gauges were
used in the embossed aluminum firewall. Quad tuned headers were
hand formed to fit the engine parts and deliver the exhaust into
a. relief collector box.
Four vertical pipes are mounted to the upper pan assembly of the
turtle deck, as is a unique feature, the lunch box case that houses
a Moon gas tank and battery. Extra wide reversed front and rear
wheels were engineered by Cragar Industries, then face plates
have character artist renditions of Kennedy, Muskey, Agnew and
Reagan mounted as hubcaps. Fifteen inch Goodyear slick tires enhance
the Cragar wheels in the rear as do the 10" tires of the
front. The most unique feature that draws the interest of spectators
is the all chromed four foot Hard Hat. The Barris plant in North
Hollywood hand-formed the hat from sheet aluminum, then highly
polished same to perfection. A total of 300 hours were needed
to complete the sculptured piece of art that is bolted to an "X"
shaped girder.
The interior being very simple includes the traditional bench
mounted on diamond embossed designed aluminum flooring. The lustrous
exterior finish is done in red, white and blue with stars and
stripes in 30 coats of Kandy lacquer then coated with clear epoxy.
The complete under carriage is plated in triple chrome and polished
to perfection by Father and Son Plating of Glendale, California.
This car was on tour with the International Championship Auto
Shows circuit in the 70's.
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