"War Paint" 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup

Cast an eye at “War Paint”, a once sidelined project turned AMBR contender. Many moons ago at Dennis Lesky’s Ionia Hot Rod Shop, this 1932 Ford Roadster Pickup started as a “Shop Truck” build. However for Gary DeVine the Pickup’s owner, life intervened and the project sat idle. Enter Dave Shuten and his band of wicked wrenchers at Galpin Speed Shop. Dave and his crew worked their famous magic, after all that time and effort what did Gary & Deborah DeVine get? An AMBR contender and one of the most stunning “Shop Trucks” rolling. Here’s the skinny on “War Paint”, a 2020 America’s Most Beautiful Roadster contender at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, CA.

A 400ci Pontiac power plant topped with twin four barrels carbs sits beneath the custom louvered hood. EVOD Industries was tapped for many components. Including; the custom oil and trans pans, air cleaners, inspection cover, throttle and brake pedals, and the center-wheel caps. A Walden Speed Shop’s Kinmont brake kit augmented with Wilwood calipers brings this pickem’ up to a swift halt. The wheels are modified So-Cal Speed Shop spindle mounts wrapped in Coker Tires best.

1932 Ford Roadster Pickup War Paint Galpin Speed Shop

The generous use of aluminum throughout the interior keeps this Ford on the right side of sporty. A Schroeder Sprint Car steering wheel that operates the Schroeder race car side steering box keeps with the race feel. While staying true to the ’32’s hot rod roots, the Classic Instruments gauges use the original Stewart Warner cups and bezels. According to Mr. Shuten, even the windshield is an original DuVall V, talk about rare.

EVOD Industries also made the trim around the 1 inch think clear acrylic bed floor. Through that translucent deck you can cast your peepers at the Winters quick-change rear end.

Painted with PPG’s finest by Pete “Hot Dog” Finlan for Galpin Auto Sports, the black scallops make this the perfect vintage race car/street car Hot Rod. “War Paint” didn’t drive off with the AMBR award but it did win the 2020 George Barris Memorial Kustom D’Elegance award.