Adrian's Hot Rods - Lismore: Classic Restos - Series 49

Fletch travels to Lismore in NSW pre the devastating floods to meet up with Adrian, a self-taught mechanic and metal fabricator, to reveal his Hot Rod Collection. Two completely restored vehicles, a 1930 A Model Ford and a 1939 Chevy Sedan, together with his current project, a 1939 Chevy Ute.

While Adrian claims to be self-taught, he has been amongst cars all his life. His father came to Australia and built a substantial business, A & A Car Wreckers in Kilsyth Victoria, between 1961 and 1974, which became known as Pick a Part, as many enthusiasts will recall.

Outside Lismore, Adrian devotes considerable time to his cars and Chevy project saying that restoring a Hot Rod can take up to 6 years, 80% of the time thinking about it, and 20% doing it. That's what he loves about his shed; it's a place that removes you from all the hassles of the world, time for yourself that Adrian feels is essential with all today's mental health issues. 

Fletch takes a look at the two beautifully restored Hot Rods. The 1930 Model A Ford has a back story that will resonate with many enthusiasts; purchased by his brother-in-law, they both thought at the time that it was close to finished. But on further investigation, it just wasn't up to scratch, and a complete rebuild started, a new engine (a chevy, of course), a new gearbox, new grills, new guards, a new interior and new wheels.

The 39 Chevy's are Adrian's favourite. The green 4-door sedan was originally found in a paddock and has undergone a complete restoration. The sedan now features a 308 V8 engine and Holden Tri-Matic gearbox. Adrian wanted a colour that stood out from the crowd; the green he chose was the Holden SS colour, Atomic Green. Which certainly does stand out.

The 39 Ute project started life as an Army vehicle and then with the local council. Adrian claims to be a Holden man through and through, so it had to be a 350 V8 chevy engine.
 
The Hot Rods allow him to express himself and produce something different. He teaches himself numerous skills along the way, and Adrian confesses that it is not so much about the end product but the journey to deliver it.

The word got out that Fletch's Classic Restos were in town, and the Trojans Hot Rod & Custom Car Club members turned up at Adrian's property for a one-on-one Show and Shine for Fletch.