PO Box 2453

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729



CAL-RODS FEATURED CAR FOR NOVEMBER 2014

written by Doug Bithell

Owner: Rich Ralstin

YEAR:  1931                                                    MAKE AND MODEL: FORD ROADSTER

COLOR: BUICK EXPRESS BRONZE             UPHOLSTERY:  TAN LEATHER

ENGINE: 1962 PONTIAC TEMPEST            TRANS: 200-4R GM

BLOWN 4 CYLINDER

REAR END: 9” FORD                                     WHEELS:  STEEL WITH BEAUTY RIMS

FRONT END:  SO-CAL


Did you ever have a dream to do something? Rich Ralstin did and he did it. For years he wanted to build an engine like the one Mickey Thompson raced in the 60’s and set records. When the Pontiac Tempest 4 cylinder was completed, he had only one problem; no car to put it in.

So, another project was on the drawing board. He got a chassis from Classic Chassis in Ontario and started the assembly. Got a body from Brookville and about 4 years later it was on the road although it was primered and not finished he drove it for about 4 years in that condition. 2010 to 2011 Rich finished the project and started to show it. He took "First in Class" two years in a row at the Grand National Roadster Show, along with many other awards from local car shows.

Rich likes to go to shows but has one problem, that would be range. The car has to have 100 octane gas and you just don’t find that on every corner. He has been to Havasu twice, but he had to trailer the car. In testing his range, he has been to Dana Point, Veteran's show in Loma Linda, Outrider’s picnic in Irvine, Coats Mesa Cruising for a Cure, Edlebrock show in Norwalk and other local meets. He says when he runs out of fuel, he will know his range.

Take a look at Rich’s rod.  It's right up there with the best in CAL-RODS. 

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