For enthusiasts dedicated to restoring classic Ford vehicles and building hot rods, the name Bob Drake Car Parts is synonymous with quality, authenticity, and unparalleled selection. Catalog #30 from Bob Drake Reproductions is your comprehensive guide to a vast inventory of parts designed to bring your vintage Ford project to life.
From Passion to Premier Provider of Ford Parts
Bob Drake Reproductions didn’t emerge overnight as a leading name in Bob Drake car parts. The journey began in Southern California, fueled by Bob Drake’s personal passion for early Ford automobiles. Recognizing a gap in the market for high-quality, accurate reproduction parts, Bob turned his hobby into a thriving business. What started as a quest to find decent parts for his own restorations evolved into a mission to supply fellow enthusiasts with the very best.
Image alt text: Bob Drake expertly assembling one of his signature locking gas caps, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship behind Bob Drake car parts.
The initial spark ignited in a home garage in Woodland Hills, California, with the production of glove boxes for 1933-34 Fords. This humble beginning quickly expanded with the development of Bob’s renowned locking gas caps for early Fords. The demand for these Bob Drake car parts soon exceeded the capacity of a home operation, prompting a move to a larger facility in Canoga Park, California, in the mid-1970s. From this new base, Bob tirelessly expanded his product line, venturing to swap meets, car shows, and parts stores across the West and beyond to connect directly with customers and fuel his growing enterprise of Bob Drake car parts.
Image alt text: A nostalgic photo of Bob Drake standing proudly in front of his Canoga Park facility in 1977, marking a key milestone in the expansion of Bob Drake car parts.
Relocating to Oregon and Expanding the Legacy of Bob Drake Car Parts
Annual trips to the Portland, Oregon swap meets proved to be more than just business for Bob and his wife Pat. They discovered the charm and affordability of Grants Pass, nestled in the beautiful Rogue River valley. This discovery led to a significant relocation in 1982, as Bob Drake Reproductions established its new home and primary facility in Southern Oregon.
Image alt text: An archival photograph showcasing Bob Drake Reproductions’ Buildings #1 and #2 in Grants Pass, Oregon, illustrating the company’s growth in providing Bob Drake car parts.
Today, the company’s Grants Pass location has grown to encompass three buildings, boasting over 75,000 square feet of space and housing more than 7,000 unique Bob Drake car parts. From the initial black and white Catalog #1 in 1973 to the expansive 720-page full-color Catalog #30, the journey of Bob Drake car parts has been nothing short of remarkable.
Image alt text: Bob Drake and Trent Drake meticulously inspecting samples of taillight assemblies, ensuring the high standards of quality for Bob Drake car parts.
Catalog #30: Your Ultimate Resource for Bob Drake Car Parts
Catalog #30 celebrates 45 years of Bob Drake Reproductions, highlighting both the company’s rich history and its forward-looking approach to providing Bob Drake car parts. Within its pages, you’ll find a comprehensive selection of new products and classic Bob Drake car parts for a wide range of Ford models, including:
- 1932-48 Ford Cars
- 1932-47 Ford Pickups
- Hot Rods
The catalog is thoughtfully organized into sections for easy navigation, featuring categories such as:
- Lights & Related Parts: Headlights, taillights, buckets, rims, lenses, and all necessary hardware.
- Hood & Related Parts: Hood ornaments, hinges, latches, and trim.
- Grilles & Related Parts: Grilles, grille moldings, and associated components.
- Flathead & Overhead Engine, Drivetrain & Mechanical Parts: A vast selection for engine restoration and performance upgrades.
- Dash, Interior, Windshield Wiper, Door & Window Parts: Everything to restore your Ford’s interior and functionality.
- Chassis & Suspension Parts: From solid front axles to IFS and bolt-on options.
- Body & Trim Parts: Bumpers, running boards, sheet metal, and convertible parts.
- And much more: Including gas tanks, rubber parts, hardware, wiring, books, tools, and gifts.
Image alt text: A historical image of Drake’s first catalog, a testament to the long-standing heritage and evolution of Bob Drake car parts.
New Products in Catalog #30: Innovations in Bob Drake Car Parts
Bob Drake Reproductions consistently innovates, developing new Bob Drake car parts that meet the evolving needs of restorers and hot rod builders. Catalog #30 introduces exciting new products, including:
- 1939-40 Dual-Core Brass Radiator: An exact reproduction offering superior cooling for 1939 Deluxe, 1940 Cars, and 1940-41 Pickups. Built to original specifications with brass construction, markings, and mounting brackets, this radiator ensures authentic restoration and enhanced performance.
Image alt text: Close-up view of the Dual Core Radiator for 1939-41 Ford models, highlighting the authentic brass construction and meticulous detail of Bob Drake car parts.
- 1937 Grilles: These grilles are crafted with correct metal thickness and ensure a perfect fit, embodying the high-quality standards of Bob Drake car parts. Available in chrome and painted versions.
Image alt text: Showcasing the new 1937 Grille, a testament to the precise engineering and superior quality that defines Bob Drake car parts.
- Innovative One-Piece Hose Kits: Designed for installing a 1937-48 Flathead engine in earlier Ford models (1932-36), these hose kits simplify engine swaps with custom-molded hoses and stainless steel Ford script clamps.
Image alt text: The 1932-36 Radiator Hose Kits, demonstrating the innovative solutions Bob Drake car parts provides for engine conversions.
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1939-48 Handbrake Cables: A significant improvement over the original Ford design, these heavy-duty cables offer enhanced durability and smooth, trouble-free performance for years to come.
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Rear Window Frames for Open Cars: Precision-engineered for roadsters, phaetons, and convertibles, these frames combine polished stainless steel outer frames with painted tan or chrome inner frames for a perfect blend of durability and style.
Image alt text: Rear Window Frames for open-top Ford models, showcasing the precision engineering and high-quality materials used in Bob Drake car parts.
- Hardware Kits: Convenient kits for brake line clips, handbrake lever pins, fender mounting, and more, simplifying your restoration projects with correct and high-quality hardware.
Image alt text: The 1939-48 Brake Line Clip Kit, an example of the comprehensive hardware solutions offered as Bob Drake car parts.
Lighting the Way with Bob Drake Car Parts: Headlights and Taillights
Bob Drake car parts are particularly celebrated for their exceptional lighting components. The catalog features a wide array of headlights and taillights, including:
- 1932-34 Halogen Headlights: Combining classic aesthetics with modern safety, these headlights feature die-formed stainless steel, original factory markings, and super-bright halogen reflectors.
Image alt text: A set of 1932 Original-Style Ford Headlights, highlighting the blend of classic design and modern halogen technology in Bob Drake car parts.
- 1933-34 Pickup Headlights: Available with stainless steel or painted buckets, these headlights offer a distinctive look popular for hot rods and custom builds, while maintaining the Bob Drake car parts commitment to quality and performance.
Image alt text: 1933-34 Pickup Headlights, showcasing the versatility of Bob Drake car parts for both restoration and custom projects.
- Taillights for Various Models: From the iconic 1932 “plain lens” taillights to the stylish 1940 Ford taillights and beyond, Bob Drake car parts ensure your classic Ford is seen and admired. Options include plain lenses and blue dot versions for a touch of customization.
Image alt text: Variety of 1932-42 Pickup Taillights, demonstrating the wide selection and authentic details available in Bob Drake car parts.
Bob Drake Car Parts: A Commitment to Quality and Authenticity
Bob Drake Reproductions is officially licensed by Ford Motor Company to manufacture and distribute Ford Trademark Products. This licensing underscores the commitment to authenticity and quality that defines Bob Drake car parts. The motto, “A perfect fit… or it doesn’t get our name on it,” reflects the rigorous standards applied to every part.
Image alt text: Drake mold makers proudly displaying the 1940 Standard Grille tooling, emphasizing the precision and dedication behind Bob Drake car parts manufacturing.
Whether you are undertaking a concours-level restoration or crafting a unique hot rod, Bob Drake car parts provide the reliability, accuracy, and quality you demand. Catalog #30 is more than just a parts list; it’s a testament to Bob Drake’s enduring passion and commitment to the early Ford hobby.
Explore Catalog #30 today and discover the world of Bob Drake Car Parts. Visit www.bobdrake.com to order your catalog and browse the full selection. Experience the difference that Bob Drake car parts can make in your next automotive project.
