Metal of Honor - '32 Ford Hot Rod Honors American Military

By Larry Nutson (IMG_1056)
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Why was a ’32 Ford Roadster built by volunteers of the IronMen Foundation? Named “Metal of Honor”, the Roadsters purpose is to honor those who have stood in harm’s way to defend our freedoms, to call attention to the financial difficulties faced by children of fallen servicemen and women, and to raise money to fund educational scholarships for those children.

The IronMen Foundation was founded in 2007 to Provide Scholarships to the Children of Slain and Disabled Soldiers. They are simply a group of American Patriots, from all walks of life. Businesses in the hot rod industry were invited to partner with the foundation to build this car. Work started in August 2008 to solicit support.

Metal of Honor was built in Island Lake, IL from brand new parts donated by American companies totally by the hands of volunteers. A TCI rolling chassis, Brookville Roadster body, Ford V8 engine, Bowler transmission and MHT/Foose Wheels shod with Pirelli tires are just some of the many components.

Metal of Honor was unveiled at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California in January 2011. Next stop was the Detroit Autorama in February and it just wrapped up an appearance at the Chicago World of Wheels. The plan is to show the car at every National Street Rod Association (NSRA) show in 2011 and appear at SEMA in Las Vegas in November 2011. Touring the U.S. and appearing at car shows, civic events, and military installations was made possible by the donation of a Ford HD truck and trailer by Sioux Falls Ford, a Ford dealer.

IronMen Foundation is totally reliant on companies to donate parts and volunteers to do the labor. Additionally, they will have tour expenses that need to be covered by donations. If you are, or know of a restaurant chain, a diesel fuel supplier or a hotel chain ... they'd cherish any donation you can give to make the tour come true.

In January 2012 Metal of Honor will be sold at the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. All proceeds will be used to fund the scholarship program.

You can donate to this worthy cause and help Provide Scholarships to the Children of Slain and Disabled Soldiers at the IronMen Foundation, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. Visit the website: www.ironmenfoundation.org.