Re-Creating One of the Most ICONIC Hot Rods - NEW Build Series!! - Video 1 Isky Car

Thank you to ‪@speedwaymotors‬ for being a partner for the ‪@iskyracingcams‬ build series re-creating Ed Iskenderian's iconic T Roadster.
Talk about AWESOME! 👏 We are so excited to be working with Isky to re-create Ed's roadster that he built when he was just 17. Dad will be putting his own touch and spin on the car and we will be bringing in some modern touches. This is going to be a build series that will be formatted very similar to the 55. That's all I'm going to tell you for now - you'll have to watch the video to find out the rest!
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[@txsailor57]

Dennis's respect and appreciation of the workmanship of old is great. He points out over and over things that Ed did with hand tools and his imagination.

[@stephenmiller5023]

My Father & I met & talked with Ed , Vic Jr, and Bruce Meyers years ago at the Hot Rod Reunion up at Pomona years ago . Out of those 3 icons I never suspected Ed would be the one to outlive those 3 !! This tribute build should be awesome, and I hope Ed will be able to get first ride in it as passenger. He was a wealth of knowledge at the time we met all of them , and my Dad who is almost 94 years old himself was incredibly happy to see & talk with some of his own childhood hero’s he saw while growing up. I have a whole camera full of pictures from that day for memories. Thanks guys for this great video , & cannot wait to see how it all comes together. 👍

[@lixingzhao5931]

I think the original car is the most historically significant Hot Rod in existence, and one of the most beautiful. I haven’t been this excited about a new project car from anyone in a very long time.

[@radtek2]

I am 78 years old and remember my first hot rod build at 16- 17 years old (flathead stuff). My dad owned a wrecking yard and car repair so scrounging parts to make sh*t work and finding stuff and modifying it was how it was done for me. I will really enjoy watching this build. Ed Iskenderian was of course well established and already a legend when I was 16 (1960). The speed parts/hotrod catalogs were my wish books I would thumb through constantly.😄

[@luliluli1471]

Every time Dennis talks about technical stuff...it is a lecture. The bloke knows a lot.😊

[@jimzivny1554]

This should be a great series to watch unfold.

[@michaelfuson645]

What an exceptional way to honor a pioneer by reproducing the car that started the legacy of hot rodding with access to the Legend himself.

[@patbullard9276]

I just hope the project is completed while Ed is living so he can see it and hopefully give it his stamp of approval. But it should be a great honor for him to see someone so interested in his work that they would build a tribute car.

[@DIARRHEA-PANIC]

There are many

[@joseywales3789]

I remember when "Von Dutch" clothing came out and trying to explain to the youth about Kenny Howard, Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, Rat fink etc... I was more enthusiastic about the history but the kids couldn't care less. Some of us care about our forefathers!!! It's about honour, respect and appreciation for their skills and incredible ingenuity. It's a great responsibility but I'm excited to see the build as it progresses and see the solutions to the problems that your dad will encounter, just like Ed Iskenderian encountered nearly a century ago, I just know that Dennis will gain a new found respect for Ed Iskenderian, especially when he considers the tools available to "Isky." It's got my creative juices flowing. 😁

[@pnwflyfisher7699]

I just love hearing your old man just deciphering what he sees. He's guessing but probably 99% right. I'm his age but it reminds me of my dad and I. I'm still learning at 53.

[@kennethkay1]

I am excited to see the project. I am about to turn 70 and I built a my first hot rod at 19 using a 1954 Ford Anglia and a 413 Chrysler V8 out of a 64 New Yorker. it was a bit of a challenge living in Australia with no Ho tRod scene but I was becoming an Engineer and had good trade skills so I just made everything needed. I figure I might have one more car left in me but mainly I restore and race mid seventies two stroke motorcycles these days. I really enjoy watching Dennis make stuff since he is the only car guy on the internet who I can relate to! Keep up the good work.

[@roostingthe6520]

The stuff you and your pops get to do is badass!

[@-Mike-69]

I built a replica of that car in the early 90s. I was 22 when I built it. Fun car to build, wild to drive. Everywhere I went I got asked a million questions. Loved every minute. Then I had kids.

[@tonymijares5368]

Man Alex you are so lucky you got to sit in one the first real hot rods ever I know you and your dad will do a badass job good luck

[@tonymijares5368]

Be careful of scams

[@westmus]

A telescopic steering column would be the magic solution for a car like that. Would make it much easier to get in the seats and anyone can get their own best position of the steering wheel, from Alex to fatman. Old T-birds had swing-away columns to make it easier to get in and out of the car.😃

[@rjohnsrealestate]

Growing up I heard so many of the stories of all of the legends. My father and so many in Tulsa had their cars and raced at the old North Tulsa Airport. I learned from the time I could walk about the pioneers and Socks and Martin, meeting Don Garlits and Ed was before any of that and the mindset he had to build is so incredible. In 37 you were coming out of the Depression, he had to make parts because you couldn't just go buy things. Almost ironic that 75 years later we are coming out of a time of supply chain shortages as they were back then.This is a series that needs to be a permanent part of the museum with the car. THANK YOU for allowing us to come along with you on this unbelievable honor to recreate an icon of history.

[@gymshoe8862]

I do spot repairs on my junkers--its satisfying to have one small area that is perfect as new. I call it purifying my junk. Sometimes my junkers take on a look of respectability that it never had before. I enjoy watching you do this work--sometimes I learn something in the process. Thanks!

[@bennyhelgeson401]

Alex's appreciation for sitting in Ed's car is refreshing. You go girl.

[@dennisschell5543]

Her butt didn't fit... 😂

[@vehdynam]

This is going to be good ! I am very aware of Ed Iskenderian and his history and this is something that needs to be done. I can't wait . Many , many thanks to all involved.

[@firepinto]

Without the Taylors I would not known of Isky. I will be appreciating this series greatly!

[@picklefart]

There isn't a build I'm more excited to see than this one.

[@barrybarry5803]

You three guys together are the epitome of team, the way y'all converse together, bouncing ideas, your joy... friendship, and your obvious love for one another!

[@cased19]

Looking forward to seeing what Dennis comes up with!

[@ThomasELeClair]

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The project could not be in better hands and will , than Dennis 'On Rails' Taylor..............4 link or 3 link ; it will surely bite like a pro stock car,,,,,,,,,,

[@KNSage]

I’ve always thought the history behind this car was incredible but seeing all the little details makes it even more so. Ed really is so special and they couldn’t have picked anyone better for this project, you guys are going to smash it

[@zymmer4]

D. your comment of "the Jimmy Page of HotRods" fell on fertile ears..I Get It !!! 1969.Viet-Nam Vet...and proud of it !!

[@RayTuttle-of5qd]

I have much respect for Dennis and Alex truly good people who respect the roots of the sport and the history of hot rodding Thanks guys !

[@AntiPattern328]

That is just such a crazy build. No Power Tools! No plasma, cnc, probably all torch or maybe some stick welding, hand files, hammers, etc. That is just beyond amazing. I can't even begin to imagine how you got things done to the engine internals. Just amazing!! Kind of like the Tesla or Einstein of HotRods!

[@buzzsaw5475]

It amazes me how much you guys get done in so little amount of time. I wish I knew a fraction of what Dennis knows, and Alex also is in a class alone. Im always looking forward to the next project, and this one is for sure a winner!

[@roberttdunn3927]

Waiting for it to come to gether

[@SGTJDerek]

I see Alex as the opposite of Jesse in that Alex's racing is at the forefront while with Jesse it was her building. Now that Alex is Co-Hosting over on Hot Rod Garage we're getting to see that she's not just a driver just as we got to see Jesse wasn't just a fabricator later in her career.

[@zymmer4]

WE Will be on the edge of our seats !!~!!

[@js7127]

I can just imagine "a night at the museum" where that ol T is just bragging it's tailpipe off about having beautiful Ms Alex sit in its lap. Cannot imagine a more qualified person than Dennis as well to pull this off. It's all in the details and yes I'm riveted to watch the art unfold.

[@Seven50ml]

Dennis is the perfect choice for this project. He's a master builder. So excited for this build.

[@bobbrinkerhoff3592]

Original wheelbase on that car would have been 99 inches , the roadster and touring car windshields consisted of two , ten inch tall panes of glass within a tubing framework , and the upper half pivoted outward for ventilation . It appears that Ed cut down the posts and used the upper half of the original windshield . T model pickup trucks weren't offered until '25 . If you look closely under the turtle deck , about six inches back from the front edge there's a seam , everything forward of that seam is stock Ford , from the seam back is some of Ed's handiwork . Hope this helps .

[@huggerorange427]

This is going to be awesome 👏

[@michaellamontagne2470]

That’s awesome! So much history in just one car! 🥰🥰

[@CraaaigV302]

Omg i absolutely cannot wait for this series this is so cool being 17 in the 1930s and building that hotrod wow I can only imagine.. what a absolute legend Ed is

[@missingremote4388]

The 2030's are going to be strange as the 1930's

[@380.motorsports]

Having been to the museum and spent too much time studying this one exhibit I’m still needing out on this visual review of how Ed built this car. What a great discussion here. I’m learning a lot about Ed and the car and details of the actual history that have not been widely told before. Can’t wait for the interview with Ed and the whole build series. And Alex, you and your dad ROCK!. As a dad who has had the privilege to also go racing with my daughters I can relate and appreciate how much work and fun you have together. Subscribed and following along now.

[@kennethchapman9564]

Ed was way ahead of his time and at seventeen creating stuff that nobody else had even thought of is truly amazing. I remember when I was seventeen and putting a 289 in my 75 Mustang 2 that left the factory with a four banger. The parts I needed were available, still had to gather them up for the job. Can't even imagine having to create the parts in my brain and then make them and then to have them work. Truly Wright brothers kinda ingenuity stuff there. Good luck recreating that.

[@rlh4331]

Love Speedway and Isky - Great project by modern leaders in our hobby !

[@xozindustries7451]

I’m glad you’re going with the Godzilla motor, you’re right about being ahead of the curve and respecting history

[@ricka371]

I grew up about 3 blocks away from that original shop in the 50s. Used Isky cams for years in all my race cars in the 60s. I remember all the "5 cycle cams " that the Chev guys ran in the early 60s. Isky was sponsoring my buddies "Bowen and Boyer" and the Scribners.

[@kiwijeff3964]

I'm in for this. Subscribed and patiently awaiting the next installment.

[@ericpierce4173]

Race cars, sprint cars, Indy cars of the era had very close steering wheels to minimize arm fatigue. Check out the old photos. Isky did it the way that was cutting edge at the time.

[@speedlookvintagemetal4840]

I think it was about leverage too as the steering was hard to handle.

[@gollumthewicked]

It's absolutely insane how many different automotive communities benefited from Ed's work. Case point example: Most camshaft manufactures were copying their other profiles for making aftermarket Datsun camshafts. Ed's cams would consistently out perform the rest, even with similar "specs". Why? Ed was the only one to sit down and tailor a profile for the Nissan geometry. More duration, more left, less spring pressure, less float. If you want a "real" competitive cam, you called Ed. This story is similar to many other enthusiast groups. IMO, Ed needs all the recognition he can get, as he's often an unsung hero of people's victories.

[@josephnickola877]

Wow, what an awesome car this is going to be an awesome build you've definitely picked the right man and the right family for the job. I especially like the reference to Ed being a pioneer of hot rodding like the Beatles were to music. Alex much respect to you. You showed the upmost respect to getting in the car as gentle as possible. It is obvious you have hot riding in your blood.

[@donsaunders5348]

Speedway Motors has the best product line for this type of project!.....Will be so cool to watch Dennis create this iconic tribute to Ed ....

[@davidbowden7331]

Oh I am looking forward to this, the passion and attention to detail that Ed went through to build the car is outstanding. I reckon you all have the same enthusiasm,passion and skills for this project. I reckon Dennis is in his element with this, the knowledge he has is fantastic, Good luck

[@glamiskid50]

I’m so excited about this project Ed is a treasure and still sharp as a tack. I could listen to his stories for hours two thumbs up.

[@clintonsmith9931]

In LA in 1963 there was not many cams yet to pick from Factory’s we’re making cams for there cars, I bought a green stripe in about 60. People were complaining about Isky cams going flat in the early 60s. But it was a go to cam that was competitive with the factory cams. Isky give you a choice of full race, half race, quarter race. Those days were exciting.

[@davidn1562]

Can't wait to see it!!!!!

[@bobbycole5597]

I'm older than your dad and my daughter is younger than you. I'm teaching her respect and imagination of our past. I remember when speedway was chrome on one side and brass on the other. Got my t bucket body from them with learners permit to drive. From Colorado to Nebraska. And then met him at Bonneville. Make him proud of the recreation.. you have a future. ...hotroders started it. Keep the faith youngster

[@killbill_1967]

I couldn’t think of anyone better than Dennis and family to do this build. The knowledge, skills and attitude required is awe inspiring. Much respect to you all. Look forward to seeing more as you progress.

[@volvobrynk]

There would be a few H.A.M.B that could, but this is epic

[@terrygolder2959]

Looking forward to this build feel privileged to have such a knowledgeable old man Alex love your content

[@mattjohnson7316]

What an awesome project. Can't wait to see the process. Good luck. Have fun. And enjoy every minute.😊

[@keithgriffith6002]

Wow can’t wait for the build. So much respect for everyone involved.

[@simplysimon9868]

WOW!!! That's an honour and then some guys. Looking forward to seeing what you do to build an iconic Hot Rod. Dennis and Alex are perfect for building with Isky help and the engine sounds so cool.

[@angushoover8670]

My dad's old shop was just down the street from Isky's shop in Culver City. I drove by it every day going to work. Love the history that you are recreating and sharing with us. I think your dad is the perfect builder for this project. Cali boy repping So Cal Hot Rodding. Can't wait to follow along. Thank you.

[@vanslawson2329]

WOW I cannot imagine how many questions to recreate something 75 years ago to present. The car after explaining different things. You're just amazed by the workmanship. Just think no Wire welders no Tig welders. I just love the video. The information. Can't wait to see the one with Mr. Isky himself. Alex keep up with the good work. Great job.

[@25vrd48]

I've had 2 T-buckets and they are so much fun . Y'all will really enjoy the ' T ' .

[@stephenullman4534]

This is something that's so special. I love the reason you're doing it. I'll love watching this build. So impressive.

[@frankdieckman9934]

Nobody else would do this build justice, going to be epic, just hope the good lord keeps Ed here to see it done!

[@Don14320]

if you didn't live in California back in the 40's, 50, 60 you did not live in the car world, you experienced their results. There was so much that floated around in the minds of the car guys that the Big Three came out to see, learn and take it back to their designers to incorporate it into the factory build consumer cars and trucks.

[@donmears4090]

That car was build when you had to build a hot rod making things fit together and run well. I feel alot of inspiration and skills used by early hot rodders came from aircraft manufacturers in Southern California. From the way things sound with the planed drivetrain you could run 6's if you found a way to get the rear tires to stop spinning. Two of my fondest memories are running my 72 Vega at Orange County International Raceway and my friends Super Bee at Irwindale one time each on at Wednesday test and tune in the 70's. 😊

[@NorthernHDrider]

COOL!! Just awesome. .... steering wheel being close is old school power steering. To be able molding stainless steel is hard today, when he molded that, WOW. THANK YOU for making the video on great history with great people.

[@markwaltrip8960]

I'm going to tell you like it is I can remember when they did an article on that car and it push that thing out drain some water out of the cylinders fired it up and took it down the alley it's one of my all-time favorite hot rods 👍👍👍

[@RebeldryversGarage]

Ed's first shop in Culver City back door was looking at the hangar at Hughes Aircraft, where the Spruce Goose was built. Not surprising Ed's influence and use of aircraft pieces. Love looking over these hot rods built way back to see the details. Thanks for sharing Ed's car.

[@user-gc1zn5mn4p]

Alex, this will be an interesting historic restomod. :)

[@BigMountainCustoms]

Ooooooooo......a 7.3 Godzilla?!? Finally Dennis/Alex Taylor AND Nolan representing Isky are building a FORD powerplant? I absolutely LOVE IT! So, in case you haven't noticed, I'm a FORD guy and I've ALWAYS wanted to see Dennis Taylor build a FORD in a FORD!!! And to build a 75th Anniversary car to honor the man who started it all?!? Do you realize that you are also building an ICON in automotive hot rodding history?!? Just plain awesome!!!!! I can't wait to see this unfold!

[@paulspangler2088]

I'm already on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode, darn you!

[@red-doggracing5557]

Back in the day my grandfather bought Eskandarian part for Model, a with HisCadillac motor. My dad bought Eskandarian cam roller for his 55 Chevy aA/ gas blown 396 cid sbc Chevy I bought a Eskandarian cam hydraulic roller old man’s garage grind very good quality stuff.!!!!

[@elvispresley3340]

NEATO. I can remember as a kid reading ISKY magazine adverts with ED's roadster in it - HA - I could recognise its silhouette from a far distance. Would be nice to use an original style engine - but just as NEATO with some modern bits (HA - and some safety maybe - maybe - HA). CHEERS from AUSTRALIA.

[@Jammer.1]

This is going to be a very interesting build & i'm looking forward to a lot the behind scenes video's !

[@patdesrosiers6423]

Great build, just found it today. Mr. Iskendarian is an icon of our hobby and one of very few of the old guard such as Gene Winfield still around. Speedway is the bomb and I’ve purchased quite a few parts from them. I’m about to put a 12 circuit wiring harness in my new Jeep rat rod build. Keep up the great work

[@simpledj509chromo7]

This is so so so cool. I'm all in on this build. Can't wait to see more. I had no idea about Ed but I hope it all comes together so he can see it. I love seeing history being recreated. And building a modern twist on a 90-100 year old body while being able to talk to the man that built the original is absolutely incredible.

[@mikehughes4687]

Guys and Girl I cannot wait to watch this......what an opportunity

[@Busted.Knuckles.Garage]

You guys are really paying an awesome tribute to a great automotive Man. I feel where your coming from with not having a part or that no company made it, so you either found something close and modified it, or you just got raw materials and made one from scratch, and I'm 100% sure Denis knows what I'm saying, When I was 17 yrs old in the 1980 we build a 72 V8 Chevy Vega and nobody made an alternator bracket to put the alternator where we wanted the paint job to be shown off at shows, so we got one and modified it. I also worked at a small airport and used some old aircraft parts to do a body on a go-cart. So Our generation dose understand sometimes it's just easier to quickly make a part then wait for shipping or the time it take to find one. Hope your family's are well & Thanks for Sharing Waiting patiently for the build videos Andrew from Barrie Ont Canada L4M2Z8

[@rosssuderno1290]

great video! The leather is done in real "Tuck & Roll!! I always wondered about the steering column too. Speedy Bill's Museum is the BEST!! You Guys/ Girls ROCK!! Thank You.

[@obsessioniskey]

I’m really looking forward to DTR teaching us all about this fantastic hot rod

[@jamesdeath3477]

Totally here for this! That car is legendary. Also it's funny to think that was just a 15 year old car when Ed started on it.

[@kylewatson6739]

In my honest opinion there's no better crew of ppl to recreate this car than Dennise Alex and Nolan I can not wait to see this project come together. If I ever get the chance to meet Dennise I'd be so fricken speechless I'd never even get to say thank you to the man let alone ask him of any of his knowledge. Everything thing iv ever seen him do is just mind blowing the amount of details that dennise is able to just look at this car and point out small but absolutely amazing details especially for the time it was made. I could go on and on lol but dennise is absolutely one of my top influences when it comes to fabricating and building just badassery !!

[@danielcopp6773]

Love the project, really looking forward to more of this!!

[@darrenbrisson4336]

Alex so cool to see that you made sure you want me my dad comes with me hope you have much success in your new garage you have a great teacher

[@soundslikebstome]

Back in the day, it was prestigous to have an Isky cam and components.

[@tompalcie6284]

Is there a more iconic hot rod than the isky t? I can't wait to see more. The devil is in the details, and that's what make the isky t so iconic

[@rocklover7437]

One of my favourite cars .It's stance is art .

[@z06doc86]

What a great build idea. Can’t wait for the series. Ed Iskenderian is the iconic hot rodder. I first knew about him at 7 or 8 years of age (about 1962). I wish I still had my old decal collection. IDEA: have some sort of raffle or contest and the winner gets to go to SEMA for the reveal. 👍👍

[@alyn7d7]

Eddie Hill could set you straight about the frames and the oddball questions that you don’t really know❤

[@Buickluvr]

Can't wait. Excited. Gonna be great. All the words and expressions that can't even begin to describe what's being said and done. Will definitely "be sitting on the end of my seat". Shoot lots of content. Thanks...

[@clifthomas5208]

This is amazing! I look forward to see this being built! Dennis is like a little kid! This is the pinnacle of hotrodding history!

[@panderson3657]

Way cool build… look forward to every episode.

[@breakupgoogle]

i cant wait for that interview.

[@stephenhamill7615]

Alex this kind of content would be nice as a series, disection and discussion of a iconic hotrod should happen again.

[@jerrypuckett6733]

Let’s go let’s do it. Can’t wait. Wish I could help.

[@1958HHH]

So cool, 👀ing forward to seeing this take shape. Best of all it’ll be like a DTR build series (hopefully the first of many more to come).

[@michaelwynne4346]

I hope today's generation realizes how lucky they are to be living in a time with the Internet, I was lucky enough to grow up around a bunch of people who didn't mind a young kid asking a ton of questions and looking over there shoulder back in the mid 70'S, I was born and raised around the BBC, I built my first Engine by reading " How to Hot Rod a Big Block Chevy " I bought the Book from my local Speed Shop, I can't wait to see how you combine yesterday's technology with today's.

[@johnmiller6356]

AND, you couldn't ask for a better builder for this project than Dennis Taylor.

[@thomaskerr2082]

Hats off to you all. I know this will be one great ride.Thanks for working so hard to bring us all you do. TK

[@MarkInArizona]

Next time you visit Ed, bring a couple of bags of old dried bread. Grab Ed and take him to the lake and feed the ducks. I promise it will be all worth the memories (and laughter) created.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

I am going to enjoy this for all the reasons you state. Nicely presented.

[@tinman2216]

I love the idea of putting the Godzilla motor in that thing! Everybody does LSs instead of sticking with what it should be.

[@S-zt7nv]

Alex your dad is a supper dad, good luck love to see you guys win !!!!!!!!!!!