This cool custom has been driven 4700 miles since it was constructed. It is a very capable driver that you can confidently take on the highway. Not only can you drive it, but it is show worthy and attention grabbing.
The original flathead V8 and Ford-O-Matic transmission are long gone. They have been replaced by a 350 four-bolt-main Chevy engine and Powerglide transmission. There is a tall Lokar floor mounted shifter. The original Ford rear end with 3.31 gears is still under car. The radiator is Aluminum and cools the engine with ease. An auxiliary electric fan with thermostat control was installed for parades.
The carburetor is a Rochester and it works well. It is fed by an electric fuel pump. There is a batwing air cleaner on top of the carburetor. The exhaust is true dual with a free-flowing muffler and pipes out the back. In addition, the Lake pipes are functional and can be uncapped.
This car has power drum brakes and manual steering. The front end has been rebuilt and aligned. New shocks were installed all the way around. There are two inch lowering blocks beneath the car now and a set of one inch blocks in the trunk should you decide to change the stance.
The 12 volt conversion was complete. All lights work properly. The wipers are electric. There is a full set of auxiliary gauges mounted below the dash. The doors and deck lid are opened with poppers. Don’t let me forget to show where the buttons are! There is a working AM/FM/Cassette stereo in the dash and twin, frenched antennas to feed the signal. The chromed alternator powers the system.
The interior is beautifully stitched. Even the headliner is matching. The seats, door panels, dash, back dash and carpet are in great condition. This car has seat belts. The trunk has been carpeted. It contains a jack, wrench and spare tire. You will also find the wrench and vented caps to uncork the Lake Pipes. There is a service manual, too.
The body is modified. It was nosed and decked. The door handles have been shaved. The headlights and tail lights are frenched. The tail light lens are Oldsmobile. It has fender skirts. The dummy spot lights also act as the rear view mirrors. The Red Fire Metallic paint has minimal flaws and the body is not showing signs of repair, corrosion or body filler. There are burgundy scallops and pin stripes throughout the body. An interesting and attractive touch is a halo molding around the roof.
This car is rolling on older Coker radial wide whitewall tires. The hubcaps are Cadillac Sombreros. A true custom tough.
I just took the car to a hotrod/custom car show and it was very well received. While some of the others were trailered and pushed into position, this car was proudly driven and parked in its designated spot.
If you appreciate the look of the late 50’s/early 60’s custom cars, yet want to have the reliability of a more modern powertrain, this is a great combination of both. The market for these cars is not as popular as it was a few years back, so the price is reflective. Can you imagine the cost and effort required to build this car?
I will attest to the fact that it is well sorted and a capable driver. I can assure you that you will garner lots of attention. I have experienced both.
