Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
Frame off build
Original body
GM LS6 V8 (400hp)
GM 4-speed automatic
Ford 8-inch rear end
Air ride suspension
Power disc brakes
Air conditioning
The automotive scene can be a fickle place. Trends come, go, and
eventually cycle back twenty years later after they've been deemed
officially "vintage". Some builders strive to create cars that
offer the flavor of the day while others simply look on from a
distance, pick the pieces they truly like, and create one-of-a-kind
cars like this 1931 Chevrolet five-window coupe. While it features
plenty of modern must-haves like air ride and a Corvette LS6,
choices like the unique graphics and custom interior underscore the
fact that this bowtie marches to its own beat. The beneficiary of a
frame-off restoration, this Chevrolet offers a quality build
consisting of only the best parts. If you're looking for a fun,
comfortable, and totally unique hot rod to hit the town in, this
5-window is for you!
BODYWORK/TRIM
To answer the most obvious question - yes, it's an original body.
Survival rates for these cars are relatively low thanks to GM's
"composite body" construction which paired hardwood and steel
together under the guise of safety. Thankfully, styling was handled
a bit better. This coupe remains in its original proportions but
there are a few noteworthy body modifications to mention. For
starters, the door handles have been shaved for a cleaner look. The
hood has been louvered and the running boards have been smoothed
and widened to accommodate the side-exit exhaust. The mostly-stock
lines present better than ever thanks to some quality body work and
a seriously bright top coat. The base color is an
attention-grabbing shade of red topped by custom yellow and orange
graphics. The paintwork shows well and ensures this coupe will
never get lost in the crowd.
Like any good street rod, a closer inspection reveals plenty of
interesting details throughout. The front end remains true to stock
form with a mirror-like chrome grille topped by a falcon hood
ornament. A pair of large round headlights perch atop an arched
cross-member while, below, a factory-style chrome bumper shows as
new. The split hood is still in place, dressed with some fresh
hardware and the aforementioned louvers that grace either side. A
visor caps the greenhouse, shading a new windshield matched by new
glass all around. Power wipers maintain that windshield while a
faux rag top adds some style to the roof. The rear window has also
been modified to roll down for some extra ventilation. Aside from
the yellow and orange graphics, the profile remains fairly
straightforward - even the Fisher Body tag is still present. The
sloped rear is capped by correct Chevlite taillights which offer
space for dual satellite radio antennas. At either side, a
two-piece chrome bumper frames the styled fuel tank cover.
ENGINE
In 1931, Chevrolet had a distinctive edge with their Stovebolt Six.
Displacing 194 cubic inches, the engine utilized 5.02:1 compression
and a single Carter one-barrel carb to produce 50hp and roughly
120-lbs. ft. of torque - significantly more than their 4-cylinder
rivals. This '31 retains the upper hand thanks to an LS6 V8 that
has been fitted between the frame rails. Based on the beloved LS1,
the all-aluminum small block starts with a cast aluminum block
filled with a hollow steel cam, cast nodular iron crank, powder
metal rods, and other lightweight pieces. It's then topped with
aluminum heads, a composite intake, and sophisticated fuel
injection which help the modern V8 achieve 405hp and 400-lbs. ft.
of torque. At the front of the engine, billet pulleys turn a modern
accessory drive which includes a chrome alternator and air
conditioning compressor. The firewall has been modified and
smoothed for clearance while details like chrome flex hoses, a
chrome throttle body, stainless and aluminum brackets, and braided
stainless offer worthy surroundings for the LS motor.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Take a look underneath this coupe to find even more high-end
hardware. The foundation is a boxed and painted frame which has
been updated with a tubular X-member. All lines are run neatly
along the frame rails and look new in every way. In the center, a
GM 4-speed automatic transmission spins power back to a Ford 8-inch
rear end. Around the drivetrain, the suspension has received all
the best modern updates. The front end sports painted tubular
A-arms which work in conjunction with a pair of air springs to
offer a fully adjustable ride height. The rear end is equally
malleable thanks to a painted tubular 4-link and a second set of
air springs. The air ride setup is controlled by a digital
interface on the dash. All tanks, compressors, and air lines are
tucked neatly out of sight. The steering is especially adept thanks
to a manual rack-and-pinion unit while four-wheel disc brakes rein
in the LS6 with ease. At the corners, a set of 15-inch Boyd
Coddington wheels meet the road through fat 215/65R15 and 295/50R15
BFG Radial T/A tires.
INTERIOR
Pop open the doors to find a luxurious custom leather interior full
of modern components. The most obvious starting point is the bright
red steel dash which features a full set of sleek digital gauges.
To the left of the instrument cluster, controls for the air ride
setup stay within easy reach. To the right, a digital interface
offers control of the heater and air conditioning system. In-flight
entertainment comes courtesy of a Pioneer head unit which sends
signal to speakers throughout, including two JL subs mounted in the
trunk. Control of the front wheels is offered by a Grant steering
wheel which tops a brushed aluminum tilt column. The aluminum is
matched by the trim found on the pedals below. Seating for two is
provided by attractive bucket seats wrapped in tan leather and
divided by a custom console that flows from the dash, terminating
beneath the rear window. A B&M shifter extends through the
floor, offering authority over that transmission below. At either
side, a custom leather headliner matches leather door panels for a
cohesive look throughout. Behind the passenger compartment, the
sloped decklid conceals more custom leather work matched by tan
carpet below.
Looking over the spec list, its hard to not be impressed by the
sheer amount of cool pieces incorporated into this Chevy. From the
LS6 to air ride to the attractive leather interior, someone has
invested a lot of time and effort in creating their street rod
vision. If that vision aligns with yours, clear out a space in your
collection and don't miss the chance to bring home a fun
comfortable street rod to enjoy all year round!