Steve LomaxYucaipa, California'33 Ford Roadster
Drivetrain: The '65 409 (yes, Chevy did make a few 409s in 1965) is bored and stroked to 476 ci using a custom-machined 454 crank and 6.135-inch big-block Chevy rods. Engine builder Mark Evans also installed forged Ross pistons and a Comp roller camshaft before bolting on the reworked heads with Comp roller rockers. A pair of Edelbrock Performer carbs on a smoothed factory intake meter fuel, an MSD box and Taylor wires light off the mixture, and Sanderson headers sent spent fumes through a coated, owner-built exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers. Lamar Walden crafted the smooth aluminum valve covers, while Joe McCullough built the matching air cleaner. A Jerry Lowell-built TH350 with a B&M torque converter transmits power.
Chassis: A bobbed and C-notched Show Me Rod & Custom frame provides the roadster's foundation. Besides a tubular X-member assembly and raised front crossmember, the frame sports a narrowed 3.90:1-geared 9-inch rear hanging on a triangulated Pete & Jake's four bar with coilovers. The front suspension relies on a transverse leaf spring holding a Pete & Jake's 5-inch dropped axle. Steering comes from a Vega box, braking is by Wilwood discs, and fuel is stored in a stainless 21-gallon tank.
Wheels & Tires: The classic Gasser look is modernized with dished 20x9.5-inch Budnik Mercury wheels in back and 17x7-inch Budnik Gassers up front. Tires are BFGoodrich Comp T/As, sized at 295/40ZR20 and 215/45ZR17.
Body & Paint: The roadster body is a long-door Rat's Glass item, but it's finished off with steel fenders, running boards, aprons, and all three hood pieces. Kenny raised the cowl to fit the windshield, which was built using two So-Cal Speed Shop frames. Lights are commercial units in front and short-stand '33 Ford items in back. Builder Kenny Davis sprayed the Standox Mixing Silver paint himself.
Interior: James Carter of Rogers, Arkansas, gets credit for stitching the Lipstick Red UltraLeather over a custom-built seat and custom door and side panels. The dash is modified to wrap into the doors and is filled with Haneline instruments. A Carriage Works wheel tops the Limeworks column, while a B&M Bandit shifter and Lokar pedals provide additional shine.