Rod & Custom Feature Car
Ann Bechtel
Kenton, Ohio
1949 Chevrolet Fleetline
Chassis
The stock frame was improved with a weld-in Fatman IFS and tubular engine and trans mounts. The S-10 4x4 rearend was located with the stock Chevy springs and lowering blocks.
Drivetrain
The worn-out six-cylinder was quickly replaced with the rebuild '74 Chevy 350. The internals remained mostly stock with the exception of a COMP Cams 270H bumpstick. The Edelbrock Performer intake and carb and Patriot ceramic-coated headers provide good looks and some added power. The Turbo 350 is shifted with a Lokar 23-inch Nostalgia Shifter.
Wheels & Tires
Fifteen-inch Chevy wheels are dressed up with a little paint and Wheel Vintiques 10-inch baby moons and smooth beauty rings. Coker 215/75R15 wide whites give it a classic look.
Body & Paint
A few custom touches were performed once all the rusted and bent sheetmetal was replaced. The hood seam was welded and the corners rounded. Pieces of the stock grille opening, along with some handmade pieces, were used to make the grille surround for the '53 Buick grille teeth. The stock turn signals were relocated and frenched along with the tri-bar headlights, antenna, and '59 Cad taillights. The front and rear pans were molded and the hood, trunk, and door handles were shaved (a Dakota Digital remote entry system with door and trunk poppers was also added). The firewall and inner fenderwells were smoothed. A '50 Oldsmobile windshield replaced the stock two-piece unit. Larry sprayed the DuPont Hot Hues Copper Sunset in an improvised booth in the garage.
Interior
The interior continues the mild custom theme. The stock seats were retained and covered in an ivory vinyl with ginger piping by Don Staver. Larry's uncle, Jim Bechtel, of Classic Auto Trim, did the door panels, kick panels, visors, armrests, rear deck, trunk compartment, and carpet. The stock column was replaced with an ididit tilt topped with a '59 Impala wheel. Dakota Digital gauges monitor the engine. A custom underdash panel houses the Vintage Air controls and vent.