Rod & Custom Feature Car
Terry And Joyce James
Mira Loma, Ca
1949 Chevrolet Fleetline
Chassis
Terry retained the original frame, boxed it, and modified the X-member so it could be removable if the trans ever needed to be serviced. A Fatman Fabrications Ultra Low IFS with a power rack and 2-inch dropped spindles with 11-inch discs was installed along with KYB shocks. In back, Terry installed a '78 Ford 8-inch using the original leaf springs (rebuilt and powdercoated) with 2-inch blocks and KYB shocks. A Walton Fabrications pedal assembly works the CPP booster and master cylinder. A Rock Valley 16-gallon stainless tank replaced the stock tank in the stock location.
Drivetrain
It didn't take Terry long to realize the straight-six wasn't going to satisfy his inner hot rodder, so he found a '66 Buick 425ci Nailhead and Turbo 400 combo. Once the engine was machined and balanced, Terry reassembled it with the stock bottom end but added 10.25:1compression TA Performance pistons and a Schneider cam. The short-block was then topped with a Buick dual-quad intake and a pair of Edelbrock 500-cfm carbs with Moon air cleaners. Stock aluminum Buick valve covers and modified brackets were installed along with an Offenhauser valley cover. A U.S. Radiator four-core brass radiator keeps it running as cool as it looks.
Wheels &Tires
Wheelsmith solids (15x7s and 15x8s) with '53 Olds flipper 'caps and BFG radial wide whites (195/75s and 235/75s) provide the perfect look.
Paint & Body
The Fleetline body didn't need much more than a simple nose and deck job, headlight frenching, and a handle shave to look good. A flush-mounted power antenna and Gene Winfield custom taillight lenses (Terry added LED lights) were added bonuses. Once Terry had the body in shape, he sent it over to Choice Auto Body in Corona for a few coats of Sherwin-Williams '76 BMW Orange, and then had Dave Wittel at California Designs in Norco lay down some lines.
Interior
The stock '49 Chevy dash was cleaned up and complemented with a Haneline insert with a five-in-one gauge set as well as a custom radio and Vintage Air vent panel by Whitey. A '59 Impala wheel keeps the custom theme going atop the '78 Chevy van tilt column. The stock seats and custom door panels were tucked and rolled in Tangelo and French Vanilla vinyl by Mark and Henry Torres at the Upholsterers' Shop in Riverside.