Rod & Custom Feature Car
George Lange
Webster Groves, Missouri
1933 Ford Coupe
Chassis
The intent from the start was to make this a practical build, so the original frame was retained and partially boxed. A '32 heavy axle was sent to Joe Engelman to be dropped and then hung an inch farther forward (to center the wheel in the fender) with a lengthened stock wishbone and a de-arched stock spring with reversed eyes. Wilwood discs on '40 Ford spindles and a Pete & Jake's Vega-style box and Panhard bar complete the front suspension, along with Gabriel shocks. The rear suspension is just as simple. A 4.11-geared Ford 9-inch is located with Pete & Jake's ladder bars and a de-arched stock spring.
Drivetrain
George likes Fords in Fords and wanted reliability, so he chose a Ford Racing GT40 crate engine and left it just as Ford delivered it. About the only thing the engine didn't come with was the exhaust, so they added a set of PerTronix Patriot headers and Edelbrock mufflers. A Walker radiator keeps things cool. George believes in actively participating in the driving process, so a Tremec World Class five-speed from Keisler was ordered with an S-10 tailshaft to move the shifter forward enough to clear the seat.
Wheels & Tires
A set of cast-finish American Racing Torq-Thrust Ds (15x4-1/2 and 16x7) drive home the classic hot rod look. BFGoodrich 155/80s get the front down, and Cooper 235/70s bring the back up for a little rake.
Body & Paint
George was fortunate enough to start with a really clean original body and decided to use some restraint when it came time to start cutting on it. He had the Stirnemann brothers and Ernie Vishion slice the top a fairly mild 2 inches, lean back the A-pillars a few degrees, and lean forward the rear of the top. The rear fenders and apron were bobbed about 4 inches. The Stirnemanns then covered their handiwork with DuPont Hot Hues Spinnaker Blue. Custom nerf bars front and back help protect the body and grille. BLC headlights, with LED turn signals hidden inside, were mounted on chopped stands and light the way.
Interior
This could be the perfect hot rod interior. The stock bench was retained but lowered a little and covered in gray leather rolls 'n' pleats, along with stock-style door panels by Don Albers. The original dash features a homemade engine-turned stainless insert by Skip Boyer with Classic gauges. A '75 Corvette wheel tops a '67 Chevy pickup column. Although it looks bare-bones, there's actually a Secret Audio system hidden, as well as a Vintage Air system mounted behind the seat with custom ducts that run above the headliner into the header panel behind the sun visors.