Rod & Custom Feature Car
Ryan Daves /Arthur Matsakos
Bakersfield, California / Victoria, Australia
1950 Ford Sedan
Chassis
The stock frame still supports this Ford but has been step-notched in the rear to accommodate an Air Ride Technologies triangulated four-link rear suspension and 8-inch Ford rearend. Fatman dropped spindles work in conjunction with the Firestone air springs up front. George Snider welded the custom aluminum fuel tank.
Drivetrain
The Ford came with a nice-running Flathead, so Ryan simply upgraded it with water pumps and chrome accessories from Speedway Motors. Speedway headers were plumbed, sans mufflers, to a pair of lakes pipes from Moon. An original three-speed still backs the Flattie, transferring power to a new driveshaft from Pro Shaft in Bakersfield.
Wheels & Tires
Ryan liked the DuPont Bombay Blue color so well he used it on the steel wheels, too. Spider caps from Coker and mini trim rings from Rally America add a little sparkle. Tires are 185/70R15 BFGoodrich Silvertown radials from Coker Tire.
Body & Paint
Let's start with the top, which Ryan chopped with the help of friends Dave, Jacob, and Shane. It's lowered 5 inches in front, 7 inches in the rear, with the rear window moved forward 10 inches and the windshield V-butted. Every bit of side trim has been shaved, the hood peaked, and the headlights frenched using '57 Ford bezels. The frenched rear lights use Moon lenses. Ryan sprayed the DuPont Hot Hues Bombay Blue finish, setting it afire with yellow flames highlighted with green fades and Ron Beam pinstriping. Western Chrome plated the original bumpers and grille, while Moon supplied the spotlights. Bob's Auto Glass gets credit for the clear stuff.
Interior
Simple to the point of almost being stark, the interior wears many yards of white vinyl ably stitched by Bill Purkiser over a cut-down bench seat and custom side panels. The upholstery is complemented by a shaved stock dash and restored wheel, both painted white. A Classic Instruments quad gauge fills the original speedometer hole; a dangerous-looking knob tops the column shifter. Mike Cunningham helped Ryan install the Ron Francis wiring harness. Speaking of help, Ryan wanted to give special thanks to these people for all their assistance: Mom, Dad, Lea, Alex, Levi, Dakota, Dave, Jake, Shane, Shaun, Hung, Sonnic, Bill Floyd, all the guys at the shop, and the Loco Banditos car club.