Classy ChassisThe street rod revolution has hit the '50s, making it just as easy to order a custom chassis for '55-57 Chevys as it is for a '32 Ford. Art Morrison's Tri-Five chassis features a computer-designed, mandrel-bent, fixture-welded, 2x4-inch frame employing a custom IFS with Strange coilovers, AGR rack-and-pinion steering, and a beefy 1-inch sway bar. A triangulated four-bar setup is used in back, along with coilovers, a 3/4-inch sway bar, and a 9-inch Ford rearend. The frame can accommodate small- or big-block engines with just about any transmission and is designed to accept stock bumper, body, and core support mounts. Absolutely no welding is required. For more info, contact Art Morrison Enterprises, 5301 8th St. E., Dept. R&C, Fife, WA 98424; (800) 929-7188; www.artmorrison.com.
Stamp Of ApprovalIt never happens when you're washing it, waxing it, or cleaning the glass. Only after you're done detailing do you get the final "stamp of approval" from your feathered friends. Artist George Trosley has captured the moment perfectly in his latest painting, "Not Yet...Wait 'Til He Finishes It!" The artwork is faithfully reproduced on double-weight, acid-free paper, and each limited-edition print is signed, numbered, and can be personalized. The price is $19.95, and shipping and handling are free. Check out Trosley's Web site at www.georgetrosley.com, or send your check or money order to George Trosley, Box 37, Dept. R&C, Woodlyn, PA 19094.
Steerin' & Stylin'The billet wheel innovators at Budnik took a step back in time to create the Flat-Track Series, a new line of nostalgia-themed steering wheels. Combining modern materials and a Split-Grip design with vintage looks, the wheels are machined from forged 6061-T6, then brushed or polished. Flat-Track wheels measure 15.5 inches in diameter and come in eight standard shades of leather, or you can send in your leather for a perfect interior match. The wheels fit most small three-bolt columns. For more information, contact Budnik Wheels, 15251 Pipeline Ln., Dept. R&C, Huntington Beach, CA 92649; (714) 892-1932; www.budnik.com.
Droptop DreamFinally, there's a Deuce roadster for all seasons. Hot Rods & Horsepower recently introduced a convertible version of its all-steel reproduction Dearborn Deuce. It's actually a roadster/cabriolet hybrid, with a stainless roadster-style windshield, a retractable Cambria-cloth-covered top that hides away under a contoured lid, and power windows. Made in conjunction with ASC, Inc., the car also features 3-inch-wider doors and optional heating and A/C. The body can be purchased alone or as a package with Hot Rods & Horsepower's AccuRail chassis. For details, contact Hot Rods & Horsepower, 11 Business Park Dr., Dept. R&C, Branford, CT 06405; (203) 481-1932; www.hotrodsandhorsepower.com.
Quarter TherapyPut away the trowel and that bucket o' body filler! Engineering & Manufacturing Services (EMS) has a better way to fix the rust on your vintage ride-actual sheetmetal. The company's latest additions include several parts for '57-58 full-size Fords, including toe boards, front fender sections, front lower quarter-panels, and this rear lower quarter-panel. This panel is stamped from 18-gauge steel and is detailed with all the styling features needed for first-rate rust repair. For more information on these and other Ford and Chevy sheetmetal parts, contact EMS, Box 24362, Dept. R&C, Cleveland, OH 44124; (216) 541-4585.
Wear Your RubberThere was a time when you could only get repro parts for early Fords and popular musclecars. Thankfully, new products are now being made for a variety of post-war cars, including wagons. Case in point: there are several new SoffSeal offerings for late-'50s GM wagons. SoffSeal now has the curved rear-side stationary window glass channel for '59-60 Chevy and Buick two- and four-door wagons (shown), as well as '61-64 Chevy, Buick, Olds, and Pontiac four-door wagons. These parts are made to be sun- and ozone-resistant and are backed by a lifetime satisfaction guarantee. For details, contact SoffSeal, Inc., 104 May r., Dept. R&C, Harrison, OH 45030; (513) 367-0028; www.soffseal.com.