Chevy Metal
That the 1949-53 Chevy is one of the most popular cars to modify right now should be pretty obvious to anyone who attends shows or reads magazines, but unfortunately we can't all find a rust free south-western state project. Luckily the aftermarket is coming to the rescue with patch panels and sheetmetal to rescue these models.
EMS Automotive has always been a great source of repair panels for numerous Fifties cars, and now they've introduced a lower front quarter panel for the 1953-54 Chevy. Die-stamped in the USA, the 18-gauge panel is stepped into the door jamb and extends through into the wheel opening and about 4 inches above it, with a stepped flange already formed to make fitment easy. For more information contact
EMS Automotive at
(216) 541-4585.
Bright Lights
Ford's 1942-48 rear lights have long been a favorite with hot rodders wanting a taillight mounted on the rear panel, coming close behind '39 teardrops and Pontiac lights in popularity. Southern Rods and Parts recognized this and now offer LED versions of the Ford light, which easily mount to any flat panel with just two 1/4-inch holes.
Measuring 21/2x5-inches, they fit in tight areas and come pre-terminated with an 1157 socket for easy installation, and are sold in pairs. Now there's no reason to fit dim original lights when you can have the peace of mind of bright LEDs. For more information contact
Southern Rods and Parts at
(800) 787-8763 or
www.southernrods.com.
Addin' Sparks
Yeah, we know. Hard to get excited about a little electrical gizmo huh? But sometimes the neatest things look innocuous. This has to be the easiest way to add a power circuit we've ever seen. Watson's StreetWorks has made available this 40 Amp Relay with a fuse built in. Just wire the relay between power and the load, add a control switch to trigger the relay and one ground wire, and you're done.
It's neat and compact, no extra fuse holder is required and it's perfect if all your fuses are already in use. It's supplied with a 30 amp fuse though you'll need to size the fuse to your load requirements to protect the circuit. For more information contact
Watson's StreetWorks at
(860) 859-0513 or
www.watsons-streetworks.com.
Get it Handled
If you're at all concerned with handling as well as straight-line performance, you'll know that a triangulated four-link offers improvements over the long-employed parallel leaf spring arrangement when it comes to rearends. Heidts is a name familiar to hot rodders thanks to their well-known IFS systems, but they've now released a triangulated four-link for Tri-Five Chevys that's designed to handle high horsepower and allow the car to handle well.
Sold as a kit, it comprises chassis and axle brackets, plain adjustable links, full upper coilover crossmember with adjustable Heidts black coilovers, and all hardware. No cutting or floor modifications are needed and adjustable four-link mounts allow for suspension tuning. Being triangulated, a Panhard rod isn't required, and the kit is available with plain steel or polished stainless steel tubes. Optional items are available, including 9-inch housing with third member, axles and rear disc brakes. For more information contact
Heidts at
(800) 841-8188 or
www.heidts.com.