Frame Off Built Real Steel Sedan EFI 383 V8 700R4 4-Speed PS PB Leather AC

SUMMARY

* Restoration completed in 2006
* 383 cubic inch V8
* 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning
* All-steel body / House Of Kolor paint
* Power rack-and-pinion steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Boxed frame / Custom suspension
* 10-bolt rear axle / Auburn posi-traction differential / 3.73 gears
* Billet Specialties wheels
* Modern audio

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One day, we might look back and consider today the zenith of street rodding. With an endless assortment of components, a deep pool of talent and many ways to fuse the two together, the possibilities are simply limitless. And the best part is: modern rods can be as driver-friendly as production cars while offering twice the style. The culmination of custom leather, a professionally polished profile and small block Chevrolet power, this spectacular sedan is about a nice as hot rods come. And with an all-steel body, a smooth 383 and a custom undercarriage, it's a fully sorted cruiser that's ready for years of enjoyment. Want to view the street rod scene from the best seat in the house? Take a closer look at this awesome Ford!

BODYWORK/TRIM

The car's smooth and solid body began life as a run-of-the-mill humpback that was maintained, driven and paraded for most of its existence. During a 3-year, frame-off restoration, that old school metal was stripped, chopped 3.5 inches and married to a filled roof. That roof, layered in House Of Kolor Apple Red Kandy, filters to a House Of Kolor Orion Silver fuselage via snazzy flame pin striping. That highly detailed striping dances around factory heat extractors, traditional chrome trim and a frenched power antenna. Modern mirrors, matted running boards, billet windshield wipers and vintage looking headlights ensure excellent functionality. And shaved doors join a color-keyed grille, a frenched tag and flush-fit tail lamps to provide the simple yet unique perfection that characterizes timeless street rodding.

ENGINE

'Keep it simple' is a good philosophy when it comes to performance and reliability. And the builders of this clean classic did exactly that by equipping the car with small block 383 power. At the top of the fully sorted mill, a chromed Street & Performance TPI-style intake sports a polished air cleaner, proven Lokar linkages and a slick BBK throttle body. That intake pushes air and electronically sourced fossils through aluminum Trick Flow heads that are capped with chrome, “V8” branded valve covers. Behind those heads, a familiar HEI distributor fires chrome-loomed Moroso plug wires, which snake around weather-free block hugger headers. At the base of that distributor, a high performance Trick Flow cam rotates between tough flat top pistons. At the front of that cam, a modern serpentine drive spins a polished alternator opposite a polished AC compressor. And at the front of that drive, a corrugated hose drains a beefy radiator. Aesthetically, the subdued small block rides in a glossy engine bay that's finished to the same level as the car's bright exterior panels. And nice pieces like braided hoses, polished breathers, trick dipsticks and a Bitchin Products firewall provide a perfect amount of visual punch!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this Ford upside down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix classic looks with modern mobility. A tough 700R4 4-speed spins power to a 10-bolt axle that's fitted with 3.73 gears and proven Auburn posi-trac. That stout drivetrain rides on a boxed, original chassis, which mixes QA1 coil-overs with a Heidts Mustang II-style front clip and sturdy 4-bar rear half. Modern power rack-and-pinion steering is a welcome addition. The car's power-assisted braking is solid, thanks to two Heidts GM-style discs and two Wilwood discs. There's a polished stainless exhaust system that snakes through an H-shaped crossover, polished Magnaflow mufflers and polished, oval tips. Everything rides on sculpted Billet Specialties wheels, which spin 245/40ZR17 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As in front of 255/45ZR18 BF Goodrich g-Force T/As. And items like a finned oil pan, a finned flywheel cover, an Edelbrock fuel filter and a stainless fuel tank finish an otherwise impressive canvas.

INTERIOR

Despite its custom digs, 'simple' is still the name of the game in this sedan's roomy cockpit. Front and center, leather seats ride opposite a wood-trimmed Wabbit's dash that's finished with Classic Instruments telemetry and a lighted gear selector. Those components are trimmed in color-keyed carpet, billet door handles, sculpted armrests and body-matched window frames. Vintage Air conditioning offers refreshing reprieve from hot summer car shows, while smooth power windows allow for nice fall cruising. A Sony Xplod CD/MP3 player makes good use of big kick speakers. In front of the driver, a wrapped Lecarra steering wheel laps billet foot pedals and a tilting Ididit column. And behind the passengers, a leather-lined trunk hides a deep stash.

Despite the availability of components, building a quality street rod that looks, runs and drives as it should is still a serious undertaking. The builders of this Ford didn't cut a single corner, and it shows from every angle. With all the right parts, and tasteful looks that will always draw a crowd, this slick little sedan would be a great addition to any garage. Don't miss the chance to park it in yours!