Rodding Around
BY BRIAN BRENNAN
Latest From Old Anvil Speed Shop
digital illustration of renovated old anvil speed shop 1962 chevy convertible
Amidst a backdrop of hot rods, the latest masterpiece emerged—a stunning 1962 Impala SS convertible—from Old Anvil Speed Shop in Orange, California.

With just 40,000 original miles and an original interior preserved through the years, the team at Old Anvil knew they had something special. The car had only undergone a single re-spray, but it was ready for a rebirth to elevate it from its vintage roots to a modern-day powerhouse.

From the ground up, the crew crafted a custom chassis and converted the Impala into a unibody vehicle, enhancing its structural integrity while providing a sleek, contemporary silhouette. Air suspension was installed, giving the car a smooth, adjustable ride height that perfectly complemented the extravagant 24-inch wheels.

A Nelson Racing Engines Inter-cooled Kong Supercharged 427 LS engine, equipped with upgraded Dart heads, pumped out a jaw-dropping 1,200 hp transferred to a custom-built 4L80E transmission. Next up is the 9-inch rear from Strange Engineering. Custom Wilwood brakes were integrated, using their Camaro rotor hat to bring the calipers inboard, paired with Corvette-style 15-inch brakes, ensuring this beast could stop as fiercely as it could go.

Next, Old Anvil will use custom House of Kolor paint. The team at Old Anvil performed all fabrication, sheetmetal work, paint and body, interior, and final assembly, all painstakingly done in-house.

Inside, Vintage Air’s Gen 5 system elevated the driving experience, placed seamlessly within a custom Old Anvil dash mount. With brushed aluminum louvers, the controls were as stylish as they were functional and made at Old Anvil.

You will see the build here on the pages of Modern Rodding, and you can also enjoy the video on YouTube: https://bit.ly/4eb8Qod.

old anvil speed shop 1962 chevy convertible
old anvil speed shop 1962 chevy convertible with new tires and rims
Painless Performance Welcomes Back an Old Friend—and Owner—Dennis Overholser
Dennis Overholser, the visionary co-founder and inventor of Painless Performance Products, has successfully retained ownership of the company, marking a significant milestone in its storied history. With this exciting development, Overholser reaffirms his commitment to innovation, quality, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in automotive electrical systems.

Established in 1990, Painless Performance Products has been a cornerstone in the automotive aftermarket industry. It is renowned for its solutions that simplify wiring complexities for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Overholser’s ownership signals a new era of focused leadership and strategic growth for the company.

“I am thrilled to take the helm of Painless Performance Products,” Dennis Overholser says. “This company has always been my passion, and I am eager to steer it toward new heights of success and innovation. Our team is dedicated to delivering the highest quality products and unmatched customer service.”

Under Overholser’s leadership, Painless Performance Products is poised to expand its product offerings, enhance operational efficiencies, and strengthen its position as a market leader. Over the years, the company has earned a reputation for reliability and ingenuity, reflected in its diverse range of wiring harnesses, EFI solutions, switch panels, and more.

“We see a bright future ahead for Painless Performance Products,” Overholser continues. “Our focus remains on driving innovation and meeting our customers’ evolving needs. With ownership restored, we have the agility to respond swiftly to market demands and continue our tradition of excellence.”

Overholser’s journey with Painless Performance Products spans decades. It is marked by a deep-seated passion for automotive technology and a commitment to delivering superior products that empower enthusiasts worldwide. His acquisition of the company underscores his unwavering dedication to its values and long-term success.

For more information about Painless Performance Products and its range of automotive electrical solutions, please visit painlessperformance.com.

Dennis Overholser, Painless Performance owner
Modern Rodding
VOLUME 5 • ISSUE 50 • 2024