ummit Racing Equipment has long been a leading supplier of automotive performance products. They also offer a comprehensive line of premium automotive refinishing products at affordable prices. So, when it came time to paint a long-neglected project, I turned to Summit for what I needed.

For years I’ve had a 1956 DeSoto two-door hardtop that has repeatedly been put on the back burner as project cars go. Initially owned by my father, it came to me after his death in 1978. Truth be told, it was a little rough around the edges, but regardless, it was used for daily transportation until 1996. That’s when the Firedome Hemi made it clear with audible internal distress signals that it had gone as far as it would go. Ultimately, the DeSoto was stashed away in the corner of Brian Brennan’s barn in Idaho around 2012.

roy Gudgel and his company BBT Fabrications have been making quite a name for themselves with their outstanding work. They run a full-service shop in Mahomet, Illinois, doing top-level bodywork, metal fabrication, CNC machining, paint, upholstery, wiring, and final assembly. They have received awards in some top shows nationwide and show no signs of slowing down.

They are just wrapping up an outstanding 1959 Chevrolet Impala for Eugene Bothello. They started with a 65-year-old survivor in fair shape but they wound up replacing over half the sheetmetal on the body shell and creating hundreds of custom-fabricated components in their quest for perfection.

It will take several installments to do justice to this massive project, and they have set a very high bar for every component of the car, whether it will be visible when the car is completed or not. This time, we’ll focus on the extensive work done on the interior.

ust takes a toll on most vintage vehicles, and when one is resurrected to make a modern street machine, lots of repairs are usually in order. Fortunately, good-quality patch panels are available for most popular cars. In this case, we will follow Paul Gilbert at Hot Rods by Dean in Phoenix as he expertly fits panels from Auto Metal Direct (AMD) to a 1969 Camaro.

Every donor car is different, but the essential first step in any project is to carefully assess what sheetmetal parts need to be repaired or replaced. While this Camaro was in decent condition, the rust on the quarter-panels and many interior panels was extensive enough to make panel replacement a better option than trying to patch the original panels. This will often save time and give you better results.

e’ve all heard the old saying, “The devil is in the details.” As we look at some of the last tweaks made by the crew at Creative Rod & Kustom on Gerry Kerna’s Model A sedan, you’ll see how careful attention to small details can make a car stand out.

For the dashboard, rather than use a complement of standard round instruments, a decision was made to design a unique bezel that follows the top and bottom contours of the 1932-style dash with three uniquely shaped openings. After the details were worked out in CAD, the bezel was CNC machined from aluminum. Classic Instruments was called on to build custom instruments to fit this panel, and it is the perfect example of modern technology used with a vintage design element.

he Khrome Shoppe Special, a 1934 Ford coupe owned by Bob Reed, longtime hot rodder and friend, and restored by Tony Pisano, is an iconic hot rod steeped in history. A winner of the Ridler Award in 1984, this car stands out with its unique design inspired by Vern Luce’s successful 1933 Ford coupe, showcasing innovation and craftsmanship emblematic of the 1980s hot rod era.

Working from Thom Tayor’s original design, Greg Fleury of Fleury Hot Rods handled the body- and paintwork. Weisner’s Specialty Cars handled the paintwork. Custom wheels were from One Off Style; Vantage Upholstery handled the stitchwork.

Pisano’s unwavering determination to own this vehicle, with its distinctive track nose and captivating red color, reflects his passion for preserving automotive history. Despite facing challenges in locating and acquiring the car, Pisano’s dedication paid off when he finally got his hands on it after years of searching. The Khrome Shoppe Special continues to attract attention at car shows and events, captivating enthusiasts with its sleek design and attention to detail that have stood the test of time. Its upcoming appearance at the 55th anniversary of the 2024 NSRA Street Rod Nationals underscores its enduring appeal, serving as a nostalgic ode to a bygone era when hot rods reigned supreme on the roads. It also appears in the Nats program and several other Nationals-related publicity venues. Pisano’s commitment to maintaining and showcasing this legendary vehicle ensures its legacy will endure and inspire future generations of car enthusiasts for years to come.