STYLEMASTER, FRESHLY BUILT 350/700R4 COMBO, IDIDIT COLUMN, MUSTANG FRONT END

Description

Family-sized hot rods are hot right now and this 1948 Chevy Stylemaster 2-door sedan is a great example of that trend, combining vintage good looks and a modern drivetrain to create a car that cruises like your modern iron, but looks like something from another era. Isn't that the point?OK, so the bright blue paint isn't exactly original equipment, but this nicely-built rod wears them quite well. The bodywork is pretty much the way the factory did it, including all the great chrome and stainless details that make cars from this era so appealing. A few mods like the Vee'd windshield and shaved body trim give it a unique look but nothing they've done erases the great-looking Chevy underneath. Constructed several years ago, this cool two-door shows decent gaps all around and modest signs of use, but that's to be expected when you build a car to drive. The look is both traditional and radical, and if you can't attract attention in this car, you may as well collect clocks instead. Cool additions include chrome peep mirrors on both sides, cool bumpers that tuck in close to the body, and a light tint on the glass that works rather well with the blue paint. Comfort was clearly a priority in building the interior, which features a spacious front bench that's upholstered in a familiar fashion and allows easy access to the matching rear seat. The door panels have been finished in the same durable blue fabric, their pleats and header panel matching the look of the seats perfectly. The original steel dashboard has been painted to match the bodywork and filled with a custom billet gauge panel that flows neatly into the original radio grille in the center of the dash. There's a fully compliment of white-faced Auto Meter gauges keeping an eye on the engine with the tach living over on the passenger's side where the clock used to be. A custom under-dash enclosure houses the vents and duct work for the A/C system while a state-of-the-art Pioneer touch-screen entertainment system has been neatly installed in the glove box. The trunk has been upholstered to match the interior, with simple side panels and blue carpet, plus a big subwoofer enclosure that helps it sound great inside.Neatly installed in the '41's engine bay, the freshly-built 350 cubic inch Chevy V8 features a host of upgrades that help this coupe really hustle on the highway. Making an estimated 325 horsepower, it's professionally built and includes an Edelbrock 4-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and a set of stainless headers tucked in close to the block. There's a lot of chrome and billet aluminum for dress up, including those cool valve covers with "Chevrolet" script engraved on their faces for a vintage look. Accessories are mounted tight to the block for maximum clearance, and use billet brackets and pulleys for a little extra eye candy. The chassis uses a Mustang II setup, which includes power rack-and-pinion steering and disc brakes, while out back there's a Ford 9-inch rear hanging on leaf springs and fitted with rear disc brakes for impressive stopping power. The transmission is a 700R4 4-speed automatic overdrive that is the right partner for a 350 cubic inch small block, ensuring comfort and reliability for this cruiser. Other features include a Flowmaster exhaust system and flashy aluminum wheels wearing 205/75/15 blackwall radials.If you're a hot rodder who wants to cruise with his family, you need a full-sized rod. This slick little Chevy with all its wonderful bells and whistles is an ideal choice. Call now!