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1949 Ford Coupe - Ford-Ified (cont.)
"The side trim was an airbrushed concept in the renderings," Seth says, "but our heads-together stubbornness insisted on something more trick and difficult. Most people ask, 'What is that trim off of?' It is not off of anything. It is solid aluminum, CAD-designed and CNC-machined, welded, polished, and painted. Studs threaded into the trim are used to affix it to the body; no small feat, as every dip and rise in the body had to be filled accordingly." Hopperstad helped engineer and build the trim, while the crew at Nardi's Rod and Custom fine-tuned it after applying the car's custom-mixed Sikkens orange and champagne metallic paint
The Ford's bold streak is more than skin deep. Under the hood thumps a stroked, 392ci Ford Windsor small-block fed by a Holley blower and Demon 850-cfm carb, all dressed up in body-color paint and topped by a Tony Nardi-crafted air cleaner. Fed by a stainless Rock Valley tank, the engine churns out a dyno-proven 490 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, channeling it through a Tremec five-speed.
Cradling the potent drivetrain is a modified frame with a Mustang II-style IFS, Air Ride Technologies air springs, an Addco sway bar, and 13.5-inch Wilwood brakes. Out back, the current air spring/leaf spring combo will soon be replaced with a four-link setup, although the narrowed 9-inch rearend, 4.10:1 gears, and Wilwood discs should stay put. Rolling stock consists of 17- and 18-inch Billet Specialties Stiletto wheels and BFGoodrich rubber.
A Hopperstad-modified dash filled with Auto Meter dials keeps Seth informed in the cabin, while Cougar bucket seats wrapped in brown and beige leather keep him comfortable. Steve and Marilyn Rolfs, of Durant, Iowa, get credit for the fine upholstery design and craftsmanship. Their handiwork is complemented by amenities such as an ididit tilt column, Billet Specialties wheel, Alpine tunes, and Vintage Air climate controls.
Ken Barnhart and his crew at Ken's Street Rod Repair ably handled much of the Ford's mechanical work and final assembly, finishing it up in time to hit the Goodguys 2005 Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, and the PPG Nationals in Columbus, where we bestowed it with a Custom Rodder Top Ten award.
"The car has been a long time coming," Seth says, "but it was a journey well worth the effort, and a lot of friends were made along the way. I am sure I have missed a lot of names, but all the people that contributed to this work of art and function will be fondly remembered and greatly appreciated. Thanks to you all for making my dream car come true!"
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