Cruisin' Times Magazine

from Cruisin Times Magazine - April 2023

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was modified and fitted with a Heidts Mustang II front suspension with Air Ride Technologies making the coupe capable of sitting down on the ground. Wildwood brakes, Aldan shocks and Mustang II steering help to make it driveable. The rear end is a narrowed Ford 9” holding 3.73 gears and more Air Ride Technologies equipment. Wheels are the Chip Foose Kunckles with 17x7 in front and 18x10 out back that are all mounted on Goodyear Eagle Sport rubber (205-60-17 & 255-55-18).

Power comes from a big block Chevy that puts out 550 HP from 441 cubic inches. A Chrome 502 Ram Jet injection and manifold with a K&N air cleaner sits on top the block. Joe’s good friend, Jim Brower built the power plant. Unfortunately Jim has since passed away and this was the last one he built. Power drives through a 700 R4 modified PTC Torque Converter built by John Zandardy from North Lima. Kenny Thomas of Canfield made the driveshaft and Lokar supplied the shifter.

Under hood dress-up was provided by Edelbrock Street & Performance valve covers that were painted to match the car’s exterior. A front-drive alternator with AC and the water pump all add chrome sparkle under the hood while a custom made radiator cover adds to the clean and smooth style.

Work was still going on all corners of this steel bodied hot rod. The body was channeled four inches. Hidden hinges from Brad at Rocky Hinge were installed and door handles were shaved. Taillights and the gas door were recessed and the bumper openings were filled in all to enhance the clean lines Joe was after. The firewall was recessed five inches to accommodate the BBC and Joe fabricated a new floor and trans tunnel. The hood was bobbed and the side panels were also modified. Running boards were widened for appearance and to ease access. The windshield opening was modified to accept a onepiece V-bend glass from Jefferies of California. I see something else that has been modified every time I look over this build.

J.L. Johnson Upholstery in Hartville added more even exquisite details when he got hold of Joe’s Ford. Pro Leather Vinyl in Doe and Cigar hues were selected as the interior foundation. Both overhead and center consoles with LED back lighting and chrome accents were constructed and installed. The headliner, seat surround and trunk were each stitched to matching perfection. Extreme Audio installed a surround system to fit this classy build while Summit Racing in Tallmadge and JPL Street Rods in Aliquippa also supplied pieces and parts.

Chuck Huff from New Middletown did the body prep and sprayed an eye-catching PPG Orange Radiance and Black combination on the exterior. The color mix certainly attracts attention at car shows and response has been excellent. Joe’s Coupe was actually invited to enter the Good Guys 2021 Street Rod of the Year in Columbus but ended up being eliminated because it was not a “pro-built” car. Go figure!

Great hot rod builds don’t happen by accident or without helping hands. Joe was quick to credit all of the assists he received from his brother, Jim, and good friends Paul Shovlin, Bill Zentner, Dave Selby, Chuck Huff and Bob Brown who he purchased the car from. And a special thank you goes to his wife Michelle for putting up with his hot rod passion.

Joe has driven his completed build to Octane Nights in Ravenna along with shows in Pittsburgh and throughout the tricounty area. He picked up three Best-In-Show awards this past summer and looks to travel to more events anytime the sun is shining. The Piston Power Show is on his early 2023 schedule.

When I consider the amount of time and money that a project like this takes, a question comes to mind. Does the journey end when the last bolt is tightened and a bit of dust is wiped off of the hood right before the engine is fired for that inaugural twenty mile ride down the highway? Or is that when the journey in the newly completed build actually begins? I’m not sure. You decide!