The build Pics by Valley Gas Speed Shop
What started as a mild brake upgrade and engine refresh snowballed into a full restoration and comprehensive programme of upgrades
There was evidence of former repairs in the floorpans and boot, but everything was cleaned up and protected against future corrosion and then Dynamat’d for sound and heat insulation
Mustang II-style IFS benefits from tubular upper and lower wishbones, Wilwood disc brake upgrade and power assisted rack and pinion steering
Alongside the amount of work that went into restoring the dashboard, the new transmission tunnel cover was a walk in the park
Back axle is the rebuilt original ’57 Olds unit, plenty strong enough with its 9.2-inch ring gear, though it’s now held in place by Gaz adjustable coilovers and a triangulated 4-link
Jimmy loves a Ford in a Ford, and a Willys, and an Oldsmobile, and just about anything else. Believe it or not, this big block Ford is the old motor from his Boston Brawler Willys
Engine had to be de-tuned for street use and received a new crank and pistons in the process, as well as top and bottom girdles
If you thought that sounded fun, then this will really put a smile on your face
First stage mock-up with the Procharger, which Jimmy describes as really a belt-driven turbocharger
Bunch of snaked headers were fabricated in house at Valley Gas Speed Shop
If you want to have the ability to switch between mufflers and the sound of hades at the flick of a switch, electric cut-outs are what you need
And wanting to make a feature of them, they now protrude out under the doors, their neat duck bill ends in line with the car’s sills
We don’t want to know what the chrome bill was for that front bumper. Actually we did, and we do, but all we’ll say is S&T Electroplate in Yate made a damn fine job of resurrecting it
Heads are aluminium Ford Motorsport Cobra Jets with a full roller valvetrain
22 CUSTOM CAR APRIL 2023
8pp Kevin Helsdown.indd 22
05/03/2023 22:04
