Mike’s 1959 corvette is an example of some of our finest work. This project really gave us the opportunity to showcase what we were capable of in many categories. From design and fabrication to body and paint, I was at the forefront of this project that began under Streetrods by Denny and was completed by Sanders Street Rods.
This 1959 Corvette showed up to the shop on a trailer and in boxes. Mike had a vision of a tasteful, clean build that did not disrupt too much of the original Corvette styling. It would need to handle like a new car and have the power of a modern Corvette. An Art Morrison chassis was at the top of the list alongside an LS7 engine and a T56 6 speed manual transmission.
The body was in really rough shape and needed a complete nose replacement. Everything from the windshield forward was cut off and a new piece fit and bonded into the original body. We had an opportunity to document the process and be featured in a series of magazine articles that followed through the process.
Later an entire new rear floor would be built along with wheel tubs to clear the massive rear wheels and independent rear suspension from AME. It is an itchy dusty job but the vision for the finished project helped us power through the dust and get all the fiberglass work done to the best of our ability.
With the exterior left alone short of the 1958 Hood and trunk spears we had the opportunity to really customize the engine bay and interior. Mike pretty much gave me the green light to completely modify the engine bay so that when you open the hood everybody will recognize there's more to this project than meets the eye.
Hand shaped aluminum inner fenders and engine cover wrapped neatly around the engine did just that. The aluminum engine cover and Carbon fiber valve covers shift the engine from another LS7 to one that is clearly designed for this car. I pulled details off the hood and incorporated them into the engine cover. I also shaped three gauge pods to add a bit of unique design and offset the three reservoirs on the opposing side. I also invented a new system for latching the hood that converted it from two clunky latches in each corner to a smooth single latch in the center. The original hood prop was eliminated and I fabricated a latch on the front of the hood that was out of sight and held the hood in the open position without any visual prop rod.
Nothing was left without attention to detail. Even the underside of the body was finished much like the exterior of the car. Gloss black frame rails and a full custom tig welded stainless exhaust catches your eye when the car is on a lift. The exhaust has a Y in it near the header that directs the exhaust either straight out the side of the car through an electronic valve or to the rear through the dual magnaflows. Stainless plumbing, chrome plated control arms and the craftsmanship of the Art Morrison chassis grab your attention as you take a closer look.
Unveiled for the first time in 2022 at Goodguys in Puyallup the Vette was awarded a builders choice and GM iron builder of the year. It has been featured in numerous magazine articles and online publications. I feel very fortunate to be placed in a spot that fostered my creativity and drove me to pursue this industry as a career. The kind words and encouragement from Mike and everyone that has seen that car are motivating to say the least.
Don't let me fool you. While I had a hand in every aspect of this project, there were many others that played a critical role in making this car what it is today. Including but not limited to Denny Olson, Doug Isbell, Matt Anderson, Brian Collins, Mike Zaffe, Jamie Mcfarland, Marshal and Harley (Mcfarland upholstery).
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