For the past few years, the NSRA has highlighted some of the best hot rod builders in the country by organizing a group of them to showcase their latest rides in the foyer of the main hall that houses the hundreds of manufacturers attending the Street Rod Nationals in Louisville. There were 25 builders featured this year, but we only have space for a few. Here are some of the best:
Woody’s Hot Rodz Bright, IN...
Woody’s Hot Rodz Bright, IN Built for Woody Carrell, this ’55 Chevy 150 utility has stationary quarter windows and no back seat in the classic factory “delete” package. Carrell bought it in 1980 for $1,500 but recently had Woody’s Hot Rodz (builder of this year’s Road Tour ’55 Chevy) build it the way he would have liked to in the ’60s: with just the basics—no front bumper, radio, or carpet. This car was featured in the Jan. ’11 issue of Street Rodder.
Hercules Motor Car Company...
Hercules Motor Car Company Tampa, FL A builder and manufacturer of both two- and four-door woodies, Hercules has assembled more than 125 of their hot rods over the years. Greg Wilson owns this ’34, which was assembled on top of a TCI Engineering chassis and outfitted with a 350/350 engine and trans combo. PPG paint is on the outside and tan leather is used inside.
Cornhusker Rod & Custom Alexandria,...
Cornhusker Rod & Custom Alexandria, VA Cornhusker’s owner, Gary Mussman, bought this ’32 three-window 30 years ago but only recently had time to build it. A chassis specialist for more than three decades, Mussman “had a vision” for his Deuce that included 25-row hood sides, a 327 backed to a five-speed trans, and a 2-1/2-inch chop. The dash came from a ’32 Auburn and is filled with Moon gauges.
Roger Ramminger took his ’48...
Roger Ramminger took his ’48 Ford sedan to the folks at Big Oak Garage who shaved the driprails and door handles, replaced the floor, firewall, and rockers, pie-cut the hood, and scratch-built the grille. Then Big Oak painted it with a PPG Tangerine Go Mango. A 355 is under the hood and a custom dash was made for the interior. Big Oak Garage Hokes Bluff, AL
Rod Crafters Welcome, NC Built...
Rod Crafters Welcome, NC Built for Don and Shirley Konecny, Rod Crafters added floors and a firewall to this all-steel ’48 Anglia as well as a custom IFS setup before a 0.030 over 327 Chevy (equipped with Hilborn EFI) was shoehorned in place. Black diamond-pleated material and bomber seats are found inside and Halibrand wheels on each corner.