Reassembly soon began, and Finch got help in that department from Rick Anderson of Custom Fabrication (Fresno, CA) who worked on the entire build-up. Rechromed parts from Clovis Specialty Plating were added and Finch ordered a set of gauges from Dakota Digital for a spot in the dash in front of the steering wheel. The stereo system came from Custom Autosound and installed at Cooks Communications in Fresno. The major electrical work for the car was then finished up by Bob Cook, who used a Haywire wiring kit as a base to work from.
A 60/40 split bench seat, taken from a '86 Lincoln, was recovered in black and beige leatherette by Dave Stoeckel of DSco Interiors in Madera, California. DSco also created the small center console under the dash, which houses the controls and vents for the Vintage Air climate control system.
With the car finished after a seven-year build, Finch was happy to get behind the wheel and get some miles on the car. Not interested in the car show trophy scene, Ron is happier when driving his ride down the road with his wife, Bonnie, by his side. But other times she's following in the couple's other hot rod: a '29 Ford Tudor, which Ron had built back in 1994. Both cars have an unmistakable attitude, and both are fine examples of the early-late hot rod combination that are found in the garages of today's hot rodders.
It seems the Olds J-2 engines...
It seems the Olds J-2 engines have been popping up a lot lately in various hot rods, but it's right at home in the engine bay of the Olds 88. The Rocket 88 V-8 debuted in 1949, but with 303 cubes and a measly 135 horsepower rating. By 1957, the displacement had been bumped to 371 and, with the J-2's triple-two carb setup, delivered 300-plus horses. Finch took his a step further by having the motor bored .060 over to almost 400 inches, which is more than enough to push the big Olds down the street. B&M Transmission supplied the 700-R4 trans, which was modified with a shift kit.
A '86 Lincoln gave up its...
A '86 Lincoln gave up its 60/40 split bench seat for the cause, and was recovered in beige 'n' black leatherette by Dave Stoeckel of DSco Interiors in Madera, CA. The dash now sports a Dakota Digital gauge panel and the Vintage Air climate controls are found in a custom center console. A Billet Specialties steering wheel and a Flaming River column add a bit of class to the interior, and a Custom Autosound stereo system provides the proper soundtrack for those evening cruises.
If the black paint and chrome...
If the black paint and chrome accents didn't tell you, the Rocket's nose-down stance should confirm this ride has the proper amount of attitude. The body has been relieved of its door, trunk, and hood trim, and the Billet Specialties 16-inch Legacy wheels are shod in Michelin rubber.