The rollcage was owner-built...
The rollcage was owner-built using NHRA guidelines. Race buckets from Summit utilize Simpson racing belts. The SO-CAL Speed Shop steering wheel is mounted on a fabricated column. The gauges are ’60s-era Stewart-Warners, with an Auto Meter race tach on the column. Aluminum door panels are all powdercoated.
The rusty old body has been reclaimed and looks very straight. True to his do-it-yourself personality, Butch chopped the top a whopping 4 inches. The chop is the only body modification; other than that and the fuel tank relocation, it is just the way ol’ Henry made it. Well, almost the way he made it. Inside the cockpit, little is hidden by unnecessary upholstery. Of course, Butch did all the woodwork himself. Check the cool little race car switch panel above the driver. Butch says his only regret is that he does not employ a vintage tach. He is looking for one, however.
The headlights came with the car, but are obviously not Model A units. They are listed as “unknown origin.” The taillights were pirated from a ’48 Chevy. John Rodriguez of Marysville, California, did the chrome. Higgins Custom Upholstery in Chico, California, provided the top. The windshield is the only glass in the car. A/C is au naturel. Nick Kniezic of Paradise painted the sedan, with pinstriping ably accomplished by Cody.
According to Butch, credit for the biggest contribution to the project rightfully goes to Lloyd Knifong of Platinum Powder Coating for his efforts to finalize the finish by powdercoating “virtually every component that could withstand the 400-degree temperatures in Lloyd’s ovens!”
So, Butch Bromley has truly done the “real” hot rod thing: he dreamed it, he built it, and he drives it. Much should be made of the fact that he did all of this with the support of his wife, Susie, whose patience and great cooking were instrumental to his success—and with the help of his sons, Beau and Cody. Hot rodding really can be a family hobby, or should we say obsession?
The Chevy small-block’s “fuelie”...
The Chevy small-block’s “fuelie” heads are dressed up with original Corvette finned valve covers. An Edelbrock X-1 cross ram manifold is topped with a six-pack of Stromberg 97 carbs.