1954 Chevrolet Coupe - Jeff James

Starting life as a ’54 Chevrolet 210, Jeff James handed off his ride to Jesse Miller of Sacramento Kustoms to chop, french, and smooth out the little bowtie ride, but it did not stop there. The chop totaled 4 1/2-inches in the front and 7 1/2-inches in the back. The b-pillars were angled and custom sail panels were fabricated to accommodate the ’53 businessman coupe rear glass.

After that the hood seam was welded, nosed, and peaked. Front corners were rounded and the grille from a ’56 Oldsmobile was fitted into the front sheet metal opening with a ’57 Chevrolet truck center. The headlights were frenched with ’54 Mercury rings to set off the welded and shaved front bumper. Side trim was bobbed welded and polished by Jesse Miller at Sacremento Kustoms. The rearend has been extended with ’54 Mercury tail sections including cut down tail lights, rear bumper is off a ’56 Packard Patrician that has been narrowed with a ’53 Kaiser over rider. Handmade rear skirts extend under the body line to complete the look.

gnrs19The engine compartment has a smoothed and bead rolled firewall, handmade inner-fender well panels that have been louvered, and a handmade radiator panel. Suspension is handled by a TCI front end on slam bags, rear is Air Ride 4-link on slam bags all running via Accuair e-level system. A 10-bolt sporting a “Posi” differential with 3.36 gears out of a ‘65 Nova SS is supported by a 700R4 transmission. Powering the ’54 is a Al Liest Racing built 383 Chevy 4-bolt main with forged rotating assembly 10:1 compression short block. RHS heads, a set of roller rockers, and cam from Comp Cams maintain time and Sacramento So-Cal Speed Shop supplied polished intake and Rochester carbs keep the fire lit.

Inside, Paco’s Custom Upholstery from Roseville, CA handmade the headliner and rear seat by using ‘54 Mercury door panel boomerangs on the front and rear door panels. The dash has been filled and smoothed. Frenched AC vents, handmade floors, panels, and door poppers bring the fantastic interior together. James Dean at Rebel Design in Roseville, CA started with House of Kolor KBC Root Beer that was modified to work with the Caramel Pearl top which is a custom mix by James himself. The pinstriping and gold leaf work by Lefty aka Joshua Mullican from the Poor Boys Car Club ties the custom colors and look in concert.

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