Unlike the standard first-generation Corvette, Mike raised the rear deck to allow massive 11-inch wide rims in the back. This accounts for the rod's lowered stance and its ability to run either custom street-rod rims and/or late-model Corvette factory wheels. He employed the services of Time Machines Unlimited to develop a conventional convertible top for the kit Vette. A-1 Fiberglass made several subtle changes to the body to give it a more sleek, street-rod appearance.
Interior ::: Before sending...
Interior ::: Before sending the rough fiberglass bodies to A-1 Fiberglass for modification, the original designs by the Mastretta brothers required a custom interior for the kit car. A Flaming River steering column capped with a Colorado Custom steering wheel and Pioneer sound system compose the cabin's accoutrements.
Initially, the custom car kits couldn't accommodate the original '58's interior, requiring all those who used the Mastrettas' body to custom stitch a unique cabin particular to the client's tastes. With the reworking talents of the crew at A-1, that is no longer a concern. The refurbished bodies can now take a completely restoration-true interior, including the dash pad, gauges, center console, door panels, and seats.
This particular black-on-red kit Vette-Rod served as not only the halo vehicle for Mike's Street Rods Only Vette venture, but also as the tooling car-the template for all changes devised or experimented on. Patterned after a '58 roadster, this faux Corvette features a 350 small-block hand-built by Street and Performance out of Mena, Arkansas, and is married to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission. All that power turns the independent Dana 36 out back with freeway-friendly 3.08 posi gears. Big Weld 18x10-inch rims up front and 20x10 rollers are wrapped in BFGoodrich rubber. A PRC custom aluminum radiator is cooled by dual fans, chilling the powerplant, while all factory C4 suspension helps the kit car carve the corners. A Flaming River steering column and Classic Custom gauges embossed with the Street Rods Only logo adorns the trick Schober's Upholstery leather interior. The cockpit is covered by a unique convertible top when the A/C is on and the power windows are up.
Once completed, the Corvette was rolled into SRO's paint booth and beautifully painted by Jimmy Mardis. Mike assures us the undercarriage is just as gorgeous as the top.
Liquid Cutting Concepts provided all the intricate metalwork, while Street Rods Only tackled the majority of the car build.
With customers calling from Russia, Australia, and Canada, Mike is more than happy to provide you with everything needed to build your own Vette-Rod no matter where you might live.