Weekend Warrior Winter Garage Projects: A Look at Some Inspiring Builds

February 5, 2021February 23, 2021 Mark Williams 0 Comments Aeromotive, American Racing, Art Morrison, Borg Warner, Buick Grand National, Chevy Corvette, Custom Builds, Dakota Digital Gauges, Dana, Datsun, DeSoto, Detroit Speed, Detroit Speed Rack and Pinion, Edelbrock, Ford Model A, GM Performance, Hellcat, KONI, LS Engine, Mickey Thompson, Nitto, Off-Roading, PerTronix, Restomod, Sterling, Strange Engineering, Tremec, WARN, Wilwood

It might seem counterintuitive to look at other builds when developing something unique. But let’s face it: While we’re living in a fantastic day and age where anything goes in vehicle building, it’s likely already been tried or accomplished. True, not being first to the party can be a bummer – but there is always a silver lining. In this case? Not only proof that what you’re dreaming up can be done, but also the ability to source any of the information you need to complete the task.

And remember, there’s still plenty of room for originality: from putting forth custom designs or simply tweaking the final product to swapping a unique powerplant or dreaming up a radical exterior.

That being said, let’s take a look at some recent inspiring builds that grabbed our attention and made us dream up something new.

PerTronix_Aeromotive_Acquisition — As technology continues to transform the auto industry, a record number of mergers and acquisitions are sweeping through the aftermarket. One new partnership that recently raised eyebrows was that of PerTronix and Aeromotive. The former is an industry-leading supplier of ignition components, renowned for its Ignitor Series points replacement kits, HEI performance modules, Flame-Thrower HEI, billet and cast distributors, ignition coils, and spark plug wire sets. Similarly, Aeromotive is an absolute juggernaut of fuel-delivery and fuel-system components. The brand encompasses everything from late-model muscle and drag racing to marine and powersports. Their budding partnership spells opportunity for enthusiasts across the spectrum.

1970 Datsun 521 Go-Getter

@ericksracing – Erick Aguilar

More often than not, we have one car that sees love. The other chariots in the collection are just for commuting or hauling parts. But any engine and four wheels can be the subject of a jaw-dropping build plan.

At Erick’s Racing Engines in Baldwin Park, California, owner Erick Aguilar, has a passion for taking classic Datsuns from mild to wild. (Some are even crushing the quarter-mile in as little as 7 seconds!) But when Aguilar needs to leave the shop from time to time in order to gather odds and ends for other inspiring builds, the truck he uses to do the heavy lifting may surprise you: a 1970 Datsun 521.

As Aguilar specializes in Datsuns, this beauty has a little more kick than it did in its factory form. “The way I have it right now, it produces close to about 400 horsepower,” he shared. If you know anything about these trucks, then you know that power output is about 500% of what the original engines could achieve.

How is this possible? With the help of a turbocharged Honda S2000 engine, that’s how. Backed by a five-speed and held up by the suspension from a 90’s D21, this truck does anything but lag in traffic. And while Erick mentioned it’s “just a straight truck I use to run around and pick up parts,” we suspect that modern powerplant and suspension combined with the Wilwood disc brakes on all four corners and traction control system likely leads to more pleasure cruises than strict business.

Like many great builds, Aguilar’s Datsun holds some nostalgic vibes. “When I was young and going to high school, those were the cars that were coming back around and my uncles used to drive,” he said. Finding and building this truck was like a trip down memory lane.

Aguilar’s Datsun 521 offers a useful lesson in thinking outside the box. Long story short, the vehicles you rely on for essential function don’t need to be mundane! They can be a creative representation of your taste. More than that, they can be just as, if not more, fun to drive than the other projects you’ve got going.

Build Specs

400hp 2004 Honda S2000 Engine
S2000 6-Speed Transmission
1991 D21 Front Suspension
1991 D21 Rear Differential
KONI Shocks
Wilwood Brakes

1960 Chevy Corvette Restomod

@metalworksspeedshop

For many, an old Chevy with an LS under the hood is enough to get the blood pumping. But if you’re interested in classic sheet metal wrapping itself around modern goodies, then this restomod 1960 Corvette is worth your attention.

The platform’s history combined with this model year’s wild curves is already something to go nuts over. The 465-horsepower GM Performance powerplant is nothing to glance past either — especially with that Tremec 6-speed manual transmission backing it. However, the chassis is doing just as much to enhance performance and drivability.

This particular Corvette, built by Metalworks Speedshop in Eugene, Oregon, sits on top of an Art Morrison Enterprises GT Sport Chassis. It’s also rockin’ a Detroit Speed rack and pinion steering set up, Strange Engineering shocks, and comes to a stop with the help of Wilwood disc brakes. As for appearance, it’s relatively stock, except for the American Racing wheels.

There’s no question that this is a long-term project and requires a rather significant investment. There’s also no denying the warm and fuzzy feeling a classic-looking ride with modern performance inspires. This build shows how tasteful upgrades can make a big impact.

Build Specs

GM Performance 465hp LS3
Tremec 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Art Morrison Enterprises GT Sport Chassis
Detroit Speed Rack and Pinion
Wilwood Disc Brakes
Dakota Digital Gauges
American Racing Wheels
Strange Engineering 3rd Member and Mono-tube Shocks

1931 Ford Model A RatRod

@rickyboada – Ricky Boada

Since we’re sticking to the theme of late-model engines making their way into classic platforms, we might as well shake things up a little. This particular build isn’t exactly new, but it’s sure to make waves for years to come.

Before we dive into the internals, we need to stand back and admire this monster’s appearance. The radically-altered shape, designed by Aaron Beck, is still close enough to the 1930 Ford it’s based on to capture the attention of American history nuts. And while it’s certainly a clash of worlds, the blend of F1 and hot-rodding is what many would agree to be perfection.

Those monstrous 31-inch Mickey Thompson’s are there for a reason. Underneath the sheet metal is an F20C S2000 engine. If that’s a turn-off for you, we guarantee the 9,000 RPM scream will make you a believer.

Since Boada acquired the car, he added an inter-cooled turbo and made a long list of miscellaneous updates. That includes shaving the throttle body linkage because it binds on the fender and reshaping the other fender to fit the turbo.

“This is one of these cars that’s never going to be finished,” said Boada. “I got it from somebody. I’m putting my touches on it, making it better. The person who has it after me may like/may not like what I did, and they’re going to change things around.”

That’s an important mindset to keep when tackling a build: Is a final product ever really finished?

Build Specs

F20C S2000 Engine
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Wilwood Disc Brakes
10 Differential Gears
Mickey Thompson Tires: 28.5×13-15 Front, 31×16.5-15 Rear
Custom Aero/Body Work
Custom Suspension

DeSoto/F-250 Crossbreed

@1955_chupacabra – Dave Mackey

Not everyone is interested in using a late model engine in their build. Plus, where’s the off-road stuff?

Well, this inspiring build – a DeSoto/F-250 Gambler 500 rig – covers both fronts… and then some.

Seeing as the looks are impossible to ignore, we’ll start there. The body belongs to a 1955 DeSoto that Dave Mackey, builder/owner, has sitting on a set of 37-inch Nitto Trail Grappler tires. It isn’t lifted, but it sure feels like it since it’s sitting on the chassis of a 1986 F-250 4WD.

1955 DeSoto build — Aptly named “Chupacabra,” this build makes an impression everywhere it goes. | *Instagram @1955_chupacabra*

And while DeSoto is known for its exclusive use of 50s-era Hemi V8s, that’s not this build’s pulse. It might have been a Chrysler nut’s dream to see an elephant under the hood, but the Ford 460 makes more sense considering the frame. Besides, the Ford big block isn’t exactly a slouch.

Linking the crankshaft to the wheels is an array of beefy gears. The transmission is the ultra-durable Borg Warner T18 that sends motion to a Sterling 10.5-inch rear axle and a Dana 50 TTB front differential. And in case the low gearing isn’t enough, Mackey’s got a Warn 8,000-lb winch for assistance.

This build is more than a showstopper, though. It’s used and abused just like it should be.

“We have put over 15k miles on it from weekend adventures,” Mackey told Bangshift.com. “The best event I have taken it on was the Canadian Gambler 500, which put us in the mountains above Kelowna, British Columbia … We try to take it out at least twice a month and go see new things.”

Build Specs

1955 DeSoto Body on 1986 F-250 Chassis
Ford 460 Cubic Inch Engine
550 CFM Edelbrock Carburetor
Borg Werner T18 4-Speed Transmission
37-Inch Nitto Trail Grappler Tires
Warn 8000lb Winch
Sterling 10.5-Inch Rear Axle
Dana 50 TTB Front Axle

Hellcat Buick Grand National

@project_hellnational – Enrique Ojeda

Everywhere you look, you’ll find diehard Mopar and Ford fans puking their guts up over an LS in place of a Hemi or a Coyote. It’s not that folks don’t appreciate a late model engine’s performance and drivability advantages. They just can’t understand the thought process of running a Chevy engine—even if it is more affordable.

But now the tables have turned. In the eyes of many (myself included), the Buick Grand National is one of the best cars to roll off any GM assembly line. And while it’s hard to see anything in place of the legendary turbo V6, a Hellcat supercharged 7.2-liter V8 just might be the better choice.

We could understand the rage GM lovers are feeling, but there’s no way to whole-heartedly turn your nose up at this thing. It’s a clash of interests, a betrayal of the gods, and it’s nothing short of totally and utterly awesome.

The Grand National’s sinister looks paired with the devilish Hemi power come together to make the ultimate demagogue. Obviously, there are plenty of takeaways for something like this. But, if you were looking for a way to take revenge for all of the sins committed on account of an LS, this is definitely it.