1936 Dodge Chosen as America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod
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Photo credit: GoogduysSome thirteen years ago, Vancouver’s Washington’s Kevin Bischoff set out to “make an ugly car beautiful.” He certainly accomplished the mission. So much so that he and wife Angie’s 1936 Dodge - opens in new window or tab. was crowned Goodguys 2014 Flowmaster - opens in new window or tab. America’s Most Beautiful street rod, beating out a national cast of finalists during the Goodguys - opens in new window or tab. 28th
West Coast Nationals back in August.
Working out of his Vancouver, Washington Shop (Kevin’s Restoration - opens in new window or tab.), he and his team were able to turn a pre-war stocker into a sleek, elegant and beautiful millennial gem. The necessary mods were substantial! The staunch, almost upright stance of the sedan was enhanced and swoopified by narrowing then laying the grill shell back one and a half inches while dropping it by one inch. They took two inches off the roof line, took five and a half inches out of the trunk hump then laid it (along with the rear window) forward. You think customizing is easy? Think again! They added five inches (from steel sheets) to the bottom of the doors and molded the fenders and running boards for cohesive, flowing lines. Once the bodyline and door gaps were perfect, it was painted House of Kolor - opens in new window or tab. Apple Red, with a Brandywine mix.
A Morrison - opens in new window or tab. air spring chassis outfitted with a Thunderbird steering rack, 9-inch rear end and Wilwood brakes sets up the car comfortably for cruise nights or long hauls. Billet Specialties - opens in new window or tab. “Magnitude” (18x7 front and 201x10 rears) wheels give it the perfect look. An almost sinful (being this is a Dodge) GM 350 was used for power but Bischoff and his team of craftsmen disguised it accordingly with custom made Chrysler hemi valve covers and Hedman - opens in new window or tab. headers. The potent exhaust notes are courtesy of custom two and a half inch exhaust with Flowmaster Hushpower - opens in new window or tab. mufflers.
Inside the cabin are full leather trimmed seats by B & R Auto Upholstery. A modded dash houses Classic Instruments’ - opens in new window or tab. “BOG” package (Big Ol Gauge). A leather booted Lokar - opens in new window or tab. shifter and Billet Specialties steering wheel add sporty elegance.
The car’s catchy name “Rampage” plays off its Dodge Brothers heritage while also signaling its gnarly performance under such elegant skin. It’s been popular this year on the show circuit, winning the Rose Grand Cup Sweepstakes at the Portland Roadster Show - opens in new window or tab. to go along with the new title of America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod.
For their big win in Pleasanton, the Bischoff’s will get to show it off with the other Goodguys Top 12 Cars of the Year at the season ending 17 - opens in new window or tab.th - opens in new window or tab.
Southwest Nationals - opens in new window or tab., November 14-16 at Westworld in Scottsdale, Arizona.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.