Car  Build history:   The original chassis builder Ted Brown has completely reconstructed the frame. The sheet metal was done by the original tin-man Doug Kruse. The paint was done by Gil’s Auto Body in original bright candy tangerine-red paint scheme. An early write up stated, “Much altered wheelbase finals out at 98-inchs. Both front and rear axle have been moved forward.” Innovating ‘in the day’ the same write up states, “Specially fabricated tube crossmember supports rear of transmission. Note also the tube structure to contain the driveshaft in case of U-joint breakage. Traction bars are of rectangular steel tubing and attached to combination spring plate and shock mount.” Regarding early performance the article stated, “Plagued by big wheelies… the car has yet to make a complete full-power run through the quarter.” As noted above, this was solved by the invention of the first wheelie bar; lending itself to keeping this fuelie four speed straight. The body and chassis along with wheels and tires are as originally run.

The engine and transmission currently installed in the car while in the museum are ‘shells.’ A finished engine by HL Shahan with completed Hilborn injected 454 c.i. - 60 over, line bored and balanced 4 bolt main engine comes with the sale of the car. (Doug knew that an engine, setting in the museum for years would seize up, thus the reason for the engine shell being in the car at the museum.) Art Carr will supply the 400R Chevy transmission and converter when sold. It has a 9 inch Ford rear end.

Why did you decide to recreate the ‘Chevy 2 Much’? Doug, “Steve Gibbs who was running the museum wanted me to put a car in the museum. So after that Fletch, the original builder, came into my shop and reconstructed the car. Then, Doug Kruse, who did the original tin, helped out.” How many cars were in the museum? Doug, “Twenty or so cars originally.”

Museum reconstruction:   In an interview Doug stated, “We created this 2^nd car in my original header shop in Riverside. I still have the pink slip for the original car somewhere.”
 What happened to the 1^st car?     Doug, “I sold it to a speed shop in Riverside. He put an automatic into the car because the car was getting away from him with the four speed. Then he sold it to some guys in Chicago who changed the wheelbase and put it into the wall and totaled it.”

Special thanks to friends who labored with us originally and on the rebuild
 Tom Rodriguez, HL Shahan, Gary Slusser, Ted Brown, Fletch and Doug Kruse.
and Thanks to Junior Thompson for helping me take the hood off at the museum for this photo shoot