Dan Ballow sent in this article on his work on a friends car......

Makes Changes To Bluezilla

Pictures By: Dan Ballow ~ Beller’s Beaters

Frank Papen, of Aurora Colorado surrendered his pride and joy "Bluezilla" to me, Dan Ballow after the 2004 Louisville show for a makeover of the front suspension, engine and trans. Bluezilla won "Field Directors Pick" at Oklahoma City last March and plans are to make Oklahoma City, Pueblo and Louisville again this year.

Bluezilla was made from a 74 Nova rear steer sub, 350 engine & 350 trans from the same car some years back, I didn't like some of the work and convinced Frank to hand her over for a spell.

Engine was mounted too low in the chassis due to the wheel spacing of the 40 versus the 74 nova sub and front end travel was less than 1/2" to stop which was totally unacceptable for a car destined to be driven to the shows over "lord knows what" on some of the highways. No trailers for this blue baby, the trip is half the fun.

Front end pulled apart and stripped, old drum brakes, engine and trans, old welding and fabricating cut off like skimming scum off a Louisiana swamp. Then started fresh. cleaned up the frame, fabricated higher motor mounts, tubular A-frames, air ride bags, compressor and all the trimmings, new crate 350 and a 700r4. Frank sending me parts faster than I could put them on but it finally came together and fired it up Sunday 2/5. What a difference. Look for this - un at the shows.

Dan Ballow ~ Beller's Beaters

Wow, Thanks Dan Ballow for sending us the pictures and info on what was done to Franks Papen’s Bluezilla.  I am sure He will be extremely happy with the changes you made.  We hope everyone else enjoys the information as much as we did.