From Dirt Track to Trophy Case: My 1932 Chevrolet Coupe Hot Rod Journey
Back in 2015, my 1932 Chevrolet Coupe was featured on HotRod.com, a moment that capped off years of sweat, grit, and a whole lot of family bonding in the garage. This car wasn’t just a project, it was a legacy, handed down from my grandfather to my father, Bobby, and finally to me, Ben Smithson. What started as a beat-up dirt track body, with zero dollars invested upfront, became an award-winning hot rod that’s turned heads at NSRA and Goodguys shows. Here’s the story of how we brought this Chevy back to life.
A Rough Start with Big Potential
When I first laid eyes on the coupe, it was a mess. Years on southern dirt tracks had left it battered, doors welded shut, back window hacked out, and a left quarter-panel that had taken a serious beating. Most folks would’ve called it a lost cause, but I saw a chance to create a low-slung, traditional hot rod with character. My dad and I rolled up our sleeves, and over six years of evenings and weekends in our Toney, Alabama garage, we turned that rough body into something special.
Crafting the Look
The coupe’s bright Quaker State green paint and Vanilla Shake accents make it pop, but getting there was no small feat. The body needed serious metalwork. I replaced panels, chopped the top by 3 inches, and fabricated new floorpans to handle a 4-inch channel. One of my favorite touches? Welding a stamped “Chevrolet” script from a six-cylinder valve cover into the rear body panel, a nod to the car’s roots. Dad and I handled the bodywork and paint, using PPG materials to give it that bold, contrasting finish.
Building the Bones
As an engineer by day, I couldn’t resist designing a custom frame from scratch. Using 2x3-inch boxed tubing, I Z’d the frame 4 inches up front and 13 inches in the rear for that aggressive, low stance. A 4-inch dropped axle and Posies transverse leaf spring keep the front end tight, while a triangulated four-link rear suspension with QA1 coilovers handles the back. GM disc brakes up front and Ford drums in the rear provide stopping power, and a Mopar steering box with custom linkage adds a stylish touch, exiting right through the cowl.
From Rat Rod to Refined
Originally, I thought this car would end up as a rat rod, given its rough shape. But as the build progressed, I saw its potential to be more, a polished hot rod with heart. Every weld, every panel, every late-night session in the garage brought it closer to that vision. Working alongside my dad made it even better. There’s nothing like a father-son project to turn a pile of parts into a rolling piece of art.
The Payoff
After years of work, the coupe hit the show circuit and started racking up awards in its first season. From NSRA to Goodguys, it’s been a thrill to see people appreciate the effort we poured into it. This car isn’t just a hot rod, it’s a testament to family, perseverance, and the joy of building something with your own hands.
Check out the original feature on HotRod.com for more details on the build!