Family Input Made this 1952 Chevy Styleline a True Custom and More Fun
Eddie Waples is happy to credit family members – his own as well as others – for contributing to this beautiful 1952 Chevy Styleline coupe that was named Fuel Curve Custom of the Year Finalist at the Goodguys 1st Mid-Atlantic Nationals. We’ll get back to the reasons why a bit later.
When Eddie bought the Styleline, a previous owner had gone as far as removing the six-cylinder engine and installing Mustang II front suspension. The crew at Six Deuces Speed Shop took it from there, under Eddie’s direction, adding an AccuAir suspension with a triangulated four-link setup to the stock rearend, and disc brakes along with air springs in front. The rubber meets the road via 15-inch US Supreme wheels wrapped in white wall tread.
The empty engine bay was refilled with a 300-horsepower 350c.i. small-block Chevy V8 running Edelbrock Performer induction, a COMP Cams Thumpr camshaft, HEI ignition, and block-hugger headers leading to the dual exhaust system with Smithy’s glasspack mufflers. Finned aluminum accessories dress the engine up and a tall floor shifter from Lokar controls the 350 Turbo transmission.
Metalworkers Cory Hunter and his dad, Gary, dove into the biggest challenge, chopping the swoopy Styleline top and recontouring the B-pillars. Removing 5-inches in front and 3-inches in the rear was a major contribution toward streamlining the Chevy’s profile, a goal further enhanced by sectioning the deck lid.
A ’57 Chevy contributed the front bumper to form the lower grille opening, and Eddie mounted his lifetime collection of ’53 Chevy grille teeth on a ’54 bar. He added modern headlights LED headlights to give the custom “a more sinister look!” The rear wheel openings were recontoured and fairings formed to fit a pair of ’50 Pontiac taillights above a ’56 Chevy rear bumper.
Strader’s Auto Upholstery finished the interior in rolled and pleated gold vinyl on a ’53 Chevy front bench and ’66 T-bird rear seat. A restored Deluxe ’52 Chevy steering wheel controls direction, and Vintage Air keeps the cabin cool.
Candy gold with a lace overlay on the roof contrasts with the candy purple main body. Gold accents along the beltline continue the artistry, and clever lace applications on the front and rear fenders replace the Chevy’s original bright stainless trim spears. There’s even more lace paint accenting the firewall and inner fenders!
As we said at the beginning, Eddie recommends involving the families in the car restoration hobby. Eddie’s wife, Belinda, chose the dramatic purple and gold color combination on their Chevy Styleline, and Lynn Hunter, wife and mother of the body and paint craftsmen, came up with the lace accenting and even went to the fabric store to pick out the material!
Photos by Damon Lee, Todd Ryden
