Goodguys 2026 Top 5 Finalists for Tanks, Inc. Hot of the Year – The Chapman’s 1932 Ford Coupe
One sign of a good hot rod builder is when they’re still passionate enough about the hobby to pursue personal projects. That’s certainly true for Harold Chapman, owner of Texas-based Customs and Hot Rods of Andice. Harold always seems to have a few projects in the works, the latest of which – this mean-looking chopped Deuce three-window coupe – made an impressive showing in the Tanks, Inc. Hot Rod of the Year competition.
CHRA Shop Foreman Michael Kaiser says the goal with this coupe was to build an aggressive, elegant, and timeless hot rod. The starting point was a previously restored original car that had been used by the Franklin Mint as a reference for their diecast replica models. Purchased online, the car was rougher than expected under the surface, making it a great hot rod candidate.
Harold turned to Pinkee’s Rod Shop for the chassis, which was built by Thomas Kearney using sectioned rails, a 5-inch dropped front axle, Posies leaf springs, and an early Ford rear axle with a Rodsville quick-change center section. Boling Brothers Ford-style drum brakes were fitted with 16- and 18-inch knock-off magnesium wheels from Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop wrapped in Excelsior rubber from Coker Tire.
Ross Racing Engines was called on for the rowdy 394c.i. Olds J2 engine. It’s a great-sounding, hard-running engine that generates more than 450 horsepower thanks to a custom cam, Ross Racing aluminum heads, and a Nicson dual quad intake fed by Holley EFI throttle bodies. A Johnson’s Radiator Works radiator handles cooling chores and stainless steel headers feed a custom exhaust with Stainless Works mufflers. Power is channeled through a Tremec TKO five-speed transmission.
Metal work on the Henry steel body was handled by Rex Rod & Chassis, where the just-right top chop was performed and other repairs were made. The body then came back to CHRA for refinement and final bodywork. It eventually received a beautiful metallic bronze finish using custom-mixed PPG materials, along with King Bee headlights and ’39 Chevy taillight lenses in custom housings.
The classic style continues inside, where the CHRA team used Auto Meter gauges in an engine-turned panel in the original dash and machined a one-off wheel to top the custom steering column. Dark brown Wipelli leather was stitched to cover the Glide bench seat and custom door and side panels. A Restomod Air system helps keep temperatures in check.
The coupe made an impressive showing on the Hot Rod of the Year Reliability Run, especially at the drag strip. We’d say the CHRA team nailed it on the goal for an aggressive and timeless hot rod, and we’re sure Harold and his wife Tracy will have a lot of fun blasting this coupe down the highways in Texas and beyond in the years to come.
Photos: Marc Gewertz, John Jackson
