Steve Moss’ 1954 Chevy 210 built by Hat Creek Customs
How well can you keep a secret? Kelly Moss had to learn to bite his tongue and think quick as he tried to keep this 1954 Chevy 210 a secret from his dad, Steve, for four years!
Steve had been looking for the right ’54 Chevy for years but was either too late, or too tight with his money (as Kelly said) to bring one home. Kelly finally thought enough was enough, found one in decent condition, and took it over to his friends at Hat Creek Customs in Salisbury, North Carolina. The plan was to build a nice-handling and fun-driving classic that his dad could enjoy. He figured it would take a year or two of keeping quiet, but as many projects go, the details and custom touches just kept coming.
To answer the calling for modern handling, an Art Morrison chassis was delivered and fitted with a set of adjustable JRi coil-overs to set the ride height and cornering characteristics. Sombrero-size Wilwood brakes pump easily through a hydraboost system and a power rack delivers precise steering action. With such a solid foundation, a 500-plus horsepower 430c.i. small-block Chevy was sourced from TKM Performance and bolted to a GM 4L70E trans.
Kelly and the Hat Creek crew did not want to alter the lines of the ’54 too much, rather they really put the hours in massaging and highlighting the original Chevy styling while detailing the bright work. The beaming pearl white PPG color can also be found on newer Lexus vehicles and really stands out with the contrasting Schott Sprocket 19-inch wheels and deep brown leather interior.
The Hat Creek crew built the custom seats and console before covering them and the door and side panels in the comfortable hide. A set of Classic Instruments fills the dash, along with a Billet Specialties steering wheel, Vintage Air, and a JL Audio system. Paul’s Chrome finished the detail work along with goodies from Lokar and Clayton Machine Works.
After four long years of dancing around the subject while shooting down other ’54s that his dad would look at, Kelly finally caved and showed the car to his dad. Steve was flabbergasted and completely floored! The car made its debut at the Griot’s Garage North Carolina Nationals, where its glowing pearl lines, g-machine stance, and great details earned it a finalist spot for Vintage Air Custom Rod of the Year. The icing on the cake was when Hat Creek Customs also scored the GM Iron Builder of the Year award, putting them in the running for a new Chevrolet Performance crate motor.
Photos by Robert McCarter
