Doug Coopers 55 chevy

[55chevyman]

does anyone know what suspension upgrades he has made or any info on his car? because that is one bad tri five:jawdrop:

[dropit69]

i do know its a art morrison full frame chassis ..follwed it on part of power tour and is a bad ass car..was really working the bugs out of it on power tour..

[55chevyman]

yea i saw it yesterday at the goodguys show it atlanta, its bad

[datsbad]

It has a full ART MORRISON chassis, 6 speed trans, 540 Dart Block engine with 700 hp, AC , Navigation and a original 55 body with no rust .

super clean original car .
Still had the faded original paint and interior.

[MSchu]

Still had the faded original paint and interior.

Now I really want to see it.
:postpics:

[dropit69]

here ya go !! https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/60248411-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=48411)

[dropit69]

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/60248412-1.jpg (http://www.fquick.com/garages/viewgallery.php?action=viewimg&id=48412)

[va72mlibu]

After talking to Doug at length, it started out as an Art Morrison frame, but has been substantially modified. NOTHING on the car hangs below the crossmember. How's about some video?
Click here to watch Dougs--Alan-Johnsons-Hot-Rods--55 (http://media.putfile.com/Dougs--Alan-Johnsons-Hot-Rods--55)

[MrQuick]

sweet ride for sure...damn thats a teezer vid...lol sounds bad ass

[Bow Tie 67]

It not only sounds great but hauls butt. I had the opportunity to play cat and mouse a little on expressways and on ramps during the HRPT, very cool car. Oh and Doug is a very nice gentleman as well, it was a pleasure meeting him.

[55chevyman]

love the teezer vid and the pics. thanks guys for all of the info. doin a 55 here and have a 420 horse 355 small block. I am 14 years old years old and know a good bit about cars for my age but deffinatly not as much as all of you guys. love all of the protouring cars and thats what im shooting for. i am wanting to put either a 5 or 6 speed in it though dont know what kind or which one or what shifter. we are eventually going to put a 9 inch backend under it that we have lying around. its a bench seat car and im going to keep it that way. um tubular a-arms in the front with 2 inch dropped spindals. um not sure what to do for the rear suspension, i have been looking at air bars and everything else and not sure. but if you guys have any suggestions, tips, general no-how or anything else let me no.

[Zeventy1Z]

that car is SWEEEEEET!!!! Great Job!!!

[MSchu]

Too cool! :bananna2:

[rocketman]

Did Alan Johnson build that car? He has some bad ass hot rods,like that 32 Ford with a SB2.

[dropit69]

yep was built by Alan and i believe was only done like a few days or a week before the power tour..was a very cool ride and Doug is a cool guy also..

[CraigMorrison]

After talking to Doug at length, it started out as an Art Morrison frame, but has been substantially modified. NOTHING on the car hangs below the crossmember.

Eric- That's the way we have designed this chassis, so nothing hangs below the crossmembers (through frame exhaust). Here are a couple pics of our 55 with our "off the shelf" chassis.
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/DSC00947lowvi-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/skidpad1lowvi-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/profilevi-1.jpg

There are 4.5" of ground clearence under the frame by front fender/front door jam area, and with 7200 miles on the car there have only been a few bottom out times.

[Doug Cooper]

Thanks Guys for all the kind words I really appreciate it!

To answer/clarify a bunch of the questions:

Yes Alan and the talented craftsmen at Johnsons Hot Rod Shop built the 55. In fact the frame and all the components came back from the powder coaters 2 1/2 weeks before we left the shop headed for Cleveland to start the Power Tour. When we arrived at the IX center the car had approx 850 miles on it,107 test miles around Gadsden Al. and 750 to Cleveland, we had logged 2400 on it when we got back to Alans.
The guys put in some serious hours to get the car done in that time frame. Besides having to assemble the entire chassis and drivetrain the body was without an interior, needing dynamat, wiring, stero system,,vintage air etc... it was pretty much a bare shell 17 days before we drove it to Cleveland.
A big "Thank You" goes out to all the guys at JHRS!

The Chassis is in fact a Morrison piece with no suspension modifications. When Alan And I were mocking up the car installing the body on the chassis for the first time we where very impressed that everything lined up on the Morrison Chassis perfectly. Every nut and bolt when in by hand without the need of any persuasion. If you are building a tri five I highly recommend Morrison's Chassis the car handles like a dream. Jason [fuel] and I ran approx 30 miles between 100 to 125mph on the power tour through sweeping corners and straights the car handled like it was on a rail, very predictable. JHRS did change the engine and trans mounting points, so that we could use a Vintage Air front runner set up and raise the [big block] oil pan above the front crossmember. Nothing hangs below the frame!

Alan's shop made a new fire wall that appears stock and a new trans tunnel to accommodate the Big Block engine and trans location. Tony Inman [JHRS] widened the stock wheel tubs to fit the 335/20's in the rear, he did this is such a way that they still look stock, viewing them from the trunk even the seam sealer is stock and original.

Sitting in that Morrision Chassis is a Dart 540 cid BB 700 hp 9.5to1 comp, Holley dominator, callies crank and rods, dart block and dart Aluminum heads, comp hyd roller, Rockland Gear 6 speed tremec trans and a strange 9" w 4:11's Willwood Brakes, Americans w/Michelin Tires 245/18 frt 335/20rears

The car will stay true to it's theme and keep it's original paint and interior. The attention the car has received from enthusiasts and the lack of attention I've had to give it, NO[1]washing, No polishing and or caring about rain, rock chips etc... has convinced me this is definitely the way to go. I have enjoyed this hot rod immensely in a very short time period. So don't be surprised if you see it being driven in your state!
I will be buiding/owning other cars with Patina in the future, but that won't stop me from buiding, driving and beating my slicked hot rods.

Also A THANK YOU! goes out to Bret and the Air Ride Crew for selecting the '55 to receive the "Low Smooth and Cool" award at this past weekends Good Guys event in Atlanta!

[rocketman]

Hey Doug how's the 32 coming,will it be at Columbus?

[Doug Cooper]

Hey Doug how's the 32 coming,will it be at Columbus?

The B400 ['32] has become a step child. It was cast aside for Bob's Cuda than another customers '32 and then pushed aside for the "55 construction. It's playing second fiddle to Bob's XLR right now, So NO it won't be in Columbus it might be out late this year maybe next year.

But the '55 will be in Columbus!

[55chevyman]

hey doug what kind of mufflers and shifter do you have in your 55?

[Doug Cooper]

hey doug what kind of mufflers and shifter do you have in your 55?

The mufflers are a custom set of stainless by Johnsons Hot Rod Shop to fit the exact space requirements. Contact Shane Phillips at JHRS 256 492 5989 if you need a pair.
The shifter handle was also created by Alan on the lathe and bent until it fit just right.
There is also a pocket in the front of the seat that the shifter is recessed into, in case you are going to try to duplicate this on your car.

[CraigMorrison]

Doug- Awesome car! Thanks for the kind words about our product and thanks for the business. We can definitely relate to the patina thing. Our 55 definitely changed once it was painted. When you have a chance, could you please send me some hi-res pics, this is definitely the sort of thing we need to put into the catalog.

[NvrDun71]

Doug- What center caps are those on the cl205's? Awesome build by the way, love everything about the car. Anymore pics out there?

[MuscleRodz]

Very wicked Tri-Five!

[rocketman]

The B400 ['32] has become a step child. It was cast aside for Bob's Cuda than Ron's '32 and then pushed aside for the "55 construction. It's playing second fiddle to Bob's XLR right now, So NO it won't be in Columbus it might be out late this year maybe next year.

But the '55 will be in Columbus!

That suck's some buddy Alan is keeping such a cool car from being finished,lol.Just joking

That would be a cool car to unavail at Detroit,Maybe a ridler contender?

Anyway cool 55.

[O&C Racing]

Also, how did you get cl205's that wide for the rear?

Thanks,
Curtis

[parsonsj]

I love this car. It's perfect as it is ... don't paint it!

jp

[O&C Racing]

This car is great. I took a ton of pictures of it last weekend at Good Guys. I wouldn't change anything about this car.

[Doug Cooper]

Doug- What center caps are those on the cl205's? Awesome build by the way, love everything about the car. Anymore pics out there?

Contact Shane @ JHRS 256 492 5989 he can supply you with the center caps. I don't know if Alan ran those off on their new cnc machine or they purchased them, either way they can help you. Thanks for the compliments, I really appreciate it! Doug

[Doug Cooper]

Also, how did you get cl205's that wide for the rear?

Thanks,
Curtis

Curtis, the correct wheel wasn't made so Alan ordered the wheel with the correct front offset and had the back spacing changed, so all 4 wheels had to be widened. It's not the easiest path to take or the cheapest but it got us the look and fit we wanted.

[wills55]

does anyone know where i can get some info or specs on Doug Coopers 55? anyone's help will be greatly appreciated. thanks

[Doug Cooper]

what would you like to know? email me at [email protected]

[va72mlibu]

you might also try clicking the "Next Page" link at the bottom of the page and looking halfway down

[wills55]

you might also try clicking the "Next Page" link at the bottom of the page and looking halfway down
yeah thanks, saw that, got what i needed

[Doug Cooper]

yeah thanks, saw that, got what i needed

Will it was a pleasure cooresponding with you. Your car looks great can't wait to see it completed. If you need any other specs just post or email me. Sincerely, Doug Cooper

[Steve1968LS2]

That 55 is super bad ass.. somebody needs to do a feature on it! ;)

[55chevyman]

defenatly a car that needs a feature plus it deserves to be on the cover

[wills55]

absolutely, feature for sure

[Doug Cooper]

That 55 is super bad ass.. somebody needs to do a feature on it! ;)

Thanks Steve! I happened to speak to Johnny today about a friends car and the 55. He looked at the photos on this thread and wants to do a feature! are you going to be in columbus? If so please speak to Johnny to coordinate, he has my number.
Thanks, Doug

[BBPanel]

He looked at the photos on this thread ... Ok, I must be challenged - where are the pictures? Have a 55 myself and would like to see what everyone is excited about! -Bob

[Doug Cooper]

Steve just got my Super Chevy in the mail congratulations on the cover, great article. Doug

[Doug Cooper]

Thanks for joinning the two threads together!!!

[Doug Cooper]

Thanks to everyone for all the kind words! Doug

[Bow Tie 67]

I think he meant Ditto, twice. :)

Doug, do you have the car back yet?

Matt

[Doug Cooper]

I think he meant Ditto, twice. :)

Doug, do you have the car back yet?

Matt

Prior to the Power Tour the plan was to drive the car back from Atlanta Goodguys to New York. With the Bugs we expierenced on PT and only one week between the two events not everything could be debugged and repaired.
Alan got most of the items straightened out for Atlanta but as it turns out there was an internal transmission problem causing a severe vibration. The trans has been changed and the car will be test driven within a few hours.
So the revised plan is to drive the car home from Columbus, Good Guys.
Will we see you in Columbus? if not what's your next event? Doug

[Rybar]

Wow Doug, your 55 is pretty bad-ass! I would love to build a 56 next, I love tri-fives. And yours is executed very well!

[Bow Tie 67]

Doug,

I cant make the Good Guys event, I may do the summer nationals in St. Paul. The next event I know I can go to will be the Run through the hills in Pigeon Forge TN. I still have a ton of work just to get my 69 on the road in primer.

Matt

[dropit69]

hmmm i think im off the weekend of Summer nationals Matt if you need a co pilot..lol..get that damn camaro done i wanna ride..cool to see your are finding all the bugs Doug the way it was drove on power tour was just how all cars should be driven..hard !!!..lol

[Doug Cooper]

I'll be in Pigeon Forge the weekend before that attending the Shades. Maybe I'll hang out [down south]that week and go to The Run through the Hills?

[Doug Cooper]

Wow Doug, your 55 is pretty bad-ass! I would love to build a 56 next, I love tri-fives. And yours is executed very well!

Thanks! Your camaro looks sweet. I really like that red. What brand paint and color is it?

[Bob Johnson]

The B400 ['32] has become a step child. It was cast aside for Bob's Cuda than Ron's '32 and then pushed aside for the "55 construction. It's playing second fiddle to Bob's XLR right now, So NO it won't be in Columbus it might be out late this year maybe next year.

But the '55 will be in Columbus!
thank you Doug for playing 2nd fiddle...The XLR just wasn't going to get done if I didn't carry it to Alan's...now if the other Alan Johnson on the left coast will just get the engine finished and over here..

[Bob Johnson]

what's the deal on the timing on the motor. Alan said that Shiffaroff had told them to keep the timing at 32 degrees total or something...then after you brought it back, he bumped it to 42 degrees or so and the car really responded and quit trying to run hot..Alan said it was much faster too...what was the straight and skinny on that? Alan doesn't build cars that anything hangs down below the chassis...That's a pet peeve of mine...If I look under a car and see anything hanging below the frame, I'm completely turned off ..a real challenge to get a big motor in a car, get it under the hood without an obnoxious scoop on the hood, and have decent ground clearance while the car is still in the weeds..correct wheel and tire package and offsets..Your 55 fits the frigin bill..I was with Doug..in fact had to loan him the CASH money to buy it...now ain't that a hoot..piss ant Bob Johnson loaning Doug Cooper money...yeah...where's my interest??? of course he paid me back the first banking day...goofy thing was after getting Doug the CASH, and getting him over to the guy that had the car, and going thru all that rigmarole I found out the guy was a good friend of mine and would have taken Doug's check if I had known it was him...it was a rust free low mile 6 cyl automatic car...Doug drove it back to Alan's and followed us in it...love the light green...are you going to put the Delray interior in it?

[99 BUCKET]

see the mag. while getting grocerys today. great article, you plan on showing the carnage in up comming months issue?

[Bob Johnson]

is it true that Popular Hot Rodding is gonna due an article on the 55...Damn I can't tell where Johnny's heading the magazine...last few months I thought I was looking at Car Craft..I guess the low buck home built deal is interesting to the majority of readers, but what I want to see is what Trepanier, Moal, Alloway, JohnsonHRS, Brizio, Poteet, and other highly skilled guys have in the works...I can see all the regular stuff at local car shows etc..I want to see something new and innovative..I just can't get fired up looking at a car that's wavy down the sides and looks like it was painted with a pine top and latex paint...even if it was built dirt cheap..especially if it's on the cover. The 55 would be a nice departure...I would like to see Johnny go back to his pro touring roots with some other quality type cars like the 55 in there...I loved the VW article in Hot Rod..Their mix is very appealing to me..heck I even like a quality ricer..if it's done right, i like just about every kind of car or bike..just leave the pro street out of it...in my opinion, it's dead, just no one has buried it yet..love the 55...just like I would have done it ..

[Doug Cooper]

thank you Doug for playing 2nd fiddle...The XLR just wasn't going to get done if I didn't carry it to Alan's...now if the other Alan Johnson on the left coast will just get the engine finished and over here..

Bob you are very welcome. Can't wait to see that thing on the salt, should be pretty neat! Hope I don't catch the bug while I'm out there. Did you get rooms yet?, any space for me or an extra room?

[StRacerDuke]

is it true that Popular Hot Rodding is gonna due an article on the 55...Damn I can't tell where Johnny's heading the magazine...last few months I thought I was looking at Car Craft..I guess the low buck home built deal is interesting to the majority of readers, but what I want to see is what Trepanier, Moal, Alloway, JohnsonHRS, Brizio, Poteet, and other highly skilled guys have in the works...I can see all the regular stuff at local car shows etc..I want to see something new and innovative..I just can't get fired up looking at a car that's wavy down the sides and looks like it was painted with a pine top and latex paint...even if it was built dirt cheap..especially if it's on the cover. The 55 would be a nice departure...I would like to see Johnny go back to his pro touring roots with some other quality type cars like the 55 in there...I loved the VW article in Hot Rod..Their mix is very appealing to me..heck I even like a quality ricer..if it's done right, i like just about every kind of car or bike..just leave the pro street out of it...in my opinion, it's dead, just no one has buried it yet..love the 55...just like I would have done it ..

Couldn't agree with you more.

[Doug Cooper]

what's the deal on the timing on the motor. Alan said that Shiffaroff had told them to keep the timing at 32 degrees total or something...then after you brought it back, he bumped it to 42 degrees or so and the car really responded and quit trying to run hot..Alan said it was much faster too...what was the straight and skinny on that? Alan doesn't build cars that anything hangs down below the chassis...That's a pet peeve of mine...If I look under a car and see anything hanging below the frame, I'm completely turned off ..a real challenge to get a big motor in a car, get it under the hood without an obnoxious scoop on the hood, and have decent ground clearance while the car is still in the weeds..correct wheel and tire package and offsets..Your 55 fits the frigin bill..I was with Doug..in fact had to loan him the CASH money to buy it...now ain't that a hoot..piss ant Bob Johnson loaning Doug Cooper money...yeah...where's my interest??? of course he paid me back the first banking day...goofy thing was after getting Doug the CASH, and getting him over to the guy that had the car, and going thru all that rigmarole I found out the guy was a good friend of mine and would have taken Doug's check if I had known it was him...it was a rust free low mile 6 cyl automatic car...Doug drove it back to Alan's and followed us in it...love the light green...are you going to put the Delray interior in it?

Scott had told me several times to set the timing at 30/32. I questioned him repeatedly because it seemed strange but his answer was always 30 degrees. It's his combination so I went with it, after getting back from Power Tour I called Red [a friend] and the head engine builder at Scott's he said "it needs more timing..."push the total timing up[comp cams told Alan the same thing]that solved the temp and power issues.

Bob thanks again for the cash, the interest payment is for playing second fiddle for the second time in two years. I think we're just going to leave the B400 as a legend...figment of their/our imagination...

[Doug Cooper]

is it true that Popular Hot Rodding is gonna due an article on the 55...love the 55...just like I would have done it ..

Yes, Johnny Hunkins put Rob [a freelance photographer out of Chicago] in touch with me, we set the shoot up for Columbus Good Guys.

Bob, almost the way you would have done it... no delray interior

[Bob Johnson]

Bob you are very welcome. Can't wait to see that thing on the salt, should be pretty neat! Hope I don't catch the bug while I'm out there. Did you get rooms yet?, any space for me or an extra room?
we're working on it...they're hard to come by...anyone on here know of some rooms, I'll take all you can get...

[Bob Johnson]

Scott had told me several times to set the timing at 30/32. I questioned him repeatedly because it seemed strange but his answer was always 30 degrees. It's his combination so I went with it, after getting back from Power Tour I called Red [a friend] and the head engine builder at Scott's he said "it needs more timing..."push the total timing up[comp cams told Alan the same thing]that solved the temp and power issues.

Bob thanks again for the cash, the interest payment is for playing second fiddle for the second time in two years. I think we're just going to leave the B400 as a legend...figment of their/our imagination...
wow...that's pretty good interest for 2 days w/o the cash...Hell my employee would have embezzeled it had it been sitting anyway..I'm kind of weird when it comes to timing...i just keep the distributor loose and move it around at idle, then pull it up until it gets full lead, and set it where it seems happiest...drive it and if it detonates, I back it up until it doesn't rattle...and it never gets in the low thirties ever...usually 37 to 40 or so...Alan said yours liked 42 total...sounds like it might be a bit fat if it likes 42..

[Doug Cooper]

Alan said yours liked 42 total...sounds like it might be a bit fat if it likes 42..

They put a port in the manifold so the carb can be adjusted using a vacuum guage. Bob Book built the carb he should be able to get it close to perfect.
I hope it feels strong [700HP on the dyno] next time I get in it, or it's getting a bottle!

[55chevyman]

Here are some of the pics that I took at the Atlanta Goodguys Show. Sorry that it took me a while to post them. Me being a noob I just figured out how to post them.:doh:
17855

17856

17857

17858

[va72mlibu]

So Doug, what was the final solution for preventing sparkplug damage?

[BRIAN]

That is sharp ride. Those wheels just make the car. Sometimes less is just the way to go. Funny how a basic style car with the right combo can just be so right.


Is that car at any of the cruise nights on Long Island???

[73z-6sp]

DANG!! I absolutely love this car. I have been wanting a 55 post for so long and to do it with the AM frame is my dream!

Ahh...to dream! :)

[Bob Johnson]

did Alan make the headers? Look like they're a very nice fit if they are off the shelf..can't see the bottom side..that would answer my question

[Doug Cooper]

So Doug, what was the final solution for preventing sparkplug damage?
Eric, do you mean the spark plug wires? The piece that was holding the wires had broken and that's why the wires were laying on the header. Simple Fix... new wires new wire loom and some safety wire!

[Doug Cooper]

That is sharp ride. Those wheels just make the car. Sometimes less is just the way to go. Funny how a basic style car with the right combo can just be so right.


Is that car at any of the cruise nights on Long Island???

Brian, The plan is to drive the car home from Columbus Ohio Good Guys July 15th [it's in Alabama right now]then you will be seeing it around Long Island and Westchester County at cruise nights/just being driven. Places like OBI Sunday mornings, Oyster Bay Tuesday nights, maybe Bellmore, Coles,and at least once to Bald Hill!
I might drive it to the Syracuse nationals?
It will be at Westchester Street Rods Event at Playland. I grew up in Westchester so that show's like a high school reunion for me.

So the point is I'll be surprised if you don't see it!

[Doug Cooper]

did Alan make the headers? Look like they're a very nice fit if they are off the shelf..can't see the bottom side..that would answer my question

Yes Bob Custom headers, nobody makes an off the shelf header in 2 1/4" with that engine location. Everything on this car is modified, there are very few out of the box stock parts, it's just made to look SIMPLE! That was part of the theme we wanted to achieve.
One of the guys started the headers and Alan Finished him and then the headers, he put the Johnson touch on them.

[Bob Johnson]

I looked at the exhaust that Joe Granatelli did for the 34 5 window at Alan's...that Joe can do some kind of welding..I love the simple understated look..bunch of billet/chrome/braided stainless/etc etc just doesn't trip my switch.

[Doug Cooper]

I looked at the exhaust that Joe Granatelli did for the 34 5 window at Alan's...that Joe can do some kind of welding..I love the simple understated look..bunch of billet/chrome/braided stainless/etc etc just doesn't trip my switch.

Yeah Joe's a keeper Alan has landed another key element in his arsenal. So he can continue his assault on the Hot Rodding World.

[Rybar]

Thanks! Your camaro looks sweet. I really like that red. What brand paint and color is it?

Thanks Doug, I don't remember the brand but it is a candy red over a silver base tri-coat.

Again, LOVE your 55. It's just plain awesome.

[Bow Tie 67]

Hey Doug I see you sold off the Grapefruit cooler. :bananna2:

[Doug Cooper]

Hey Doug I see you sold off the Grapefruit cooler. :bananna2:

Hopefully no more grapefruits are needed for a heat sink! pretty good idea who ever thought of that one.
An electric pump is only a day away, we will see if that and some rerouted fuel lines solve the vapor lock.
Part of that vapor lock issue was the timing being too low making the car run hot, that's fixed.

Almost all the teething problems that the Power Tour uncovered are resolved!

[Bob Johnson]

word to the wise...don't drive a car on the Power Tour that's been finished the day AFTER you should have left...with 15 miles on it...these aftermarket junk parts will always let you down..it's unbelievable to me how junky most of these parts are...no matter what you pay, they're mostly no where near NOS quality..nothing like a factory part in my book..

[Doug Cooper]

We have had more than our fair share of components that failed and needed to be replaced and or pieces that just haven't performed as intended. Several "bolt on" aftermarket parts that didn't bolt on had to be massaged to fit and work.
I'll tell you what if you were in your typical enthusiasts garage you might not find a lathe, welder, grinders etc... to modify a
"blank" that didn't fit/work. You would send it back thinking it was a defect and then another one would show up a week or two later and you'd have the same problem. Not a good situation.
This is a very frustrating situation when it occurs and a costly one.

It's very much appreciated when you call a manufacturer or distributor with a problem and you get a solution! [not a hard time] that's good customer support and service!

These situations make me more loyal to the companies that produce a product that performs out of the box as intended! They will get my business and recommendations from me everytime over and over!

[Bob Johnson]

I asked Alan why he bought that CNC Mill with all that tooling..expensive stuff...he said he was tired of getting bad stuff that didn't fit...i guess he's going to make a line of things with it to sell. It's tough when you can't buy something that's quality and fits. When you go to a machine shop to get it to work there's a long wait..Unfortunately price seems to dictate what people will buy...If it's cheap and won't work, it's not cheap. most of these guys you see selling knock off air bags, suspension pieces, wheels, etc. in the full page magazine ads are junk that they have sent to China and tried to make a copy of a tried and proven piece...I know a guy that sells that stuff and it is absolutely trash..frustrating part is when you buy supposedly good high quality parts like you and I do and still have constant problems with part failure..winds up making us look dumb...er

[Doug Cooper]

word to the wise...don't drive a car on the Power Tour that's been finished the day AFTER you should have left...
Bob, I wouldn't recommend going on the Power Tour with an unproven car, but I would do it again! The reason, we made some great friends, unforgettable memories and a list of what the car needed. It could have taken five times as long to debug the car, why not cram it in and get all the bugs worked out!
That's ambitious not wise!

[Bob Johnson]

Probably not so bad if you've got Datsbad and his dad along...without Datgsbad's wrench, and his dads roll back..talk about being up shi* creek... take those 2 out of your equation and you wouldn't do it on a bad bet...you couldn't hire what that they did for $5K..and that's being very conservative...luckily the Cuda didn't goof up when I took it on the tour..my Camaro blew a hose off which with the help of a couple guys that stopped, we got it fixed real quick in 03 when I long hauled the tour. But it's awfully reassuring to know a rollback is riding along...and it cost big buckos to bring that truck from the northeast and long haul it and bring it back home...over and beyond the call of duty..we all owe them..even if we didn't have to use them...damn good guys even if they are frikken yankees..lol

[Doug Cooper]

[quote=Bob Johnson]Probably not so bad if you've got Datsbad and his dad along...without Datsbad's wrench, and his dads roll back..talk about being up shi* creek... [quote]

Yeah Bob, Jason and his dad Ron really saved the day on more than one occasion. I really appreciate everything they did, they made the Power Tour quite a bit easier than it would have been for me and a couple of others!
You couldn't ask for a more genuine couple of guys, they would do anything for you!

Thanks Again Jason and Ron.

[va72mlibu]

Yeah Jason and his dad Ron really saved the day on more than one occasion. I really appreciate everything they did, they made the Power Tour quite a bit easier than it would have been for me and a couple of others!
You couldn't ask for a more genuine couple of guys, they would do anything for you!

Thanks Again Jason and Ron.

a HUGE x2 :hail: G-Force Design dudes were the heroes of Power Tour.

[Lenie]

Nice stance, very nice.

[Doug Cooper]

We are heading to Columbus for the Good Guys event.
Look for the '55 and stop over and say Hello!

[55chevyman]

hey doug
is that and ididit column?
and where can i order the seat belts and the cut down steering wheel from?

[Bob Johnson]

hey doug
is that and ididit column?
and where can i order the seat belts and the cut down steering wheel from?
I don't know if Doug's on here but that was an Ididit Column...Johnson's Hot Rod Shop carries those cut down steering wheels.. they have a 57 and a 60 too I think..they are inexpensive too. 256-492-5989

[shmoov69]

I don't know if Doug's on here but that was an Ididit Column...Johnson's Hot Rod Shop carries those cut down steering wheels.. they have a 57 and a 60 too I think..they are inexpensive too. 256-492-5989
That wheel is cool! Any pics of the 60 wheel? I did not find any on thier site. Or the price also?
Thanks

[Bob Johnson]

I don't know if Alan is stocking the 60 but he can get one quick..I'm not sure on the price but I was the one that turned him on to them..I saw them at 'SEMA a few years ago and bought 10 just for the hell of it because they were cheap...

[Doug Cooper]

hey doug
is that and ididit column?
and where can i order the seat belts and the cut down steering wheel from?


The info Bob gave you is 100% correct. JHRS keeps the steering wheels in stock, call and ask for Shane!

[55chevyman]

thanks bob
your trifive is wicked doug

[shmoov69]

I don't know if Alan is stocking the 60 but he can get one quick..I'm not sure on the price but I was the one that turned him on to them..I saw them at 'SEMA a few years ago and bought 10 just for the hell of it because they were cheap...
Any pics of the 60 one? Do you still have any? :naughty:

[Bob Johnson]

Any pics of the 60 one? Do you still have any? :naughty:
email [email protected] get him to send you a pix of the 60..

[55chevyman]

anybody have any pics of inside the trunk?

[MickMc]

Thanks Guys for all the kind words I really appreciate it!

To answer/clarify a bunch of the questions:

Yes Alan and the talented craftsmen at Johnsons Hot Rod Shop built the 55. In fact the frame and all the components came back from the powder coaters 2 1/2 weeks before we left the shop headed for Cleveland to start the Power Tour. When we arrived at the IX center the car had approx 850 miles on it,107 test miles around Gadsden Al. and 750 to Cleveland, we had logged 2400 on it when we got back to Alans.
The guys put in some serious hours to get the car done in that time frame. Besides having to assemble the entire chassis and drivetrain the body was without an interior, needing dynamat, wiring, stero system,,vintage air etc... it was pretty much a bare shell 17 days before we drove it to Cleveland.
A big "Thank You" goes out to all the guys at JHRS!

The Chassis is in fact a Morrison piece with no suspension modifications. When Alan And I were mocking up the car installing the body on the chassis for the first time we where very impressed that everything lined up on the Morrison Chassis perfectly. Every nut and bolt when in by hand without the need of any persuasion. If you are building a tri five I highly recommend Morrison's Chassis the car handles like a dream. Jason [fuel] and I ran approx 30 miles between 100 to 125mph on the power tour through sweeping corners and straights the car handled like it was on a rail, very predictable. JHRS did change the engine and trans mounting points, so that we could use a Vintage Air front runner set up and raise the [big block] oil pan above the front crossmember. Nothing hangs below the frame!

Alan's shop made a new fire wall that appears stock and a new trans tunnel to accommodate the Big Block engine and trans location. Tony Inman [JHRS] widened the stock wheel tubs to fit the 335/20's in the rear, he did this is such a way that they still look stock, viewing them from the trunk even the seam sealer is stock and original.

Sitting in that Morrision Chassis is a Shafiroff 540 cid BB 700 hp 9.5to1 comp, Holley dominator, callies crank and rods, dart block and dart Aluminum heads, comp hyd roller, Rockland Gear 6 speed tremec trans and a strange 9" w 4:11's Willwood Brakes, Americans w/Michelin Tires 245/18 frt 335/20rears

The car will stay true to it's theme and keep it's original paint and interior. The attention the car has received from enthusiasts and the lack of attention I've had to give it, NO[1]washing, No polishing and or caring about rain, rock chips etc... has convinced me this is definitely the way to go. I have enjoyed this hot rod immensely in a very short time period. So don't be surprised if you see it being driven in your state!
I will be buiding/owning other cars with Patina in the future, but that won't stop me from buiding, driving and beating my slicked hot rods.

Also A THANK YOU! goes out to Bret and the Air Ride Crew for selecting the '55 to receive the "Low Smooth and Cool" award at this past weekends Good Guys event in Atlanta!


I tried to talk to the owner in columbus last year, but no such luck, maybe he is a better typer than a 'in person guy'.
No big, I wanted to talk to Alan about building a car too, and he didn't even miss a beat on the cell phone (I think he even looked away we he shook my hand) when we were introduced, so much for him building my next car...he's famous and I'm not, I get it.

Mick

[syborg tt]

Mick,

Your really need to grow a set of Boobie's so guys will talk to you.

:yeah: :lmao:


I tried to talk to the owner in columbus last year, but no such luck, maybe he is a better typer than a 'in person guy'.
No big, I wanted to talk to Alan about building a car too, and he didn't even miss a beat on the cell phone (I think he even looked away we he shook my hand) when we were introduced, so much for him building my next car...he's famous and I'm not, I get it.

Mick

[MickMc]

Marty
I act interested in a guys car, ask questions, carry a camera...and my concealed weapon neatly 'concealed'...I might not have that bubbly personality like some people I know...

I'm not as pretty as you, thats for sure.
Maybe I should go the gym, or get a make over, something...

But, Chip Foose spent 30 minutes talking to me at Columbus...

Maybe I need smaller camera.
Maybe I need to be taller.
Maybe Chip could see past my wallet.

Mick

[syborg tt]

Mick - you crack me up

[kennyd]

Marty
I act interested in a guys car, ask questions, carry a camera...and my concealed weapon neatly 'concealed'...I might not have that bubbly personality like some people I know...

I'm not as pretty as you, thats for sure.
Maybe I should go the gym, or get a make over, something...

But, Chip Foose spent 30 minutes talking to me at Columbus...

Maybe I need smaller camera.
Maybe I need to be taller.
Maybe Chip could see past my wallet.

Mick



quite suprised about that , doug is a real great gut to talk to . allan is a little hard to get to know .

are you going to the southwest muscle car nats in you home town this weekend ? is so look up up . we will have the silver 69 ZL1 there .

[protour73]

Thanks Guys for all the kind words I really appreciate it!

The car will stay true to it's theme and keep it's original paint and interior. The attention the car has received from enthusiasts and the lack of attention I've had to give it, NO[1]washing, No polishing and or caring about rain, rock chips etc... has convinced me this is definitely the way to go. I have enjoyed this hot rod immensely in a very short time period. So don't be surprised if you see it being driven in your state!
I will be buiding/owning other cars with Patina in the future, but that won't stop me from buiding, driving and beating my slicked hot rods.

Doug..........I am a big fan of your car, and your view on how it was built to be enjoyed......
but when you got to the part about the patina, I paused.

I spent alot (well, alot to me) on paint and body on my 73 Camaro (see Progress thread), and had a heart attack, at the first chip in the paint. I am still putting it back together, finishing up my protouring resto-mod on this car. After reading this thread I am not going to have mild coronaries after every chip in the paint any longer, because, like you, I am building my car to drive, and be enjoyed. I can't do that if I am in constant worry about things I can't control. Thanks, man !!!!!!!!!!!!

[ironworks]

In albuquerque? I will be passing through there saturday afternoon. Mick and I were supposed to have dinner on my way home. IF my sorry 450 does not break down again.

Rodger

[560-716]

Doug and Alan both are great people, I can't see Doug not answering any quesiton you had, he is a true car guy. What people don't understand about Alan is that he just has a quiet way of presenting himself, even after you know him. End of story these are two class acts and believe me could care less about your wallet

[MickMc]

Kenny
If you guys are going to be in town, we need to get together.

I don't usually go to that show. Short story, the promoter is a good friend of mine but the location of the show stinks (I'm not kidding) and I feel like I've seen all of Albuquerque's cars twice, and I just chopped up a muscle car and not to many muscle car guys are happy with me....But if you are going to be in town I'll show up and we can grab a beverage. Rodger is planning on being in town too.

Email me at [email protected] and I'll give you my cell number.

Mick

[Doug Cooper]

Mick, I'm retired and all I have is time! Stop over when you see me this year and I'll buy you a drink! Doug

[55chevyman]

does anyone have any pictures of inside the trunk of dougs wicked 55?

[Doug Cooper]

does anyone have any pictures of inside the trunk of dougs wicked 55?

here's a shot of the trunk prior to mini tubs...we had just taken the body off the chassis. the original chassis is under the Cuda I will take a trunk shot and post it soon.

[Charley Lillard]

Doug...I think that car needs another Power Tour..

[Doug Cooper]

The Power Tour dates don't work for me this year but I am driving it to Indy Good guys!

[YancyJohns]

It was good to see you at Lockheed Martin Doug. I can't wait to see you drive the "Cooper" out of the 55'. That car is just BAD. :hail:

[Doug Cooper]

Doug..........I am a big fan of your car, and your view on how it was built to be enjoyed......
but when you got to the part about the patina, I paused.

I spent alot (well, alot to me) on paint and body on my 73 Camaro (see Progress thread), and had a heart attack, at the first chip in the paint. I am still putting it back together, finishing up my protouring resto-mod on this car. After reading this thread I am not going to have mild coronaries after every chip in the paint any longer, because, like you, I am building my car to drive, and be enjoyed. I can't do that if I am in constant worry about things I can't control. Thanks, man !!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks! Glad you are enjoying your car. Don't get me wrong this car won't replace a slicked Hot Rod. I'm still driving and enjoying those in fact Alan has just freshened the paint [roadrash] on my black 32. As long as there are talented painters there's no reason not to drive 'em. I just don't notice "new" road rash on the 55!

[55chevyman]

Hey Doug, are you going to have the car at goodguys at the atlanta motorspeedway or YearOne?
How about them trunk pics?

[Doug Cooper]

Hey Doug, are you going to have the car at goodguys at the atlanta motorspeedway or YearOne?
How about them trunk pics?

No, My daughter is graduating from high school the weekend of Atlanta, not sure about year one?

I'm in Alabama right now when I get back I'll post those pictures.

[jasons56]

Completely bad to the bone shoebox. You built a clone of the 56' I've been dreaming of since the mid 80's!

I've been dreaming of doing this to my 56' Post since I got it at the age of 15. Didn't have the know how back then other than sticking on some stiff circle track shocks and helper springs, when everyone else was doing pro-street.
I still have have the car a few decades later and can't wait to do the same treatment. If only the pre-made frame was in my budget...
I'm rolling my own so I'm guessing I'll be done around 2010. Oh well, thats only a 30 yr timeframe to finish it. :twothumbs

Maybe I'll join you with a 1956' version of your car at PowerTour 2010?
Congrats on the well deserved attention!

[compos mentis]

We need some serious video of this car!

No more teasers vids if you care at all about people living vicariously through this car.

From the Amalgamated VBBBPTFFCA (Very Bad Big Block Pro-Touring Fifty-Five Chevy Addicts)

[Doug Cooper]

what do you want video of exactly?

[compos mentis]

what do you want video of exactly?
Doug,

The little one posted on the 1st page of this thread was a start in the right direction IMHO. Your car makes such an awesome sound and has a real presence obviously.

I'm not a video photographer, but it would seem that the simplelest way I can think of doing this is to again have someone in a car along side of yours filming for a few minutes on an interstate or something.

Perhaps others experienced in car videotaping will offer their expertise.

Accelerate from a dead stop, let us hear it go through the gears. That clip of you accerlating away from the other car was awesome. Even the just cruising along with the motor noise (those 4.11's) was great. Then deaccelerating through downshifting.

And if you repeat the process a few times, you'll likely temporarily incapacitate viewers of it!

Seriously, I think you'd have something unique. If you run it at a road course at some point that would be a great place for a video also.