70 Year Old Prodigy Project Complete / Pictures

[ProdigyCustoms]

Here is a cool mild Pro Touring car we just finished. Not real extreme, just real functional car that does everything without breaking the bank. No frame off crazy show car by any means, just a killer driver.

This car is like a YOYO that keeps coming back for more and more work, through a few different owners over the last year and a half. About 1 1/2 years ago the car came in as retro 70s car complete with big and little Cragers. For customer one we did a Vintage Air. Then he sold the car to owner 2 and it got painted, then our new owner / customer Russ was referred to us by the previous owners for any work he may need done. Russ went for some nice improvements on this thing, and now we have done about everything.

We had a lot of fun doing this last phase of the project. Russ is a 70 year old double retired Vietnam Vet that was shot down amongst other things in the war, and then did 25 year stint as a engineer. One of these guys that worked for nearly 50 years, and only had 2 jobs his entire life, the military and the second job. Just a real cool ole dude and man O man, some great stories. Only real problem we had was sometimes the entire damn shop would stop to listen to war stories, but I did not get upset. It was nice to respect him listening to how things were. And let me tell you, he is spry as a 20 year old. It was fun for Michael because Russ wanted to participate in the build, and he worked with Michael as his helper. Michael really enjoyed it. Russ knows enough to be dangerous (as he puts it) and was super impressed with Michael's knowledge at such a young age. I think Michael was a little disappointed when the project left!

Anyway, this go around we put in a dynoed 383 CI / 497 HP, 512 TQ motor in it, a TH400 and converter. All Hotchkis has to offer including TVS kit, Hotchkis Shocks, Frame connectors. We did a Prodigy Customs Total Car Brake Package with 12.2"F, 12.2"R Wilwood's, using the Wilwood manual 7/8" master, and the brand new blue calipers which debut on Lisa's Project EmptyNest at SEMA. The blue calipers look fricken killer with the Oriental Blue stripes. Really a nice accent.



We also did one of March new Style Trac serpentine set ups which are just a screamin deal. It fit excellent and Russ actually install it himself, dangerous as he is! We also used one of Magnaflow's 3" systems with X Pipe, and the car really has the Gentleman's Hot Rod sound, but the world sounds like it is coming to a end when mash the loud peddle. Looking under the car the Stainless system looks killer along with one of our Moser 33 spline, Tru Trac, 3,73 ratio rears.

Russ added a Covans dash, and a few other interior goodies, to make for a really nice rounded package.

Were loaning Russ a pair of our Cheater Slicks, and taking it to the dragstrip soon looking for 11.99 or better times. I will get some pictures and report.

I can only hope at 70 I can take my Hot Rod to the dragstrip! He is already talking about putting nitrous on it!

[Steve1968LS2]

Hey Frank.. you know where to send a high res of the first pic ;)

Very cool project.

[ProdigyCustoms]

I thought some magazine might want some action. I will get some high res Burnout shots and the owner with the car.

[got_hp?]

cool ride......i like the serp system bracket !!

[George Manont]

.

Congratulations to both ProdigyCustoms & Russ,the 70 Yrs.young !

Hey, you guys would get to where Russ is anyway...I've just passed 62 a few days ago myself...and I feel good !

I've been working on similar concept , but different car. It's a 1965 Mustang Coupe. After 2 years things are now becoming clearer ; body is ready, engine is ready. Suspension, brake system, Interior, Electrical and so on are in " work in progress " . Hopefully it would be ready for my drive by April.

Yes, I get involve with guys who have / are working on my car...not full time but when the morning time comes I feel it's a daily ritual to be there !

Thanks for sharing, I hope to be able to do the same....soon !


Cheers,


My engine ; a 302 Mild Mod.

[parsonsj]

I got to look this one over personally, and met the owner. Nice fellow, and nice car.

Frank, I can't keep track of all the cars going in and out at your shop! Every time I'm over there you've got a brand new set of 4 or 5 cars you are working on.

jp

[fast Ed]

Nice clean, DRIVEABLE car!! I'd take that over a lot of the crazy stuff I see built up these days. Good work.


cheers
Ed N.

[Steve68]

Nice ride, I hear Bob's been hanging around?

[ProdigyCustoms]

Nice ride, I hear Bob's been hanging around?

Yup, Bob is home. I have him finishing the body and paint on the 427 CI / SB2 headed, fuel injected 68 Convertible. Were tageting the Year One Experiance for this one and few others. He has a 69 Convertible with a LS2 / 6 speed right behind this one, and another 69 convertible with a LS6 / 6 Speed. So he is COVERED UP. I have no idea when he is going to race that car!

But were glad he is back, and so is he!

[navyflyer72]

A simple, but accurate description of this car would be: smooth. Those blue calipers really do compliment the stripes really nicely.

[LateNight72]

A simple, but accurate description of this car would be: smooth. Those blue calipers really do compliment the stripes really nicely.

Agreed. It is the details that take a car from "Good" to "Show-Stopper"..

-Todd

[Steve68]

But were glad he is back, and so is he![/quote]


I told him numerous times to go talk to you and get away from the stealership, I told hime you were bring in cars left and right, we good for both of you!