Johnny & LucilleAfter losing his father in 2004, Darrell Greig, of Laguna Beach, California, wanted to restore one of his dad's last projects, a '50 Olds 88 sedan. He soon realized he lacked the money to finish it properly. By a little fate, however, he was able to stretch his funds and buy a '50 Olds 88 coupe. The 72,000-mile car had a fresh 350 Chevy engine, leather interior, and nice black lacquer paint. It was the perfect car for Darrell-ready to go.
He had a hard time letting go of his dad's project, though. After a little planning, he decided he could rebuild the drivetrain himself, and save money on the bodywork by giving the car a "Saturday night dirt tracker" theme. "Oldsmobile, with its new Rocket V-8 engine, won more than half the NASCAR races in the first three years ('49-51)," Darrell says. "A dedication to Olds racing history would make sense and be fun. Heck that's what credit cards are for!"
After rebuilding the suspension, steering, and brakes, and topping the engine with an Edmunds intake and dual Rochester two barrels, Darrell used a couple dozen cans of Rustoleum on the car's "race car" finish, leaving himself with one sore finger and one neat-looking sedan. Named Johnny (sedan) and Lucille (coupe) after the young couple used in old Oldsmobile commercials, the cars sound like a lot of fun. "Johnny gets a lot of action at car shows," Darrell says. "Some ask when I am going to finish it. Some just shake their heads and walk away. But the car guys get it and enjoy the look. Lucille does pretty well herself."
High-Style WagonIn addition to owning the late Manuel Arteche's '61 Buick custom, Jonnie King holds the title to this very cool '59 Plymouth Suburban station wagon. Although essentially stock (it's got less than 90,000 miles), the mint green finned flyer looks sharp with Chrysler wire wheels and BFGoodrich wide whitewalls, and goes down the road quite well thanks to the original 361ci V-8 and three-speed transmission with overdrive. Other neat features include a square N.O.S. gold metalflake steering wheel, swivel seats with center armrest, and factory tinted glass. If only today's soccer moms had family cruisers as cool as this.
Want to Get Famous?We want photos of your custom rod ('49-or-later vehicle), whether it is under construction or finished. Maybe you know where some "Later Iron" is just "rusting in peace." Clear, glossy, complete photos are preferred, in color or black and white; no instant photos, please.
Send to: Custom Rodder/Later Iron, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870, or e-mail damon.lee@primedia.com. Sorry, photos cannot be returned.