The Backpage
With over 48 Years in the automotive business Steve's Auto Restorations has built a vast variety and number of cars. This page archives many of our past builds in varying levels of detail, showcasing the range of our work from sports cars to school busses. We will be adding to this archive as time goes on and we come across more documentation of projects from the past.
Project Archives
1933 Ramrod
This 1933 Dodge Truck has undergone the complete custom treatment with extensive body modifications. This truck has been re-designed by Chris Ito ; Sporting an all Mopar drivetrain, '33 Chrysler headlights, and one -off wheels- nearly every body panel has been heavily modified or replaced with new metal.
1932 So-Cal Roadster
This Brookville bodied ’32 Roadster came to us as an unfinished project and we were hired to complete the car and get it on the road. It arrived as a bare steel body on a rolling bare steel chassis, actually it was kind of a rolling pile of parts.
There is nothing particularily complicated about this project, just a stock configured ’32 Roadster body on an aftermarket chassis with a Ford crate motor and a 5 speed manual transmission. It rolls on big and little Billet Specialty wheels with BFG rubber. The car is painted “Carbon black” in a color sanded and buffed glass like finish. The interior is all leather with Auto Meter gauges in the instrument panel. It’s another “topless” Roadster for a Southern California customer.
1934 Cabriolet
This 1934 Ford Cabriolet arrived as an aged and heavily worn hot rod, showing years of makeshift repairs and poorly executed bodywork. The car was completely disassembled and sent to be chemically stripped of its paint, primer, filler, adhesives, and accumulated residue. Once returned, it revealed extensive deterioration in the original sheet metal along with remnants of 1940s backyard repair work. To restore the car properly, extensive replacement with new SAR sheet metal was required, including a new floor, firewall, door skins, converted roadster-style quarter panels, inner and outer panels below the trunk lid, all four fenders, running boards, and a new trunk lid. Replacing the compromised panels proved far more efficient and cost-effective than attempting to salvage the rusted and distorted originals. The build continued on a Pete & Jakes chassis, powered by a Ford Roush 327 aluminum-block 350 HP crate engine paired with an automatic transmission. The car features Kugel independent front and rear suspension systems and a full stainless-steel exhaust. Inside, a custom interior designed by David Brost was expertly crafted in leather by Paul Reichlin, accented with wood-grained garnish moldings and dashboard details. Completing the build, a set of staggered painted wire wheels with hubcaps provides the perfect stance and complements the car’s timeless vintage appeal.
1964 Pontiac Gto
The design of this 1964 GTO seamlessly merges street rod sophistication with timeless muscle-car character. Its original lines were subtly reimagined to evoke an elegant yet powerful presence. Up front, the sheet metal was expertly reworked to accommodate a custom grille with hideaway headlights, a dramatically reshaped bumper, and a hand-formed lower valance. The rear received the same level of craftsmanship, featuring a custom bumper, hand-formed valance, and distinctive taillights sourced from a ’65 Buick Skylark. Power comes from a formidable Ram Jet 502 paired with a six-speed gearbox, while the chassis was boxed and upgraded with tubular suspension for modern handling and strength. Inside, the cabin showcases the finest leather upholstery, handcrafted by Paul Reichlin of Mt. Vernon, Washington. Every detail was carefully executed, resulting in a build that stands apart from the rest. This exceptional GTO graced the cover of Hot Rod Magazine in November 2005, accompanied by a full feature article. After a brief but celebrated show career, it was delivered to its owner in Deland, Florida.
1947 Custom Convertible
This ground-up cruiser is infused with custom craftsmanship and finished to show-winning standards. Power comes from a RamJet small-block backed by a Heidt’s Mustang II front suspension and a Ford 9-inch rear, delivering a simple yet reliable foundation beneath the surface. The exterior, however, tells a far more intricate story. Lincoln-sourced headlights, taillights, door buttons, handles, and steering wheel lend a touch of luxury, while a mild chop and subtly reshaped grille refine the car’s proportions. Chopping a convertible top while maintaining full mechanical functionality is no small feat—but at Steve’s, form and function always go hand in hand. Inside, the leather-trimmed cabin takes design inspiration from Lincoln interiors of the era, blending classic elegance with refinement. Completing the look, Chrysler wire wheels fitted with Ford-emblem spinner caps add a touch of understated class, while a flawless application of Kandy Brandywine paint gives the body its deep, glass-smooth glow. This car starts at the turn of a key and performs every bit as beautifully as it looks- an artful balance of reliability, craftsmanship, and timeless style. Awards include; 2009 Portland Roadster Show Outstanding Paint Outstanding Custom Rod Class Winner 2010 Portland Roadster Show Outstanding Display Outstanding Custom Rod Class Winner 2010 Goodguys Pacific N.W. Nationals “Meguiar’s Magnificent Masterpiece” 2011 Portland Roadster Show “BEST IN CLASS” Rod & Custom Magazine – Oct 2011
1931 Chevy Sedan
This custom build began with a stock 1931 Chevrolet two-door sedan, brought in for a complete structural overhaul. The original, deteriorated wood framework was replaced with a new all-steel structure, providing a solid foundation for the project. During the process, every section of damaged or rusted metal was expertly repaired to ensure strength and precision throughout the body. Beneath the reengineered shell, a custom-fabricated chassis was built to support modern performance. Power comes from a 430-horsepower LS3 engine, paired with an independent front suspension and a Ford 9-inch rear end, delivering both reliability and contemporary drivability while maintaining the car’s classic charm. The completed Chevrolet made an impressive debut at the 2015 Portland Roadster Show, where it earned top honors including Outstanding Display, Outstanding Paint, and First in Class.
1950 Mercury Custom
This stunning custom began life as a stock two-door Mercury riding on its original frame before undergoing a complete “body-off” transformation. Every inch of the car has been meticulously detailed, built true to a 1950s custom aesthetic. The exterior gleams in House of Kolor Kandy Red, accented with elegant pinstriping by the legendary Mitch Kim. A modified 1954 Chevrolet grille has been seamlessly integrated, while blue dot taillights, a frenched antenna, Sombrero hubcaps, and wide whitewalls complete the timeless look. Under the hood, a fully rebuilt flathead—topped with triple deuces and crafted by Motor City Flatheads—keeps the period-correct theme alive, complemented by era-appropriate detailing throughout the engine bay. Inside, a pristine white full-leather interior by Paul Reichlin of Mt. Vernon, Washington, perfectly captures the spirit of classic custom craftsmanship, complete with thoughtful vintage-inspired touches throughout.
1939 Chevy Sedan
What began as a modest project, a bit of rust repair and a chopped top, has evolved into a full-scale custom build. The finished creation is equally at home on the show floor as it is on the open road. Drawing inspiration from Harley Earl’s visionary design philosophy, the car combines timeless styling with state-of-the-art performance and modern conveniences. Guided by the owners’ distinct vision, the team at Steve’s Auto Restorations refined and executed every element of the build. Constructed from the ground up, the project rides on an Art Morrison chassis equipped with independent front suspension and power rack-and-pinion steering. The rear setup features a triangulated four-bar, while Strange Engineering components handle the rear end, axles, and shocks. Stopping power comes from drilled 13-inch Wilwood brakes, complemented by 18-inch and 20-inch ET five-spoke wheels. Staying true to its old-school roots, the car is powered by a Z11-style 409 engine producing 450 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. The engine showcases components from COMP Cams, PML, Lamar Walden, Edelbrock, Moon, Billet Specialties, and Sanderson. Power is delivered through a Chevrolet 700R4 transmission built with 4L65E internals and a manual overdrive. The 12-inch GM torque converter features a 2000-2200 stall with an adjustable manual lock-up, paired with a Lokar shifter. The bodywork is the true centerpiece of this build. Constructed entirely of steel, it remains largely original aside from SAR’s custom-fabricated running boards. Though the original floors were solid, they were replaced to accommodate the new chassis and larger wheel tubs. The extensive modifications include a chopped and reshaped roofline, a forward-leaning rear window, shortened rear side windows, slanted B-pillars, removed wing windows, relocated hood openings, a one-piece custom grille and chin, lowered taillights, and 1939 Buick headlights repositioned forward and sunk into the fenders. Both front and rear bumpers are hand-fabricated—the rear featuring an integrated license surround—and all custom trim is chrome plated. The interior and trunk are designed in-house at SAR, featuring modern comfort and technology seamlessly integrated into a vintage aesthetic. Stereo components are trunk-mounted and wireless-controlled. The original gauges and clock are restored to modern precision, and amenities include air conditioning and cruise control. A Flaming River steering column pairs with a customized Billet Specialties steering wheel to complete the driver’s environment. This project embodies the artistry and precision that define Steve’s Auto Restorations. More than just a showpiece, it’s a masterfully engineered statement in metal; a true head-turner and a rolling work of art.
1940 Deluxe Coupe
A stock 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe was bought at the Good-Guys Del Mar event and shipped to Steve’s Auto Restorations for a complete make over. The project car was very sound and a great candidate for a rebuild into Resto-rod. Everything was torn down to the last nut and bolt and then started back up again. A later model flathead from H&H went in the car. The front suspension is a dropped straight axle and the rear has a Ford 9″ rear end. The original version of Washington Blue was used for the exterior color. Big and little chromes and whites touch the ground
1957 Ford F-100
This F100 Custom Cab “big window” began its transformation under the creative direction of S.A.R.’s own Dave Brost. His vision called for a radical redesign, one that would leave no panel untouched. After the cab was sectioned, chopped, and pancaked, the overall height from rocker to roof was reduced by a full six inches. Among the many body modifications are a sectioned and lengthened hood, a bed tucked tightly against the cab, a forward-leaning tailgate, narrowed wheel openings, and both bumpers neatly pulled in close to the body. The custom frame was built in-house to deliver 5½ inches of ground clearance- achieved without the use of airbags. Power comes from a Kenne Bell–supercharged 4.6-liter Ford engine paired with an AOD transmission. Few vehicles embody the term “custom” as completely as this one. To date, the truck has appeared in more than 80 shows, earning top awards and an enthusiastic reception wherever it’s displayed.
1939 Ford Coupe
This beautifully preserved 1939 Ford Coupe arrived from Texas for a full frame-off resto-rod resurrection. The car was completely disassembled, with the body separated from the frame and stripped down to bare metal. Remarkably, the original sheetmetal required very little repair during the rebuild. Powering the revived coupe is a freshly built flathead engine from H&H Flatheads, perfectly suited for this nostalgic hot rod. Once reassembled and road-tested, the coupe returned to Texas for its finishing touch—the interior installation.
1946 Ford Convertible
1946 Ford Convertible The project began with a vision for a resto-rod that would retain classic Ford character while incorporating subtle custom touches. The body remains largely stock, save for a tasteful 2-inch chop and select custom trim pieces. Power comes from a 392ci Hemi topped with an EFI system cleverly disguised as four Stromberg carburetors, blending modern performance with vintage aesthetics. The chassis and drivetrain were designed for reliability and comfort, featuring a Mustang II front suspension, 700R4 transmission, 9-inch rear end, and parallel leaf springs. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, and a fully custom interior. “One-off” taillights were hand-fabricated at a concept design studio in Detroit. All side and grille trim pieces were custom-made from brass stock, while the door handles, mirror bases, illuminated hood ornament, and combination trunk handle/third brake light were sculpted from brass castings. Topping it all off, vacuum-operated A/C vents were integrated into the woodgrained dash—occupying the space once reserved for ashtrays—adding a refined finishing touch to this thoughtfully reimagined classic.
1956 Chevy Nomad
This 1956 Chevrolet Nomad, an enduring family heirloom owned by the same family since the 1950s, has emerged from years of storage to undergo a complete “body-off” ground-up restoration. Rather than returning to its original factory form, the project reimagines the Nomad as a refined resto-rod, blending classic style with modern performance. At its foundation is a new Art Morrison chassis supporting a Chevrolet LS3 crate engine paired with an automatic transmission. Numerous custom-machined, one-off components have been designed specifically for this build, ensuring a unique interpretation of the iconic Nomad. Every detail has been addressed, with all brightwork freshly chrome-plated—including the stainless trim—giving the car a striking, show-quality finish that honors its heritage while showcasing a contemporary edge.
1938 GMC School bus
This 1938 GMC school Bus was lovingly restored inside and out with many custom touches with styling appropriate to the era.
