Words & Photos by Gary Rosier
This 1941 GMC based “Rat Rod” owned by Ken Cornine follows his theme perfectly. Ken started a company in Edgewater, Florida that specializes in building unique rods of all kinds. His company is known as BAD APPLE GARAGE (One Bad Apple was a #1 hit in the 70’s by both the Osmonds and Jackson Five, his wife’s favorite song) and this car was built by Ken and his brother-in-law (who Ken gives much of the credit) to showcase Ken’s talents. Ken was responsible for much of the work and was hands on throughout the process. This rod fits the theme perfectly in that its low, loud and has some unique contours. The crazy stance and heavily “z’d” frame with massive rear tires sets it off sure, but with a straight 8 Packard power-plant it really makes this a “Bad Apple” much to the tune of many “Rat Rods” today.
Work started by cutting 6 inches off the bottom of the body. Then they channeled it 3″ over the frame. The frame had to be lengthened 18 inches to accommodate the massive length of the 1954 Packard straight 8. Ken tried other power-plants but after a 288cu in engine purchased on Craig’s List smoked like something needed for mosquito control, a friend mentioned this 354 motor. It had been rebuilt a little while ago and mater of fact, was still sitting on an engine stand when Ken went for a look. Ken snapped it up for $650 from his friends boss and the build was on once again!
The narrowed dash is from a ’53 Packard. The rear end is a Ford 9 inch with 3.25 gears, spun by the massive torque laden engine and two-speed Packard Ultra-matic. Ken tried the original Packard three chamber oil bath cleaner but it was too big, he says, and couldn’t see anything around it! He then fabricated his own, using a diesel tailpipe, drain screen for a kitchen sink and his nephew Alec’s go-kart clutch!
The frame is home made from 2×3 boxed steel from the cowl back. Suspension is stock so the drop comes from the Z’ed frame. The Anheuser Busch keg gas tank is topped with a brass gas cap bought on e-bay for $12. Seats are made from para-cord which are parachute lines; two 300′ spools of them he says with a laugh, all in one piece!
This is one Bad Apple for sure, unique and different alright and you have to love the pure love and passion that goes into building these types of vehicles. The parts gleamed from scrounging the bone-yards, backyards and shops of friends is something to be admired. However the ideas and parts fit together, where that all comes from, only Ken knows for sure, but it certainly is a number ONE hit with us also!
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