Words: Tommy Parry Images: Scooter
Scooter’s ambitious Project 33 consists of a chopped ‘33 Ford 3-window coupe body built by Outlaw Performance, a custom chassis from TCI and a blown V8. Underneath the classic paint scheme, Project 33 uses modern parts to improve safety, performance and comfort. As a general rule, Scooter never used original ‘33 Ford production parts except suitable reproduction pieces; Project 33 stands to prove that a classic car can be built to a high standard with readily available pieces.
The real build began when he received the TCI (Total Cost Involved) chassis. The chassis was designed for ease of use, and never did he feel he’d encounter any major hiccups thanks to the universal approach.
The frame was notched; then they grabbed a collection of parts from Yogi’s, Durant Enterprises and Flaming River to build the front end. Specifically, Scooter used a Magnum 4″ Drop Axle, Chassis Engineering Spindles, TCI king pins, tie rods and drag link, Pro Shocks, Durant “One and Only” Mono leaf spring with Durant adjustable perches, So-Cal hairpin radius rods, batwings and a panhard bar. At each end of the front axle, there’s a big Wilwood disc brake with a 4-piston caliper. It was around that point in the build process that Scooter decided to reshoe the Ford. Instead of the Mehelich Cruzer rims originally selected, Scooter opted for Billet Specialties 15×6” Talladegas up front with Nitto NT-450 195/50R15s and Billet Specialties 17×11” Talladegas shod in Nitto NT-404 305/60R17s. The wider tires became a necessity when having 700+ horsepower became a likelihood.
The motor was already decided before Scooter started picking out the parts. First a GMC 6-71 blower was matched to a 4-bolt 383 SBC, which was then disassembled, powerwashed and fitted with a 5140 steel 3.750″ stroke crankshaft for reliability and the ability to balance the engine. Brodix heads, Clevite 77 bearings, ARP bolts and studs, Fel Pro gaskets and roller rockers, Keith Black pistons and a mild Competition Cam followed. S & S headers and a Magnaflow exhaust rounded off the engine package, all of which provided an astronomical amount of power. With 720 horsepower at the wheels, driven through a 700-R4 4-speed automatic with Corvette servos and a B&M shift kit, he’d never be short on thrust.
With the frame, motor and suspension dealt with, Scooter started shopping for an appealing color to coat the Ford’s hide and the chassis. He found it in PPG Bright Sapphire. The brilliant bluish-purple gave a car a classic, unmistakable sort of Americana, and with hand-built handles, headlights and a rolled rear pan, the customizers had plenty to gander at.
On top of the sapphire blue, they laid down a custom flame graphic for some pizazz. The flame graphic had been done, sure, but to make it eye-catching, Scooter selected a set of colors to help the flames pop. Lemon Ice, Orange, Hot Pink and Hot Blue all gave those classic flames the appearance of three dimensions.
Scooter had specific plans for the interior: a racing edge with pro-touring comfort for those longer trips. That called for a custom dash from Outlaw Performance, Dakota Digital gauges, Tea Design Pro 93 seats, a B&M shifter and a 4130 Chromoly 10-point rollcage. Dominated by black leather, the cabin is a comfortable place to be for long trips; cushy Rayon carpets and a one-piece headliner help the occupants feel comfortable on long hauls. For the steering, they called on Flaming River to provide their polished aluminum roadster column, column drop and floor mount. Sitting atop the column: Flaming River’s Lobecks 3-spoke Black Leather wheel.
And with that, Scooter was done with the lengthy build, which started in 1999 and lasted all the way until 2004. There was little this car hadn’t been able to accomplish; the car was glimmering, gorgeous, incredibly fast, comfortable and best of all: well-kept. Scooter’s baby now lives in Daytona Beach, Florida. Though no longer legally his, Scooter keeps in touch with the current owner of his creation, who has put the purple beauty high on the hoist – above a classic Willys – to avoid Irma’s flooding. Relieved, Scooter can sleep easily knowing “the old girl got top priority.”
