STREET ROD BUILDER - Seven Years and Worth the Wait - How one all-steel Vicky was built from scratch.  September 2003

 Photography - Scott Kileen / Words - Stephen K. Anderson

The beauty of rodding is often realized in the creativity that is demonstrated while transforming recognizable shapes into ones never seen before. These transformations show themselves as many of today's favorite rides, and all the while there are cars still just coming to light.
Cars like this one.

Thankfully, Buckaroo's Scott Killeen steadied his lens on this fine effort, and his results speak volumes about a nearly invisible blend of craftsmanship, artistry and good-old homespun street rodding. Yet the pictures tell only a small part of the story about this first rate project, which is why we wanted to devote a good portion of this story to the build up. Once you have seen many of the alternations this car went through, only then can you appreciate that inner beauty is more than skin deep.

In terms of construction of the chassis and body, along with many other aspects of this unique Vicky, credit goes to Hopperstad Customs in Belvidere, Illinois. Tim Grove at Rod "N" Restoration in Rock Falls covered the finish work and paint, and Ken's Hot Rod Shop built the exhaust system just up the road. None other than Steve Raifs laid out the interior in Durant, Iowa and there were assorted efforts put in by many other contributors. This car is definitely the result of the sum of its makers, and it is most certainly one worth studying carefully.

In total, this car took seven years to build from start to finish, although nearly three of them were spent under a tarp ina back corner of the shop. Kerry Hopperstad has already spent a great amount of time building the car, so when Hopperstad Customs began getting busier, it gathered dust. Few hours were left to work on personnal projects, and facing construction challenges, the project just stopped in its tracks-that is, until the last couple of years. In that time Wayne Young got involved with the build in the hope of seeing this project through to its completion. It should be noted that Young is a tool-and-die maker, and if you are familiar with these guys, it's safe to say they are all about detail.

In this case, the details were aligned with the real-world creation of a Thom Taylor illustration several years old. In that drawing, Taylor deared up the lines of a Vicky with a combination of subtle alterations that give that car a unique shape. This care remains close to that concept allowing a two-dimensional premonition to become a three-dimensional reality, and one that funstions just a nicely as it looks.

The broad strokes include several major changes at Hopperstad's shop to an all-steel original. These included major modifications to the cowl and the rear well wells and fenders, new, longer hood, a shorter grille, and all sorts of things that may never been or even recalled after so many years. As you may have realized, the top was totally scratch-built, and while the initial concept was to retain the look of a cloth top, this choice prevailed, and succeeded in the results seen here. Ther finish of the paint, PPG's 2000 Corvette Yellow, tells of the skills and efforts that lay below, and this again bows to the talented crew at Rod "N" Restoration and its ability to flow on a slick surface.

Hopperstad's approach to the chassis is always centered on function, and his utilization of known products proves out his approach. A solid axle was used in back and a Heidt's Superide independent in front, and Aldan shocks were used at both ends. Disc brakes also are found there within Billet Specialties rims, 15x7s in front with 195/60R15 BFGoodrich T/A radials and 17x9.75s shod with P235/60R17 to lay down the power.

The aforementioned power is more than ample, with a lightly modified 302 working in concert with a Ford five-speed. And while the reciprocating components were left pretty much as is, and the induction system was updated, the most obvious alterations can be found in the external details that are suited to their surroundings.

Over the past 30 years, Steve Ralfs has attracted an impressive selection of rods and classics with his style of upholstery, including many of Hopperstad's customers, all of whom appreciate comfort and style. This cars follow in that tradition, with a rich style and quality feel in tan leather, including the Pontiac Fiero seats which provide exceptional support. The special dash was built by the owner and makes good use of Auto Meter gauges, and the combination of other components makes for a great driving experience.

It's a great thing when someone is able to alter the appearance of a car while actually improving  its appeal, even if it takes a little longer than anticipated, The feelings of accomplishment and pride that come with an effort like this one are are hard to imagine unless you have faced similar challenges yourself. With the accompanying account of the construction process (see the following story). plus the results you see here, this presentation should provide you a pretty good idea of all that was involved on these many years, But the wait was worth it.