» Engine: Chevy big-block
» Horsepower: 600
» Performance: 427 nitrided crank and Manley rods, JB Auto Machine worked PBM Aluminum Heads, Lunati hydraulic roller camshaft, Ross Racing pistons, Edelbrock performer air gap intake, Holley HP-950 carb, March serpentine pulley system, MSD 6AL ignition, MSD Pro billet distributor, MSD 160 amp alternator, MSD spark plug wires, PRC aluminum radiator with electric fans and ceramic-coated headers.
» Paint: Two-tone mid-1990s GM Gun Metal Silver and Ivory White
» Wheels:Ê15-inch American Racing Torque Thrust II with Hoosier Pro Street Radial Tires
» Interior: Custom dash and trim with Autometer C2 Gauges, custom console with switch panel, Flaming River steering column with Billet
Specialties steering wheel, light-emitting accent lights, lighted cup holders, seat
heaters, bucket seats with Allante upholstery. Sony Xplode head unit,
Foose Arc Audio amplifiers, JBL subwoofers and NXT speakers
Childhood memories are strong influences that can directly contribute to the way some people decide to shape their lives. Memories can be bad, and as a result, act as boundary markers controlling future decisions. Memories can also be good, and when they are mixed with the right motivation, they can create new and exciting horizons.
John Kraus found his motivation during a street rod event in August 1997. A camping trip that doubled as a collector-vehicle gathering with friends reminded Kraus of being a passenger at 14 and riding around in muscle cars. Kraus wanted to make that experience his own once again in an antique vehicle, but the only condition stipulated by his wife was there would be no muscle cars because of what she said was “past experience with guys and muscle cars.”
Kraus eventually landed a 1956 Chevy Bel Air in June 2002 that he found while browsing the Internet. Kraus’ wife didn’t seem deterred when he told her that the car contained a 427 big-block Chevy engine. As long as the car didn’t look like a muscle car, it made no difference how it sounded or performed. The car however was not perfect and Kraus’ restoration became an eight-year “mock up” that included replacement of major parts and systems.
The first project was to replace the worn-out Hurst ratchet shifter with a B&M Mega shifter. The engine, which was having trouble staying as aggressive as it sounded in its former days, was rebuilt by East Coast Off Road in Hickory, Md. The next step was to buff up the rear by giving it a true hot rod stance. Tom Brush Chassis in Forest Hill, Md., helped with the transition to a triangular four-link with mini-tubs to help accommodate larger tires in the back. A classic Ford 9-inch rear with 4.88 gears were also installed to get the Chevy’s heart pumping faster at greater revs.
Once the motor was properly refurbished, the automatic transmission couldn’t handle the additional power. So the transmission had to be entirely rebuilt and a shift kit was added along with a gear vendor that literally converts the tired three-speed transmission into a six-speed transmission complete with overdrive.
But satisfactory power levels only last so long when you’re addicted to speed. Soon after the rebuilt transmission, Kraus decided that the engine needed more pep. So once again, the engine was rebuilt, this time adding a new cam, crank, carburetor and heads. With all that power, steering control took on a new importance. A Flaming River steering column and Concept One steering box were added for improved functionality.
With all that power, Kraus came to a crossroads. He wanted even more power, but his wife was concerned that the interior was showing signs of wear and neglect. So Kraus contacted Daniel Cope Interiors in South Carolina, where he purchased a custom interior kit. The bench seat was reupholstered and bucket seats were added by Bay Country Interiors in Annapolis.
With most of the work complete, Kraus focused on the sound system. AM Radio wouldn’t cut it, so an updated Sony head unit was purchased controlling a 600-watt and 500-watt amplifier that fed to two 10-inch subwoofers, two 6×9 speakers and two 6-inch speakers.
With all this work accomplished, the memories have come not just for Kraus, but for others as well who often come upon the car and relate stories to Kraus about their own experiences in a Chevy like his own.
What do you drive? I drive a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air two-door hardtop.
Why do you drive it? It looks, feels, sounds and smells like a hot rod, especially when you mash the pedal.
What is your most memorable driving experience? Driving the car three laps around Lowes Motor Speedway at the Charlotte Goodguys Rod and Custom Show.
What was the first vehicle you owned? A 1969 Pontiac Lemans.
What music are you currently listening to in your car? Allman Bros, Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, ZZ Top, .38 Special and the Atlanta Rhythm Section with some modern country and classic rock thrown in.
And your first ticket? What was it for? Speeding on Interstate 70 following my dad from my brother’s graduation from VMI. My first ticket with the ’56 was for spinning tires — a $100 fine — at the Columbus Ohio Goodguys Nationals.
