The big-block referred to earlier started life as a '76 Chevy 454ci punched .030 over for a total of 468ci. A COMP Cams 284 was chosen to run with a set of flat-top 9.5-1 pistons. The cast-iron heads were ported and fitted with new valves and guides, while the crank got new bearings and precision dynamic balancing. Sitting atop the heads is a GM 502 intake manifold fed by an 850 Holley carb that draws its breaths through a K&N air filter. Spent fuel exits through Sanderson headers that feed into a pair of Flowmaster Series 40 mufflers. Ed tells us the new configuration delivers over 450hp.
With the body now his main focus, Ed put his torch to good use cutting away the areas too rusty to work with, like the floors, and replaced choicer pieces from one of the other three bodies. Ed is a fan of suicide doors, so he installed reverse hinges as a final touch before shooting the PPG Inferno Red paint over a gold metalflake base.
The interior is the handiwork of Jami McFarland of McFarland Customs located in Buckley, Washington, who re-covered the late-model GM seats in leather and installed the matching carpet. The dashboard, which houses a VDO cluster, was also covered in leather, as were the door panels.
After six years of work, Ed's brand-new old Chevy is up and rolling, and he wants to thank Brent Matson of G&M Auto in Polson, Montana, for all the help he offered during construction, particularly since Ed's '68 has netted him 10 awards at the 12 shows he has entered. And with only 18 months until he officially retires, we will no doubt be seeing more customs roll out of Ed's garage. The only difference will be that his next garage will be located in an area with a considerably warmer climate.
 |  |  The super tasty dash cluster...  The super tasty dash cluster is from Covan's Classic and is packed with Pro Comp gauges. |
 McFarland Customs in Buckley,...  McFarland Customs in Buckley, Washington, stitched the '68's interior in genuine leather. |  Nothing like a big ol' nasty...  Nothing like a big ol' nasty Rat motor to make a chop-top fly. Ed punched his '76 454 out to 468, then stuffed in a COMP cam with an 850 Holley and Sanderson headers dumping into Flowmaster mufflers. |  Tubbed wheelwells tuck a fat...  Tubbed wheelwells tuck a fat pair of Hoosier tires stuffed with Weld wheels. The added weight of gasoline helps the Ford 9-inch posi rearend hook up. |