Don Compton's 1939 Chevrolet

Photo by Bob Hegge.

Photo by Bob Hegge.

Photo by Bob Hegge.

Photo by Bob Hegge.

Photo by Bob Hegge.

Photo by Bob Hegge.

1939 Chevrolet Business Coupe owned and restyled by Don Compton of East St. Louis, Illinois. Don used eight months to construct his custom. He installed a set of quad headlights from a 1958 Chevrolet, and the taillights were adapted from a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, which were blended nicely to the rear fenders. The door handles were shaved, as were the ornaments and handles on hood and deck lid. The outer hinges on the deck lid was eliminated by installing top lift mechanism from a 1947 Chrysler. The bumpers were removed, which gave way to a roll pan at the rear. Once the bodywork was done, it was painted Silver-Blue lacquer. Inside, a 1956 Chevrolet dashboard was sectioned to fit the cockpit. Roun-Tree Upholstery in East St. Louis made a new interior consisting of white and blue pleated Naugahyde. The coupe was powered by a warmed-up 1957 Chevrolet Corvette engine, with a 4:11 rear end. The car was lowered 3 1/2" up front and 6" in the rear. 1957 Chevrolet Corvette hubcaps and dual spotlights were installed as well.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Custom Cars January 1960