Goodguys Rod & Custom Association congratulates Bill Paul and his 1934 Ford Pickup for being named the 2024 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year. The coveted award was announced July 13 during the Goodguys 26th Summit Racing Nationals presented by PPG in Columbus, Ohi.
Vintage Fabrication of Independence, Missouri, started the project with a 1934 Ford four-door sedan and a pair of front fenders. The body was transformed into a truck cab and the entire bed was hand fabricated.
A multitude of modifications were crafted before being finished in a deep, black paint highlighted with classic flame work; an homage to the historic California Kid 1934 Ford Coupe.
A modified chassis from Pete & Jakes is supported by a 5-inch-drop Superbell front axle with a triangulated four-link rear setup. Paul always planned to keep a Ford engine in his Ford, choosing a 450-horsepower small-block fueled by a detailed Borla 8-Stack induction system with Holley fuel injection. The pickup rides on a set of custom machined Curtis Speed wheels with Mickey Thompson tires.
The interior follows suit with modifications on one-off machined components throughout including the steering wheel, trim and the dashboard featuring a set of custom gauges from Classic Instruments. For comfort, the seat is stitched in leather with a Vintage Air system controlling the temperature in the cabin.
The entire body, chassis, wheels, and interior have been modified or custom fabricated with great attention to detail, fitment and finish making this street rod pickup stand out from the crowd. Bill always envisioned a street rod pickup modeled after the influential California Kid Coupe and though the process took 12 years, his dream is now a reality.
Goodguys will be crowning eight more vehicles to complete their Top 12 program through the 2024 season including Muscle Car, Custom Rod, Trucks of the Year, and other top categories for classic vehicles. Congratulations to Bill Paul and the crew at Vintage Fabrication for being named the Goodguys 2024 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year.
