While walking through and admiring all the custom cars and bikes at this years 54th Detroit Autorama, a handful of cars made us draw closer for a more thorough inspection. This Boydster II, owned by Jim Kain was definitely one of them. I quickly realized that this street rod was the one I had just read about in an 8 page feature in the March 2006 edition of American Rodder Magazine.

Two important details that set this rod apart from the rest are the concealed convertible top and the installation of a 502 c.i./510 h.p. big block Chevy engine between the frame rails.

The project began with the purchase of a Boydster II body and complete rolling chassis from Boyd Coddington, in which a Chevy Ramjet 502 mated to a Corvette 6 speed transmission and a Corvette independent rear end were initially installed. The roller also came with Wilwood disc brakes and 16" x 7" (fronts) and 18" x 9" (backs) one-off CNC machined Boyd Wheels.

Chris Tietge (Tietges's Hot Rod Garage) was contacted by Jim to somehow squeeze a convertible top and side glass windows into the narrow confines of the Boydster body because drivability and usefulness was right at the top of Jim's priority list.

A Vintage Air Conditioning unit was also installed for even more creature comfort. The gas tank was made in three sections with two of the sections mounted inside the rear quarter panels and another tank section mounted above the A/C unit and Optima battery which is located behind the convertible top compartment. Everything is very neatly concealed and hidden from view. The hinged, hard tonneau cover flows well with the Boydsters body lines.

After all the fabrication was finished, the car was completely blown apart and painted with a beautiful PPG torch red color, applied by Chris Tietge. Wade Hughes, the inventor of the "Ohio Style Flames" was called in to do his specialty and the results speak for themselves in magnitude.

We (J & B Microfinish) manufactured the 32 oval "Deuce" dash insert, in which Classic Tetra gauging was installed. The oval theme is also carried out in the A/C control panel, A/C vents, outside mirrors, brake, clutch and gas pedals, and the console and seat medallions.

The car was then transported to Knoxville, TN, home of Steve Holcomb of Pro Auto Custom Interiors, where all the necessary stitch work was completed. Steve finished off the car using elegant cream colored leather and beige carpeting. He also covered the convertible top frame.

Weighing in at a little over 2,000 pounds, one can only imagine what it is like to put your foot into this "Bad Boy". With an independent rear and sticky 205/50ZR16's in the front and 225/45ZR18's in the back it no doubt handles like a dream also. This Boydster has all the right stuff. Nice work Jim.