2012 Ridler Winner Build up at Torq'd Design Lab

[Torq'd Design Lab]

I have been holding off on posting the full build-up pictures of the '55 Thunderbird that we built at Torq'd Design Lab. Since this week is Detroit I thought it would be a good idea to start posting pics now! The build started on October of 2008 and was completed on February 2012. This years competition is looking like it is going to be just as stiff as last years!

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive367_zps06e76abd.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive252_zpsc65c84dc.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive470_zps46f1bdaf.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive424_zpsb49b24a8.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive427_zps662f9e05.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive421_zps989f13f4.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive437_zps73ea8b08.jpg

[Torq'd Design Lab]

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive504_zps5306cd61.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive223_zps9098dde2.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive229_zpsb097d5c1.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive222_zpsb4ef2572.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive251_zps7b115d5c.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive250_zps9bee1c48.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive249_zpsf67c7915.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive544_zps1e59919a.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/externalharddrive600_zps384ebfa9.jpg

[daemon2]

More please

[jimbo]

How may hours into it?

[WSSix]

Thanks for showing us the behind the scenes stuff. I love seeing the build pics.

Do you have a car in there this year?

[214Chevy]

How may hours into it?

.... The build started on October of 2008 and was completed on February 2012.

^^^^^ I would say that's about a bajillion man hours. :welder: I just saw this car at the Dallas Autorama. This is a very beautiful car. I guess every Ridler is, huh?

[billetman]

Very cool build! It was our pic for the "Ridler" in Detroit last year and for the "Custom Rod of the Year" later in the show season. Many hours spent designing and fabricating for sure.

[jimbo]

^^^^^ I would say that's about a bajillion man hours. :welder: I just saw this car at the Dallas Autorama. This is a very beautiful car. I guess every Ridler is, huh?

Only a bajillion? I thought it would be atleast a couple bajillion:D

Cant even begin to imagine how tedious a build like that is.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thank you all! The total build took a little over 9,100 hours from start to finish. We do not have a car that is competing this year, but one in the shop is in the works to compete in future years. We will be there showing the car once again this year along with almost 30 other Ridler winners throughout the years. Should be a great show!

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive578_zps2a00602d.jpg

The floor is a double-walled floor that hides a 1"x2" floor frame and a hidden internal rollcage in order to make the convertible more stiff. It also flows and lays directly on top of the crossmembers.

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive639_zpsb7011efb.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive614_zps10461fd8.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive619_zpsdfd6b254.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive246_zps6c3d73b8.jpg

[Torq'd Design Lab]

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive655_zpsc6691563.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive663_zps2171777d.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive667_zps31d9d85c.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive769_zps7519cda3.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive771_zpsd888c514.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive788_zpsf7c759a2.jpg

[Al Moreno]

What agreat way to break into the scene by building a Ridler winner! Matt Congrats on all the accolades! I'm blown away with the amount of talent at such a young ages, your Dad must be proud! :thumbsup:

By the way, we really enjoy build pictures around here. Sometimes just as much if not more than just seeing the end result. So keep them coming.

[E.rodz]

nice car and my hats off to you guys for putting that many hrs. into any project is admiral, the car is very inspirational! Thanks for sharing and keep up the great work!

[HWY Nova]

How are you associated with Greening Auto Company?

Thanks for sharing the pics.


--Eric

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thank you all so much! This was actually my second complete build, and my brothers first complete build. My first build was a '55 Ford F100 that was a Goodguys Truck of the Year Finalist in 2008. He was 19 and I was 23 when we started to build the Thunderbird and he actually designed every single aspect of the car and did renderings of every component as well as the entire car. I am trying to upload a few build-up pics of the car every day during this week and next. We have more projects in the shop and I will be taking and sharing those build-up pictures in different threads as the cars and trucks progress as well.

The car was built from the chassis up in our shop and went to the Greenings as a full rolling chassis car with the majority of the metal modifications on the exterior completed, the full underside of the car skinned smooth, the majority of the engine compartment completed, the exhaust, dash and also other metal modifications completed. We worked with Greening Auto Company and enlisted them to do the bodywork, paint, and machining. We are currently expanding to be able to complete all of these tasks in our own shop now. It was defiantly a great team effort by all!

[Vince@Meanstreets]

great work. looking forward to more pictures.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

More exhaust fab pics -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive807_zpsd7950651.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive832_zps4480929b.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive852_zpsfa51a8ea.jpg

This is before we decided that the build was more suited for coil-overs

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive873_zpse9e0a954.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive878_zpsc5b86650.jpg

One of the intercooler boxes for routing the air directly into the intercoolers
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7522_zpsd3aec40a.jpg

Starting the engine compartment construction
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7040_zps094ea7ba.jpg

sheetmetal airbox with built in compartment for the air filter
http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7550_zps26a59a66.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7553_zps514893fe.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7556_zps0ac139c3.jpg

[sds machining]

Nice job!!!.. whats next on the list for you guys? or is it a secret?

[WSSix]

Holy crap! I had no idea you guys were so relatively new to the scene. We need back ground info on you and your brother. How did you guys get into building cars at this level? How in the world did you find someone willing to trust you with this level of a build? Was competing for Riddler the initial goal? Yeah, I know I'm prying and if you don't want to answer, that's cool. I just think it could be inspirational for people to know your background.

Keep up the good work and good luck with the business too.:thumbsup:

[kennyd]

Thank you all so much! This was actually my second complete build, and my brothers first complete build. My first build was a '55 Ford F100 that was a Goodguys Truck of the Year Finalist in 2008. He was 19 and I was 23 when we started to build the Thunderbird and he actually designed every single aspect of the car and did renderings of every component as well as the entire car. I am trying to upload a few build-up pics of the car every day during this week and next. We have more projects in the shop and I will be taking and sharing those build-up pictures in different threads as the cars and trucks progress as well.

The car was built from the chassis up in our shop and went to the Greenings as a full rolling chassis car with the majority of the metal modifications on the exterior completed, the full underside of the car skinned smooth, the majority of the engine compartment completed, the exhaust, dash and also other metal modifications completed. We worked with Greening Auto Company and enlisted them to do the bodywork, paint, and machining. We are currently expanding to be able to complete all of these tasks in our own shop now. It was defiantly a great team effort by all!

i thought it was started and fabbed at hills hotrods ?

[Royalworks]

Who else on here were building Riddler cars when they were 19-23?.....Yeah. I think you guys might be the only ones I have ever heard of. Not just working on them but designing and then finishing them yourself is one heck of an undertaking. Awesome. Much respect.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thanks guys! We have some more projects in the works that will be coming out soon! We have a 1962 Impala, 1963 Ford F100, a 1955 and 1956 F100, and a 1955 1st series Chevy 3100.

I have been involved with cars my whole life and my family has actually owned the Thunderbird for about 20 years. I really became involved with cars and trucks when I got my driver’s license in high school. I started off with small customizations in the driveway of my parents house and (my brother started off building hovercrafts, a robot, and a few mini choppers) it just evolve into what it is today. We learned to metal fab, weld, body work, build interiors, and use metal working tools on our own. The '55 Thunderbird was a numbers matching original car that was in need of a full restoration and after deciding not to sell the car, we decided to customize it. While I was in college and focused on graduating I built my F100 which was painted by a shop in West Texas. We also took the Thunderbird out to the same shop to have it completely built while I was finishing up college. Due to certain circumstances and the work done to the car, we decided to pull the Thunderbird from the shop it was in, tear it apart, cut out all of the work, and build it ourselves. Everything that was done at the previous shop was cut out and thrown away.

Basically 70-75% of the car was handmade and once we did get it into our own shop we were set on making it something special. We had always watched the TV show "Rides" and followed the ISCA and Goodguys circuit closely. Mine and my brother’s lifelong dream was to one day build a car that could run for the Ridler award, and we set out to do it with this car. It took a ton of time and close, precise building but we were able to get the car to a fabricated state and metal finished state. That is when we turned the car over to Greening Auto Company for their bodywork, paint, and machining skills. From there we and the Greenings worked closely with Steve Tracy (Advanced Plating) and Paul Atkins (Paul Atkins Interiors) to produce the end result.

We could not have ever built the car without the willingness and help from my Dad (the owner of the car), Jesse and Jeff, Steve, and Paul. Before the car debuted I decided that I had gone to school for something that I loved, but that the hot rodding and street rod industry was my true love and passion. I officially opened Torq’d Design Lab in Tyler, TX and we have been working on builds that are nearing completion ever since. At the time the Thunderbird was being built we were not able to complete the body, paint, and machining in house. However, we are currently expanding to be able to have basically all of our needs for completing cars and trucks, start to finish, in house. Jonathan, my younger brother, is still very active in helping me design and do renderings of all of our projects but he is currently finishing up his last year at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA studying Transportation Design.

[WSSix]

Neat back story. Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you and your brother!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

A few pics before we head north to Detroit!

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7564_zpsb79ba1b9.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7574_zps6e131f69.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7551_zps31ac7c9b.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7904_zps93b75f12.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7607_zps42ba5d69.jpg

Flipped upside down on the build table for the underside metal work

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7609_zpsb9a937d2.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7598_zpsb07a036a.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7558_zps308467a2.jpg

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http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7545_zps09db8021.jpg

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http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7597_zps7170889a.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7913_zpsb24b9480.png

[Royalworks]

That's inspiring. Awesome!!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

That's inspiring. Awesome!!

Thank you very much!

[66fury]

More please !!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7607_zps42ba5d69.jpg

Rebuilding the entire rear section -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7602_zps1d16094c.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7596_zps74c94c50.jpg

Hood scoop extended 6" for a more natural look and to give more room for the new intake manifold -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7759_zps4cf1983d.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7764_zps71e4a207.jpg

[tubbed69]

Absolutely amazing metal work,do you give any free lessons?

[Dieselman]

WOW! Amazing craftsmanship!
You obviously have natural ability and talent. A Ridler at 23!
What's next?

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thank yall!! Yeah, stop by anytime! We have a few projects in the works and I will post updates of them (all except one) in new threads soon.

Some windshield treatment modifications -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7894_zpse8095805.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7892_zps73117b4b.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7891_zpsf26189b7.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7890_zpsd93c9e36.png

[GregWeld]

I have lots of tools --- but I couldn't do ANY of that!!


Amazing guys! Just amazing!


:thumbsup:

[Sieg]

Amazing guys! Just amazing!

:thumbsup:
Definitely deserving of the award. :cheers:

[RECOVERY ROOM]

This car could have been in there this year easy. Always something new to see when you look at these pics. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thank you guys!! We tried to keep the many modifications subtle and make the overall look of the car more modern and exotic.

[intocarss]

This car is insane. Congrats you all desrve it :trophy-1302:

[syborg tt]

I have lots of tools --- but I couldn't do ANY of that!! :thumbsup:

Greg - you crack me up

As for the Car - It is awesome !!!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Thank you guys!!

Here is a few more -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/tbird%202012%20Detroit%20and%20On/tbbuild9_zpsf100b91c.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/tbird%202012%20Detroit%20and%20On/tbbuild10_zps8706d568.jpg

[droptop73]

I saw the car last weekend in Detroit, It is amazing! Nice work.

[snoopy]

Very nice build.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

I saw the car last weekend in Detroit, It is amazing! Nice work.

Very nice build.

Thank you guys!!

These are some buildup pics of the dash -

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7564_zpsb79ba1b9.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7578_zps3eee3c9c.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7900_zpsf76f38f2.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7898_zpsd751c5a5.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7895_zps95773bab.png

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/externalharddrive7897_zps0c2c781b.png

[Al Moreno]

This is an example of functional ART!!! Thanks for posting and keep them coming.

[gearheads78]

I saw this car at the Dallas Autorama a few weeks ago the car itself is incredible in every way but what I was even more impressed with is how willing your dad was to talk about the car, show me the car and enven invite me inside the ropes to get a closer look. You guys have a super bright future.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

This is an example of functional ART!!! Thanks for posting and keep them coming.

I saw this car at the Dallas Autorama a few weeks ago the car itself is incredible in every way but what I was even more impressed with is how willing your dad was to talk about the car, show me the car and enven invite me inside the ropes to get a closer look. You guys have a super bright future.

Thank y'all!! Yes, Dad is very proud of the car and loves to show and talk about it as do I! We are very humbled by the recognition the car has brought over the past year and are ready to show and have fun with some of the new projects we have going on in the shop! If you ever see us at a show or are around our area you are more than welcome to come by and visit with us!!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Just a few pics of when we dropped the car off for the Greenings to start the bodywork, paint, and machined parts.

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/tbird%202012%20Detroit%20and%20On/tbbuild23_zps92b42be6.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/tbird%202012%20Detroit%20and%20On/tbbuild21_zpsd8fb21fe.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/tbird%202012%20Detroit%20and%20On/tbbuild10_zps8706d568.jpg

[Cesar Bossolani]

I love see WIP! Your car is awesome and please post all build process and pics!

[Torq'd Design Lab]

I found a couple of other pictures on an old flash drive of the car while it was still in our shop. I thought I would share them as well.

[Torq'd Design Lab]

I found a couple of other pictures on an old flash drive of the car while it was still in our shop. I thought I would share them as well.

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10117_zps235ecb86.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10118_zpsab6e6dd9.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10122_zpsad0d0d63.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10123_zpsa700baca.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10125_zpsc559c61d.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10126_zps08e83f5f.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10144_zpsaed566f1.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10161_zpsb922fd1f.jpg

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/9-30-10164_zps06711532.jpg

[Torq'd Design Lab]

I haven't uploaded any pics in a while...been really busy! These pics are from when the car was at Greening having the paint and body, and machining done.

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0004_zps1417176e.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0004_zps1417176e.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0104_zpsca0bde15.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0104_zpsca0bde15.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0371_zps1b99befa.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0371_zps1b99befa.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0189_zps1b03a267.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0189_zps1b03a267.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0047_zpsbb57358b.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0047_zpsbb57358b.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0238_zps909a13b0.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0238_zps909a13b0.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0237_zps13559bfd.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0237_zps13559bfd.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0327_zps16426c31.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0327_zps16426c31.jpg.html)

[fleetus macmullitz]

Great look at the bones of your trophy winner. :thumbsup:

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Paint and Detail Pictures:

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0018_zps89d4a76d.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0018_zps89d4a76d.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0028_zpsfc2f936b.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0028_zpsfc2f936b.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0087_zps9d86d7a4.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0087_zps9d86d7a4.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0131202_zps7de59da2.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0131202_zps7de59da2.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0134_zps0253cd33.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0134_zps0253cd33.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0130_zps1a856b92.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0130_zps1a856b92.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0129_zps0b1c7861.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0129_zps0b1c7861.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0126_zpsf8ec69b5.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0126_zpsf8ec69b5.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0165_zps6a64afda.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0165_zps6a64afda.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0240_zpsc34e4ea2.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0240_zpsc34e4ea2.jpg.html)

http://i1301.photobucket.com/albums/ag104/Torqd-Design/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0016_zps5c5a0da5.jpg (http://s1301.photobucket.com/user/Torqd-Design/media/1955%20TBird%20Build-up/GAC%20T-Bird/DSC_0016_zps5c5a0da5.jpg.html)

[cjfirstgen]

Amazing build!

[aggie91]

So glad to see young guys this talented in East Texas. I grew up in Tyler and now in Longview. Hopefully I can get over to see you guys this summer.

The Tunderbird looks amazing and I remember your F100 from the magazines a few years ago. Are you guys taking anything to HeatWave in Austin this year?

[fleetus macmullitz]

Wow...glad you're posting this awesome build.

Great car to go all in on.

BTW-what's the story on the wheels?

[Torq'd Design Lab]

Amazing build!

So glad to see young guys this talented in East Texas. I grew up in Tyler and now in Longview. Hopefully I can get over to see you guys this summer.

The Tunderbird looks amazing and I remember your F100 from the magazines a few years ago. Are you guys taking anything to HeatWave in Austin this year?

Wow...glad you're posting this awesome build.

Great car to go all in on.

BTW-what's the story on the wheels?

Thank you guys!

Aggie91, you should stop by whenever you are in Tyler! We have not been to Heatwave in Austin since 2007 but we are actually planning on going this year and should have a booth there too. We will have the Thunderbird, at least one of the two F100's I have in the build progress, and possibly another car that is currently being built.

Compos Mentis, this was a fun project that we put a lot into because of the history we have with the car. We have had it in the family for over 20 years. The entire car was designed by my younger brother, Jonathan, and the wheels are a design that he really wanted to look unique and like a fine piece of jewelry. He loves the knock-off style wheel and seven-spoke designs but he really wanted to bring out the concave look in this wheel. The "thunderbird" in the one spoke on each wheel is just a designers detail that makes them really cool and one-off too. The machining was done by Greening Auto Company but we are planning on having this service in-house very soon as well.