Issue
December 2019
Owner
BJ Barger
Ride
Empathy
(1952 Willys Overland Panel)
(1952 Willys Overland Panel)
Meaning Behind the Name
It's the second Vehicle I have built the first one was about dealing with his suicide and my stopped attempt this Vehicle is about the people who helped me through it all
Photographer
Chris Gosda
Ride Details
Original Cost
I think we got it a trade
Build Cost
7k
What was the inspiration?
It was supposed to be my high school car and I always dreamed of a real hotrod jeep. The minitrucker in me always wins though especially when it's a project I get to keep. This build was about the people who helped me through my best friends suicide. Shes Named Empathy and I thought about the depression and being hidden and covered. The grille to me is remanecent of a soul crying ou.
How long did it take you to build?
We built Empathy in 90 days we were part of the International RATical Rod Buildoff Driveoff which is a 10 month build competition we decided to see what we were made of and do it in 90 days and drive it to SEMA.
How long have you been building?
I welded my first floor in a vehicle at 8 years old been going ever since
Your future plans?
Currently building a 1969 AWD Camaro and my crew is building a 1949 Merc into a slammed Panel wagon with shark teeth.
Vehicle history
Willys was got in early 80s used for storage till 90s. I was going to build to drive in high school but was way to rusty. Sat until 90 days before SEMA
Thanks to
Son of a Fink Kustoms, Don Smith Designs, Trulers, Maximum Oxidation, Glo-Trim, Dead Heart Creations, Slam Specialties, RCS Enterprises, Energy Suspension, Optima Batteries, Eagle Tire of Great Bend
Previous Rides
1966 Bronco "Norma Jean"
1963 Impala
1991 Suburban
Engine Details
Make
LS1 2000
Cylinders
V8
Displacement
5.7
Engine Mods
Painted engine green to be environmentally friendly we are "green"
Driveline Details
Axle
10 bolt
Gears
3.23
Builder Shop
Son of a Fink Kustoms
Chassis Details
Chassis
Kustom built frame using 1979 Trans am stub frame built with x member cross brace. Parallel 4 link with Watts link.
Frame Builder
Son of a Kustoms
Drop or lift inches
Shes on the ground bit goes up 10in in rear 9 in in front
Front Shocks
Found on shelves
Rear Shocks
Found on shelves
Spindles
Stock 79 Camaro
Four Link
Parallel 4 link
Compressor Info
Dual 244 VIAir compressors
Valve Info
Slam Specialties SV-8C manifold MC2 Controller
Airbag Info
Slam Specialties SS-7 Front SS-8 Rear
Other Mods
Watts link
Chrome, Paint, or Polish
Rusted with maximum oxidation
Wheels Details
Front Wheel Type
Cragar SS
Rear Wheel Type
Cragar SS
Front Wheel Size
15x8
Rear Wheel Size
15x10
Front Tire Size
235/60 r 15
Rear Tire Size
295/50 r15
Paint Details
Color
Rust?
Paint Type
Maximum Oxidation
Graphics Description
Old School linework
Painted By
Maximum Oxidation
Graphics By
Tatt2face Customs
Body Details
Body Drop
We made the vehicle have maximum headroom and slammed out cut entire floor out to position vehicle
Hood
1950 Chevy
Grille
40ft 1/2in box tube
Bumpers
C channel behind bodywork
Body Mods
Front and rear fenders are from 46 Chevrolet fleet line Aerosedan. Front fender buts that normally mount on doors attached and widened each side 4 in.
Body Mods by
Son of a Fink Kustoms
Interior Details
Shifter
Kustom 36 in
Seats
Glo-Trim/ RCS Enterprises
Upholstery Description
Black diamond plate with chain mail centers highlighted by led lit welt chord it creates a killer mood lighting
Upholstery By
RCS Enterprises and Glo-Trim
“Empathy”
Owned by: BJ Barger
Photos by: Chris Gosda
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