(1954 Chevy Belair)
Ride Details
One thing would like to add. The Crew at The Custom Shop bought up a Pedal car and had Seth and Johns daughter Brianna fix up the Pedal car Painted it and upholstered it to match Georgia. then for my Dad (Tom's) Birthday they Gave him this pedal car. it is so Cool Pics included
The Crew at The Custom Shop in Flanagan IL. have really given Georgia a new Life! and it will be her BEST Life! Also to all of these Companies for the parts and Products that were used to Build Georgia.
Abs Power Brakes Apex Leather Atturo Tires Auto City Classic Bartec TPMS Car Rep paint Carworx Design Cerakota C-tek chargers CVF pulley system Dakota Digital Gauges Design Engineering soudn deadner Eddie Motor Sports billet parts Fairchild weather strip Griotes polish products Granetelli Throttle body and exhaust cutouts Gold Eagle cleaners Hawkeye Ind Holley EFI, LS Swap parts IDidIt Tilt Column K & N filters Lokar shifter North Star Plating Nurelics Power Windows Odyssey Battery Painless Performance Wiring Pypes mufflers Raingear wiper motor Roadster Shop Chassis Seat belt planet Scosche wiring Sony Audio Tanks Fuel tank and pump TCI Global paints and products TMI Seats Vintage air XK Glow LEDs
Engine Details
Driveline Details
Chassis Details
Wheels Details
Paint Details
Body Details
The Custom shop also had Brianna Wargo customize a Pedal car to replicate "Georgia" as well it really turned out cool, they also build two Coolers and painted them to match as well. they are always thinking ahead. They are Very creative.
Interior Details
“Georgia”
Owned by: Greg and Tamarra Heerde
Photos by: Chris Gosda
The May 2026 issue spotlighted a build that wasn’t just about metal and horsepower—it was about family, legacy, and bringing a decades-old vision to life. Greg Heedre’s 1954 Chevy Bel Air, known simply as “Georgia,” proved that some builds are worth the wait.
The name Georgia came from the car’s roots. Originally found near Atlanta by Greg’s Uncle Dave, the car was purchased by his father, Tom, nearly 50 years ago for just $400 and brought back to Illinois. What started as a solid, honest car turned into a long-term dream project that sat for years before finally getting the attention it deserved.
A Family Project Years in the Making
Greg’s dad had always had a soft spot for builds like the 1954 Chevy Bel Air Georgia. Over the years, the car saw bits of progress in the garage, but like many projects, life got in the way. Eventually, it sat waiting for the right moment.
That moment came when Greg connected with the team at The Custom Shop in Flanagan, Illinois. What followed was more than just a build—it became a full family experience. Greg, his dad, and his brothers Chuck and Glen all played a part in bringing the car back to life.
Once the project officially kicked off, it moved quickly. In less than two years, Georgia went from a long-forgotten project to a fully realized custom build.
Modern Power Meets Classic Style
Under the hood, 1954 Chevy Bel Air Georgia was anything but stock. Powered by a Blueprint-built LS7 427 cubic inch V8, the car pushed an impressive 625 horsepower, backed by a Bowler Performance 4L70E transmission. The combination delivered modern performance while maintaining the classic feel of the Bel Air.
The car sat on a Roadster Shop chassis with a six-inch drop, paired with Fox shocks and a four-link setup, giving it both the stance and handling to match its power.
A Show-Stopping Finish
Visually, 1954 Chevy Bel Air Georgia stood out with a custom Candy Root Beer and Vanilla Shake paint scheme, layered with gold pearl for a flip-flop effect that changed in different lighting. The paint, handled by John Wargo at The Custom Shop, gave the car a deep, rich look that demanded attention.
Body modifications were clean and subtle but effective. Shaved handles, tucked bumpers, recessed headlights, and a hidden fuel filler behind a motorized taillight all added to the custom feel without taking away from the car’s classic lines.
Interior That Matches the Build
Inside, the attention to detail continued. TMI Pro Grand seats wrapped in Apex leather, custom door panels, Dakota Digital gauges, and a full Sony audio system brought modern comfort and style into the cabin. Hidden compartments, LED lighting, and even custom touches like moonshine bottles and a NOS display made the interior just as unique as the exterior.
More Than Just a Car
What made Georgia truly special wasn’t just the build—it was the meaning behind it. From decades of family history to the collaboration with The Custom Shop, every part of the project carried a story.
One of the most memorable moments came when the shop surprised Greg’s father with a matching custom pedal car for his birthday—painted and upholstered to replicate Georgia. It was a reminder that this build was about more than cars—it was about memories.
Looking ahead, the plan was simple: get Tom behind the wheel, hit shows like Street Machine Nationals and Goodguys, and enjoy the car the way it was meant to be.
After decades in the making, 1954 Chevy Bel Air Georgia was finally living its best life—and turning heads everywhere it went.
