2020 Classic Instruments Street Rod of the Year Finalist – Dave Gonzales’ 1935 Ford
Dave Gonzales bought a street rod several years ago and later learned it had been crafted by award-winning builder Roger Burman of Lakeside Rods and Rides. The two men struck up a friendship, and before long Dave decided to have Roger start on a new 1935 Ford three-window coupe project – one that was custom tailored for Dave.
Roger found a good starting point at a swap meet and began doing what he does best – chopping, stretching, wedge sectioning, and smoothing the body to make it sleek, sexy, and elegant. This included custom bumpers, grille, and trim, with a beautiful Axalta finish in a GM Subterranean hue.
The slick body was further enhanced by a low-down stance achieved using a Pete & Jake’s chassis with a TCI front suspension, four-bar rear, air springs, and brilliant 18- and 20-inch Billet Specialties wheels. A 435hp LS3 was dressed to the nines and backed by a 4L60E transmission to get the coupe moving.
The incredible custom work spills over inside, with a hand-fabricated dash filled with Dakota Digital gauges, custom leather upholstery, woodgrain accents, and a host of hand-crafted trim pieces.
Completed just before the event, this incredible 1935 Ford coupe captured attention all weekend. More importantly, it’s just what Dave ordered.
