Chassis builder Jim Sleeper used the centersection of the Chrysler frame and added both the front and rear suspension parts from the Viper to create a whole new base from which to work. This allowed the use of the Brembo disc brakes found on the Viper, as well as its independent suspension for both the front and rear of the vehicle. Aldan coilover shocks with Eibach springs were installed on each corner and the Viper rack-and-pinion was retained. Additions also include a 20-gallon stainless steel gas tank from Rock Valley, as well as a Kugel pedal assembly. The wheels are one-off Coddington's, milled in 17-inch diameters (8s and 9.5s) and wrapped in Goodyear RSA rubber (235/55 and 255/55).After the body was removed from the original chassis, it was blasted to remove all remnants of the old color before it was turned over to Coddington's painter, perfectionist Bernt Karlsson. Gary wanted to retain much of the gingerbread on the 300, so all the chrome trim pieces (which were re-plated by Sherm's Plating) were left alone, except for the front and rear bumpers, which were brought in closer to the body by shortening their brackets. New inner fenders and a new firewall were also created, giving the engine compartment a smooth and slick appearance. Bernt laid down glossy layer after glossy layer of the DuPont black paint, with the end result being so deep you might be tempted to dive into it!
Needing a little freshening up, the stock 354 was taken to Dougan's Engine Rebuilding and bored .030 over, which yields a 359-inch displacement. From there, the block went to Ken Brody, who is well versed in early Hemi applications. Ken assembled the engine using a Clay Smith camshaft, J&E forged pistons (set up at 9.5:1), and a stock forged crank.
A Carter carb feeds the big iron Hemi heads, and exhaust runs out Hedman headers, stainless tubing, and MagnaFlow mufflers. From there, a big-block Chevy water pump was added, as well as a Mattson's radiator to keep everything cool, and a PerTronix distributor (with Taylor wires) supplies the spark. The baby Hemi bolts to a TH400 transmission, which was prepped by the Toy Shop.
With the chassis, body, and paintwork done, the Coddington crew delivered the 300 to Gabe Lopez, the upholsterer who has worked on nearly every interior to roll out of Boyd's shop for the past decade or so. Gabe used red leather to cover both the front and rear bench seats, pleating the material into narrow rows for a more vintage look. The dash still retains all of the chrome knobs that came from the factory, but now they don't do everything they say they do. Behind the ashtray cover, you'll find a Pioneer XM tuner control that feeds Infinity speakers hidden throughout the interior. The stock push-button radio is just a decoy-it doesn't do anything. The car is equipped with a Vintage Air A/C system (feeding both the front and rear of the interior), and the '59 Impala steering wheel connected to a Flaming River column looks absolutely right in the Chrysler.
For a guy who just "wanted a stock 300 with an attitude," we think Gary got what he wanted delivered to him in spades! And, just like everything else he owns, the wheels will get driven off this vehicle too, as Gary and Marilyn have racked up more than 20,000 miles each of these past few year in their hot rod travels. About the only change Gary still plans to make is to lower the car another 3 inches all around, but, after that, it's the open highway. See? Dreams really do come true!