The Build Of Bud Burnett’s Merlot ’55 Started At The Seams

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There is a course of thought that if you’re going to build a modernized version of a classic ride, then it would be a shame to cut up a restored or original car. We’re not sure if Bud Burnett of Little Rock, Arkansas, agreed with that line of thought when he built his Merlot ’55, but we are sure that the finished product of his time and labor is a fine example of a modernized classic.

The late-model vibe was carried from the ground up, but is not overdone.

Bud’s abilities could easily handle either starting point, and when he decided to get another ’55 Chevy like he owned when he was younger, he admits, “I jumped on the first one I could find”.

In his own words, the car was a real rust bucket. After all of the corrosive content was removed, Bud began installing new floor pans, quarter-panels, fenders, and fixing other various areas that had succumbed to rust. Danchuk Manufacturing supplied the lion’s share of the necessary components to bring the car back, while Bud’s efforts brought them all together. Bud attests that starting at the seams, “just took a whole lot of work!”

Modern benefits such as power steering and air conditioning are benefits of the upgrades.

When it came time to accomplish some of the finer touches on the car, Bud deferred those to hands that were better suited to the tasks. Fellow Arkansas-an, Terry Holt, did the interior work for Bud’s ’55, which was trimmed out with tidbits from various other manufacturers. An original-style Chevrolet wheel helps keep the blend of old and new, and since Bud’s car is upgraded with power steering, only needs to be a fraction of the size of the car’s original offering. The gauges are from Classic Instruments, and the shifter is a Lokar unit that controls the updated transmission. To help Bud keep his cool, a Vintage Air A/C system hangs from the front of the LS1 engine.

Improved safety, styling, and comfort also come as part of the package.

And speaking of that LS1 engine, a Flowmaster exhaust zooms all the fumes out past the rear bumper, while a hefty 9-inch supported by an Art Morrison four-link directs the power to the pavement. Out front, a set of drop spindles gives the car its stellar stance, and thanks to the Classic Performance Products brakes, the shine on Bud’s front bumper remains dentless.

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Bud’s handiwork is easily noticed on the outside as well. Just one look at the Linen Gold over Red Merlot paint and you can see that this car is something special. The color gives the classic body lines a fresh look without looking like a senior citizen shopping at a PacSun store in the mall. While the 18×9 and 17×7 wheels from Billet Specialties look great on Bud’s ride, he admits that he might change them out just to mix things up a bit. One thing he won’t change would be going to a larger wheel. These look great and he admits, “That’s all I can get under there!”

Large changes blend with small details to carry the retro-mod theme.

While it may not be exactly like the one that Bud had many years ago, there’s no doubting that the one he has now is exactly as he wants it today. This ’55 proves that you can get exactly what you want, especially if you build it yourself and start at the seams.

About the author

Andy Bolig

Andy has been intrigued by mechanical things all of his life and enjoys tinkering with cars of all makes and ages. Finding value in style points, he can appreciate cars of all power and performance levels. Andy is an avid railfan and gets his “high” by flying radio-controlled model airplanes when time permits. He keeps his feet firmly grounded by working on his two street rods and his supercharged C4 Corvette. Whether planes, trains, motorcycles, or automobiles, Andy has immersed himself in a world driven by internal combustion.
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