I grew up in the small town of Gardena, Calif., where modifications to our cars were popular. This 1949 Ford sedan was in perfect stock condition when I brought it home as my first car.
The next day I began by removing door handles, the hood ornament and the grill. Next I added rear lowering blocks and cut (welding torch) the front coil springs. Then, of course, I added headers and twin (loud) exhaust pipes. Once I finished the welding and lead work, I had it painted, added flames, and pin striping.
This was mostly done for showing off, and attracting girls by a 17 year old boy. It seems to have worked, since I met and dated my wife to be, and told my mother I would marry this girl after our first date in this car. We have been married 57 years and it all started in my ’49 Ford.
— Leroy Rice