Skip Batchelor's 1958 Chevrolet

1941-1948 Chevrolet taillights have been popular to use on hot rods since the 1940s. Today, a pair of glass taillights can easily be sourced from your local speed shop or Amazon.com. Click here to check price and availability.

This photo of Skip's Chevrolet was published in Customs Illustrated March 1961 in a story titled "What are the Best Cars to Customize". Photo courtesy of Customs Illustrated.

1958 Chevrolet Impala restyled by Ray Farhner of Farhner Custom Shop in Missouri and its owner Skip Batchelor of Raytown, Missouri. Ray and Skip replaced the stock grille with a 1959 Buick grille which filled the opening nicely and gave the car a wider appearance. The hood was shaved of ornamentation, and 100 4-inch louvers were punched into it. The stock headlight rims were kept, but painted in the same color as the car. All chrome on the fenders of the car were removed and the side trim of the car only limited to a single straight strip and dual Appleton tear drop spotlights were added. In the rear Skip and Ray decided to remove the massive Impala taillights. These were replaced by 1941 Chevrolet taillights that were integrated into the bumper. Doors and deck lid were also shaved of chrome and solenoid operated. Lake pipes that peered out from behind the front wheels were installed.

The car was lowered by cutting 2 coils in the front, and 3 coils in the rear and shod with wide white walls and Dodge Lancer hubcaps. Small bullets were installed in the center of the hubcaps.

Once bodywork was done Ray painted the car with 15 coats of Pagan Gold with candy apple red scallops around the fenders, sides and top. A new custom interior was made by upholsterer Jack West. A luxurious look was achieved by black and white-bordered Naugahyde upholstery with white piping and carpeting with white diamond designs in front of each seat. The stock engine was kept, but it was hopped up with a tri-power manifold and carbs.

The build was completed early in the summer of 1960 and picked up a trophy at the first show it attended.

Magazine Features

Motor Life May 1959
Custom Craft January 1961
Customs Illustrated March 1961