Network
We’re accustomed to finding slick looking Hot Rods at car shows, indoors or out. Sometimes we get information from the most talented builders in the country about a build that we might want to feature. Other times those leads come from a less likely location. Occasionally with those leads we find a level of quality and build competence combined with raw talent that is unexpected from such a place.
Such was the case during a recent trip to Johnson City, Tennessee for a tech feature build we were completing. While there, we were told about potential feature cars to take a look at in the area. So once our tech story work was completed, our tour guide for the day took us to see some of the local “hot” cars.
We found ourselves riding in Johnny Holder’s daily driven ’57 Chevy four door. He is the former mayor for Carter County, and much like a character from Mayberry, he seems to know everyone. The first place he took us was to Dean’s Street Rods, just outside of Johnson City. We’ve talked about Dean’s shop before and let’s just say it’s off the beaten path, and not the slick appearing high rent buildings that most street rod shops display.
Next stop was Dean’s home where he had a few surprises waiting for us. Out of the garage pulled two custom cars, one of which is this crazy custom 1946 Wagon featured here.
Pilkton who has been building and working on cars since he was six years old, started his hot rod shop back in 1991. He has since become a local, and even national name. Projects that come from his shop are often very unique, and very nearly perfect. Pilkton handles nearly every aspect of the build from start to finish – we seldom run across a builder who can do it all, literally.
Something That’s Not Supposed To Exist
This 1946 Chevy hatchback is a creation from owner Dean Pilkton’s own wild mind. The longer we starred at it, the more impressed we became with the man’s genius. Chevrolet never produced a two door hatchback during this era. In fact we’re fairly certain that other than the split gate cars of the 50s there had not been a hatchback Chevy production car built yet. Needless to say, this one-of-a-kind custom immediately had our attention.
The body is built from nine pieces of sheet metal.
The remainder of the body was formed by hand, by the master himself. Armed with an english wheel, shrinker/stretcher, and hand tools, Pilkton locked himself in his shop and didn’t leave until he had formed his vision. When we asked where the inspiration came from, Pilkton told us from his own imagination, “I kind of see it in my head, and then I might sketch it up a little bit, but I know what I want it to be from the moment I start.”
The car’s frame is one of Pilkton’s own designs as well, hand-built at his shop. The suspension comes from RideTech, with air bags at all four corners allowing Pilkton to set the car low for shows, and high enough to clear most obstacles as needed. Nicely tucked 22-inch wheels sit on the rear, with 19s on the front for a truly staggered stance.
The interior is full of many different details that don't overwhelm, but rather they fit the look of the car perfectly.
Open the hand constructed doors and you’ll notice the glass drops slightly to allow it to seal properly when closing. A detail not seen until recent years on late model cars. This too, is a demonstration of Pilkton’s attention to detail. Inside the car is a stunning dash, again hand-built by Pilkton. The seats are covered in gorgeous tan leather and in place of a headliner there’s also leather covered panels in the ceiling with matching accents. Pilkton added just the right amount of billet accents throughout, so it doesn’t look gaudy, rather it adds to the custom look and feel. A Vintage Air system keeps everything cool. Steering comes from a billet steering wheel and column by ididit.
Pilkton is a huge advocate for GM’s LS engine and with good reason. With over 15 years of production, these days used LS engines are easily sourced. Pilkton often uses the GM 5.3, topped with a take-off stock intake from either a Corvette, Camaro, of Firebird. He’s detailed the engine compartment to add just the right amount of color and shine to match the detail of the rest of the build. The engine covers for example, might appear to just be an aftermarket chromed plastic cover. However, they are actually hand-formed stainless that Piltkton fabricated himself and polished to a mirror shine. Exhaust is handled via headers and mufflers from Borla. Pilkton also adapted and fabricated several pieces of stainless tubing to get the rest of the system together. Gear changes come from a 4L60E transmission, also a favorite of Pilkton’s for it’s easy availability.
Built By A Man
Outside that hand-formed body is painted in a bright, deep shade of red. Running down the sides of the car is a classic wood grain effect. The rear glass for the hatchback is “borrowed” from a PT Cruiser and looking at the car from the side, you’d almost think the entire design was based around that rear glass. The top, while custom-built is obviously chopped by comparison to the ’46 two door that the original donor began life as. The front glass has just the right rake, while the rear is slanted forward. The car’s glass was all custom-built as well. The grille is from a late model Chrysler 300 and Pilkton used Mini Cooper headlights with integrated signal lamps. He also integrated the taillights into the rear bumper and as a reminder since many can’t recognize the original car here – a Chevy bow tie is placed on both the front grille and rear glass.
The exterior details likely make some think that the car is either something new from Chevy, or something old with minor upgrades. But those in the know begin by scratching their head trying to figure out exactly what they’re looking at. The longer you stare at this car the more you start to find the small details that stick out, and that is what we truly love about it. We were thinking that while the retro themed HHR was a decent little car, a design like this would have probably made a march bigger splash.
At the ripe young age of 66, Pilkton is no where near an end to his car building days. While at his shop we spotted a Willy’s roadster that he was doing some work to little by little as it is another car he’s owned for quite sometime and plans on completely rebuilding. The Willys sports a big-block Chevy engine and some wide rear tires. Pilkton was planning a wheel and tire change to get the car looking a little more like his current builds. He also was working the tonneau area to give it a finished appearance and a fresh paint job is likely in order.
We’ll be keeping an eye on Dean Pilkton and the cars coming out of his shop for some time to come, stay tuned!
