Rod Authority went up to Danchuk Manufacturing the other day to do a video shoot, and we got to see a very cool 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Coupe that’s a test bed for Danchuks 1955-1957 bow tie products.

It was a Torch Red beauty originally modded way back in 2006, but recently updated by Orange County Hot Rods. It’s a great template for guys (and gals) looking to modernize an older build.

The car was dripping with passe billet bits, and needed some love and a crash course in old-skool cool. Orange County Hot Rods did a body-off re-think, fixing electrical gremlins and touching up some paint. They added Edelbrock’s spankin’ new, Pro-Flow 4 EFI system to the first-generation small-block 350, some new American Legend wheels and voila’, the car was fresh as a spring daisy.

Dated builds are also a great value for a prospective classic car buyer, and this project shows how to go from very cool, to head-of-the-class.

One of the things that hit us was the really awesome interior. Created by TMI, a family-owned company founded in 1982 when the Tuccinardi brothers began making Volkswagen door panels in their family garage in Torrance, California.

Today, TMI makes high-value interior automotive components like seating, interior consoles, floor coverings, door panels, convertible roof assemblies, headliners, and integrated electronic systems. TMI has mastered fast-to-market niche programs. From prototype to production, TMI’s streamlined processes integrate emerging technologies for volume or short run projects.

The best part is you can custom order your colors, patterns, and flourishes. The interior shows up two months later with seats assembled on-frames, headliner, carpet, console (if ordered) and full trunk dress up kit, ready to go.  The guys at Danchuk installed the interior in a weekend.

You would never know this wasn’t a full-on custom upholstery job that spent months at a shop. Expert tailoring, cool hot rod design, and easy installation are the hallmarks of TMI, and your car stays in the garage while the custom guts are stitched together in Corona, California.

Bonus.

From assembling VW interiors way back when, to their full line up of products, TMI is unique in the upholstery world. Be sure and check out their brand new website with all their latest gear. It’s has a new interface that’s easy to navigate and makes configuring your new interior a breeze. Go here to check it out.