Since the goal was to make the California Hot Rod Reunion in Bakersfield it would be necessary to utilize the original, stock GM 10-bolt non-posi rear already in the car, but in order to get the correct altered wheelbase stance, new multi-leaf springs would replace the tired mono-leaf set-up. Zak ordered some custom four leaf springs from Riteway Axle in Sun Valley, moving the spring pads forward from the stock position to enhance the altered wheelbase look. We found that it was time to replace the dented trunk lid and at the same time save some weight. Fiberglass Trends still had a replacement trunk lid, hood and bumpers and had them in stock from the original mid-Sixties molds.

Cannon Engineering in North Hollywood mated the trans to the rear end, turning out a finished driveshaft in 48 hours. A '69 Camaro big block radiator fit between the Chevy II's grill and the fan with a few well-placed notches in the sheet metal. The fluids could now go into the engine and trans. The stock fuel tank was replaced with a 17-gallon JAZ fuel cell and the battery was moved to the trunk. With the help of a Painless Wiring unit we found everything clearly marked to bring the engine to life and complete the electrical system, brake, headlights and safety kill switch.

We wanted to make a check out drive so the neighborhood city streets would work to see the Chevy II under power. It worked and drove straight! Zak headed out, driving the back way with open headers to Magic Muffler, a staple on Van Nuys Boulevard since the 1950's where a pair of two-chambered Flowmaster mufflers would keep the neighbors at bay.