The Peel’in Pumpkin

“Bubble bubble caldron trouble, build me a quick Gasser—on the double!” It’s not exactly clear, but some sources say that’s what Herb Crozier of Sylvania, Ohio, chanted as he hauled home his new ’39 Chevy coupe project. Whether or not there was actually any witchcraft involved remains up for interpretation, but one thing’s clear: he put together one hell of a Stovebolt.

It’s no secret that—much like in the ’60s—straight axle cars are hot right now. I’m not going to say they’re common, but we’ve been seeing quite the resurgence in recent years. Willys, Anglias, Tri-Fives, Studebakers—you name it, it’s been tried. Flipping through books like Larry Davis’ perennial Gasser Wars, it seems as if there were more fat-fendered Chev Gassers running around in those days. Too portly for A/Gas? Probably so. But that doesn’t mean that they aren’t a great starting point for a B/, C/, D/ or even E/Gasser. And, of course, you can’t forget the street Gassers.

Herb blended the best of both worlds on his ’39 Chevy. To help put more weight on the rear wheels, he lifted the front with a ’55 Chev truck I-beam—complete with aluminum blocks—and a pair of parallel leaves. Out back, he went with a posi-equipped ’56 rear of the same manufacture. The oversized traction bars were Herb’s handiwork.

In the engine bay, he kept things all Bowtie with a 409 pushed to 421cid. Fuel and air mixed in a couple of Carter AFBs and exhaust gasses exited through owner-built headers. Other highlights include a Crower cam and Jahns pistons. Although brightwork was limited to the chrome valve covers, the entire setup was certainly sanitary. The same can be said about the Spartan interior, which features the stock steering wheel, a Moon pedal and an aluminum dash outfitted with a slew of gauges. Originally intended for street use, Herb managed to get the 2,985-pound Chevy into the low-12s at 119mph.

There’s a whole lot to like about this particular Chevy, but there’s a distinct reason to showcase it today. You see, Halloween is just around the corner, and since the car was painted bright orange, Herb named it the “Peel’in Pumpkin.” With jack-o’-lantern on the decklid and a beer tap on the quarter panel, the ’39 looked like a fun machine. No tricks here—just a treat for anyone with a sweet spot for Chevy Gassers. Happy Halloween!

—Joey Ukrop

 Photos by Tom McMullen, Rod & Custom, June 1967