2004 Chevy SSR - Full Circle

This SSR is pretty inside and out. Using PPG materials, SO-CAL ASC lavished the exterior of the SSR with pure orange toner offset by a one-off cream color that matches the SSR's creamy leather interior by Gabe's Auto Upholstery in Bloomington, California. Dennis Ricklefs laid the pinstripe around the SO-CAL ASC scallop. The blue stripe matches the handmade Bow Ties on the front and rear of the SSR. Hand-formed, brass beltline trim incorporates silver SO-CAL ASC badges and a third brake light. Trim outlines the license plate and running boards, as well. The door handles and fuel-filler door are gone, and the fuel inlet is now accessed from inside the bed.

Experiments with clay models led to retro body stylings like the swoopy running boards that follow the factory cutlines, tie together the front and rear fenders, and disguise the low-hanging frame and new front and rear aprons. While the grille looks similar to the factory model, closer inspection reveals the Chevrolet script on the front trim was replaced with a blue Bow Tie, three of the four grille bars were reconfigured, and the honeycomb mesh was discarded. The lower round driving lamps gave way for the hand-formed and V-shaped spring-steel bumper.

Customizing the hood presented a challenge. Punching louvers into the curved shape of the high-strength steel split the metal, which then had to be hand-finished. It was a time-consuming chore. The tailgate was louvered, as well, and serves as the backdrop for the license plate. Drastically shortening and reshaping the lower pan accommodated the new contoured spring-steel bumper and louvered aluminum pan. The rear fender openings were slightly closed to reduce the gap, and the mirrors were removed.

Music, of course, is a necessary component to every aftermarket job. But the boys at SO-CAL didn't get the usual deck-and-two upgrade. Thanks to Scott Beuhl of Fender Custom Shop in Corona, California, SO-CAL ASC has a $12,000 axe, but not for chopping wood. He made a custom Fender Stratocaster electric guitar painted and detailed to match the SO-CAL SSR. At SEMA, it leaned inside the SSR like an orange-flavored swizzle stick in a smoothie, a refreshing sight for passersby and a sweet finishing touch.