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Editor's note: This is part of a series at KSL.com featuring some of Utah's coolest cars. If you own a customized vehicle — from sports cars to semi trucks — email fjolley@ksl.com with a photo of the vehicle and a brief description for consideration.SALT LAKE CITY — Here's some good marital advice: If you want to bring home a project car, notify your spouse first; just ask John Golding.
When Sally Golding came home to find the pieces of a 1972 Chevelle in her garage, she said it “was the root of one of our worst fights in our marriage,” even though the project pile cost less than $1,000. That was about 10 years ago.
Things progressed slowly with the car, with John tinkering when he could. Two years ago he got committed and started spending every free minute on the car.
His final product has a 383 cubic-inch stroker hooked up to a Muncie 4-speed. The Chevelle left the factory with an automatic, but Golding said muscle cars should be shifted. It has a limited-slip rear differential. The 383 inhales through a high-performance intake manifold with an Edelbrock 650 carburetor, and exhales through custom exhaust with Flowmaster mufflers.
However, the car is not an SS. Golding is clear about that with his “Justa 72” license plates. He said he loves watching any of the old cars go by, and has built his to drive and enjoy. He said he put on a cowl-induction hood and SS stripes because he likes the look, not because he’s trying to fool anyone into thinking his Chevelle is the coveted SS.
He installed an upholstery kit, Dynamat sound insulation and carpet inside. He painted the car Atlantis Blue, a GM color used in 2013.
Golding said he’s a fan of any vintage muscle: If he’s working in the backyard and hears something big coming down the street, he will sprint out front to see it go by. Chevelles are one of those cars that everyone has an opinion about—some like them stock; others like them customized a certain way. Golding built his the way he likes to enjoy it. He has not taken it to any car shows.
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A very special 1969 Chevy Camaro, built by Cam Miller and his crew at HS customs in Logan, recently won first place in Battle of the Builders at the 2016 SEMA Car Show.He figures he has about $24,000 invested in the car, but it’s worth around $20,000. But he said he's not too concerned about the market, as the car was built for his enjoyment.
But not just his enjoyment. His wife Sally has finally come around and now loves going on canyon drives, trips to get a burger or out with friends in the Chevelle. The dark day 10 years ago when the project pile showed up in the garage? They laugh about it now.
Brian Champagne has reported on cars for more than nine years. He holds a master's degree in communications from the University of the Pacific and teaches at Utah State University. Contact him at iaabfl@yahoo.com.
