Built by Curt Ukasik and his team at RPM Hot Rods in Pennsylvania, “Runt” started life as a meek, all white 6 cylinder Chevy II with Government Issue hubcaps. But that changed quickly once RPM got to work. It was designed by RPM to run hard with a custom boxed Roadster Shop chassis featuring a modified Heidt’s Pro-G front suspension, a Currie 9 inch rear end on a parallel four-link, Ridetech single adjustable coilovers and Nextel Cup-style swaybars. Setrab coolers were used for the differential, power steering and transmission circulated by Weldon pumps.

A 650hp 427 LS7 from Thompson Racing is coupled to a Bowler prepped Tremec 6 speed with McLeod road racing clutch and a lightened aluminum flywheel. Twelve and thirteen inch Wilwood brakes are used to stop the Billet Specialties “Throttle” wheels wraped in BFG’s G-Force KDW tires.

Runt’s body features stretched front wheel openings, tucked and smoothed bumpers, a sheetmetal spoiler, new floors and firewall and a custom lower front valence. The interior pulls from high end luxury cars with diamond-stitched brown leather upholstery by Smith’s Custom Seats. There’s also a full roll cage, 5-point harnesses and a “Throttle” steering wheel from Billet Specialties to match the wheels.

The Runt will take its rightful place inside the “Champion’s Arena” presented by Street Rod Headquarters at the Goodguys 14th Southwest Nationals November 18-20 in Scottsdale. Kerna will receive a customized toolbox courtesy of Snap-on while in Scottsdale.

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