Project Car Update Tinman 2 Kustoms Tinmama 1940 Chevy

If Luke Merrill’s 1940 Chevy, Tinmama, looks familiar, that’s because we featured it last year as a Summit Racing-supported project slated for the 2018 SEMA Show.

As with all things project car, issues arose. Luke is a one-man shop, and even working 16 hour days for months wasn’t enough to have Tinmama ready. But that’s OK, because the extra time has been well-spent getting the Chevy perfect for this year’s SEMA Show.

“We have finished up the metalwork and prep work for paint,” Luke told us. “It's been a struggle because the previous metalwork done in the 1990s was causing all sorts of headaches and fitment issues. Fixing them set me back at least 400 hours or so. This has by far been the most challenging build I've ever done, and it’s got to be right since it’s Mom’s car.”

To recap, the Chevy is a long-running project for Luke’s mom. The car is chopped, widened, and shaved. It sits on a chassis with a Nova front subframe, an independent rear suspension from a 2017 Mustang, and a full Air Lift airbag suspension to lay serious frame. Power is provided by a fuel injected 400 cubic inch small block.

Luke is painting the car with a custom mix of Summit Racing 2-Stage Jade Green and Key Lime paint, with the trim and garnish moldings in Summit Racing Mocha Metallic. Luke expects to have the car painted by the end of August. The interior is about 30% done and is next on the list for completion.

Will Tinmama be worth the wait? If you’re going to the SEMA Show, check it out at the Yukon Gear and Axle booth and decide for yourself. We already know what your answer will be.