“The Journey to a Classic Car”
“FIDDY” started life in an Ohio factory before making its way to California, where it spent most of its years until Robert Main purchased and moved it to Las Vegas. The car remained there for seven years before I had the opportunity to purchase it three years ago. Robert, unfortunately, was in poor health and could no longer drive it. About a year and a half later, he passed away. To honor his memory, I send car show memorabilia featuring FIDDY to his son. Erinn and I traveled to Las Vegas on New Year’s Eve, and on New Year’s Day, FIDDY officially became part of our family. I followed Erinn home, driving it back to Phoenix—a true test run!
Restoration & Upgrades
Most of the restoration was already completed when I bought the car, but I still had some mechanical repairs to address. We replaced the carpets, headliner, and upholstery. I envisioned a unique, all-original interior design, and Tino of Tino’s Customs worked his magic to bring it to life—his craftsmanship is second to none!
Paint: Mother of Yellow Peril & White Peril
Engine: 383 Stroker w/4-barrel carburetor & 700R4 transmission
Chassis: California Frame
Performance & Customizations
- Suspension & Steering: CCP tubular upper & lower control arms, QA1 coil-over adjustable shocks, Heidts 2-inch drop spindles, new CCP 500 power steering box, Ididit tilt steering column
- Braking System: Talon hydraulic brake booster, four-wheel Wilwood 12-inch drilled & vented four-cylinder disc brakes
- Cooling & Fuel: HP fuel pump w/adjustable regulator, ‘B-Cool’ dual electric fan Tri-Five Cooling module
- Interior & Comfort: Vintage AC, Eide Motorsports Billet hood hinges, custom center console with B&M shifter, Retro Wonderbar AM/FM/XM Bluetooth stereo, power cut-off switch
- Rear Suspension & Wheels: New Ridetech 4-link rear suspension with Ridetech adjustable coil-over shocks, Quick Ford 9-inch posi-traction 3.70 rear end, shortened to 58 inches for future wheel tubs
- Wheels: 815 American Racing rims – 17×7.5 (front), 18×10 (rear)
A Life of Passion & Legacy
Above all else, my family comes first—my wife Erinn, our son John Polchin V, our daughter Kenadee, and the eight wonderful family members they’ve brought into our lives.
Second, my career as Piping Supervisor for W.D. Manor Mechanical (U.A. Local 469) has been a fulfilling journey, and I’m soon to retire from it.
Third, for 23 years, I was the owner and head coach of the semi-pro football team, the Phoenix Outlaws. Through the Outlaws, we’ve welcomed over 600 incredible people into our lives, won multiple championships, and I’ve been honored as a National Hall of Fame member. We even received a State Senate Proclamation declaring “Phoenix Outlaws Day.” The team is still thriving today!
The Dream Car Becomes Reality
Since grade school, I’ve had my eye on a ‘55 Chevy Bel Air. I built a model car called “The Badman”, a yellow ’55 Chevy, and that vision stayed with me. After 13 years of searching, this beauty practically fell into my lap!
Now, we take FIDDY to Nancy Perry Production shows, local fundraisers, and even traveled to the Tri-Five Nationals in Bowling Green, KY last August. The car community is filled with amazing people, and we love being part of it.
So, keep an eye out—you’ll probably see Erinn, our granddaughter Krystal, and me at a car show near you!
– John & Erinn Polchin
Photos by
Rod Loveless