Evilusion

In some parts of the Midwest they don't believe in evolution and discourage the teaching of life starting out as one thing and ending up becoming something else. Miguel Puente of Las Vegas, Nevada, is one vato who does believe in "Evilusion," which is the name of his car club and his '49 Chevy Deluxe.

Miguel has always had some vehicle project going at one time or another, and is currently working on several projects. This chopped ranfla is no exception. This World War II-era Chevy has gone through a lot. It survived the test of time and several owners. With the car going through different changes and looks, it finally ended up in Miguel's hands. Through those talented hands, the '49 may have finally reached its final look.

Miguel has always been a fan of the '40s-'50s greaser style and decided to chop the top off of the car and create a new lowrider rat-rod or a "low-rat." Not wanting to take away from the original engine and drivetrain, Miguel kept the 235-c.i.d. six-banger with the three on the tree. The shifter lever has a badass chrome skull that lets everyone know that his shifts are deadly.

One important fact that some of you hardcore enthusiasts may or may not know is that this bad '49 started life as a four-door. Miguel and long-time amigo Daniel Collazo welded the back doors shut. In fact, they welded in all of the holes and gaps, filled all of the seams and then carefully smoothed the entire body. Miguel then covered the body with lots of sweet coats of House of Kolor candy lime green paint.

Miguel wanted to stay with the true culture of building this ride, so when we asked him about where most of the parts came from, he answered that he "just picked them up here and there and created the car with my hands. Most of the parts don't have brand names and I don't pick parts for the name, I pick them for how I think they will fit and give the car the look that I want."

But don't underestimate the thought and hard work that went into this kustom '49. Evilusion is what it's all about. Take something old and forgotten and turn it into something bad and beautiful. So the next time that you're in Sin City and happen to see this righteous ranfla cruising the strip you can say, "That's Evilusion, baby."

EvilusionOwner: Miguel PuenteVehicle: '49 Chevrolet DeluxeCity/State: Las Vegas, NevadaClub: Evilusion C.C.

Engine/Drivetrain: Not wanting to take away from the original engine and drivetrain, Miguel kept the 235-c.i.d. six-banger with the three on the tree.

Body/Paint: This bad '49 started life as a four-door. After chopping the top and leaning the windshield, Miguel and long-time amigo Daniel Collazo welded the back doors shut, welded in all of the holes and gaps, filled all of the seams and then carefully smoothed the entire body. Miguel then covered the body with House of Kolor candy lime green paint.

Interior: It's no mystery that "El Mysterio" in Reno, Nevada, did a fine job inside the '49.

Sound System: Under the molded dash sits a JVC head unit.

Suspension: No bags, no hydros, just cut springs.

Tires: 185-13 Remington

Wheels: 80-spoke wires