Shop Tour Page Two
Kugel Komponents

My next stop on the WINTER SHOP TOUR is Kugel Komponents. I honestly didn't know too much about Kugel Komponents. When I reached their shop a block behind Coddingtons in La Habra, CA; I instantly recognized a car they had in their shop. Then it became apparent that these are some really talented and successful folks. Jeff invited me over and we began to talk about what is new. As he showed me around I had to ask about the Ford Focus that was in the shop. It looked familiar from Hot Rod Magazine TV.

Jeff's dad Jerry told the story something like this:
One day, these three suits from Ford Motor Company came in unannounced — which is fine you see, we like it when people just stop by — so they got to talkin' and asked if we can put a small block Ford 302V8 power plant in a Focus. Not wanting to turn down an opportunity to go fast, I said yes! The next day I caution my boys not to get too excited, things like that have happened before and nothing ever came about. That night I went to the local Ford dealer to see a Focus for the first time. Well, a couple weeks later a truck pulls up with a Focus and the next day another semi pulls up with all the parts components and Ford powerplant that we are to use. We turned the red sport compact from a front wheel drive laterally planted engine to a rear wheel drive V8 monster. It looks innocent enough without any hood scoops or other badges to tell what it is.
Imagine getting up next to a Mustang GT or Corvette, and hittin' the gas only to see their chins hit the dashboards from your rear-view mirror. They use the car now as a loaner for out-of-town visitors and friends. You can buy Ford Focus V8 complete bolt-in kit with engine, trans and rear end for your Ford Focus from Kugel Komponents.

But wait there is more! Jerry being way too modest would barely talk about their 1992 Pontiac Trans Am. This is the WORLDS FASTEST Passenger Car, over 307mph at Bonneville Salt Flats. All with a 368 small block chevy on gas with two HUGE Garrett Turbo Chargers. The car was taken apart for some more adjustments and sits in their parts warehouse.

I didn't want to take too much of their time, so we got straight to my questionnaire. The shop has been specializing in building independent front and rear suspensions and 55-57 Bel Air chassis'. Jeff and Jerry both said they were lucky to have such good customers. They are people who want the best and don't mind waiting for it. It takes 6-10 weeks to deliver an independent rear suspension kit. I also learned that Jerry was one of the pioneers of installing Jag rear ends in street rods back in the 70's. I remember one 30 model T from back then that had an all polished Jag rear-end and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. All that bling down low and out back.

They make great stainless steel parts and fasteners that you can find at almost any hot rod shop. We've seen racks at Limeworks, and Dagels.

I asked each shop; how have these "reality" shows on TV changed our industry? They each made the same sentiment that the popularity of the shows has increased the awareness of the industry. More people are getting into the hobby, but they each have cautioned that most people have a misconception of all the work, time and money that can go into building a car from the ground up.

Go to: Page Three: Dagel's Street Rods

You can contact all the shops we toured by visiting their links on Page Eight