1955 ford fairlane- The Story of Brad Cline’s 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan

1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan

A Vision Brought to Life: The Story of Brad Cline’s 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan

Some builds start with a dream, others with a plan—but this one started with a roll of vintage Cadillac fabric and a half-finished Ford. When Brad Cline walked into a closing upholstery shop in White, Georgia, he didn’t know that the material he purchased that day would become a signature touch in one of the most stunning ’55 Ford Fairlanes in the country. But fate has a funny way of tying things together.

A Forgotten Ford Finds Its Home

Not long after stowing away the fabric in the rafters of his shop, Thunder Valley Customs, Brad came across a forgotten project—a half-finished 1955 Ford Fairlane sitting behind a polishing shop. The car had stalled out, abandoned mid-build. Seeing potential where others saw scrap, Brad inquired about the car. A deal was possible, but first, he had to convince his father, Lamar, to take the leap with him.

At first, Lamar couldn’t quite picture what Brad had in mind. The bones were there, but it was a long road from a weathered body to a showstopper. Still, he trusted his son's vision. The deal was struck, hands were shaken, and soon the Ford rolled into Thunder Valley Customs, ready to be transformed.

Engineering a Show-Worthy Ride

Once in the shop, the real work began. The Fairlane already had a Camaro IFS front clip and an 8-inch Ford rear end, but it needed major improvements to achieve the right stance and handling. Brad installed an Air Ride Technologies suspension at all four corners, allowing for a perfect balance between drivability and an aggressive stance. A custom four-link rear setup ensured proper articulation, while Wilwood disc brakes on all four wheels provided modern stopping power. To tighten up the handling, a Delphi rack-and-pinion steering system was installed.

Under the hood, Brad and Lamar made a bold decision: they opted for a Chevy 350 small-block. While some purists might scoff at a Chevy engine in a Ford, Brad’s approach was about performance, reliability, and aesthetics. He dressed the 350ci V8 with a Rochester 3x2 intake, vintage-style finned valve covers, and custom exhaust work featuring Patriot headers and Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers. A 700-R4 automatic overdrive transmission made sure this car could cruise effortlessly at highway speeds without sacrificing power.

Bringing the Body Back to Life

With the mechanicals in place, the car still needed to look the part. Brad and Jimmy Whitten worked together to refine the body, shaving trim and V8 emblems for a cleaner look. Once the metalwork was complete, the Fairlane was sprayed in a deep PPG Black, a shade that perfectly complements its sleek lines and stance. Once the paint cured, fresh stainless trim and chrome were reinstalled, giving the car a timeless yet subtly customized appearance.

A Cadillac-Inspired Interior

This is where the story comes full circle. That 1955 Cadillac upholstery Brad had tucked away for years? It finally found its home in the Ford’s cabin. The interior was completely redone with a rich red theme, featuring red loop carpet, Classic Industries steering wheel, and an ididit steering column. The cabin is modernized with Hot Rod Air A/C, Panasonic audio system with Rockford Fosgate speakers, and Dynamat insulation for a quiet, comfortable ride.

A Winner on the Show Circuit

The moment the Fairlane emerged from Thunder Valley Customs, it was clear that Brad and Lamar had built something special. The car hit the show circuit immediately, making its mark at national events like the Goodguys Nashville Nationals. It didn’t just show up—it won Best '50s Car, beating out high-end $200,000 Tri-Five Chevys in the process.

A Legacy of Passion and Craftsmanship

What started as a forgotten project became an award-winning showpiece, proving that vision, determination, and a little luck can turn even the most unlikely finds into something extraordinary. Brad and Lamar continue to take their 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan on the road, sharing their passion and craftsmanship with enthusiasts across the country.

Full Build BreakdownChassis & Suspension

• Frame: Original Ford frame with modifications
• Front Suspension: Camaro IFS with Coilovers
• Rear Suspension: Custom four-link with Air Ride Technologies airbags
• Brakes: Wilwood disc brakes (front & rear)
• Steering: Delphi rack-and-pinion
• Front Wheels: Wheels of Steel 15x7” chrome OEM
• Rear Wheels: Wheels of Steel 15x10” chrome OEM
• Front Tires: Diamond Back Classics 215/65R15
• Rear Tires: Diamond Back Classics 275/60R15
• Gas Tank: Stock, relocated filler neck for improved fit

Engine & Drivetrain

• Engine: Chevy 350ci V8 Crate Motor
• Intake: Offenhauser 3x2 with
• Valve Covers: Streamline Hot Rod Parts finned covers
• Ignition: PerTronix conversion & Accel wires
• Cooling: JEG’s aluminum radiator with Tuff Stuff chrome water pump
• Headers: Patriot headers
• Exhaust: Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers
• Transmission: Chevy 700-R4 overdrive automatic
• Shifter: Lokar linkage with ididit column shift

Body & Exterior

• Body Style: 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan
• Modifications: Shaved trim & V8 emblems
• Paint: PPG Black
• Painter: Brad Cline @ Thunder Valley Customs
• Headlights: Halogen
• Bumpers: Rechromed original
• Other Mods: 4” rear tubs, modified trunk floor for frame clearance

Interior & Comfort

• Upholstery:Brand New Interior done in Golden CO
• Carpet: Red loop
• Steering Wheel: Classic Industries
• Steering Column: ididit
• Air Conditioning: Hot Rod Air
• Audio: Panasonic head unit with Rockford Fosgate speakers
• Insulation: Dynamat Extreme
• Wiring: E-Z Wiring

Brad and Lamar Cline’s 1955 Ford Fairlane Club Sedan is more than just a car—it’s a story of patience, vision, and craftsmanship. From a forgotten project to an award-winning showstopper, this Ford embodies everything that makes custom builds so special. It proves that sometimes, a little faith (and the right roll of fabric) can go a long way.

• Make: Ford
• Model: Fairlane
• Type: Coupe
• Trim: Club Sedan
• Doors: 2
• Year: 1955
• Mileage: 5972
• Transmission: Automatic
• Vehicle Title: Clean
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