Finnegan’s Garage recently transformed a rough 1957 Chevrolet 210 wagon into a gasser-style hot rod for a Wire Care-sponsored giveaway.

Mike Finnegan, known from MotorTrend’s “Roadkill” and “Faster With Finnegan” as well as his YouTube channel Finnegan’s Garage, led the build, which was documented on their channel.

The wagon received significant upgrades. It included a new chassis from Indy Speed and Engineering, a TKX five-speed transmission from American Powertrain, new brakes, suspension, tires, and gasser-style enhancements like fender well headers and a new aluminum radiator from Speedway Motors.

The build presented several challenges, offering valuable lessons for project car enthusiasts. Plumbing the fuel system proved difficult due to issues with push-lock hose fittings. After trying various types, Finnegan’s team resorted to hose clamps and a barbed fuel filter.

Not all fittings are created equal

Finnegan advised, “You shouldn’t have to struggle. That’s why God invented crimp fittings.” He emphasized proper hose and fitting matching, suggesting lubricating fittings before installation and using a drift to expand the hose, stating, “This is like a perfect illustration of why not all fittings are created equal.”

Installing a new, thicker dual-reservoir master cylinder required modifying the firewall with a bandsaw to fit the factory studs.

Detailed parts list

Finnegan stressed the importance of planning and maintaining detailed parts lists to prevent delays and forgotten items, noting, “This is the sort of thing that just discourages people from finishing their cars.”

The team also tackled some electrical work. They corrected damaged wiring near the radiator, removed old overdrive and generator system wiring, and upgraded to a one-wire GM alternator.

Parting tips on wiring and electrical

Finnegan shared tips on carefully disassembling and reusing zip ties and using anti-seize compound on spark plug threads.

Finnegan calling the winner. A man from Georgia named Steven.

The completed gasser was awarded to Steven from Georgia, a previous Finnegan’s Garage merchandise buyer.

Finnegan expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “The moment he said, ‘Well, I’d like to take it on Sick Week,’ that was when I knew the right person won this car.”

The team will complete the final details, including shifter installation, brake bleeding, and road testing, before delivery. This project showcased Finnegan’s expertise and provided practical advice for anyone tackling a car build.