Rutledge Wood Plymouth Suburban Wagon Update: The Parts Arrive

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So what’s new with Rutledge Wood and Summit Racing’s latest project, the 1953 Plymouth Suburban two-door station wagon? Parts, that’s what.

For those who’ve arrived late to the wagon party, the Plymouth was given to Rutledge by NASCAR legend Richard Petty. The car will combine traditional hot rod style with modern mechanicals, including a fuel injected, 408-cubic-inch small block Chrysler, a T-56 six-speed transmission, a Mustang II front and four-link rear suspension, and a custom dual exhaust from Magnaflow. The wagon will make its debut on the Hot Rod Magazine Power Tour this coming June.

Kenwood Rod Shop, home for the Plymouth build, has had regular visits from the big brown truck over the past month or so. Here’s what’s arrived so far:

• BluePrint Engines 408 CID small block Chrysler crate engine with EFI

• American Powertrain T-56 six-speed transmission

• American Powertrain hydraulic bearing conversion kit and flywheel

• McLeod clutch, pressure plate, and pressure plate bolts

• Quicktime conversion bellhousing

• Heidts Mustang II front suspension, four-link rear suspension, and rear axle housing

• Custom Strange axle shafts

• Detroit Locker Trutrac differential

• Summit Racing 9 inch Ford gear case

• Motive Gear 3.89 ring and pinion gears and installation kit

• Flaming River steering column

• Painless Performance 18-circuit wiring harness

• Vintage Air Gen IV Magnum climate control system

Randy Allgood and the Kenwood Rod Shop crew haven’t been sitting around waiting for stuff to arrive, though. They lopped off the front frame and engine crossmember. They fabricated a new frame stub from 3 x 4-inch tubing to accommodate the new Heidts front suspension. They mocked up sheetmetal and prepped bumpers. Busy, busy, busy, those fellas.

Our pal Rutledge pops down to Kenwood Rod Shop whenever he gets a chance to check on the progress, make some video updates to share with his fans, and yes, actually do some work on the car. We have pictures and everything.

Take a look at the photos (video coming soon) to see what’s happening with Rut’s Suburban. He’s posting project updates like crazy on his Facebook page, so make sure to check that out too.

And if you happen to be in the Atlanta, Georgia area April 26 or 27, stop by Atlanta Motor Speedway and check out the Summit Racing Equipment Atlanta Motorama. It promises to be one of biggest car shows in the Southeast, and Rutledge will be there on the 27th with his 1949 Chevy step van.