Chassis number one was back from powder coating. Notice the radius around each filler cap on the tank strap. Also, steering controls, rear end, brake lines, and other necessities were being assembled at this time.

Don't pay any attention to the mock-up wheels in our lead photo; Steve's choice of wheels from American Racing was right on. TrakStars will occupy the rear; while most agree those retro-styled, Torq Thrust Pro spindle mounts are the absolute best looking wheel for the front of a Funny Car.

Butterfly steering wheels crafted from titanium, yet another one of Plueger's many talents.

Is there anything on the planet that looks cooler than a Funny Car chassis? Over the years, Plueger's creations have often been referred to as 'The Cadillac of Funny Car chassis.' These use a 122.5-inch wheelbase.

Here's a look at the first Mustang body pulled from the mold. Left to right, George Spillers, Paul Trabue and Steve eyeball the fit. Even without tinwork, trees and proper body mounts, it was plain to see this thing is a winner. Jeff Gaynor actually owns the molds and sells these bodies outright.

Another trip to the 'Palace of Chrome-Moly' found the ever-talented Kenny Youngblood applying his special touch to the Plymouth Arrow body.

A little wet sanding on the hand-painted quarter panel vents smoothed things out nicely. Blood was quick to note the numerous challenges present when paint is applied in a chassis shop, as opposed to working in a real body shop. Let's just say it wasn't his best day. But, for yours truly, it's always a pleasure hanging with Youngblood and Plueger.

A little wet sanding on the hand-painted quarter panel vents smoothed things out nicely. Blood was quick to note the numerous challenges present when paint is applied in a chassis shop, as opposed to working in a real body shop. Let's just say it wasn't his best day. But, for yours truly, it's always a pleasure hanging with Youngblood and Plueger.

We'll bet Michelangelo didn't let anybody look over his shoulder!

Giving credit to his German heritage, Steve joked with Bucky on the phone, telling him he was going to paint an iron cross on the escape hatch (!). There's never a dull moment at Plueger's place.

Youngblood's talent became a lost art with the advent of Mylar and vinyl graphic wraps common on today's race cars and transporters. All of a sudden, Youngblood's in demand all over again, as Nostalgia cars are lettered the old fashioned way - by hand - and with real paint.

An assortment of One Shot Sign Painter's Enamel is part of Kenny's traveling race car kit. Other necessities include an airbrush, thinners and solvents, a variety of fine pinstriping and lettering brushes and a large comb, which is used in detail work for lights and grille bars.

Youngblood's talent became a lost art with the advent of Mylar and vinyl graphic wraps common on today's race cars and transporters. All of a sudden, Youngblood's in demand all over again, as Nostalgia cars are lettered the old fashioned way - by hand - and with real paint.

Mr. Plueger rarely stands still for very long and it's difficult to actually photograph him in action. He's on the go from early morning until late at night, but oftentimes, Steve's more like the conductor of the symphony.