(October 31, 2007) – A completely hand-built replica of a ’57 Chevy Nomad, described as “the wildest wagon on the planet,” made its debut this week at SEMA. Built for Snap-on tools by the legendary Dr. Neon, who is famous for lighting up motorcycles with neon tubing, this totally customized vehicle is on display in the BDL Industries Booth #21089 in the Racing and Performance exhibit area of the SEMA show.  The name “Glo-Mad” was selected from thousands of entries submitted to Snap-on in a “Name the Car” contest.

“This vehicle was built from the ground up,” said the good Doctor. “A host of expert customizers and sponsors lent their expertise to the project, including custom motorcycle builder Wink Eller, NHRA Top Fuel drag racer Doug Herbert, Lenny Schaffer from Chop Shop Customs, renowned metal artist Pancho Clark, and of course a team of PPG paint experts. We put together an awesome crew, and we built an awesome, one-of-a-kind vehicle.” 

PPG Automotive Refinish Territory Manager Dan Duncan headed up the project with the help of Powder Sales Specialist Miguel Rodriguez-Maceda and PPG Refinish Instructors Gary Nachbar and Mike Gunnells. The PPG team met with Dr. Neon and discussed the color scheme and the doctor’s vision for the overall “look” of the vehicle. Their goal was to create a red color that would pay homage to Snap-on’s famous corporate color, while adding the depth and shine expected in a show-quality hot rod.

The team developed a unique custom 3-stage white pearl and 3-stage red pearl formulated with PPG’s Deltron 2000 paint system that met Dr. Neon’s vision.

One of the most unique features of the car is that over 300 Snap-on wrenches were incorporated into the car’s structure, including the frame and suspension, as well as for other unusual and creative applications. Other creative features include a power rear door with a polished steel Snap-on logo that will light up when the vehicle’s brakes are applied. The power back gate opens to reveal a complete Snap-on toolbox outfitted with an LCD screen, which will show videos of the car being built.

The video was shot daily during the project, logging the entire progress of the project. The videos, plus information on Dr. Neon and the history of the classic ’57 Chevy can be found at www.aintstreetlegal.com.

“What we built was a cutting-edge creation with an LS7 supercharged engine, custom wheels, a reconstructed floor, plus music, lights, a flat screen TV – the works,” said Dr. Neon.  “But in spite of all the modifications it’s still a classic street rod.  The art is in creating a modern, kinetic vehicle that is still recognizable as the classic car that it has always been.”