Gary "Chopit" Fioto is a self-taught metal artist, perfecting his technique since the ripe old age of 12. Now, at age 55, he has spent more than three quarters of his life creating automotive and motorcycle masterpieces for himself and his customers. Chopit is a designer who does not use a drawing board. Rather, he creates his show-winning pieces of automotive art from an image in his mind. His work has been the subject of feature articles dozens of times over the years and he has regularly shared the winner's platform with well-known names like Arlen Ness and Chip Foose. He has recently relocated from his state-of-the-art facilities in Long Island to a 9-acre spread in New Smyrna Beach, Florida where he enjoys 'life in the country' with his wife and three children.

But Gary has no intention of retiring. His reputation for excellence and creativity puts him in demand with customers around the country. That's how it began with this '53 Chevy, belonging to customer, Brian Lovely. Brian drove his stock 1953 Businessman's Coupe from California to Florida in order to have Gary chop the top. Once the new roofline was complete, Brian asked if Gary had any ideas for the rest of the car and well, you can see the results for yourself. When Brian returned in a few weeks, his Plain Jane Business Coupe had received a whole new personality.

The Chevy make over began with Gary's signature move, slicing 6.5 inches from the top. He leaned the B-pillars forward for a modern touch, retaining the rain gutters and vent windows. The original windshield was cut to fit the new opening and the factory chrome trim around the greenhouse was left in place. Since the radically altered profile demanded some commensurate moves in front and back, the rear quarter panels were cut and all new sheet-metal fabricated to house the elegant '56 Packard Clipper taillights. The lines flow so naturally that the new lights look like factory additions. He cut and narrowed a 1952 Cadillac rear bumper, adding bumper guards and a custom-made pan. Following a fifties tradition, Gary added a subtle, raised metal frame around the license plate. Then, showing his versatility with an English wheel, he formed the five-foot long, form- fitting fender skirts. "I try not to take away from the beauty of the original lines," he told us. "I think these skirts work very well with the car." For a ground hugging accent, the Chevy received the traditional Fifties-style, three-outlet Lakes pipes with a custom tunnel at the front end.

Once he was happy with the changes in the rear, Gary moved forward, eliminating the seam from the center of the hood and welding it smooth. Headlights are frenched '52 Mercury units fitted with European tri-bar accents. Additional teeth were added to the grille which now sports 4-inch bullets on either end. Gary installed reflected lights inside the bullets that act as parking lights and turn signals. Finally, the bumper was smoothed and the pan rolled to ensure a finished edge no matter where you look.

With body mods complete, the chassis needed its share of rejuvenation. To get that proper, ground-hugging stance, the frame rails were Z'd 18 inches giving the 12-bolt Chevy rear plenty of clearance when the car is on the ground. Sheet metal in the trunk was reworked to accommodate the changes. The new Mustang II front end updated the steering and brakes while the Air Ride suspension package puts altitude control at the driver's fingertips. Gary offset the front wheels slightly so that when the car was on the deck, the elaborate Sombrero hubcaps would still clear. The final power train step was the rebuilt 350 Chevy under the hood, fitted with a 600 Demon carb, electronic ignition, Hooker headers, and Turbo 350 transmission set for a 2200 stall speed.

Gary redesigned the interior and had the upholstery work done locally. The seats, door panels, and head liner were done in pleated gold and white Naugahyde, again capturing that Fifties nostalgia. Sun visors were eliminated for a clean, uncluttered look. Traditional gauges were fitted to the painted-to-match dashboard, the late-model tilt steering column was equipped with a custom wheel, and a trick, floor-mounted shifter installed for fun. The stereo in the glove box plays through speakers in the kick panels and the rear of the custom center console. The custom mixed Chroma-based gold was the perfect finishing touch. Gary spent about six months working on the car, over a period of about a year and a half. To say the least, owner, Brian Lovely is very happy with the results.