“Hard Time” - Chris Miller's 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe

When Chris Miller of Bartlesville, Oklahoma began the build of his 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe, nicknamed “Hard Time”, he envisioned crafting the ultimate prison-themed traditional gasser. As a self proclaimed gasser guy, Miller sought out to build a “bad boy” nostalgic hot rod; one in which the menacing appearance is matched by its wicked power. His vision could not have been more accurately realized. The final product is this extraordinary Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary themed gasser that one can easily imagine tearing away from the pen in a harrowing prison break as a daring fugitive lays the pedal to the metal.

Miller genuinely started from scratch with the build of “Hard Time”. He purchased an all fiberglass ‘32 Ford 5-window coupe body from Russ Nomore Street Rods in Chatham, Louisiana in 2022. He then passed the body off to American Gasser out of Saginaw, Michigan, who built the mild steel frame and constructed a 24:4 chromoly cage, certified to 7.50 by the NHRA.

In order to create a true “bad boy” gasser, Miller knew he had to build a solid powerhouse to thrust this coupe down the track. Accordingly, Miller selected a naturally aspirated Shafiroff Race Engines 445ci small block Ford (SBF) engine. Bored to 4.155” x 4.1” with a stroke of 4.1”, the motor generates a compression ratio of 15:1. The engine features Brodix Head Hunter cylinder heads, a Lunati Power crank, Molnar Technologies rods, a Jesel valvetrain, a custom made Shafiroff grind cam shaft, a Holley Dominator carburetor and an MSD ignition. Paul Pursley, of Rogers, Arkansas, crafted custom pistons for the SBF and completed the under the hood assembly and tuning. “Hard Time” is also fitted with hot rod zoomies stainless steel headers fabricated by Keys FabShop out of Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

Backing the well-built motor is a Performance Torque Converter with an ATI Performance 2-speed powerglide transmission, pumping torque to a 9” custom Quick Performance housing sporting 4:11 gears. As for suspension, the ‘32 features a straight axle up front and a ladder bar in the rear. Wilwood brakes and Menscer Motorsports shocks complete the underbelly of “Hard Time”. And in classic gasser style, Miller selected massive Mickey Thompson rear slicks and custom E-T gasser wheels all around.

With its metal cage and carbon fiber dash, seats, and steering wheel, the cockpit of “Hard Time” was aptly designed with a cold and industrial feel much like that of a prison cell in Alcatraz. As for interior components, Miller opted for Kirkey Racing Seats, an M&M shifter, Autometer gauges, Simpson seatbelts and titanium pedals.

One of the most unique and spectacular features of Miller’s build is the 100% custom airbrushed paint job. The entire fiberglass exterior of “Hard Time” was professionally airbrushed by Lil’ Toot Auto Art Works out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The patina, faux rust and perfectly faded Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary lettering are so deceptively realistic that one can easily imagine that this ‘32 had been left abandoned to weather elements somewhere on the grounds of Alcatraz Island.

A close look at the meticulously detailed aesthetics of “Hard Time” reveals an incredible array of creative touches. The roof, which at first glance appears to be a rusted insert scabbed around the perimeter, was created by texturing the fiberglass with body filler and skillful airbrushing. The apparent oil stain running down the back of the coupe from the right side of the trunk is another clever airbrushed design. And to further legitimize the rusted out illusion, Miller even went so far as to have the chassis acid treated and the Menscer shocks painted to appear rusty. One of the smallest and most detailed creative flairs on “Hard Time” is the battery shut-off on the rear of the car. Appearing to be an old lock from the Alcatraz prison, the shut-off switch is actually an airbrushed piece of aluminum that was CNC machined to the shape of a vintage padlock.

With his dream “bad boy” gasser build complete, Miller has wasted no time rocketing his head-turning gasser down the race track. Running with the Dirty South Gassers primarily at Tulsa Raceway Park, Miller has competed in a number of 1/4 and 1/8th contests, including Nostalgia races, Index 5.5, 5.8 and 6.0. Despite battling a few challenges with “Hard Time” such as top-end speed and handling, Miller has achieved superb race times in his ‘32. He’s clocked a personal best 5.40s in the 1/8th mile and 8.70s in the 1/4. Miller thanks his late wife and biggest fan, Dusty Miller, daughters, Ashlynn Miller, Brittany Miller and Carson Sanders, and friends Paul Pursley and Joe Keys for all of their support and encouragement throughout the build.

Chris Miller in his custom-made prisoner Pro 1 Safety fire suit with his late wife, Dusty Miller, his prison warden.