Mike Tribout's 1937 Chevy Master Deluxe Business Coupe

Every restoration project starts with a spark—an image in our mind that we just can't shake. For Mike Tribout, that image was a black 1937 Chevy Coupe, the same one his "cool" uncle owned back in the 1960s. Decades later, that childhood promise became a reality when Mike embarked on a cross-country adventure to trailer a project car from Oregon all the way back to Delaware.

But Mike's journey was about more than just a car—it was a testament to patience, perseverance, and the power of community.  From facing significant health challenges to tackling the immense task of bringing a car back to its former glory, his story is an inspiration. The road was long, but with the help of a great friend and a steady focus on the details, Mike is nearing the finish line.

We are so honored to share this story of a true labor of love. Read on to hear from Mike himself about his journey and the parts that helped him along the way.

What inspired you to start this restoration project?

Back in the mid 1960s as a child, my uncle had a black 37 chevy coupe that I loved. I always said I would have one when I got older. He was one of my "cool" uncles that had hot rods when I was growing up.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced so far, and how did you overcome them?

Single biggest challenge has been my health. I had a heart attack and needed bypass surgery back in 2016. Recovery was slow followed about 6 months later by an auto-immune nerve problem which side lined me for about a year. I retired from full time employment in 2020...

Now I rely on the help of others and I am nearing completion of the car.

I owe a lot to my good friend John Rash who did a lot of fabrication and body work to get everything ready for paint and he put a super paint job on the car. There was a lot of metal work done including John making a rear fender basically from scratch because I wanted to keep everything metal and not go with fiberglass. Good fenders are hard to find...

Of course budgeting is always a challenge and sometimes there have been pauses in activity while funds accumulated…

Which I & I Reproduction parts have you used on this project? Please feel free to get specific and share the part numbers if you remember!

Wow, I have used a lot of I&I parts, especially chrome and trim. I did have a few things that came with the car but most of it was in bad shape. I managed to salvage the top trim for the radiator shroud, my friend Jim Nahrgang spent hours straightening and polishing it.

I have an I&I grille that I got from my neighbor who happened to have an extra from his project coupe. I purchased all the surrounding grille trim, center strip, crank hole cover and emblems from I&I. Also, the V-rod, hood latches, Street Rod style hood hinge chrome, chrome side trim, etc.

I have the I&I wiper transmissions, arms and blades with the Newport wiper motor.

What's your favorite part or moment of your restoration journey so far?

I found the car on craigslist and it was in Salem Oregon. My wife and I loaded up and trekked from Delaware to Oregon and trailered back home with the car in tow. Super fun trip and so much scenery across this great country! That has been the highlight, but it's all been lifelong memories.

What advice would you give someone who is just starting out with their restoration project?

Just take the opportunity when you can. It is not going to be a quick journey and unless you have really deep pockets, expect delays. Patience is the biggest challenge!

What's next for your project? Any big plans or future I & I parts you'll need?

I recently committed to frame off upgrades of my 1969 C10 LWB truck. Owned since 1990, and the body is now getting too rusted out for patch panel rescue. I have ordered a replacement cab which should be completed around Christmas. I am changing it to a short bed with a wood floor. I will be another great project and I am partnering with Auto Everything in Smyrna Delaware to do the work.

The Journey Continues

Mike's restoration journey with his 1937 Chevy is a powerful reminder that patience, perseverance, and passion can overcome any obstacle. His story is a testament to the fact that no one does it alone; from his friend John Rash, who helped with the metal work, to Jim Nahrgang, who meticulously polished the radiator trim, the community is a vital part of the process.

While the 1937 Chevy is now nearing completion, Mike's journey is far from over. He's already committed to a frame-off upgrade of his 1969 C10 truck, a new chapter that promises another great adventure. Mike's advice to those just starting out—to expect delays and embrace the journey—is a sentiment we can all appreciate.

The "road less traveled" is truly a labor of love, and we are so proud to have been a part of Mike's story. We can't wait to see what he does with the C10 next!