What is possibly one of the most popular segments for classic truck enthusiasts? That's right, the '67-72 Chevys and GMCs. Next to the mid-'50s F-100s, this family of trucks is way up there on the popularity meter. This time out we will serve up some new ideas to throw at the "Camaro" of classic trucks. As is always the case with these sketchpads, they are meant to be used for the ideas showcased, no matter the year or make that happens to be featured.
We are saying both of our pickups are '68 models (first year to offer a 396-inch big-block) although, really, you can substitute the later, more upright hood and call it a '69-72. Other minor features that distinguish one year from the next have been tossed aside or smoothed over for our customized hot rod haulers, so if you were wishing we had shown a '72, it's a '72! Enough chit-chat! On with the show...
The tides of popularity have changed regarding preference in stepside versus fleetside. Who can blame the people who prefer the smooth looks of a fleetside bed? Well, maybe we can change your collective minds! Our hunk o' burnin' stepside has a few key features that separate it from most. For starters we took the step from the stepside and replaced it with 5-inch-diameter exhaust dumps. Of course tubing of that magnitude would probably warrant a very large mountain type motor! What the heck, you can fit anything under those hoods! Next up of note would be the rolling stock used here, how about 20x10-inch billet smoothie rollers outfitted with a '52 Chevy cap out back with 20x8 inchers up front and the appropriate big-and-little tires. Powdercoating those beautiful wheels would take a little intestinal fortitude, but man, with that blazing orange paint, how could you go wrong? Now let's address the frontend treatment. First, we chucked that beat up piece of metal that used to be a bumper in the trash, then molded in a really cool roll pan with ribs rolled into the sheetmetal for a more brutish appearance. Second, so the bumper isn't lonely, we put the stock grille in the trash heap. We replaced it with a mesh grille filled with oval chromed cabinet knobs from the local home store. We then added a slick mid '60s-style dragster scoop sticking through the hood. Out back let's put an abbreviated '32 Ford-style pan under the bed. Don't forget to hang a couple of black painted bullet-style taillights back there. Let's finish this one with black leather buckets in a basic black interior.
My Oh my! What a mean truck!This one is for the smooth-side lovers out there. What can be done to one of these good-lookin' trucks that has not already been done to death? Well, you could paint it green, but that's just for starters! How about the next generation of Pro-Street? Take one Chris Alston rear frame clip, add all the usual Pro-Street type suspension elements, except when you order that rear axle, go for a slightly wider unit. Bolt up a big set of Wilwood discs at all four corners along with a bitchin' set of 20x10-inch Foose Nitrous Thrust hoops on the back with 17x7s up front. These particular wheels are extra cool because they hearken back to an obscure model of American wheel I have always admired. Glass-beading the spokes would take some nerve, but would accent the serious nature of this truck.
Up front, both of these trucks would require an updated suspension that would suck the crossmember up out of site instead of dragging on the ground. Drop in that ol' 502 you have laying around, hooked up with EFI. Grab some gears with a Lenco five-speed box, or boxes, to be more precise. A truck such as this has to have the front sheetmetal pinned on, that's why you see Dzus tabs up front plus a small row of louvers 'cause it is a hot rod after all!
An interior of bead rolled aluminum would be cool, but who wants to deal with all the rattles? Instead, how about green painted sheetmetal with black distressed leather seats (like you see on bombers jackets) and accents here and there to go with the black scallop treatment on the exterior. Better put air in there, as this would surely be one hot tempered hauler!
Hey gang! I've got to go clean my garage so I can find my truck!Jimmy