1970 Chevrolet Crew Cab - Pro-Tow

While the dash is pretty much bone stock, you'll notice that the dash pad was extended to the windshield, and the front edge was perforated for the center channel speaker. The Budnik steering wheel and two-tone Glide seats provide a retro-yet-custom look.

Mike doesn't want anybody getting bored during road trips, so there are two 15.3-inch wide-screen Clarion monitors for their viewing enjoyment. Two smaller screens reside in the visors.

With a rear panel that looks this good, is there any wonder why Clarion picked this truck to sit in their booth at the CES convention. Along with these four pro Audio 10-inch subs, there is also a mid and high in each door.

This is exactly what Mike envisioned before he even started on the Crew Ccab. This shot is destined to become a favorite among '67-72 Chevy lovers.

Arguably the baddest classic SUV ever built, Filion's SUB LOW is still a staple on the local show circuit and a constant winner. In addition to the obvious chop and shortening, there are literally hundreds of subtle mods on this Sub.

With the recent popularity of late-model SUVs and Crew Cab trucks, it's no wonder why we are beginning to see amazing examples of earlier versions popping up around the country. A few years ago, Mike Filion of Pro Design Hot Rods wowed the entire car building industry by building what is widely recognized as the most extreme Suburban ever built. We know of several projects in the works where a photo of that truck hangs on the wall, either for inspiration or a reminder as to how high the bar has been set before them. Unfortunately for them, Mike himself has risen to the occasion with what was supposed to be a simple tow vehicle. It looks like a straightforward build with a minimum of modifications, however, this '70 Crew Cab shortbed is anything but.

Many are quick to assume that Mike's Crew Cab is simply a cut-down Suburban mated to a truck cab and bed, but check-out the roof. A Suburban roof has an extra 2 inches or so of height above the gutters. This truck's roof is the same height as any pickup, not to mention the fact that '67-72 Subs do not have a fourth door on the driver's side. Those in the know are aware of the coach-built Crew Cabs built in that era. The two versions we have come across most often are either the two-door extended-cab-type, in which the upper rear area looks like somewhat of an afterthought, or the true Crew Cab models, which also look slightly awkward due to the fact that a second set of standard truck doors were used in the rear (leaving a large upside triangle for a B-pillar). Mike's Crew Cab was actually of the upside triangle variety and a 3/4-ton longbed, but just like with the Suburban, Mike set out to see just how good the truck could look with proportions more similar to today's trucks.

The first order of business was to get the doors and B-pillar into shape. The front doors were replaced with square-cornered window-frame versions from a Suburban. From there, the top section of the B-pillars were cut out and totally rebuilt from scratch--slimming them down dramatically. The rear doors were by far the most complicated. After being cut down 6 inches, two extra doors' worth of metal was used to scratch-build the new window frames. The resulting clean-flowing lines were justification for the labor-intense metalwork. Rather than seek one out, Mike actually converted the longbed to the shortbed himself. The floor and inner panels were cut down and mated to new a bulkhead and bedsides from Goodmark. Mike shaved the stake pockets, and then built the custom aluminum tonneau cover--a Pro Design specialty. The front end and tailgate came from a pristine '67, making those items a simple bolt-on affair. The other subtle mods you may not see include the removal of the emblems, keyholes, and cargo light.

In order for the 3/4-ton chassis to be brought up to par, several changes were in order. First, it was shortened to accommodate the shortbed. Mike then boxed in the area of frame stretched by the coach company, as well as the area receiving the CPP C-notch. Up front, Mike used an '87 3/4-ton Suburban crossmember with DJM components. The rear was converted to a trailing arm suspension using a 12-bolt Posi rearend and Firestone 'bags. The Budnik wheels and BFGs fit the proportions perfectly.

With all of the metalwork and mechanicals handled by Pro Design, the truck was delivered to Doug Starbuck for the flawless finish work and two-tone paint. Then Line-X of Huntington Beach, California, matched the hue exactly for the custom spray-in bedliner. The truck was reassembled using all new chrome and trim from Goodmark and Classic Parts Depot, including the '67 side trim that was pieced together for the Crew Cab by Mike. With a layer of Scosche Accumat and a matched pair of Glide seats as a base, a state-of-the-art audio and video system from Clarion was custom-mounted within the cab. Then it was off to Bill's Auto Upholstery for the retro-looking custom gold-and-white vinyl interior.

Although the truck turned out to be of cover quality and stops people in their tracks at any show he attends, Mike insists that this truck was purpose-built and has no problem loading up the family and towing the Sub, sand rail, or boat to their destinations. We'll let you know if he builds a vehicle to haul the Crew Cab around.