If you have a Classic Cruiser and want to see it here, e-mail grant.peterson@sourceinterlink.com at least six high-resolution photos and background info to the e-mail address above, or mail prints to: Classic Trucks, Attn: Grant Peterson, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870.
Ray and Penny Bates from Parker, Colorado, sent us these pictures of their 1st Series '55 Chevrolet truck. They bought the old truck a little over a year ago because it was in such good shape, but Ray couldn't leave well enough alone after reading all the tech articles here in CLASSIC TRUCKS. With the knowledge gained from those articles, Ray added a five-speed transmission for comfy freeway cruising, installed an under-bed gas tank, converted the electrical system to 12-volt, added the dual carbs and Fenton exhaust manifolds, and is contemplating a full engine rebuild like the six-cylinder in our Extreme Stovebolt Makeover series. The '55 didn't need too much in the "eyeball" department, but it got some subtle pinstriping, a new set of Baby Moons, and a tuck 'n' roll upholstery job on the original bench seat to round out the old-school feel.
Ray and Penny plan on taking the Chevy to several of the car shows in the Rocky Mountains this year; according to them, the small towns in Colorado really know how to throw a good party! They'll be taking their "grandson" Seqoia (shown in the bed) with them, because he loves riding out back and looking for wildlife while cruising the mountain roads.