Another Can O' Worms?
I need help! I need the month and the year of any article or piece of information in CLASSIC TRUCKS magazine that told how to put a Camaro front-steer stub on a '53 Ford F-100 truck frame. Any information would be very helpful! Thank you for your time.
Mitch Lee
Janesville, WI
Mitch, much like the debacle created with the recent response to a similar query over the use of Volare front clips, my answer to you may not be what you wanna hear, but I'm gonna do it anyway.
Because of the variables involved when incorporating any portion of a donor car's chassis-whether it be the condition of said components or the competence of the installation-I never will be a believer in "stubbing" or "clipping" a car or truck with a complete unit from another vehicle over using an IFS kit designed for the particular make and model you're working on. Can it be done? Absolutely! Can it be done right? Without a doubt, and I've seen it done. Thing is, the times I've seen a Volare (or Aspen) done right, it was done by an individual or shop that had perfected the installation-and even then, they'd make absolutely sure each and every part was replaced, not to mention addressing the torsion bar issues when lowering. And the same pretty much goes for Camaro subframes: Why do it when at least a half-dozen companies have already done the homework and created a complete IFS that even an amateur builder could install? Beats me.
So in a roundabout way, the answer to your question (at least in regards to the last few years) is no, we haven't run any such stories on the subject, and hopefully my explanation will help explain why. If you're set on following through with it, there are online sources (the same ones that will have a field day with this) that can provide you with plenty of insight and information on the matter. Good luck with whichever route you end up taking.
A Nod For The Bumps
I am glad that CLASSIC TRUCKS has decided to build a Bumpside. I will be eager to follow the build each month. I just have one request: Keep the motor an FE, and keep the transmission a stick. I have seen too many buildups where people swap FEs for small-blocks and four-speeds for C4s. It's too boring. Anyway, I like the IFS swap in the latest issue, keep it up!
David Black
Eastland, TX
David, glad to have you as a Bumpside fan-but not nearly as much as Grant, who's been overwhelmed with a huge positive response to our friendly little competition with that "other" magazine. Now, while I do have some good news for you, I'm sad to report there's some bad news as well. Unfortunately, the truck to bet on (Grant's, of course) won't be FE-powered, rather, it'll frequent the pumps less-without sacrificing power-with a 4.6 SOHC three-valver from Ford Racing Performance Parts. Hopefully, though, you'll be happy to know that the '68 won't be consuming any ATF thanks to plans for a five- or six-speed that's slated for plenty of use. We like to think of the build as "economical performance," where it may not be the cheapest to build, but it sure won't be a heavy load on the pocket when it's all said and done.
Classic Cool
I just thumbed through the March '07 issue, and I must say the mag gets better with every issue. It seems to have a "younger" style to it without being too much. I hope none of the older readers are riding you too hard about it. I really enjoy the tech and retro-styled trucks. I also love all the C-10 coverage. It seems you've been averaging about one an issue. Take time to pat yourself and Grant on the back for putting together a quality mag for us every month. I've enclosed a pic of my project/daily driver-it's a '72 Cheyenne Super SWB that has a 350/700-R4 combo and a 3.73-geared Posi rear with an Early Classic 4/6 drop. It's not restored or shiny, but it has more style than a late-model, and I grin ear to ear every day I get behind the wheel.
Chris Powell
Via the Internet
Thanks for the kind words, Chris, they're much appreciated. We're having a great time putting this magazine out each month-well, OK, so maybe it's not so great until each issue's actually done, but then we turn right around and start another-and we'll keep doing so until someone tells us otherwise! Seems like there are a number of readers who share your sentiments as well. And speaking of sharing-and sentiments-I wholeheartedly agree with your philosophy toward your truck, which is a great-looking C-10, by the way. It's easy to own a new(er) truck; it takes the right mentality, dedication, and passion to own and drive a classic. And by doing so, people won't look right past your truck as they most likely would with anything else-regardless whether they like it or not, they're going to notice yours, if not for the simple fact it's "not" a jellybean late-model, and that makes it worth it all.
And Finally...
This is a trucking magazine for truck enthusiasts. The advertisement on page 89 for male enhancement products is degrading to an otherwise fine magazine. Hopefully this is not a trend. If so, count me out!
Disappointed trucker,
Mike Mihalic
You know, the only possible reason I can think of is that maybe the ad reps thought it was a "Mail Enhancement" product, and thus would boost the sales and distribution of the magazine. Honestly, though, in times when print media sales are anything but stellar, allowing ads as such into the magazine are sometimes necessary to keep heads above water (no pun intended). I may not agree with this decision, but I do understand why it's done.