What were you guys thinking when you put a puke F-1 on the cover and between the pages of a great mag? This is a disgrace to every truck builder who would like to have coverage in CLASSIC TRUCKS magazine. Just because he is an old hot rodder who wanted to be a classic truck buff you bend the rules for him? Shame on you, Grant Peterson, you should be removed as Associate Editor and busted to a copy boy! I really was saddened by your poor choice of copy, as this should have only been mentioned in a 2x3 pic-NOT a four-page spread! You guys owe everyone who buys this publication a big apology. I have looked at hundreds of pics on the Classic Cruisers back pages that were worthy of better coverage. Enough said! Now let's get back to the true spirit of building a classic truck.
Don
Merced, CA
Well, Don, though I responded to you personally, I really felt this was something that needed to be shared with the larger audience, but unfortunately, not as a "big apology" as you requested. Using your closing statement as a perfect example, the true spirit of building a classic truck-or a hot rod, custom, or muscle car, for that matter-is something that can be and is interpreted by people of all walks of life, and subsequently with many different definitions. For every handful of those who like theirs pampered and polished, you're going to find a certain percentage who like just the opposite-I won't go as far as calling them the "puke people," rather, just those who appreciate a different version of a finished product. In short, the way I see it is this: Out of the 12 issues we produce each year, the majority feature trucks that I assume meet your standards. On the flip side, I don't feel it's fair to completely alienate the others, and as such, occasionally acknowledge them and their particular tastes accordingly. In reality, the ratio of polished versus puke leans heavily in your favor-so do you still feel an apology is in order? Sorry, I don't feel Grant nor I have done any injustice.
I really enjoy CLASSIC TRUCKS just the way it is. If you do make any changes, I'd like to see more stock older trucks. Not many people can afford to build the high-dollar ones. My wife and I are restoring a '55 1st series Chevy 3100 on a low budget and enjoy seeing stock '54s and '55s. I do know you need to show high-dollar trucks to sell your magazine, but a stock oldie hidden inside now and then would be great. Keep up the great job!
John Tuoto
Placerville, CA
I agree to a certain extent, John-but I also should note that we do run stock/restored pickups on regular occasion. I wouldn't call them "low-buck" (we have that discussion below!) necessarily, but at the same time they're not what I'd lump in with the average high-dollar/show truck, which I believe is what you're referring to. With an average of 100 pages netting four to five features per issue, it's kind of difficult showing a wide array of trucks in each one, but we try to keep a nice mix every month.
I have a '40 1/2-ton that I've been working on as time allows: big-block, MII, Turbo 400, 10-bolt w/monoleaves. The parts are getting more easy to find for these trucks than in the past. Note: If your hood ornament is in good shape (not broken), protect it as you progress with the project-that is a start for the build. The biggest problem is finding replacement body parts (i.e., lower cowl corners, lower back corners of the cab, the pot metal back window frame). You mentioned in your article you knew of replacement cowl parts-where/who is your source? Those are the two pieces I need to complete my cab rebuild. Good luck on your build, and keep the process updated in the features.
Lawrence Cordano
Via the Internet
To be honest, I was surprised to find myself taking on this particular project! But now that I'm into it up to my chin, I'm glad I did-and that it's garnered so much positive attention as well. As for the replacement lower cowl panels, I sourced mine through Jim Carter (800-842-1913), as I'm not sure anyone else between the covers of this mag, or anywhere else besides a little place in Massachusetts (who may make the ones Carter sells), has them to begin with.