SEMA is one of those events that has something for everyone. While attending the 2009 SEMA show there was plenty to see. Crazy dual axle S-10, raised Ford and Chevy trucks and I even ran into David Neal’s 1968 Chevy C-10. For those who don’t know this truck it was the cover truck for the January 2009 issue of Classic Trucks. Overall from last year to this year the SEMA show has grown and I look forward for next year’s show.

How To HotRod Small-Block Chevys?
Bill Fisher and Bob Waar
Complete guide for hot rodding all Chevy small-block engines?265 to 400 cubic inches. Clearances, torque specs, tuning information, blue printing, cylinder head mods, and engine assembly. Includes 350 step-by-step photos.

Part # HP8
ISBN: 978-0-91265-606-9
EAN: 9780912656069 51995
UPC: 0 75478 56069 1 8 1/2" x 10 7/8" 192 pp. $19.95/$24.00 Can.inline_mediumwraptextright26014364/tech/1002clt_chevy_ford_small_block_big_block_engine_books1002clt_01_z+2010_automotive_catalog+how_to_hotrod.jpgTrue

The whole vintage automobile market (or vintage anything for that matter) is a thriving multi-million or billion-dollar industry because we, as a people, are sentimental. Well, maybe not just because of our sentimentality, but that and wanting to relive or hold onto the past certainly plays a huge part in the industry and how it got started. We all have our reasons, even those who are merely spectators at a local cruise night-something inside of them made them turn into the local hamburger stand to get a closer look at all the old tin on display. It takes all kinds, but here's a story you don't hear too often.inline_mediumwraptextright31158267/features/1001clt_1963_ford_f1001001clt_01_z+1963_ford_f100+side_shot.jpgTrue

Manual steering gears predate the Model T era. The typical layout is a column and shaft leading from the steering wheel to a frame-mounted gear mechanism. This steering shaft rotates left and right, turning a cross-shaft within the gear. The cross-shaft rotates the pitman arm, and depending upon the front axle layout, the pitman arm moves either fore-and-aft or laterally.inline_mediumwraptextrightMid-'60s Ford manual steering uses Saginaw's recirculating ball-and-nut engineering. Ford trucks relied on Gemmer worm-and-roller steering from 1937-60. The transition to ball-and-nut steering was an improvement in efficiency and dramatically increased the longevity of manual steering gears.31157031/tech/1001clt_manual_steering_gears_introduction1001clt_01_z+manual_steering_gears_introduction+ford_manual_steering.jpgTrue

Just when you think you've seen it all, something stops you in your tracks. It's tough these days to do something different and make it look good. Let's face it: Just about everything that can be done has been done to the automobile, and that includes classic trucks. Nevertheless, we (and you) push on and shake things up just when things seem a little stale.inline_mediumwraptextright25802978/features/1001clt_1968_chevy_c10_pickup_truck1001clt_01_z+1968_chevy_c10_pickup_truck+lowered_truck.jpgTrue

Skull and flame elements combine in aesthetically appealing designinline_mediumwraptextright25995161/hotnews/1001clt_blue_rage_arc_armor_welding_helmets1001clt_01_z+blue_rage_arc_armor_welding_helmets+safety_equipment.jpgTrue

Miller introduces the only workbench designed specifically for welders; customizable options make it the ideal welding workbench for both the fab shop and the home shop.inline_mediumwraptextright25995506/hotnews/1001clt_millers_arc_table_workstation_welding_metalworking1001clt_01_z+millers_arc_table_workstation_welding_metalworking+work_bench.jpgTrue

New Spoolmate 200 offers cost-effective aluminum MIG welding solution, remote adjustable wire feed speed settings and multiple barrel options for light fabrication.inline_mediumwraptextright31382946/hotnews/1001clt_spoolmate_200_mig_aluminum_welding_torch1001clt_01_z+spoolmate_200_mig_aluminum_welding_torch+performance_parts.jpgTrue

For years, Brothers, one of the nation's most popular sources of '47-87 Chevrolet and GMC truck parts, has hosted an annual gathering for its countless loyal customers, giving them not only an opportunity to show off their Chevy and GMC pride and joys but also a chance to spend some quality time with a huge crowd of like-minded classic truckers. Since the company's inception, Brothers has hosted their show at the spacious Featherly Park in Anaheim, California, which provides plenty of shade for the large show area.inline_mediumwraptextright31196925/events/1001clt_2009_brothers_chevy_gmc_show_shine1001clt_01_z+2009_brothers_chevy_gmc_show_shine+event_parking.jpgTrue

One of the coolest things about us hot rodders (be we classic truck or car guys) is our willingness to try just about anything. Sure both ends of the hobby have their favorites like F-100s and '47 to '54 Chevy pickups or the perennial red Deuce roadster for the car folks-but, there are those with a bit more in the way of vision or, might we say, whimsy. As you can see here, Bob Greening is one who falls in the latter category. He sure as heck wasn't afraid to tackle a project that was, some may consider, a bit outside the box.inline_mediumwraptextright25832222/features/1001clt_1948_chevy_loadmaster_coe_truck1001clt_01_z+1948_chevy_loadmaster_coe_truck+front_bumper.jpgTrue

There isn't a hot rodder worth his toolbox who doesn't own or wishes he owned a pickup truck. There are two ways to go about solving this dilemma. There is the late-model Cowboy Cadillac that serves double duty as daily driver and weekend parts chaser, or your latest project is your pickup. We prefer the latter!inline_mediumwraptextrightAs luck would have it, not only did I inherit the magazine from good ol' Rob Fortier but a ready to rock buildup series, as well. Over the next few months we're going to follow along as our sister publication STREET RODDER's editor Brian Brennan rides roughshod over a cool '47 Chevy shop truck project that, believe it or not, consists of 100 percent aftermarket components!31192512/tech/1001clt_1947_chevy_shop_truck_introduction1001clt_02_z+1947_chevy_shop_truck_introduction+classic_chevy_side_shot.jpgTrue

There's one consistent factor when it comes to Pickups Limited's annual F-100 Western Nats-it always draws the nicest collection of classic all-Ford pickups in the Southwest. This year's gathering reinforced that fact with a turnout that broke all previous attendance records for the Featherly Park venue. As is always the case, the enthusiastic members of Pickups Limited's Orange County chapter worked their tails off to host what has been for years So Cal's premier all-Ford truck show. An eclectic collection of over 200 classic pickups and their rightfully proud owners took advantage of the comfortably shaded Featherly Park location to show off their handiwork and spend a pleasant day visiting with like-minded Ford pickup fans, participants and spectators alike.inline_mediumwraptextrightThis past season's 27th annual F-100 Western Nationals drew a record crowd with participants from as far away as Tennessee and Nebraska making their way to the show for a weekend of classic truck camaraderie.31159959/events/1001clt_2009_ford_f100_western_nationals1001clt_01_z+2009_ford_f100_western_nationals+record_attendance.jpgTrue

I own a '46 Chevy panel truck that I'm getting ready to rod/restore. What original colors were available for this year? I have sanded down some sections and it appears to be a forest green color with black fenders. I am planning on a resto-rod type of overhaul using a Chevy 250 straight-six, independent style of suspension with a 10- to 12-bolt in the rear. I am having a bit of trouble finding body parts for this year. The valance is dented but fixable, and the fold-out front window crank is missing, but it does have a beautiful grille. Any help for parts books and color options would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Marty
Via emailinline_mediumwraptextright26946514/hotnews/1001clt_classic_trucks_readers_letters1001clt_01_z+classic_trucks_readers_letters+recieved_mail.jpgTrue

Wow, I guess that old saying-the more things change, the more they stay the same-really does hold true. Back in May of 2000 I wrote my first editorial for CLASSIC TRUCKS and 31 issues later (in December of 2002) I penned my farewell editorial on these very pages. At that time I too had been offered the same opportunity as Rob Fortier recently has, the editorship of our sister publication Rod & Custom magazine-pretty coincidental you have to admit. Rob's done a great job during his tenure at the helm of CLASSIC TRUCKS, and I'll now have the chance to once again see if I can come close to filling the shoes of a successful predecessor. So once more, as I did many years ago in my very first CLASSIC TRUCKS editorial (and with deference to those who endured this nearly 10 years ago) I'll take this opportunity to give you the same bit of background on just who I am and what my motivations are as I did back then.inline_mediumwraptextright31149447/hotnews/1001clt_jim_rizzos_return_to_classic_trucks1001clt_01_z+jim_rizzos_return_to_classic_trucks+editor_notes.jpgTrue

You can email your questions to ProfessorHammer at covell@cruzio.com, or mail to Professor Hammer, c/o CLASSIC TRUCKS Magazine, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. We'll print your name and city unless you request otherwise. Ron Covell has made many DVDs on metalworking processes, and offers an ongoing series of workshops across the nation covering all aspects of metalworking. Check them out online at www.covell.biz, or call for a current schedule of workshops and their free catalog of DVDs and fine-quality metalworking tools. Phone 800-747-4631, or 831-768-0705. You can send a request by mail to Covell Creative Metalworking, 106 Airport Blvd. #105, Freedom, CA 95019.inline_mediumwraptextright31198527/hotnews/1001clt_1949_chevy_hood_welding_question1001clt_01_z+1949_chevy_hood_welding_question+professional_welding_tips.jpgTrue

You can email your questions to Professor Hammer at covell@cruzio.com, or mail to Professor Hammer, c/o CLASSIC TRUCKS Magazine, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. We'll print your name and city unless you request otherwise. Ron Covell has made many DVDs on metalworking processes, and offers an ongoing series of workshops across the nation covering all aspects of metalworking. Check them out online at www.covell.biz, or call for a current schedule of workshops and their free catalog of DVDs and fine-quality metalworking tools. Phone 800-747-4631, or 831-768-0705. You can send a request by mail to Covell Creative Metalworking, 106 Airport Blvd. #105, Freedom, CA 95019.inline_mediumwraptextright25707974/hotnews/0912clt_tubing_dolly_metalworking_tips0912clt_01_z+tubing_dolly_metalworking_tips+welding_with_profesionals.jpgTrue

Known mostly for its deep roots in the country music industry, Nashville is a great place to visit, especially if you plan the trip around the Goodguys Nashville Nationals. Usually held the last weekend of June, the weather is always hot, but this year, the mixture of high temperatures and high humidity gave everyone an excuse to find a shade tree. To aid in the comfort of its participants and crew, Goodguys has changed the date of the Nashville Nationals, moving it to the month of May in hopes of pleasant springtime temperatures.inline_mediumwraptextright26836522/events/0912clt_2009_goodguys_nashville_nationals0912clt_01_z+2009_goodguys_nashville_nationals+custom_flames_paint_job.jpgTrue

In a world so full of kits and bolt-on parts, it's rewarding to do something unique and out of the norm-but sometimes veering off the beaten path is done out of necessity. Take air conditioning for example. There are a plethora of retrofit kits out there for just about every vehicle-as long as it's a popular vehicle. I know '67-72 F-100s still aren't sought-after trucks, but that doesn't mean you have to sweat while driving one!inline_mediumwraptextrightHere is the brunt of the Vintage Air components I selected for the F-100. The heart of it all is the Vintage Air Gen II Mini evaporator unit with defrost. While the Mini is the smallest Vintage Air evaporator, it has proven itself a strong workhorse over the years in countless hot rods and trucks where space is limited.31057797/tech/0912clt_1967_1972_ford_f100_vintage_air_ac_install0912clt_04_z+1967_1972_ford_f100_vintage_air_ac_install+air_conditioning_kit_parts.jpgTrue

These days it's tough to figure out which of the ever-popular, well-worn-looking shop trucks out there are actually work horses for the business lettered on each door. While most of these pickups aren't actual "employees" of any real or fictitious shops, they are decorated as such for fun, but there are still a few that punch the clock and serve as rolling business cards.inline_mediumwraptextright26834554/features/0912clt_1966_chevy_c10_pickup_truck0912clt_01_z+1966_chevy_c10_pickup_truck+custom_front_grill.jpgTrue

You might have been warned about putting all your eggs in one basket, but what if you put all those baskets safely in a classic truck? Even though Gary Caton's '48 Chevy started out life as an egg truck and anything but classic in post-World War II's burgeoning America, it would take more than half a century to be treated as such. In fact, it was rolled into a barn for 25 years and then forgotten where trees would eventually block the doors and form a time capsule of sorts.inline_mediumwraptextright25627454/features/0912clt_1948_chevy_pickup_truck0912clt_01_z+1948_chevy_pickup_truck+front_grill.jpgTrue

John & Pat Devine
Southern California
1955 Ford F-100
CHASSIS
FRAME:	stock
MODIFICATIONS:	So-Cal Speed Shop, Dirty Howard
REAREND / RATIO:	Currie Tru-Trac 9” / 3.23:1
REAR SUSPENSION:	Total Cost Involved parallel leaf, Bilstein shocks
REAR BRAKES:	Currie 11” drum
FRONT SUSPENSION:	Heidts IFS, Bilstein coilovers
FRONT BRAKES:	11” GM disc
STEERING BOX:	rack-and-pinion
WHEELS:	Wheel Vintiques, 17x8
FRONT TIRES:	Goodyear, 255/55ZR17
REAR TIRES:	Goodyear, 275/60ZR17
GAS TANK:	stock, sealed by Mattson’s, Stanton, CA
DRIVETRAIN
ENGINE:	Ford 460ci big-block
HEADS:	Super CobraJet aluminum
VALVE COVERS:	no-name aluminum
MANIFOLD / INDUCTION:	dual intake / Holley
IGNITION:	Mallory
HEADERS:	Sanderson
EXHAUST / MUFFLERS:	custom / MagnaFlow
TRANSMISSION:	Ford C-6
MODIFICATIONS:	TCI converter
SHIFTER:	modified stock
BODY
STYLE:	F-100 standard cab
DOORS:	stock, one-piece glass
FENDERS FRONT / REAR:	stock / stock
HOOD:	stock
GRILLE:	stock
BED:	modified stock
BEDWOOD:	Doug Miller Cabinetry, raised
BODYWORK BY:	So-Cal, Mick Jenkins
PAINTER:	So-Cal, Sean Dooley
PAINT TYPE / COLOR:	PPG / custom-mix, black
HEADLIGHTS / TAILLIGHTS:	Cibie halogen / ’53 F-100
OUTSIDE MIRRORS:	stock
BUMPERS:	stock, relocated
INTERIOR
DASHBOARD:	stock
GAUGES:	stock, redone by United Speedometer, Riverside, CA
AIR CONDITIONING:	Vintage Air
SOUND SYSTEM:	Kenwood/ARC Audio by Audio Shoppe, Riverside, CA
STEERING WHEEL:	stock
STEERING column:	stock
SEAT:	stock, redone by Gabe Lopez
UPHOLSTERY BY:	Gabe Lopez, Bloomington, CA
MATERIAL / COLOR:	basket-weave vinyl / black
CARPET:	black short-loop

Wish Granted
Reader Scott Lepping from Green Lane, Pennsylvania, sent an email with some pictures of his '48 GMC five-window pickup.inline_mediumwraptextright26836771/features/0912clt_1948_gmc_five_window_pickup_truck0912clt_02_z+1948_gmc_five_window_pickup_truck+front_grill.jpgTrue

It probably wasn't long after the first delivery vehicle rolled out of a coachbuilder's shop that a sign painter went at its side with a brush.inline_mediumwraptextright25703258/features/0912clt_1937_ford_2_1_2_ton_flatbed_truck0912clt_01_z+1937_ford_2_1_2_ton_flatbed_truck+chicago_beer_truck.jpgTrue

Modern automotive disc brake designs share common features. The primary components are a rotor and caliper. The rotor attaches to the wheel hub and rotates at the same speed as the wheel and tire assembly. Machined flat and true, the rotor's parallel faces are the braking surfaces for lined brake pads.inline_mediumwraptextright31052775/tech/0912clt_disc_brake_fundamentals0912clt_02_z+disc_brake_fundamentals+aftermarket_brake_components.jpgTrue