Summary

No-expense-spared, 3-year, frame-off build powered by a ZZ 502ci 8-cylinder engine with Hilborn 8-stack EFI, backed by an automatic transmission. Equipped with Ridetech Shockwaves, Wilwood disc brakes, Vintage Air, Classic Instruments, Ron Francis wiring.

Details

A no-expense-spared, 3-year, frame-off restoration finished in 2016, the goal of this custom panel truck’s build was to create a distinctive industrial vibe to match the serious work capabilities of this one-ton-rated truck. It won a Second Place Award at the Detroit Autorama in 2016 (award not included) and was the feature truck in the June 2018 issue of Classic Trucks magazine. At first glance, the truck appears to have been extended, but the body is just as it came out of the factory and sits on its original factory frame, which is boxed and beefed up with three new crossmembers. Ride and handling are improved with Scott's suspension components, including their independent front suspension package with spindles, along with front and rear anti-roll bars. It sports a RideTech 4-link in the rear, along with Shockwave air springs and shocks. This custom panel truck rides on 18” and 20” American Racing Salt Flat Special wheels shod in Continental ExtremeContact tires, and a set of 14” disc brakes from Wilwood handle the stopping. Power is supplied by a Chevy ZZ 502ci big-block crate engine topped with a Hilborn 8-stack EFI to give it that old-school look, which is connected to an automatic transmission. Also residing in the engine bay is a performance drive system by March, a Be Cool radiator and a Vintage Air system. The interior follows the industrial theme with black Alcantara fabric covering the original 2/3-1/3 bench seats, Classic Instruments on the dash, airplane-style toggle switches and plenty of steel and brushed aluminum used throughout. An Ididit tilt steering column, Billet Specialties leather-trimmed wheel, Lokar pedals and a massive Gennie Commander shifter round out the operator’s area. In the back, German square-weave carpet along with leather side rails are used, and the remainder is an industrial-looking cargo area. The truck features over 50 custom-built Allen bolts, and the door hardware is punched with a brushed aluminum look.