Editor's Note: Getting your truck into Readers' Trucks is a snap, of the camera, that is. All it takes is a couple of good-quality photos of your ride that are in focus and well lit. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we regret that we cannot return photographs. Please shoot and send photos of your truck only (no people, pets, Polaroids, or printouts) to: CCT, Readers' Trucks, 2100 E. Howell Ave., Ste. 209, Anaheim, CA 92806. It is important that you include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it.
Rare Dodge
From one loyal Mopar reader comes an unusual and rare '57 Dodge pickup. The project started with only a '58 Sweptside bed, but owner Curtis Cackenberger of Billings, Montana, made sure all the assembled pieces turned out to be something quite special. A '57 Dodge 1/2-ton cab was mounted on a '92 Dodge Dakota four-wheel-drive chassis. Freeway cruising power for the truck came from a Dakota V-6 with an AOD trans. Currently, there's a tad over 5,000 miles on the truck, which rides on American Racing five-spoke wheels. Not only is this one rare accumulation of parts, the unique truck is now a head-turning show winner in Montana.
Fresh Build
Another Billings, Montana reader sent us this shot of his '53 Chevy pickup. Jerry Wegner proudly performed all of the modifications and assembly on his '53 Chevy 3100. With only a $100 to start, the truck was purchased in 1966. As the years went by, Jerry slowly refurbished every aspect of the truck. The cab was chopped 3-1/2 inches and then stretched through the doors 8 inches. The solid axle ride was improved with a Mustang II IFS, although the wheelbase remains stock. The Chevy V-8 engine is a stroked 383ci small-block with Canfield heads. The beautiful paintjob is Sunset Orange Metallic, a stock GM color.
Red '48 Ford F-1
For 4-1/2 years, Charlie Test of York, Pennsylvania, worked to restore his '48 Ford F-1 1/2-ton. The truck was first disassembled to the bare frame and then rebuilt. Charlie kept the front axle and steering original. However, the chassis was originally an F-3 unit until 8 inches were sectioned from the center of the frame and 12 inches removed from the rear. Charlie rebuilt a '66 289ci V-8 that now propels the F-1 effortlessly over the pavement. The paintjob is '94 Ford Bright Red. The brilliant red color and blocked surfaces not only covers the truck beautifully, but also turns heads as Charlie cruises the local rod and machine scene around York.
Flamed Chevy
John Salerno admits he has plenty of sweat equity in his '65 Chevy 1/2-ton pickup. Improvements started with a 383ci Chevy V-8. For additional horsepower John improved the engine's breathing with a 3-inch stainless steel exhaust system with Flowmaster headers. Flowmaster mufflers also improved the exhaust note of the bright-yellow truck. Stopping was improved with ventilated front disc brakes. The topcoat of Dupont Yellow covers the mostly stock panels that were finished with a fine set of orange flames. The interior panels and seat are covered in English Connolly leather.