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, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. It is important that you include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it.
'41 with a Flattie -Fantastic!
Somewhere in the rugged western state of Montana, Del Thibaut might be tooling around in his '41 Ford pickup. He built the truck himself and painted it GM Red. An 8-AB flathead V-8 and three-speed manual trans from a Ford passenger car propel Del's 1/2-ton most reliably and quietly down the road. Though the hauler's resale red, we doubt he'd be willing to part with it, unless of course, he has some new project in his garage.
Calypso Orphan
Mac Wells of Kennewick, Washington, owns a low-slung '47 Hudson 3/4-ton pickup. Since Mac's a Ford fan, he painted his pickup a '95 Ford truck hue, Calypso Green, and powered the hauler with a '73 351ci Cleveland Cobra Jet mill, backed by a C6 trans and Ford 9-inch. The cab's custom interior includes bucket seats, an ice-cold A/C, and a Custom Autosound CD/stereo system. Hudson Commodore trim adorns the side, dash, and steering column. Filling the bed floor are fresh-hewn oak planks and an oak toolbox. By renewing a rare Hudson hauler, Mac took the road less traveled. We're glad he did, and bet he is too.
Al's Double-A Dream
Al LeGrow, of South Setauket, Long Island, New York, and his wife Carol dream big. In 1968, Al purchased a '31 Ford Model Double-A dump truck for $1 and drove it home. In 1970, he began this 32-year-long street rod project. A Ford 460ci engine and a C6 trans ensure that the power gets to the first drive wheels, while an 18-inch driveshaft transfers the power to the rearmost wheels. Global Aircraft Interiors trimmed the seats in leather and used Ultrasuede for the headliner. The CD/stereo system is comprised of JBL power amps, a Kenwood head unit, and Infinity speakers. Grover's Restorations in Hampton, New York, painted the purpose-built pickup a pleasing plum color. Nu Chrome, of Fall River, Massachusetts, treated the brightwork to a triple-A chrome-plating job, appropriate for the Double A. Too bad the giant M&Ms in the dump bed aren't real. They look every bit as tasty as the rest of the truck.