As we get older and can begin to appreciate our differences, we learn that each and every one of us has a talent or skill that involves a particular passion or interest. Some individuals possess talents in math and science; others prefer to immerse their time and energy in art and music. And there are the hands-on, wrench-twisting car guys who can't own a stock automobile or truck.
Eighteen-year-old Addison Flani of Orting, Washington, is a young man who has set his sights on a career building custom cars and trucks. In addition to his life-long interest, passed on from his dad, we met Addison right before he was on his way to enroll in classes at Wyoming Technical Institute to further advance his career potential.
Addison was piloting a '48 GMC truck with BAD ACT license plates that looked every bit the part. As we got acquainted with Addison, he admitted that the construction details and credits were a little sketchy due to the fact that his dad purchased the truck from a friend over 15 years ago. This friend of the family attended car shows with an adolescent Addison and his dad.
What we do know is this: There's a Mustang II IFS up front and a narrowed '89 Ford rearend under the tubbed bed. Beneath the sectioned hood is a '71 Pontiac 455ci V-8 hooked to a C4 AOD trans to spin the Pro-wides. The '48 GMC cab has enjoyed the most radical bodywork; the top was chopped and the cab floor was raised to mount lower on the chassis. Addison states that the cab was also sectioned through the lower portion of the doors. The hood has been sectioned and the front fenders feature recessed headlights.
The painter and artist who applied the multi-layer flames was PPG instructor Paul Stole of Kent, Washington. More recently, the fabric interior was refreshed by Rocky of Tacoma, Washington. Auto Meter gauges are mounted in a padded dash panel.
The 1/2-ton hauler sits down on its wheels and makes plenty of pleasant sounds as it cruises by. It can also make a powerful statement when the accelerator is pressed forcefully to the toeboard. The engine roars and the tires screech an awful noise-just the kind of sounds to bring a smile to an 18-year-old car guy's face.
 A '71 Pontiac 455ci V-8 has...  A '71 Pontiac 455ci V-8 has the proper amount of polished aluminum and chrome details for a young car guy-the top details of the engine are all bright and shiny Edelbrock products. On top of them is a polished billet Street & Performance air cleaner. |  Pro Street wides handle all...  Pro Street wides handle all the torque sent from the engine. Check out the license plate-we hope it refers to the truck and not the driver. |  |