We find the vast majority of vintage trucks at events across the country. But once in a while a hobbyist will send us photos of his/her feature-worthy truck. Then we're tasked with finding a way to photograph it. Sometimes there's a freelance photographer/journalist in the area. Occasionally, we can coordinate our show schedule and meet at a nearby event to get the pictures.
In Smyrna, Georgia, business owners Fred Hatcher and Jerry Glore built a 1964 Chevy shortbed together. They own a soft drink and beer packaging machine-building company that was going through an economic downturn. Since most of their employees were automotive enthusiasts and hobbyists, Fred and Jerry offered continued employment by building two vintage Chevy trucks, or a layoff. What would you choose? Hot rod hauler building, here we come!
The photos of the pickup Fred sent us revealed that it was well constructed and indeed worthy of an article. Fred's recent purchase of a SLR Nikon digital camera had us wondering whether he'd like to test his photography skills. With the guinea pig being his '64, we gave him a few pointers over the phone and asked him to burn a flash card or two on the Chevy. You could say we used the same ploy Fred and Jerry used with their co-workers. If you want a feature in Custom Classic Trucks, you need to provide us with some stunning photos.
Fortunately for all of us, Fred's a fast learner. His employees proved to be fast builders. Because they worked on all areas of the '64 shortbed at once, it took a scant five months for them to finish.
Like most of the trucks that grace the End?, Jerry and Fred found the Chevy resting in a pasture. Unlike the patina pickups in CCT, the then owner fired up the Chevy by borrowing a battery from a '67 Chevelle. The former owner drove the truck onto J&F's trailer, took his battery back and said goodbye to the clever business owners/hauler hobbyists.
 New replacement headlamps...  New replacement headlamps keep the road in view and oncoming traffic aware there's a brilliant, PPG Copperhead Pearl pickup blasting by. |  Fred photographed the Chevy...  Fred photographed the Chevy at his house in Smyrna, Georgia. Hey, Fred, does that fishing pond have fish? |  Handling the spankin' new...  Handling the spankin' new GM 350-inch crate engine's spent fumes is a Sanderson Headers- and Flowmaster mufflers-comprised custom exhaust system. |
 Hovering over the Dakota Digital...  Hovering over the Dakota Digital instruments-filled dashboard is a Grant steering wheel attached to an ididit column. |  Brown leather trims the Bow...  Brown leather trims the Bow Tie's bucket seats and center console. |  Billet elliptical taillights...  Billet elliptical taillights keep following motorists at bay. Replacement bumpers at both ends serve as a last line of defense for the PPG paint. |