Oh, The Horror
Horror stories are just part of the CCT world. We all know someone who got screwed over on some kind of deal, and many times we happen to be on that receiving end! But just like they say, when life gives you lemons chuck 'em and buy some oranges! Robert Lancieri, of Port St., Florida, has a story in similar suit:
"I first purchased my '55 Chevy truck on a live auction from eBay. The truck was purchased from a person in Illinois, sight unseen, who said it was in mint condition. When the carrier went to pick the truck up, the owner called and told me they scratched the driver door. When the truck arrived at my doorstep I asked to see the scratch, and it wasn't that bad. I then began to look at the rest of the truck. It was battleship gray and the paint had runs and sanding marks all through it. The clearcoat on the truck looked as if raindrops had landed before it set up. My wife and I looked at each other and thought: Mint condition? Even the carrier said I hope you didn't pay much for it. Needless to say the minor scratch the carrier put in it was the least of my worries. My grandfather owned two '55 Chevy trucks for his gas station way back when, and I always wanted to build one of these trucks, so I was determined to restore my "mint" '55.
"I didn't have a lot of money, so I had to do a lot of the bodywork myself, even though I had never done anything like that before. I took advice from friends and shops, and began working on the Chevy. I also found out at this time the truck was painted over rust, dings, and dents, therefore my workload increased in the span of minutes. Eventually I got the bodywork done and it was painted a two-tone silver metallic and charcoal with yellow, orange, and red flames outlined in green by Terry Trucks. The flames were also continued on when the doors are open. I had to rewire the entire truck and put new dual exhaust on it as well. Up front I installed a Camaro front clip and a new steering column. The truck now has all the modern-day works, including cruise and disc brakes. I also installed new seats wrapped in gray leather and built a custom center console. Now that the truck is done I enjoy going to cruises with friends. To my surprise I've even won some First Place trophies at several larger events."
The Best Damn Garage In Town
It doesn't take but one look at Ed Fiveash's, of Sharpsburg, Georiga, '72 Chevy to realize he lives and breathes Smokey Yunick. Like so many others, Ed is just another in a long line of Smokey fans, and the best way he knew to pay tribute to the innovator himself was to build his Chevy in memory of Smokey. The truck is centered on its T&L Engine Development-built440-horsepower 383 Chevy that is equipped with Dart Pro II heads, Edelbrock intake, custom ground cam, and more. Ed then shaved the truck clean, and lowered it on the ground. He also built a custom stainless steel exhaust system, gas tank, and more. Lastly, Ed, once again, laid down the trademark Smokey two-tone paintjob. Ed also made it a point to us in his letter that he is the original owner of the truck and it has never been wrecked. As for Ed though, that's a whole-nother' story.
Editor's Note: Getting your truck into Readers' Trucks is a snap, of the camera, that is. All it takes is a stack 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. Send photos of your truck (no 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.