Bubba Nelson's '51 Chevy....
Bubba Nelson's '51 Chevy.
The tailgate is all-new with...
The tailgate is all-new with no latches and no chains. The bed is a reproduction unit.
A high-performance GM ZZ4...
A high-performance GM ZZ4 engine with Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and Jet Hot coated headers propels the 51. Custom radiator tubes and polished stainless steel lines make a visual statement.
The chrome grille and bumper...
The chrome grille and bumper jump right out in contrast to the dark color of the trucks body.
A Glide Engineering tilt bench...
A Glide Engineering tilt bench seat with built-in armrest was custom-covered in leather.
Ron Mangus custom-designed...
Ron Mangus custom-designed the door panels just for Bubba. The entire interior is finished in a light grey color.
Gennie Shifter supplied the...
Gennie Shifter supplied the brake and throttle pedals while ididit was the source for the steering column. Otherwise, the floor is free from obstacles.
Polished stainless steel hardware...
Polished stainless steel hardware sets off the finely finished bed wood. A Hagan fuel door is used near the tailgate.
The final inspection before...
The final inspection before delivery to Bubba included a complete wipe-down from top to bottom. This truck is low enough to barely fit on the rack.
A TCI polished stainless steel...
A TCI polished stainless steel independent front suspension unit with Wilwood brakes was used for the 51 Chevy. Nice stuff.
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff built...
Hot Rods & Custom Stuff built the four-bar rear suspension with Panhard bar and coilover shocks. The fuel tank is a custom all-steel unit.
A TH 700-R4 transmission is...
A TH 700-R4 transmission is connected to the 350 Chevy engine. A Kugel shift arm connects the tranny to the column shifter. CCT
Halibrand Sweet Swirl wheels...
Halibrand Sweet Swirl wheels are wrapped with Goodyear tires (P235/70-15 in rear and P205/60-15 in front).
When the June 98 issue of Custom Classic Trucks hit the newsstands, Jerry Bubba Nelson III of Winnie, Texas, couldnt get the cover truck out of his mind. The black 56 Ford we dubbed Americas Most Beautiful F-100 went on to win just about every major award possible that year, with justification.
Bubba had a 51 Chevy truck that needed some help, and he decided to go straight to the source. He contacted the builders of the black truck, Hot Rods & Custom Stuff in Escondido, California, and told them he wanted a Chevy pickup that was just about as nice. Now, Bubba has his first vehicle (oh, did we forget to mention that Bubba is still in high school?), and its a definite eye-pleaser. From the frenched headlights to the custom dash to the filled seams, this truck is a one-of-a-kind. But if youre motivated to build something similar, contact Hot Rods & Custom Stuff at 1-800-HOTROD5.