With plenty of original patina, this truck looks like it was just pulled out of a field - but it is actually very solid and a blast to drive! Hundreds of man-hours have gone into building this hot rod.
a newly rebuilt Corvette engine and a 200R4 automatic transmission - its totally reliable, comfortable, quick and sounds awesome. Power steering and heat work very well. This truck gets more looks and thumbs up than any other car I've owned. If you don't like talking to people, this isn't the vehicle for you!
The details:
BODY:
1947 Chevrolet Thriftmaster - with tons of original patina. A very small amount had to be matched - due to body work and for aesthetic reasons.
Cab corners and rusted-through parts have been replaced/backed by new metal but done to keep original look. No inner front fenders. Running boards are reinforced with 1" square steel tubes and are strong enough to jump up and down on.
CHASSIS:
1976 C-10 Chassis channeled and Z-cut to get that low front stance. Very well reinforced, the frame is now stronger than it originally was. Note: This is NOT an S-10 chassis with a 47 body just slapped on it.This is a full size C-10 frame that properly fits the wheelbase and body and has been modified to allow for a static suspension drop and full lock-to-lock steering with no rubbing. The fenders are filled-out perfectly with this wheel and tire combination - you can't fit your fingers between the tire and rear fender!
SUSPENSION/BRAKES/WHEELS:
New Beltech drop shocks on all 4 corners
Rear - spring under conversion
New rear drums, wheel cylinders and full rebuild with fluid flush
New (reman) master cylinder (non-power brakes)
Corvette C5 wheels
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
1993 Corvette 350 small block - rebuilt within last 7500 miles (or so) - with Optispark injection removed and converted to carburetor. Custom exhaust dumps out on passenger side in front of rear axle.
200R4 Transmission with electronic torque converter lockup (and manual override switch) for good mileage on highway. Tractor lever for shifter
Edlebrock 600 performer carburetor (freshly rebuilt and tuned)
HEI style ignition
New GM factory spark plugs
New vacuum lines
New (reman) alternator
New Harmonic Balancer
New High flow water pump
New upper radiator hose (and complete recent flush)
Electric cooling fan with manual switch - keeps engine temps at 190 even on very hot days. No issues with overheating at all.
New steering gearbox, return line and fluid flush - can park with just a pinky finger!
Racing Fuel cell in place of gas tank -
Triple gauge pod on dash - with patina'd cover blends in nicely. Gauges include: Temp, Oil Pressure and Volts.
Oil and filter change within 200 miles
OTHER:
2-point Lap seat belts
Cab vents (drivers side and cowl) open and close
Heater works very well - I have driven in temps in the 20's and used the lower setting!
Steering wheel - original cut down to 15"
Front headlight looks broken - but works with a projector bulb tucked in
Side windows work but are cracked (adds to the charm) - new ones can be had online for $167 each
Daytime running lights (front parking lights) LED
Rear LED tail lights
Battery relocated to under bed of truck
Real 1947 North Carolina license plate
Registered/Titled as a 1976 Chevrolet C-10 (chassis)
MILEAGE: The odometer does not work - hence I am uncertain of the actual mileage. The rebuilt engine is estimated to have roughly 7500-8500 miles on it since the rebuild.
NOTE: This is not a new vehicle. It is not a stock vehicle. It is recommended that you inspect any modified vehicle like this to familiarize yourself with the amount of work that goes into creating a unique result. Custom vehicles are built by individuals, not on a factory floor - so methods, materials and attention to detail will always vary. If in doubt....check it out!