If you have ever been to an auto show (I am sure you have), you will more than likely find at least one 1948 Chevy pickup in the crowd. I have seen these post war classic Chevy Trucks hangin’ ten in the clouds to hiding out in the weeds. No matter the owner’s taste these early model haulers have the right body lines and curves that just make them a downright appealing truck to gaze at. Gee… kind of sounds like a woman doesn’t it, BUT… that is another subject for another time, for now we must explain to you the blood, sweat, and tears that was put into this Wicked’ 48!
While covering the Hunters Auto Expo ESM ran across this wicked Chevy hauler as well as its proud owner, John Ezell. Now, John is no stranger to the custom auto scene since he has built a fleet of other early model autos such as a ‘55 Chevy and ’57 Nomad, just to name a couple. After selling his last pride and joy, John decided to switch gears and build a custom ‘48 Chevy truck. No doubt that John is a seasoned pro at what he does when you see this engine powered sculpture before your eyes.
For starters the rolling lines of the body have been refined to perfection and include such modifications as shaving all of the trim and emblems, shaved gas filler neck, a flush mounted windshield and rear window, smoothed running boards, and a molded in third brake light under the rear window. On the nose, there is a one-piece hood, the front bumper was removed and replaced with an extra grille piece which was flipped upside down for a rolled pan effect.
In the rear modifications include shaving all of the bolts which hold the pickup box together and welding the bed into one piece. Other serious modifications of the pickup box include, a smooth tailgate, and a roll pan with transplanted custom taillights from a ‘56 Chevy. On the inside of the bed, the truck retains the classic wood bed floor with chrome trimming as well as access to the gas tank when the truck needs some petro.
After all of the sanding and smoothing of the sheet metal was complete, Tony Speck performed his talent of spraying the body with PPG Hot Red over Khaki. After the paint was dried, wet sanded, and waxed to a brilliant shine, it was time to beef up the suspension and overall performance in order to back up the wicked looks.
John opted for a Mustang II front suspension along with beefed up sway bars in the front and rear a well as a 10 bolt rear end. A 350ci Chevy engine was strapped into the engine compartment along with a 350 turbo transmission along with all sorts of chrome goodies which dress up the engine so very nicely. To keep those Chevy ponies under control when it mattered most, John went with 11 inch disc brakes in the front. To finish up the performance look, John strapped on a set of Billet Specialties 15″ and 17″ Talladega wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich rubber directly from the stock at Hunters Custom Automotive.
The last modifications performed were in the cockpit of this classic Chevy hauler. John opted to retain some of the flavor of the past by installing classic four inch gauges in the dash which are adorned with chrome trim. The rest of the dash was modified by removing the glove box and trim. The dash was painted PPG Hot Red to match the exterior. A bench seat was transplanted from a Dodge Dakota which was covered in Khaki tweed by B & G Upholstery, as well as the door panels and head liner. A Billet Specialties Talladega steering wheel and a few other billet accessories were also added to dress up the interior.
The concept of this truck is simple yet effective in getting those nods from the custom auto community. No matter what you may be into as far as custom autos go, you can appreciate the talent and creativity that goes into such a wicked work of art!
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