Electric Utility Equipment Transforms This Vintage Chevy Pickup
Classics
Culture
Builders
American
This wild custom 1950 Chevrolet truck, recently offered for sale on eBay, starts with an original pickup owned by the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO). The company logo and markings add to the already excellent patina - opens in new window or tab.. But the builder’s creativity is most evident in the pickup bed.
That's where you'll find vintage electrical transformers, insulators, resistors, analog voltage measuring meters, and coiled copper lines. The antique utility gear conjures up a Frankenstein-like laboratory.
But those curious items stylize the truck’s air ride suspension system with the necessary air cylinders to power the truck’s lift hydraulics. Leaving the vintage-styled electrical components exposed was a stroke of mad genius.
Not Just For Show
The Chevy has a custom fabricated rear suspension. It uses tubular bars, narrowed Ford 9-inch axle four-wheel air suspension - opens in new window or tab., and a heavily modified front frame. That air suspension lowers to place the bright red frame directly on the pavement. When it rises, the modern drivetrain uses a fuel-injected LS V-8 - opens in new window or tab. and a six-speed Tremec manual transmission to get moving.
The white 20-inch Mobsteel wheels hide the 4-wheel Wilwood brakes - opens in new window or tab.. The combo lends menace to the truck’s exterior persona. The effect is enhanced by lower-front fender exhaust exits with electrically controlled cutouts.
In addition, the seller painted all sheet metal surfaces under the hood a pure white. The paint job highlights the ‘Vette engine and brushed aluminum components.
The meticulous interior belies the truck’s exterior appearance. The cabin provides passengers with a nicely appointed space. The deep brown leather bench seat, carefully detailed dash with factory chrome trim, and a factory-look AC system make for a comfortable vintage truck.
The simulated wood steering wheel shows off additional chrome. It’s within easy reach of both the long-shaft shifter on one side and a chromed moveable spotlight on the other.
Interior metal surfaces–door frames, seat structure, and sills–also get the bright white treatment. The truck retains its factory split windshield, shaded by a rare exterior metal sun visor.
Vintage Trucks Are Hot
The vintage truck market is strong. Rodding suppliers and builders pull used vehicles from barns and farm fields. In this case, it comes from commercial industry scrap to create unique cruisers.
Modified vintage trucks lend themselves to awesome theme-driven projects. However, the builder of this Electric Co. machine took the theme further than adding a few logos. Creativity counts. And electrical transformers, insulators, and resistors make this Chevy a next-level custom build.
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