Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive (Post 2701052)

While Jim works on the cab I started assembling a bed. We decided to change the stepper to a fleetside wood floor bed.

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q...3/100_0461.jpg

Originally Posted by jkaylor68gmc (Post 2702778)

yeah, a fleetside, thats what I am talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by jorgensensc (Post 2703021)

Looks good, but real man would do both beds, and interchange them seasonally...:lol::lol:;)
Shawn

Originally Posted by jaros44sr (Post 2706342)

Nice choice, they look great! Did it change the ride height any?

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive (Post 2706437)

I think it went up 1/2" in the front. Talking to Wes a Classic Heartbeat now about getting the rear dropped further. Ever put in a "C"-Notch kit Jim?....LOL

PS: I think I better get checked for Parkinsons after seeing some of my photos

PPS: notice the belt back on the front of the motor?

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive (Post 2477868)

I'm glad you asked because I don't think anyone besides Carter knows.

"GPW" refers to Grant Patrick Wheeler from Cedar Falls, IA. He was a very good friend who lost his life, on the way home from work one Friday afternoon, to an idiot street racing that lost control of his car and hit Grant head on. He left a wife and two small boys (Luke and Mac) and an entire community that loved him.

Grant was a HUGE fan of these trucks and had his own shop, where he worked evenings, rebuilding and selling them for extra money (He worked days as the buyer for Wheeler's Auto Body Supply in Waterloo). Grant was instrumental in helping Tri-Plus with a number of the items that are now available for these trucks (sawing up/parting some of his own stash) and was always trying to get more, better quality, parts developed.

He is sorely missed and this is the most fitting tribute we can do.

There is also an annual 5K memorial run in his name out in Cedar Falls.

I want to thank Wheeler's Auto Body now also for donating all the paint and materials to finish this build.

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns (Post 2709269)

first, i have to say that i'm glad this build is moving forward. i remember seeing the renderings a while back, and love the colors picked out.

second, your way of remembering your friend is awesome. It sounds like you owe a lot to him, and this is a great way to remember him.

then there's the small world part of this thread. I grew up in cedar falls, and will also be purchasing my paint from Wheelers next week. :)

I agree with your comment about how people in the CV will and do remember him. Unfortunately, I've never met him, but many of the rodders in the CV are very close and keep in contact one way or another throughout the years. Usually they meet out at the drag strip (which just opened this weekend!!).

keep it going on the build. can't wait for it to be finished. Any plans of coming back to cedar falls with the truck when it's done??

Originally Posted by Tri-ProAutomotive (Post 2709409)

There is no doubt I will be back there with the truck when it's done. I anticipate being there soon for a visit (without the truck) and will have to check in on John Friel's "Pro-Rauder"- haven't seen it in blue yet.

Originally Posted by IvelDesigns (Post 2709523)

heh, then you probably didn't get to see it with the "factory" looking wheels either.

my son asked me, "dad, how can a car with a blower get any traction with factory wheels / tires?" then he looked under it from the rear... :metal:

I haven't see the new setup yet, but from what i understand, there are much bigger rubbers under it now.

try and keep in touch when you bring that truck to iowa. I'd love to check it out, and cedar falls is a pretty regular trip for me.

Originally Posted by jkaylor68gmc (Post 2709558)

Looks good burnham! Love the new slippers.