[SCOTI]

I had the privilige of meeting the trucks owner many, many years ago when the cab/doors were in the beginning stages of being stretched.

My friend (Monte; an extraordinary fabricator himself that was helping me on my truck) was buddies w/the owner & while @ lunch one day I mentioned how I would like to do an extended cab, but w/o the rear qrtr windows-- just stretch the cab for a little more leg room, or even a crewcab dually. I thought my vision of an extended cab would be alot of work for just a couple of inches more of legroom. Then, on our way to lunch, he takes me by this little out of the way industrial shop to show me what he considered something special...... I was blown away.

Although he (Mike)stretched his more than what I had envisioned in my head, it was cool to actually see someones similar vision actually being constructed. If I remember correctly, the bed was to mimic a late models flowing construction/design, but be hand built & faithful to the original design lines. So a late model floor was used w/steps that mimic a later model bed but are actually reversed cab corners so the lines are correct.

Fast forward to 2003.... I was @ a different shop in the same industrial district several months ago looking @ a 2wd blazer w/my bro. I told the guy w/the blazer about the truck I'd seen many years ago..... but that I couldn't remember which building it was in. Turns out, the truck was right next door. The owner of the blazer was buddies w/the guys working on the truck...... &...... he even grew up/went to H.S. w/the guy (Monte) who helped me w/my truck (small world). I only got a quick peek of the then still dis-assembled truck, but I could see the rear fenders on sawhorses & the color of the cab interior.

Talk about lighting a small fire under my ass..... my truck is still just in guide-coat (10+yrs later) waiting for blocking. I really need to complete my new chassis so I can finish the mods on the front inner wheelwells.......... sorry for the novel.