The pusher

[endlessearth]

Sometime ago I started to really get interested in vintage pics of push trucks from the Bonneville Salt Flats and drag racing. I have a '64 C20 that I use for ranch work and beating around town on a daily basis and I wanted to do more with it. It is a cool original truck but it is a C20 long bed with no rust and a lot of dented (but original) sheet metal so I wasn't about to go too crazy. Yet, at the same time the truck has so much character and "heart" that I felt it needed more of an identity. (Does that sound crazy?)

I took my vision to a really knowledgeable guy old school hot rod guy here in Scottsdale who helped me with my '29 AV8 a couple years ago. Here is a pic:

He knows how to do to things right and I trust his ability to shape my vision.

So, we have replaced the 283 with a 355 block using as many of the original parts from the 283. While in the engine bay, 50 years of grime where removed and the frame and inner fender walls were repainted and the radiator was re-cored. Ultimately it is going to have a pretty unique old school cool air intake on top but we are still looking for last part that we need - another air cleaner assembly from which to rob the snorkel.

The SM420 is out and a TKO500 is in place and the tranny cover is being re-worked.

I acquired some screw-on Moon Discs and I love how they look on the truck. All the metal work that isn't painted is going to be brushed to match the discs.

It isn't a big budget build but I am sure looking forward to running it through the gears and using it both to push and on the strip at the next vintage drag event here in Phoenix...as well as to haul hay, grain, water and fenceposts. Call it a 50 year face lift and now it can do truck stuff for another 50.

I will post some final pics when it is done. Heck, I might even make it to Goodguys next weekend in Scottsdale.

- Grant

[poorboy]

Love it! I used my C20 to haul my Racecar around for a season.

[firemanjimtfd]

I like the stock looking gray motor .

[endlessearth]

Determining where to place the escutcheons that will frame the exhaust pipes where they exit the body.

[kerber63]

Nice shift knob.

[UK62LW]

Great idea - watching with interest

What paint did you use on the motor ?

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by UK62LW

Great idea - watching with interest

What paint did you use on the motor ?

Duplicolor high temp engine ceramic paint with a clear coat over it. It is a certain color of gray that would be better left for a PM so that no one turns on me.

[UK62LW]

Originally Posted by endlessearth

Duplicolor high temp engine ceramic paint with a clear coat over it. It is a certain color of gray that would be better left for a PM so that no one turns on me.

Ha! Shoot it over - I promise to never tell..

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by UK62LW

Ha! Shoot it over - I promise to never tell..

PM sent

[Jeff La]

Originally Posted by endlessearth

It is a certain color of gray that would be better left for a PM so that no one turns on me.

I'm betting a four letter word beginning with F

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by Jeff La

I'm betting a four letter word beginning with F

Perhaps.

[UK62LW]

Originally Posted by Jeff La

I'm betting a four letter word beginning with F

Hope it's not illegal to own a F*** otherwise I'm in trouble too..!

One last question from me - how did you pick out the script on your valve covers - was it just a steady hand ?

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by UK62LW

One last question from me - how did you pick out the script on your valve covers - was it just a steady hand ?

It was done with a stencil.

[Jeff La]

Originally Posted by UK62LW

Hope it's not illegal to own a F*** otherwise I'm in trouble too..!

Nothing is illegal in the world of cars, as long as it works for you

[markeb01]

The Moon discs are a great addition! And the other changes as well!

[boucher racing]

Originally Posted by endlessearth

I love the matching "patina" on your electrical panel. Total coordination!





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[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by boucher racing

i love the matching "patina" on your electrical panel. Total coordination!
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lmao!

[endlessearth]

The SM420 that came out of the truck. That is 50 years of crap on it. The sludge that is on it could probably be buffed and polished. It has already resisted several attempts at cleaning.

[1963c-10]

Cool build!!!

[earl84]

This is one of my favorites on here. Love the patina and how you are keeping it looking at least sort of original.

[chevyrestoguy]

Hey, I know that backyard! It's funny that you've even got a picture of Chip posing in his Eastwood and Barakat shirt.

I've been waiting for you to post up some pictures on the latest stuff you guys have been doing on the truck. It looks awesome! I like what you've done under the hood and I'm diggin' the Moon discs.

Keep posting, Grant!

[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by chevyrestoguy

Hey, I know that backyard! It's funny that you've even got a picture of Chip posing in his Eastwood and Barakat shirt.

I've been waiting for you to post up some pictures on the latest stuff you guys have been doing on the truck. It looks awesome! I like what you've done under the hood and I'm diggin' the Moon discs.

Keep posting, Grant!

I'll take that compliment with pride (as would Chip I am sure) as it is coming from one of the best in the restoration game.

[endlessearth]

A murky afternoon in the land of misfit traditional hot rods and vintage motorcycles.

[timmytimm3]

Nice build you have going. You might find some ideas in this thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430420

[chevyrestoguy]

Did you guys wind up spraying the inner fenders and core support or did you have it powdercoated? I like the sheen you guys chose.

If you need any more "20" emblems for the fender, I have a pair that I'm not going to use. If you hit a snag and you need a bracket or clip, call me. I might have what you need. Also, are you planning to run the peep mirrors, or are you running the stock stem mirrors. I was wondering because I saw the mirror stems with no mirror heads. I'm looking for a pair of stems in white with the right patina.