"Elwood" the 77_remix

[N2TRUX]

My Dad once told me "Son if it ain't broke, dont fix it till it is". That comment came after he saw me customizing a car and he didn't really understand why you would take something apart and modify it if it was working just fine.
I learned a lot of life lessons from my Dads simple thought process, but never succumbed to his leave it alone theory.

Many of you know I own a 1977 Cheyenne that has become one of the most recognized squarebody trucks around. I won't bore you with all of the accomplishments and awards it has received, but I can humbly state that it became an international recognized icon of the 73-87 world.

Heres a listing of previous articles I have posted on my 77 Cheyenne-

Retro-Tech- 77 Cheyenne gets retrogrades

DO NOT OPEN- Air Ride Technologies inside

77 Cheyenne meets Ramjet 350 by N2TRUX

[N2TRUX]

A few years back I put the 77 up while my wife and I traveled the country watching my daughter play on a national volleyball travel team. The truck sat neglected under a dusty car cover in the back of the garage.
I was often asked why let it set, and I explained that family time took precedence over personal time. I have no regrets that the time was well spent.
My daughter and I share a bond that might not have developed so strongly had I not been there any time she looked off court in to the crowd of spectators.

[N2TRUX]

In 2013 my nephew had recently moved to town, and my daughter was away getting a college degree from Texas A&M. I decided I needed to spend time with Chris while my daughter was away.

He convinced me it was time to pull the cover off of the 77 and bring it back out. We spent a few months repairing and replacing what was needed and shining it back up to its former glory.
We attended the Lonestar Throwdown show that year as well as a couple of other smaller local events.

[N2TRUX]

The 77 was well received once again. It took home awards and received so many compliments. It made me proud, and I enjoyed sharing this with my nephew. It was a great time, but I noticed that the 77 was showing it's age.
We had managed to get a nice shine on it, but I knew it was time to put it away until I could replace or repair the many blemishes it had acquired over the years. After a couple of short seasons the 77 was once again placed under a cover in the corner of the garage.

[N2TRUX]

My wife and I decided to invest some funds in to the classic truck market. We weren't looking to compete in the fast flip market as that segment seemed to be saturated. Instead we wanted to focus more on top quality trucks and high end buyers. We bought a previously restored 84 Sierra and Chris and I took it to a much higher level of detail. The build was documented here and a link is in my signature below "Refining Sierra"

That truck sold quickly and I located an 85 GMC Sierra that we called Scarlett. Once again I documented the build on the forum. The current build is in the final stages of a complete Kicker Audio install and it will be available for purchase soon. "85 GMC Sierra "Scarlett"

Last February Scarlett debuted at the Lonestar Throwdown show on display in the American Racing booth. Chris and I spent the weekend answer questions about the truck. We were truly honored by the amount of compliments received.

Beyond the kind words the question frequently asked was "When is the 77 coming back?" It was repeated often enough that I felt it was time to bring it back out again. I discussed it with family and my good friend Keith. It was agreed that the 77 needed some updates and refining of what was in place.

A plan was set in motion and the decision to move forward with #the77_remix was committed to.

[N2TRUX]

Since this transformation conversation was strongly urged by by JD Terry, I will start by putting him in the spotlight. He knows #the77 very well as it was a catalyst for him to buy and build several very desirable squarebody trucks. Consequently his knowledge and passion for these truck prompted him to seek a position with Mar-K Manufacturing
who are the producers of many premium quality replacement parts for classic trucks.
Here's a quote from the Mar-K mission statement that pretty much sums up their product "Our ultimate goal is for every truck part sold to be a MAR-K part, whether we sell it or someone else does. We just know that MAR-K parts install, fit and are made better than any other parts out there - sometimes even better than the original."

JD knew that one of the items that was holding me back from restoring the 77 was premium quality reproduction trim. There are companies that offer trim that would please most consumers, but Mar-K plans to reproduce it to with a better than factory fit and appearance. The 77 will showcase this new line of 73-80 body side trim.

Special thanks to JD and Mar-K Manufacturing for being a part of my build #the77_remix

[N2TRUX]

The conversation with JD Terry was in the American Racing booth at the Lonestar Throwdown 2017. My friend from American Racing was involved in that discussion as well. We talked with Chris Plump about American Racing making one of our favorite wheels from the Heritage series in a larger size.

The VN474 Gasser is a retro styled wheel that would look amazing on my truck, but I really want to go with a 22". The marketing department at American Racing doesn't feel that they would sell enough of the VN474 Gasser in a size larger than a 20" so options were discussed.

Chris said that some consideration was given to adding to the line with more styles that pay tribute to the older classics but updated with contemporary sizes and materials. Of course he couldn't commit to anything, but he had my attention. As this project developed he put me with his designer Carter Hickman.

Carter and I discussed ideas that he had been playing with and it was clear we were thinking along the same lines. I cant offer any details at this time because all designs have to be approved by the marketing department. I can say that I am very excited to be working with Carter and I feel like we share the same vision for wheel designs.

I am pleased to once again be working with American Racing Wheels and #the77_remix will be on display at the 2018 Lonestar Throwdown Show in the American Racing booth.

[N2TRUX]

At the Lonestar Throwdown show among the many outstanding trucks there, two stood out. They were very nicely restored and refined squarebodies built by @hardkorechoprodz. One was a Suburban and the other a GMC Jimmy.
They were both lowered on air suspension and rolled on 22" #steelies.
What made them stand out was the unusual graphics they were wearing.

They both had a stripe kit that was reminiscent of the offerings from GM in the 70s. The Jimmy was wrapped with stripes that emulated the Desert Fox package. The Suburban wore a toned down version of the same.
Through Instagram I spoke with Trent about the stripe kits and discovered he and his partner Chris has started a division of @hardkorechoprodz called the @lowsierracompany

Chris has many years experience in the vinyl wrap industry so they worked to design precision cut graphic packages that are available in several colors . They also offer a kit that is similar in color to the original GM woodgrain.

These offerings solidified a concept that I have had for a very long time. In the mid 70s I fell in love with a new truck sitting on the local Chevrolet dealers lot. It was a metallic orange short bed that had the woodgrain package. The dealer had installed aluminum slotted mags and it looked amazing. I have carried a passion for that truck for all these years.

Moving forward a few decades in time, I made a call to Trent to discuss my vision for #the77_remix. He and Chris loved the idea and my plan for the makeover had a new partner. Please take a look at @hardkorechoprodz and @lowsierracompany on Instagram and follow these accounts.

[N2TRUX]

There are several companies that are new to the build, but one thats supported me and my trucks for many years. If you look the Brothers Truck Parts page your going to see pictures of my 77 Cheyenne there. If you look in the Brothers Trucks catalogue my 77 Cheyenne is scattered through out the pages. If you buy from Brothers Trucks theres a possibility that an image of the 77 is a background on the invoice. Needless to say I am a bif fan of Brothers, and they are here to support #the77_remix build.

[N2TRUX]

Another company that I have been working with on the past two builds will be a part of this build as well. I have had Precision Replacement Parts rebuild the vent windows on Sierra and Scarlett Without a doubt the works that comes out of their shop is amazing.
This build will get an entire set of Precision Replacement Parts seals and gaskets. They will make the vent windows like new again as well.

[N2TRUX]

RideTech goes here

[N2TRUX]

I needed some one that I could trust locally to help me freshen up the exterior paint. I have a friend that I have known for many years that partnered with his Dad at Hicks St. Automotive in Tomball, TX. The shop is relatively new, but Jared and his Dad TJ have been in the business for many years. Both have worked at dealerships in parts and body so they know both sides of the game.

They will be helping with some areas that need attention offering expert refinish service and advice for me when I get in trouble. If you need auto body work or repair service in the Tomball, TX area check them out.

Jared - 832-761-1397
Hicks St. Automotive
1025 Hicks St
Tomball, Texas, TX 77375

[N2TRUX]

On my last (currently unfinished?) build I worked closely with Mike Losh of @sloshtubz fame. A few years back Mike saw the need for a bolt in wheel tub for extremely low trucks. He created the Slosh Tubz and has had a great run of success with this series of tubs. You will find them on most of the top GM truck builds for the past few years.

A couple of years ago I had approached Mike about building a set of tubs for 73-87 trucks with a mild drop. At the time he was busy on other projects. He wasnt sure if the market was ready so he focused on other products. Last year I approached him again and this time I got his full attention. I offered my experience and knowledge on my latest builds and got expert advice from Eric Miller of Squarebody Specialists fame.

With our input Mike created his latest version of tubs called Mild Tubz. This series of tubs are much closer to OEM but offer stretched proportions to provide maximize clearance and still maintain the factory A/C system. Mike decided his new product needed to be on display at the Lonestar Throwdown 2017 show.

Great idea Mike, that will really show them off to a lot of potential customers. Then he elaborated that they wouldnt be in his display, they would be on my 85 Sierra "Scarlett" That was just a short time away and I still had a LOT to get the truck ready. Thanks for the opportunity Mike As many of you know, it was a great idea and the squarebody owners loved the 73-87 Mild Tubz

For LST 2018 The77_Remix will be utilizing the newest version of the Mild Tubz. These are for trucks with mild drops that no longer have the factory A/C.

Once again I am looking forward to working with Mike and the Losh family on my build.

[N2TRUX]

At Lonestar Throwdown 2017 my truck Scarlett was on display in the American Racing booth. The booth was located directly across from the Kicker Audio display.

One of the expert staff manning the Kicker Audio display that day was Tim Smith. Tim had followed Scarlett on social media and came by to visit. He asked what audio system she had and I explained time ran out so she had none.

Tim was gracious enough to give Chris and I a tour of the Kicker products. I was impressed with his knowledge and we discussed a collaboration utilizing their product. If you follow Scarlett build you know we are currently wrapping up that install.

I reached out to Tim Smith once again when I decided to go forward with #the77_remix build. Tim was excited to bring Kicker in once again. With approval from Roger Damaree in marketing, and support from Bill Braun in promotions this partnership will offer another great opportunity to showcase my design skills and create an audio system that can be appreciated by all.

[N2TRUX]

Its amazing how hard it is to pin down a quality upholstery shop. After several failed attempts, I was introduced to Brent Davison at Sculpt Garage.

Sculpt Garage is a small independent shop specializing in full custom automotive interiors. Founded by Brent Davison in 2012 Sculpt Garage is located in a 5,000 square foot facility on six acres in the heart of Texas.
He has a natural creative talent that he applies to innovative use of wood, metal, fiberglass, equipment and upholstery.

I look forward to working with someone that has the ability to see my vision and create what I feel will look right on this build.

[N2TRUX]

Reserved......

[N2TRUX]

In the process of planning this build I formed an alliance with some fantastic feeds from Instagram and YouTube. One that I have had the pleasure to work directly with is Ryan from Gears,Wheels, and Motors This guy is doing great things with video in small .59 second clips. He is working with Goodguys to document all of their "Best of" awards.
I have made friends with a great guy that knows a gazillion people from the hotrod scene. He has been gracious enough to offer his talent and services to document this build. Follow him on Instagram at Gears, Wheels and Motors

[N2TRUX]

The concept for this latest update started several years ago. One of the pics of my 77 that was commonly used to be photoshopped was originally shot by me while watching Joseph Dowling do a photoshoot for Classic Trucks.

Jim Higgins did several of those photoshops and offered to do a couple for me. I requested one with a woodgrain insert and he obliged. Many versions were posted, but I kept that one private for a long time. Eventually it surfaced out on the web and prompted me to look at it again. Despite urging from my friend Keith Stephens (N2billet) I never felt compelled to pull the trigger on moving forward.

Many years later, Mike Pruitt sent me a copy of that infamous pic that he had found. He had a similar truck and wanted to duplicate the photo-shopped image. I said I would be flattered and wished him luck on his build. We kept in touch and he shared several ideas as his thoughts shifted in other directions that didnt include the woodgrain.

Ironically on the same day that I made the connection with Trent and Chris at @lowsierracompany Mike posted he had decided to do the same. The ability to acquire UV stable vinyl was the catalyst that we both needed. We messaged about what to do, and he graciously changed his plans. Thanks Mike, your a very understanding guy.

Heres the pic that started the thought process, and the concept for Elwood #the77_Remix

[hewittca]

...I hope I'm not messing up your thread by posting already, but I figured since you unlocked it that it would be ok. I am TOTALLY digging the plan for the remix. Your truck is already an icon in the industry, and I am looking forward to seeing the incredible upgrades you have planned for it. In for the ride.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by hewittca

...I hope I'm not messing up your thread by posting already, but I figured since you unlocked it that it would be ok. I am TOTALLY digging the plan for the remix. Your truck is already an icon in the industry, and I am looking forward to seeing the incredible upgrades you have planned for it. In for the ride.

Thanks for the kind words. I am very anxious to get started, but I have to stay focused on my current build. I know I cant please everyone, buy I hope all the refinements are viewed as an improvement.

[aggie91]

You know that I am all in on what you have planned for #the77. I think that you and Chris have done outstanding work on the last two. I look forward to seeing the finished product at LST2018.

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by aggie91

You know that I am all in on what you have planned for #the77. I think that you and Chris have done outstanding work on the last two. I look forward to seeing the finished product at LST2018.

Thanks for the kind words buddy. We can catch up on your projects at @c10sinthepark
Scarlett will be there for her next outing

[Dads79GMC]

N2TRUX, this is going to be an awesome retooling!!! I hope Mar-K starts producing trim as you mentioned, soon. The truck "Woodson" with the turbine wheels here on the forum is an excellent looking truck. Your's will look killer. Thanks Mike

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Dads79GMC

N2TRUX, this is going to be an awesome retooling!!! I hope Mar-K starts producing trim as you mentioned, soon. The truck "Woodson" with the turbine wheels here on the forum is an excellent looking truck. Your's will look killer. Thanks Mike

From everything I know of Mar-k and it's product the new trim will be top notch.

The truck known as #woodson is the one I was referring to in a previous post. Mike and I have had many conversation regarding his truck and what he wants it to look like. He has some fantastic plans that should produce a show stopper when he's done.

[N2TRUX]

I had hoped to wait to finish Scarlett before I actually started taking the 77 apart. I got a call from my friend Derek Churchyard at Precision Replacement Parts that changed that.
They need to focus more manpower on development of new trim parts for more applications. Consequently they have decides to suspend their rebuild service for vent windows. They prefer to supply parts to the shops that do this service instead.
The good news from this bad is he agreed to honor his commitment and do one last set for #the77_remix .
Thank you Derek, I promise to make it up to you.
I plan to pull them today and get them shipped out this week.