1964 Chevy Truck – Readers’ Trucks

Editor’s Note: Getting your truck into Readers’ Trucks is a snap, of the camera, that is. All it takes is a stack of good-quality photos of your ride that are in focus and well lit. Due to the volume of mail we receive, we regret that we cannot return photographs. Send photos of your truck (no Polaroids or printouts) to: CCT, Readers’ Trucks, 774 S. Placentia Ave., Placentia, CA 92870. It is important that you include a detailed description of the modifications you have made to your truck, including any interesting stories behind it.

Finish What You StartSo many times people start a project only to realize it’s much more work than expected. That’s why it’s so great to hear about folks sticking with their conviction and finishing things up. Gharret Johnson of Riverbank, California, is one of those folks.

“I’ve been working on my ’64 for over a year. It’s been fun, but more stressful than I ever imagined. When I first saw my truck, it was for sale on the side of the road on my way to work. I knew it was going to be mine someday. It was primer red and the only thing done to it was engine work. I bought it and took it to the garage immediately to start restoration. We started with media blasting the whole truck. When it came back, only 3/4 of the truck was left because there was so much rust! All of the rust has been removed and new patch panels are installed. The truck has a 350 block with 327 heads, an Edelbrock Street Avenger carb, Hooker headers, and a Comp Cams cam. It sounds great. It’s hooked to the ground by a Munci four-speed tranny. I’ve put new bed wood and stainless strips in as well. The tailgate chains have been shaved, and stealth latches and links have been installed. The gas filler has been shaved, and an aluminum gas tank was moved out back. After all the bodywork was done, I had the truck painted in DuPont Hot Hues Sinful Cinnamon. All of the chrome is new as well. I’ve put new Classic Instruments gauges in the dash, along with a tilt ididit column with a Billet Specialties wheel. For now, the rest of the interior has to wait. I’m out of cash! When it comes to building trucks, I’ve learned it just takes time, love for trucks, and a lot of money!”

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Drop The TopJames Byrd of Quartzsite, Arizona, writes to us, “As you can see, my truck is a convertible or roadster pickup, whichever you prefer to call it.” Although that might be one’s first thought, there is still much more to the truck. James has installed a Camaro front clip and a Firebird rearend under the ’51 Studebaker hauler. Under the hood lies a 454 Chevy with a Turbo 400 tranny. As for the metalwork, James has chopped the windshield 2 inches and U-butted it. He also smoothed the dash and installed a new instrument panel with gauges. Up front, James fabbed a custom grille and bumper. Out back, his friend Sonny worked on creating the tailgate and bed. Once finished, Sonny sprayed the roadster pickup Subaru Electric Yellow. If you live in Arizona, one way to fight the heat is to whack the top off.