1955 Chevy Truck Stepside - One Sweet Tangerine

The '89 Corvette 350ci steel block with aluminum heads crate engine was fitted with a pair of Sanderson full-length, ceramic-coated headers that flow into an Al's Rod & Custom 2-3/4-inch exhaust system. The GM ignition system has been advanced 10 degrees, sending electric impulses through the 7mm Taylor ignition wires to the spark plugs. A 700-R4 automatic Overdrive transmission with some internal modifications and a shift kit create firmer shifts. Driveline Services in Sparks took care of fitting a new driveshaft and linking up the 345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels.

The entire exterior sheetmetal was shaved smooth, including the door handles, tailgate, and emblems. The stock grille received horizontal splitters and was flanked by a pair of Hagen crystalline headlights and amber turn indicators. The doors received one-piece glass, eliminating the wing-wing. To accommodate the wide rear wheel tire combination, the bed wheeltubs were widened, the bed corners were rounded, and Al fabricated a clean, smooth roll pan featuring Billet Specialties taillights. The wood bed floor with polished stainless steel stringers received a clear Lexan centersection window that allows spectators to view the incredible rear frame and suspension craftsmanship. The stock front bumper was flipped and narrowed for a better fit.

The '55 was painted at Al's Rod & Custom using PPG Tangerine Pearl with endless coats of clear to bring out the paint's depth. The front and rear fenders, doors, tailgate, and dash received custom tan pinstriping to break up all that Tangerine Pearl.

The interior dash has been smoothed, and a lower panel was installed to help hide the Vintage Air unit. Al machined a ball-milled, custom billet aluminum instrument cluster to showcase the Auto Meter "Classic" white-face gauges. Classic Interiors in Sparks was responsible for the immaculate interior. For seating comfort, Al decided on a Tee's tan tweed bench seat with tan leather inserts. A custom tan tweed/leather shelf was constructed to cover the stereo wiring and amps. The matching headliner is tan tweed with light-tan leather inserts in the door panels. A plush, tan ultra-weave pattern carpet was laid on top of a layer of Dynamat sound-damping material. The original steering column was replaced with an ididit polished column and capped with a 14-inch Billet Specialties steering wheel.

An Alpine CTA-1502 head unit distributes the rocking impulses through a pair of Rockford amps that feed audio out to the Rockford mids and highs. The booming of the bass blasts from a pair of Bazooka RS subwoofers, which, along with the amps, are located behind the seat.

Without a doubt, Al's "Sweet" '55 turns a lot of heads and attracts business wherever it goes.