While attending the prestigious Hot August Nights Experience in Reno, Nevada, we came across this gorgeous Tangerine Pearl '55 Chevy Stepside belonging to Al Oppio from nearby Sparks, Nevada.
Having been raised in the shadow of his dad, Albert, who began his boat marine business in 1946, Al was always surrounded by mechanical apparatuses. Al was brought up spinning wrenches and busting knuckles. Later, he began building hot rods for himself and other gearheads in the Reno area, and his reputation as a high-quality craftsman grew. In 1997, he opened Al's Rod & Custom in Sparks, Nevada. Four years later, he and his son Jason opened the doors of their new 8,100-square-foot shop in Sparks complete with retail showroom, climate-controlled paint booth, and engine builder. Al hopes to have a full-time upholsterer on board in the near future, making Al's Rod & Custom a one-stop shop.
Al first intended the '55 to be a basic shop truck; as you can see, it didn't turn out that way. Instead, Al decided to build this Sweet Tangerine '55 to promote his shop as a rolling business card.
After removing the cab, fenders, hood, and bed, Al and Jason contemplated modifying the frame to accept a front and rear Corvette-style suspension. Jason, knowing his dad's incredible craftsmanship capabilities, encouraged him to build a tube frame from scratch, and that's exactly what he did. The handmade frame, started with 2x5-inch rectangular tubing as it's main rails. Smaller box and round tubing were used as crossmembers and triangulated supports. The front and rear suspension geometry was configured, and after the suspension pickup points were determined, Al and Jason welded their brackets in place. The crossmembers, engine, and transmission mounts were located and then welded in place. Stainless steel, hard line fuel and brake lines were bent and located down the framerails. The suspension components were assembled, then disassembled, and the frame and suspension components were sent to the powdercoater-for a lighter tangerine-and chromer. The Corvette-style independent front suspension was incorporated with a pair of TCI Mustang front spindles and 11-inch Wilwood rotors and calipers. A pair of TCI shocks were teamed up with a pair of Air Ride Technologies Air Springs that make the 6-inch front drop possible. The front rolling stock is a pair of Billet Specialties 17x6-inch wheels wrapped with 215/45R17 BFGoodrich rubber. The rear suspension is a Corvette C3 independent rearend with disc brakes and an Air Ride Technologies airbag system, compressor, and holding tank. TCI shocks damp and control things for a smooth ride.