What is a hardcore top-notch street rod? Let's face it: overpriced, bone stock, numbers matching builds may be rare, but they are most certainly missing some cool factors. Anyone can unbolt some crusty old parts, clean and paint them, then bolt them back together. What you end up with is something the industry determines has a given value. What seems to be overseen is the vision, craftsmanship, and zeal that commands respect without the need to meet "classic" standards.
None of those three traits can be hidden in Randy Martson's '57 Chevy Cameo pickup. As is the case with most builds of this stature, Randy started with a dream. As resident of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada, Randy made many boarder crossings searching for his Cameo. He was finally directed to Stan Halford, who owned many vehicles of that era, but hadn't been able to let one go for the last 25 years. Randy found his trophy in Stan's collection of Detroit muscle.
Through a bit of persistence, Randy convinced Stan to let the '57 Chevy Cameo go. Randy quickly got the truck home where he made room in his garage and pocketbook to commence the build of his life. After a couple more years of sitting, the truck was taken to Russ Schoenfelder in Merville, British Columbia. Randy was very familiar with Russ's work, and knew Russ would see his vision and run with it. Plus, Russ's craftsmanship was on par with Randy's visions.
After stripping the truck, the framerails were fully boxed and fitted with new tubular crossmembers to mount the truck's new suspension and drivetrain. Every unused hole was filled to form a completely smooth frame. The frame was notched for a T-bird rack and equipped with late-model 'Vette tie rods. Front and rear independent suspension systems were procured from the lifeless '96 Corvette carcass that lay in the corner of Russ's shop.
The revamped '57 frame was tabbed to accept the eight A-arms from the 'vette suspension. The dangling arms were brought to life with Air Ride Technologies Shockwave 'bag over a billet damper setup. The Corvette's aluminum arms were smoothed and polished, along with its knuckles, to fit the extreme clean build vision. Billet Specialties all-polished Rebel wheels were fitted with BFGoodrich g-Force hides and fitted to form the rolling chassis.