The immaculate chassis was based off of an '88-`96 Chevrolet pickup frame with a set of four Air Ride Technologies Shockwave `bags that allow the running boards to hug the ground. Meanwhile, the horsepower is decelerated by a pair of GM power disc brakes up front, and Wilwood disc brakes out back. A set of American Racing 17- and 20-inch chrome Hype wheels were wrapped in Goodyear Eagle, 245/45R17 front and 275/45R20 rear, rubber.
Chuck Wilgust created the unique 3-door extended Crew Cab, by using two '48 Chevy Cabs, cutting the front half just behind the doorjamb. Then, the rear half was cut and fused to the front half. The cab's lid was then lowered 3- inches, while the door handles were removed and shaved. Chuck also designed and fabricated the custom bed with a molded-in floor, featuring polished stainless steel stringers. The rear fenders were also molded into the bed sides, while the front and rear bumpers and running boards were fused to the body and the bed. The headlights were frenched, while the rear taillights were rescued from a Chevy van, then cut down to fit. After the body mods were completed, Chuck laid down a couple House of Kolor White basecoats, then covered it with multiple coats of House of Kolor Tangelo Pearl Orange. A set of traditional hot-rod wispy yellow flames were taped off, masked, and sprayed. Then, the entire painted surface was buried in multiple coats of House of Kolor Clear.
Opening one of the three doors exposes us to the incredible custom interior, courtesy of Frankie Martinez Jr. at Cool Custom Auto Upholstery in Yuba City, California. The full-length custom fiberglass waterfall center console houses the two rear 8-inch subwoofers, LoKar shifter, Kenwood head unit with a KVT-817 DVD and Auto Meter carbon fiber fuel, oil, water temp, and volt gauges. The front Lexus bucket seats and custom-made rear seats were covered with Classic Cashew and Phoenix leather inserts. The Vintage Air system is responsible for the interior's ambient temperature.
As this feature was written, we got word that Ron had to go in for open-heart surgery. Fortunately, everything was corrected and Ron is recuperating at home. He was bummed that he wasn't able to make the Summer Pleasanton Show this year. We hope to see Ron and his wonderful wife, Linda, at a show real soon. Our best wishes to you, Ron, from the Truckin' staff.