Even with these handy time-saving items, this is still a labor-intensive job. It usually takes a good bodyman to do the work, although we have seen the work performed by enthusiasts without metalworking experience. We watched while Dan Malkovic at Starbucks transformed the rear end of this Chevy Crew Cab using the company's Caddy light buckets and Sir Michaels panels.
One dilemma facing automotive enthusiasts since the dawn of combustion has been how to make your ride different than the other guy's. It doesn't matter if you own a '32 Ford hot rod or the latest in Detroit iron, beating the other guy in the style department is the name of the game. One time-tested and effective method to do this is to modify the taillights. Classic teardrops or the latest in LEDs, changing the look of the taillight is a sure-fire way to get the judges' attention.
The end of a truck bed is, of course, the traditional location of the stock taillights. Because of the tall and narrow nature of the available real estate at the corner of the bed, it has been difficult to come up with alternatives. Because of their similar shape and good looks, the Cadillac taillight has become a popular choice when it comes to changing the taillights. Until recently, the biggest problem has been the extensive metalwork involved in fabricating a bucket to accept the stock Caddy fixture. But that is not a problem anymore.
Starbucks Custom and Collision in Riverside, California, has made the process a great deal easier with its pre-fabricated light buckets. Designed to accept the new wide-based De Ville unit (buckets are available for the older, narrow-at-both-ends style as well), the buckets are made from heavy-gauge steel. They are also very deep. This allows the option of going for the full-on frenched look or putting the lens closer to the surface.
Another labor-saving device used on this job were the shaving plates that Sir Michaels produces. These shaped plates are designed to quickly and efficiently cover the stock tallight opening and will become part of the outer lip of the fender and taillight assembly.
For more information, give Starbucks a call at (909) 735-6053, or check out more of the company's award-winning vehicles on its Web site at www.starbuckscustom.com.