Styling & Performance - June 2008 - (Page 13)

Actual models included the standard or custom short or long wheelbase 1/2- or 3/4-ton “Stepside” or “Fleetside,” the short or long wheelbase 1/2- or 3/4-ton Panel and Suburban, and the new 1/2-ton “Blazer” available in both 2x4 or 4x4 models. Powering the new Chevrolet/GMCs were either a 250-cid or 292-cid OHV inline six. Two versions of the ever-popular 283-cid small-block Chevrolet V8 were also available; and lastly, there was the highly desirable 327-cid high-performance small-block Chevrolet V8 engine option. Transmissions included a standard three-speed stick, an optional closeratio four-speed transmission, or GM Turbo-Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. In an ever-growing safety conscious society, the trucks also featured acrossthe-board safety improvements, which included dual-cylinder brake systems, hazard lights and brake system warning light, an energy absorbing steering column, padded instrument panels, padded sun visors, folding front seat back latch, and laminate safety windshield glass. “The thing I found that was so unique about the 1967-72 Chevrolet/GMC trucks were that a lot of the newer, more technically sophisticated GM truck parts would easily interchange,” Bob Burks says. “For example, the 1971-72 Chevrolet/GMC trucks had front disc brakes as standard Terry Roberson’s 1970 Chevrolet C-10 short bed (a.k.a. “Habanero”) is a perfect example of how you can transform one of these time-honored classics into a mean ‘n’ lean street machine! Terry’s Torch Red C-Series was painted by Scott Thomas, and features a fully built and detailed Scott Thomasprepared Chevrolet 350-cid small-block. Other items include an Adobe Leather interior, Air Ride Technologies air bag suspension and Budnik wheels. Terry’s awesome show-winning Chevy hails from Forney, Texas. while the earlier ‘67-68 trucks didn’t, so that was a very popular bolt-on,” says Bob Burks, adding that selling these specialty parts can be quite a lucrative business, when you know which parts to sell and how to sell them. “How lucrative? Well, let’s just say I was able to put both of my daughters through college selling new and used 196772 Chevrolet/GMC truck parts,” he claims. TODAY’S AFTERMARKET These days, manufacturers such as Bell Tech, McGaughy’s Suspension Parts and No Limit Engineering make all kinds of suspension parts for the ‘67-72s, such as dropped front spindles and custom control arms. Companies such as Chris Alston Chassisworks, Classic Performance Products, Inc., No Limit Engineering and Jim Meyer Racing Products make complete front suspensions. Air bag suspensions are another big seller from companies such as Air Ride Technologies, Inc., Fat Man Fabrications and Ride Tech. All three companies offer air bag kits for these trucks. How about brakes? Companies such as ABS Power Brake, Inc., Baer Brakes, Inc., June/July 2008 I stylingperformance.com 13 http://stylingperformance.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Styling & Performance - June 2008

Styling & Performance - June 2008 Contents Soapbox Buzz Making Money with 1967-72 Chevrolet/GMC Trucks, Part II Red, White, Blue... & Green Limiting Installation Liability The House That Jack Built MAP vs. MVP Pricing Supply Line Distributor Directory

Styling & Performance - June 2008

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