The street rod scene constantly reimagines classic American iron. Few builds, however, blend vintage charm with modern technology as seamlessly as this LS3-Powered 1942 Chevrolet Panel Truck Street Rod. It stands as a testament to exceptional craftsmanship. Acquired by its current owner in 2020, this classic hauler underwent a comprehensive transformation. Oceanside Kustoms in Parksville, British Columbia, executed the meticulous build. This is truly a market spotlight on one unforgettable machine.
Exterior: A Shaved and Smoothed Masterpiece
The metallic red paint immediately draws the eye, earning the truck the nickname “Red Relic.” During the custom build, many elements were carefully shaved for a smoother look. For example, the front doors were mounted on concealed rear hinges for a sleek, suicide-door effect. The builders faired the headlight housings directly into the front fenders. Furthermore, a flush-mounted fuel filler door was added to the left quarter panel. Out back, the rear valance now includes a recessed license plate box. Flush-mounted rectangular taillights complete the clean rear look. The original rear barn doors were also shaved and refitted with tinted glass on concealed hinges. Electric poppers activated by a key fob now open all the doors. Other features include a chrome grille and stylish front bumperettes.
Chassis and Suspension: Performance Foundations
This custom 1942 Chevrolet Panel Truck rides on a foundation built for modern handling. Doug Blakey in Lantzville, British Columbia, fabricated the custom frame. This robust structure incorporates a Total Cost Involved (TCI) independent front assembly. The front assembly features polished tubular control arms for enhanced stability. Power rack-and-pinion steering ensures precise control on the road. Similarly, the rear setup uses a TCI four-link assembly with a reliable Panhard rod. The truck maintains a perfect stance and ride quality thanks to adjustable Ridetech coilovers at all four corners. Stopping power is equally modern and assured. Wilwood disc brakes handle braking duties with the benefit of electric assistance.
Wheels and Tires: The Final Touch
The truck rolls on stylish 17-inch Billet Specialties wheels. These eye-catching wheels feature color-keyed center caps. They are wrapped in a staggered set of Nitto tires for optimal grip. Specifically, the front uses 235/45 series tires. The rear tires are a wider 275/50 series setup. This combination gives the truck a muscular, performance-ready profile. Overall, the wheel and tire package perfectly complements the updated body.
Cabin: Luxury Meets Functionality
Stepping inside reveals a completely custom, luxurious cabin. The interior is trimmed in gorgeous custom beige Italian leather upholstery. This high-end material is complemented by rich brown square-weave carpets lining the floors. For maximum comfort, the truck features BMW-sourced power-adjustable bucket seats. These seats also include integrated three-point seat belts for safety. The driver grips a billet steering wheel mounted to a tilt column. A full suite of VDO instrumentation, including a 200-km/h speedometer and a 7k-rpm tachometer, provides vital data. Modern amenities have been thoughtfully included. These additions feature a Vintage Air climate control system and power windows. A Lokar shifter controls the transmission. For entertainment, a Pioneer digital media receiver is housed in an overhead console.
The Heart of the Build: Power and Drivetrain
The centerpiece of this street rod is its powerful engine bay. The truck is motivated by a modern 6.2-liter LS3 V8 crate engine. This power plant is further enhanced with a Jim Inglese 8-stack electronic fuel injection system. A Holley Terminator X Max-Gen IV ECU manages the entire system. Anodized valve covers from Wegner Automotive sport “42 Chevrolet” graphics, adding a custom touch. Exhaust gases flow through Doug Thorley headers into a stainless-steel dual exhaust system. This system features MagnaFlow mufflers for a deep, satisfying tone. Keeping things cool is an aluminum radiator assisted by a SPAL electric fan. A robust 4L80E four-speed automatic crate transmission transfers power. This transmission connects to a Ford 9-inch third member with 3.73:1 gearing. This combination ensures smooth shifting and powerful acceleration, bringing the 1942 classic into the modern era.
Final Thoughts on the Custom Panel Truck
This meticulously built 1942 Chevrolet Panel Truck Street Rod is a triumph of design and engineering. It seamlessly marries a highly sought-after classic body style with the reliability and performance of modern components. From the custom frame and Wilwood brakes to the Italian leather interior and powerful LS3 engine, no detail was overlooked. This vehicle represents a distinct, high-quality offering in the current collector market. It is a genuine, one-of-a-kind creation that commands attention wherever it goes.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
