Page 38 - Issue 43

Chris built a frame from scratch in order
to get the truck to sit right without the use
of air bags. The front suspension is simple
but effective, utilizing a Super Bell straight
axle with a two-inch drop and a transverse
leaf spring. Out back is a Control Freak
four-link with a Panhard bar and a 10-bolt
posi rear pillaged from a Camaro. Modern
discs up front make sure he has stopping
power while the drums out back are more
than adequate for the lightweight truck,
and add to the retro look. The gold Cragars
were actually from a ‘55 Pontiac that Chris
built for somebody else. The Pontiac’s
owner convinced Chris that they would look
better than the more modern wheels Chris
was running on the truck at the time.
Those gold wheels also match the color
of the 327 Chevy that provides the go for
Chris’s truck. Originally found between the
swoopy fenders of a ‘64 Corvette, it’s been
treated to a full rebuild to the tune of 410
horsepower. It’s all topped with a vintage
Edelbrock high-rise intake and a four-barrel
Carter from a ‘65 Corvette. A Turbo 350
trans sits behind the motor for wreliability
and so Chris’s wife can also enjoy driving it.
The rather spiffy interior is again a
combo of new and old with aluminum
bomber seats swathed in synthetic ostrich
skin. The occupants are greeted by a tilt
wheel and a full set of gauges set into a
brilliant gold dashboard. They’re protected
from the sun’s rays by bronzed glass all
around. The bed is made from 100-year-
old lumber salvaged from Lake Superior
and tilts to reveal the craftsmanship of the
frame and rear suspension.
Special thanks to Zach Leis who works
for Chris full time at his shop, Legendary
Customs, LLC in La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Check out their Facebook page – they’ve
done some pretty cool stuff over there.

38 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-THREE

36x39GoldenRat.indd 38 4/4/17 10:29 AM