Page 40 - Issue 35

And is there a better way to get around a post-
apocalyptic world than in a vehicle built from the
remains of a civilization of a world gone by? Craig’s
shoot features four awesome rat rods. We’ll start with
shoot features four awesome rat rods. We’ll start with
the ones owned by Jason Collins, whose initial inquiry
the ones owned by Jason Collins, whose initial inquiry
regarding a shoot with his car prompted the whole
deal in the fi rst place. Jason owns two of the vehicles
featured – a ’55 Chevy truck and a ’31 Ford coupe.
The body of the ’55 was built in seven days after
receiving a ‘do something with it or I’m selling it’
ultimatum from his wife. It’s pretty stock except for the
tilt front end. It rides on an extended cab S-10 frame
which only needed minor modifi cations to slide under
the cab and bed. Lowering blocks out back give it the
proper ride height. Power is supplied by a 383 stroker
backed by a 4L60E tranny and a rear-end from an ’87
IROC. The wheels are Chevy Rallys that came from his
late best friend Margot Mullens. They not only look great,
late best friend Margot Mullens. They not only look great,
but they also pay tribute to a fallen friend. Jason’s wife
now cruises the truck whenever she gets the chance.
Jason’s ’31 Ford coupe was built by David Dove,
with some help from Jason, who procured the 2 x 4
square tubing needed to build the frame and helped
put it together. The roof received a 4” chop but the
body was left alone. A 350 Chevy furnishes the go
power and shifting chores are properly handled by a
four-speed transmission.
Andy Dean’s ’47 Chevy truck is the least
apocalyptic of the bunch, but that might be its
greatest appeal. It’s simple, clean, and sits
oh-so-right. And yes, it really WAS an Old
Navy truck – again, part of its charm. The
body looks unmolested, but the fl oor
has been raised and the fi rewall altered
to accommodate the ’99 Yukon 2WD
chassis, and the bed has been shortened
for that very same reason. A ’93 Roadmaster
sacrifi ced its LT-1, tranny, and wiring harness
to give Andy’s ‘47 life. The motor’s been
bored out and cammed to wake
up the already potent small block.
A lowering kit, heated coils, and
aftermarket shocks give the truck it’s
wonderful stance without the aid of
any bags or hydros.

40 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE THIRTY-FIVE

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