All fabrication was done in-house at Eckles Auto Body. Carlos would be remiss if he didn't thank all his dedicated employees who helped to bring Carlos' vision to fruition. This includes Juan Alba who did the bodywork. "Juan is very meticulous and devoted to each project," says Carlos. "He tore the front end of the '65 apart twice because he didn't like the fit." The mechanical work was handled by the team of Ariel Flores and Carlos Contreras. Their biggest contribution was making the four-wheel disc brake setup a reality. "You don't see that everyday on a Sixties GM truck. This really adds to the driveability; the truck stops on a dime!"
"And it goes without saying that Filiberto Vasquez and his crew did an outstanding job with the paintjob. I can't tell you how many hours and hours of blocking and preparation went into the finished project. They worked as if it was their own, and the final results speak for their efforts," says Carlos. "And the Custom Autosound in-dash stereo system, installed by Dave Guarino at Advanced Car Stereo, is a great upgrade, as is the air-conditioning system on hot days, along with the power seats out of a Tahoe. All work to make the truck seem like a new truck...only better."
"The biggest joy I get is the statement the truck makes on the road. When I take it out for a drive, I always get the thumbs-up from other drivers," says Carlos. "You really can't put a price on that, no matter how many trophies-and there have been many-that the truck takes home."- Carlos Sacchetto
THE 411
OWNER/HOMETOWN:
Carlos Sacchetto / Temple City, California
YEAR/MAKE/MODEL:
'65 GMC shortbed pickup
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN:
Chevy 350 / Turbo 350
WHEELS/TIRES:
20x9.5-inch Panthers / Falken 255/35ZR20s
SUSPENSION:
FRONT: Stock control arms with '72 spindles and custom disc brakes
REAR: 12-bolt 3:43 Positraction with custom disc brakes
FABRICATOR:
Eckles Auto Body / Ariel Flores and Carlos Contreras
BODY MODS:
Gas tank relocated to the rear / single handle rear tailgate
BODYWORK:
Juan Alba at Eckles Auto Body
PAINTWORK:
Filiberto Vasquez and crew at Eckles Auto Body
INTERIOR:
'02 leather Tahoe seats with center console and custom GMC embroidery
UPHOLSTERER:
Jesse's Auto Upholstery / Chava
AUDIO/VIDEO:
Advanced Car Stereo
INSTALLER:
David Guarino