Super-clean is the only way...
Super-clean is the only way to describe the engine in Mike Fowler&8217s truck.
The tail of this truck is...
The tail of this truck is nearly stock--who&8217d change a thing? The only mods required to achieve the clean result were removing the hooks and chains and filling the end of the bedrails.
One of the coolest parts of...
One of the coolest parts of Stepside pickups is this link to the past. Nothing gives that nostalgic handbuilt feel like a well-restored wood bed. The removal of the original tailgate hooks led to these slick latches to keep the gate shut. Simple and useful, these latches fit the theme of the truck.
A late-model bench seat fills...
A late-model bench seat fills the cab, and other creature comforts include air conditioning, a tilt column, and an assortment of Auto Meter gauges.
A right-on stance, wheels...
A right-on stance, wheels and tires, and a black tonneau are all that was needed to turn this truck into the perfect hot rod pickup
The removal of the original...
The removal of the original tailgate hooks led to these slick latches to keep the gate shut. Simple and useful, these latches fit the theme of the truck.
One nice original truck plus an arsenal of go-fast goodies equals the beginnings of Mike Fowler’s long-time dream truck. Mike, a Manteca, California, native, was looking for a clean basis for his project truck when he found this 1968 Chevy Stepside that belonged to an old farmer. The gentleman had taken such good care of the pickup, Mike was reluctant to modify the super-clean shortbed after giving it a good buff job.
After a while, Mike's initial urge to add some real muscle to the truck was too strong, and he began collecting the necessary parts. Mike's list of additions started with a hard-thumping 383 small-block backed by a 700-R4 trans connected to a 12-bolt Posi rearend. The new pumped-up pulse led Mike to give the truck a full makeover that started with a few simple body mods.
The body was relieved of all hood and fender emblems. The antenna was shaved, and the tailgate was cleaned up when Mike eighty-sixed the hooks and chains. The truck was ready for a fresh coat of factory 1968 Chevy Truck Red. The revived truck was also treated to a new stance made perfect by a set of American Racing Torq Thrust IIs and BFGoodrich tires.
The final detail was some fresh gray threads on a late-model seat, a custom console, and a full assortment of Auto Meter gauges to monitor the powerplant.
Thanks, Mike, for keeping the formula simple.