Readers' Wrecks
Continuing our special section within the Readers' Rides is a section devoted to nothing but the beat-up, rusted-out piles of salvage that people in your neighborhoods own. We want to see the worst trucks you can find, whether they're half buried, half burned, or fully loaded with junk. Just snap a picture of the truck and send it.
Vandalized
Sent in by: Kyle Fillips of Tempe, Arizona
Out of all the pictures we've received, this has been the first one that hasn't been wrecked in the literal sense; however, it seems to have a magic all its own. From the gold running boards and gold wipers to the mirrors, which have turned gold with rust, this lunchbox is straight out of the golden age of custom vans. A closer inspection of the emblems reveals that this elusive Caddy Econoline came with the cobra sport package, which includes a cobra license frame, front plate, and a nifty key chain. The roof spoiler, sun visor, and limo-style antenna provide the ultimate in big pimpin' when rolling 'round town.
Fit for a King
Who: Louis Gawlik III
Where: San Antonio, Texas
What: '96 Chevy 1500
When King Louis III invaded Naples back in 1420, he only wished his chariot was as badass as Louis Gawlik's. The 350 Vortec has been beefed up with a Comp Cam, roller rockers, Hooker headers, an AIRAID filter, and a Power Programmer. A complete 'bag setup has been added in order to tuck the 18-inch wheels encased in 245/40R18 rubber. Louis' cousin helped him shave the handles and tailgate, and then they laid down the House of Kolor Sunset Pearl flames. Also added to the exterior were carbon-fiber taillights and a billet grille. The inside of the truck hosts a Kicker 1,200-watt amp and two 10-inch Kicker Solo-Baric subs mounted in a custom box behind the seats.
Phoenix Gold
Who: Lou Goehart
Where: Phoenix, Arizona
What: '99 Chevy Silverado
In a marriage, compromise is the best solution to end a dispute, and that was how Lou Goehart came to customize his '99 Silverado. Although it took Lou four years to persuade his wife, he turned his truck into a show-quality daily driver. To help with the trucks performance, Lou added an AIRAID intake, Flowmaster mufflers, and a 3-inch exhaust, which exits right before the rear wheel. A complete Air Ride 'bag setup was added, as was a C-notch, and then a set of 20-inch MKW MK14s was mounted and wrapped with Goodyear 275/45/R20 rubber. Inside the cab, a whole slew of billet accessories was installed along with a full MTX and Pioneer sound system. Outside, the tailgate was shaved and a roll pan, a Snugtop tonneau, a Street Scene grille, and clear markers were added.