Owner: Mike Klepp - Wichita Falls, TX
I bought my 1948 Deluxe cab 3104 in 1995 and have done a complete on-frame "restification." Everything is stock appearing, but closer inspection will reveal the upgrades I have made in the name of safety and performance.
The drive line is a 1954 vintage 235 that is totally rebuilt. It is disguised with a 216 valve cover. Behind the engine is a 1965 3-speed overdrive coupled to a 1959 open drive rear axle with 3.90 gears. I still have good acceleration, but I can cruise at 65-70 mph all day.
The front and rear suspension as well as the steering are totally rebuilt. To stop the beast is a Nova dual master cylinder connected to upgrade Bendix brakes with new lines and hoses. Radial wide whitewall tires, gas tube type shocks and a panel truck sway bar complete the handling package.
Inside the gauges are rebuilt, seat covered in gray tweed material, steering wheel restored, and new headliner and floor mats added. It was a granny four speed originally, so I collected and installed stock column linkage to shift the newer 3-speed OD.
Outside the body was quite rust free, but 50 years of dents and dings took their toll. The body was stripped, straightened, and painted. Much of the bed is reproduction metal, but all four fenders and both doors are connected to the original cab. Since the truck was black originally, I decided to keep it that way.
The truck does very well at local shows: several firsts, a couple bests of show, and a best paint awards. What I like most is the looks and thumbs up from others as I go down the road. It is a blast to drive.
Mike Klepp
Wichita Falls, TX
