This month’s GM Feature Truck is the only one in existence because it was hand built from so many pre-existent GM parts. There were no beginning rules to go by! If it gave great eye appeal and would fit together safely, it was a candidate for this final “one of a kind” creation of a General Motors Truck.
The proud owner is David Fraser of Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado. What allowed this “one only” to happen was a nearby friend of 32 years that is rated as a Master Mechanic. He does mostly ground up restorations of early US vehicles. Other than NO strict rules on this project he knew what direction David was heading.
As expected, the time of gathering and finding parts, plus making them fit together to give the correct appearance as David wanted would be important for the Master Mechanic.
The frame or backbone of this truck is similar to an over the road Winnebago motor home. It was made for the use that would be required for Dave’s truck. The long driveshaft with carrier bearing connects to a dual wheel differential that is used most in over-the-road transport tractors. The six wheels are connected to this creation with 10 bolts each. The engine is a new 454 Chevrolet big block V-8 crate motor attaches to a large 5 speed rebuilt Automatic transmission. David says about 8 to 10 miles/gallon discourages him from driving to distant, out of state shows!
Now, what was used for the cab? Nothing could be better than a Chevrolet “Low-Cab-Forward” used during 1955 through 1959. Of course, their salvage yard survival rate is now very low after 60 years. We did not ask where they found this one cab and how much it cost to have it shipped to Colorado.
After arrival, a complete cab restoration was required. Fortunately, some new replacement parts are NOW available due to the current popularity of ½ thru 2 ton Chevy trucks. Even the seats, a hand cut rubber floor mat, door mechanisms, dash cluster, window glass, and headliner makes a much better finished product. The hood and most parts in front of the firewall are only from a GM Spartan 70 Low-Cab-Forward. Thus, all restoration or “major” rebuilding, if needed, must be on what you have!
Creating a large decent pickup bed for a one of a kind GM truck was certainly a big project. Much hand work was given to resize the bed from a 2012 Chevrolet ½ ton! Look at the photos of this rebuilt unit and appreciate the skill of the restoration expert mentioned earlier. The bedside and wider fenders (for the dual wheels) are now one piece.
David says 7 years labor and $60,000 was placed in this project. It certainly seems correct with all that was done! That includes the attractive mat black texture paint that covers all the exterior visible metal parts on this 9’ tall pickup. See the steps and hand pulls to give a person access up to the interior! We assume he invested wisely as he says offers of $100,000 and later a little more has been received. He chooses to have fun with it for a few more years!
Can’t fit in the garage!
What now?
Much metal above the headlights than a conventional Chevy Truck.
No shortage of room for a 454 big block.
Dual wheel rear fenders and the bedside are now one piece!
Dash (not gauges) is much like a 1955-59 traditional smaller Chevy truck.
Standing in the bed. Photo of the very unusual open tailgate.
Nice side view shows it’s very unique appearance is why it always gathers a crowd! Yes, the “mud flaps” on the back protects following vehicles from paint chips or a broken windshield.
This “desk model” appeared in many toy stores during 1959 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet trucks!
You can contact David Fraser at: 970-281-0504, leave a voicemail.