![CTP CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ctp-black.png)
![TOC](/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/toc-red-star.png)
![Classic Truck Performance October 2021 Classic Truck November 2021 cover](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov2021-toc01.png)
While searching for the perfect wave down Pacific Coast Highway, Tim Sutton found the perfect stretch of highway to capture Doug Robbins behind the wheel of his perfectly modernized ’67 F-100!
![Classic Truck Performance Classic Truck Performance logo](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CTP-LOGO.png)
ROB MUNOZ
Rodney Bauman, Tommy Lee Byrd, Ron Ceridono, Michael Christensen, Ron Covell, Grant Cox, Dominic Damato, John Drummond, Fuelish Media, Eric Geisert, Joe Greeves, John Jackson, Barry Kluczyk, Scotty Lachenauer, Ryan Manson, Josh Mishler, Todd Ryden, Jason Scudellari, Chris Shelton, Tim Sutton, Chuck Vranas, Michael Yamada – Writers and Photographers
ClassicTruckPerformance.com
ModernRodding.com
AllChevyPerformance.com
InTheGarageMedia.com
Mark Dewey National Sales Manager
Patrick Walsh Sales Representative
Travis Weeks Sales Representative
ads@inthegaragemedia.com
Editorial contributions are welcomed but editors recommend that contributors query first. Contribution inquiries should first be emailed to info@inthegaragemedia.com. Do not mail via USPS as we assume no responsibility for loss or damage thereto. IN THE GARAGE MEDIA reserves the right to use material at its discretion, and we reserve the right to edit material to meet our requirements. Upon publication, payment will be made at our current rate, and that said, payment will cover author’s and contributor’s rights of the contribution. Contributors’ act of emailing contribution shall constitute and express warranty that material is original and no infringement on the rights of others.
![Please recycle recycle sign](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/recycle-sign_02.png)
PRINTED IN THE USA.
The Classic Truck Performance trademark is
a registered trademark of In The Garage Media.
![CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Feature](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
or the past few days I’ve been keeping tabs on the recent border-to-border Motorcycle Cannonball run—it’s an antique motorcycle (pre 1930) endurance run from Canada to Mexico. Really intriguing, as the motorcycles must be 100 percent “as manufactured” stock … no modern amenity upgrades, so to speak. Above and beyond the obvious toll it takes on each rider, participants must know their machines like the back of their hands, which control the throttle, clutch, and timing for however many days they’re saddled up on the road … or, as can be the case, on the side of the road making necessary repairs.
![CTP CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-black.png)
![Feature](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![XS Power Batteries’ All-New Lithium Line XS Power Batteries Lithium battery](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/NewParts_01.jpg)
Available in many direct-fit sizes and designed to be used with stock or high-performance alternators, the XV line is a great choice to drop weight and add power to any street, strip, or race car. Starting at $449.99, the XS Power XV lithium batteries are also an exceptional value.
XS Power is a manufacturer and distributor of high-performance batteries, chargers, capacitors, cable, and accessories. They offer AGM lead acid, lithium, and custom-made power solutions, as well as a complementary line of accessories to the automotive, powersports, marine, and commercial markets worldwide.
![CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/department-gray-star.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
![Bumpside Evolution title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-november-2021-bumpside-title.png)
![Bumpside Evolution title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-november-2021-bumpside-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ifteen years ago, I not only had the pleasure of running Classic Trucks magazine, I had the additional pleasure of having Grant Peterson as my editorial sidekick for the duration of my time “behind the wheel,” as it were. Back in 2006, the classic truck scene as we know it today was just starting to take shape, and the two of us rode that wave with our toes on the nose, so to speak, helping progress an old man’s hobby into an “every man’s” hobby. Between the two of us, we managed to spearhead a few rather noteworthy project builds, but the one that stands out the most in my mind was Grant’s progressive-for-the-period ’67 F-100.
![CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
The Dakota Digital Gauges and LMC Truck Dash
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
n the last installment on our ’76 F-100 project we did a Vintage Air air conditioning/heater installation. Our truck didn’t come with factory air and that just doesn’t cut it for a hauler in SoCal where the summers can be a bit toasty. The kit was very complete, the installation was quite straightforward, and the air blows nice and cold. Check out the Oct. ’21 issue of CTP for the full story.
Looking at the dash as we were starting to pull it apart for the A/C vents and controls, it struck us how this was the perfect time to upgrade that gauge panel. This being a base model truck, it didn’t have a full gauge setup, just warning lights for oil pressure and the alternator. Apparently the water temp gauge didn’t work and the previous owner didn’t trust the oil warning light as there were mismatched gauges hanging under the dash for temperature and pressure. The chrome trim on the bezel was worn and the lens had turned yellow, not to mention the cracked dashpad had a cheap plastic cover over it that was also cracked. Time for some changes.
![CTP CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Feature](/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/anatomy-blue-star.png)
![Anatomy of a Classic Truck typography](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/anatomy-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ithout going as far as saying there’s an actual “blueprint” when it comes to building the quintessential classic truck, as we have so many different options and avenues in which to choose from these days, there are the basics when it comes to making a classic truck sit, look, and, most importantly, perform just right.
![CTP CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Feature](/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/whiskey-runner-star.png)
![Whisky Runner](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/whiskey-runner-title-2500px.png)
![1937 Studebaker](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/whisky-runner-feature.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ately there have been sightings of a “customized” Studebaker pickup on the streets surrounding Somers, Montana. As rumor has it, the custom may have been created by grafting a pickup bed to a passenger car, and reportedly the heavy body mods are tastefully well done. Although they’re no longer so abundant, we still see Studebaker pickups here and there. This, however, is different.
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-black.png)
![Feature Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![power window conversion for ’73-79 Ford pickups simply bolt in place of the original manual regulators](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/csba-fall-21-openandshut-1.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
sing a classic pickup for transportation on a regular basis has its ups and downs. On the plus side is the satisfaction that comes from driving something that is personalized and therefore unique. On the minus side is often the lack of convenience items we’ve all become accustomed to.
While our ’73 Ford Ranger XLT pickup was considered to be well equipped in its day, the option list wasn’t very long. About all the interior featured was some extra trim, fake wood inlays, and air conditioning. Over the years we’ve made a number of updates to make the truck more user friendly—we’ve updated instruments, replaced the original A/C with a Vintage Air system, installed electric door locks, and even added a killer stereo. The only other enhancement we were missing was power windows.
Power windows were not available on the sixth generation of Ford’s F-Series trucks (’73-79), so when the driver side window regulator of our beloved Blue Oval pickup cranked up the glass for the last time we had a choice to make. Replace the worn-out manual regulators or install a retrofit power system, which is what we elected to do.
![CTP CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Feature](/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/low-key-truck-with-a-twist-star.png)
![Local Knowledge typography](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/knowledge-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ack before we had the Internet to do all the learning for us, the knowledge of old cars and trucks was handed down through family, friends, and, of course, good ol’ printed paper magazines. If you ended up becoming an F-100 lover, it’s highly likely it’s due to your father, uncle, or even a neighbor having owned/built one as you were growing up. These days, unfortunately, it’s whatever’s trending on social media that takes hold and sticks with kids … that is if they’re even interested in cars to begin with!
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-black.png)
![Feature Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
BY TOMMY LEE BYRDPhotography BY The Author
![Budget Black a rough K5 Blazer with a flat black paint job](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BudgetBlack-feature.jpg)
![Budget Black Budget Black typography](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/BudgetBlack_typography.png)
he old adage “you get what you pay for” rings true for just about every aspect of building an old truck. Whether it comes to parts, supplies, or labor costs, a “cheap” job usually doesn’t produce the best possible outcome. But, in the case of our rough and ragged K5 Blazer, we wanted to freshen up its appearance without spending much money. We know the truck will get used and abused, but the idea is to give it a much cleaner appearance. With so many options for paint, we opted for the most affordable, which is Rust-Oleum oil-based enamel. This is not standard automotive paint, so it can be found on the shelf of your local hardware store or it can be sourced online.
If we wanted to upgrade our materials to something nicer, Summit Racing has several great choices for affordable flat black paint, but the idea in this article is to show you how we took a rough K5 and made it a little more presentable for about $100 all together. That includes the cost of the paint, acetone (thinner), masking tape, masking paper, sand paper, and even the spray gun! We’ve had great luck out of the purple HVLP Gravity Feed guns from Harbor Freight—they’re usually priced at less than $20 and they are an excellent value.
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Tech Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/dark-purple-blue-star.png)
![After the Dream For the Birds](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-oct-21-for-the-birds-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
aving a father who worked a junkyard it was inevitable that Tim Sharp would grow up to be a total gearhead. When it comes to automotive taste, Tim is all over the place, as he’s had mini-trucks and a few VWs as well. About 20 years ago he had an interest in working on a Ford F-100 with a big back window.
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-white.png)
![Tech Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
eah, sure, we all make mistakes. We don’t have to admit it every time, but if ’n’ when we do, maybe someone else won’t have to make the same ones. In this particular instance it’s more like an oversight—or perhaps an undersight, since I’ll blame it partly on my own failing vision. Way back in autobody school, my mentors stressed the importance of feelin’ panels with an open hand. That’s because we can’t always see everything, no matter how well we can see.
Here today, in our own cozy body stall, we’re actually gaining ground on our ’55 Chevy Second Series build. The engine, drivetrain, and chassis have been finished for some time. With a moving blanket and a blue tarp for protection between the black-finished frame and bare-steel cab, we’ve just about won the panel-alignment marathon. Now with rough-out bodywork and rust repairs behind us, we’re nearing the point where sheetmetal can be disassembled for finish bodywork and paint. Before we do that, however, there’s one little body part that we might as well test-fit.
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-black.png)
![Event Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![NAPA Auto Parts 2021 Syracuse Nationals title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-napa-autoparts-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
or classic truck owners any day is a great day to take a road trip, especially with everything we’ve experienced over the last year. The excitement of packing your bags and topping off your tank gets you supercharged as you head out the door with a huge national event ahead once you roll onto the highway. For the 21st year, the NAPA Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals rolled out the red carpet to welcome performance-minded truck and car owners to the New York State Fairgrounds to experience firsthand one of the coolest events on the East Coast.
![Green and black truck](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-napa-autoparts-feature-2.jpg)
![Red truck](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-napa-autoparts-feature-3.jpg)
![NAPA Auto Parts 2021 Syracuse Nationals title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-napa-autoparts-title.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
or classic truck owners any day is a great day to take a road trip, especially with everything we’ve experienced over the last year. The excitement of packing your bags and topping off your tank gets you supercharged as you head out the door with a huge national event ahead once you roll onto the highway. For the 21st year, the NAPA Auto Parts Syracuse Nationals rolled out the red carpet to welcome performance-minded truck and car owners to the New York State Fairgrounds to experience firsthand one of the coolest events on the East Coast.
![CTP](/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/ctp-black.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![components for installing in a Ford](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-november-2021-ignition-feature.jpg)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/red-triangle.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ack in the early 1900s, Charles Kettering invented what we now commonly call the Points Distributor Ignition System. It was a pretty good design that served the automotive industry well for over 60 years. But by the ’70s, engine performance gains and tightening emissions standards were revealing the shortcomings of the points ignition system. Higher rpm caused point bounce, which messed with timing, leaner combustion mixtures required more voltage to fire, and point wear was a constant source of maintenance, particularly in these newer cars where degradation of the points caused misfires. The Big Three in Detroit were all busy reinventing the basic system with electronic ignition replacements. Mopar and Ford both introduced their solutions in 1972, with GM’s ubiquitous HEI following in 1974. All three work on a similar principle of replacing the points, which are essentially a mechanical switch with a reluctor and a pickup that senses the reluctors poles and an electronic module. The familiar parts from the points system are the distributor itself (although in a different configuration) and the ignition coil. The advantage of the electronics is much more accurate timing, hotter spark, and, of course, no maintenance, except for the cap and rotor.
Ad Index
- American Autowire61
- American Legend Wheels75
- Art Morrison Enterprises33
- Auto Metal Direct31
- Automotive Racing Products7
- Bed Wood and Parts81
- Bowler Performance Transmissions89
- Brothers Truck Parts100
- Chevs of the 40’s77
- Classic Industries19
- Classic Instruments11
- Classic Performance Products4-5; 91
- Dakota Digital99
- Eaton Detroit Spring89
- Fat Man Fabrication81
- FiTech EFI47
- Flat Out Engineering93
- Frontier Shop Supplies69
- Gandrud Chevrolet91
- Golden Star Classic Auto Parts6
- Granatelli Motor Sports77
- Heidts Suspension Systems75
- Heinzman Street Rod Shop93
- John’s Industries91
- Kugel Komponents89
- LMC Truck55
- LOKAR2; 25
- National Street Rod Association39
- Old Air Products71
- Performance Online17
- PerTronix53
- Powermaster Performance71
- Rod Shows59
- Scott’s Hotrods81
- Sherwin Williams Company45
- Speedway Motors37
- Steele Rubber Products23
- That’s Great News93
- Thermo-Tec Automotive91
- Vintage Air9
- Wentz Motor Company89
- Western Chassis43
- Wilwood Engineering63
- Winters Performance69
Nitroactive.net
Orange, CA
Nitroactive.net
Autobooks-Aerobooks
Burbank, CA
818-845-0707
Autobooks-aerobooks.com
National Speed Center, Inc.
Manchester, CT
860-647-1353
nationalspeed.com
Hot Rod Paper Company
Youngstown, OH
800-676-3026
gadmak@aol.com
Pasteiner’s
Birmingham, MI
248-646-2886
pasteiners.com
Reader’s World
616-396-4600
readersworldbookstore.com
Horton Hot Rod Parts
Ontario, Canada
905-876-2124
hortonhotrod.ca
Graffiti Publications
Victoria 3450
Australia
graffitipub.com.au
One56
Björklinge, Sweden
one56.se
![CTP Logo CTP](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/CTP-logo.png)
![CTP CTP logo](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/ctp-black.png)
![Event Feature star](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/red-star.png)
![The Big Show title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-the-big-show-title.png)
![52nd Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals subtitle](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-the-big-show-subtitle.png)
![The Big Show title](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-the-big-show-title.png)
![52nd Annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals subtitle](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ctp-nov-21-the-big-show-subtitle.png)
![](/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/author-separator.png)
ince I began my automotive journalist career nearly 30 years ago, there has really just been one “big show:” the annual NSRA Street Rod Nationals in Louisville, Kentucky. Sure, it’s not a truck-only event, mind you, but considering the location and the simple fact that the NSRA Nats’ overall vehicle registration numbers far exceed any other event of its kind, well, let’s just say there’s a lot of classic trucks to be found within the perimeters of the Kentucky Exposition Center the first weekend of every August … for the past 52 years!
After taking a two-year hiatus, I returned this year for the first time wearing my new “media” hat (literally, I had on a brand-new CTP ball cap!) representing In The Garage Media/Classic Truck Performance alongside Modern Rodding and All Chevy Performance magazines. It was just like old times—but much better! Speaking of which, we even managed to (successfully) pull off our very first ITGM Builder’s Pizza Party at the Executive Strike & Spare bowling alley the Wednesday evening prior to the Nats’ opening day.
![Classic Truck Performance Classic Truck Performance logo](https://digital.classictruckperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/CTP-LOGO.png)