The torch-red ’67 Chevy stepside pickup was ready for display, but there was a problem. Posts holding up the rope barrier kept falling over.
Fortunately, it was only a dry run, a week before the show.
“The stanchions aren’t heavy enough ? fill them with birdshot,” said Larry Smith of Clarkston, who owns the truck with his son, Jake.
The father-son team will show the custom truck at the 58th Annual O’Reilly’s Autorama, Feb. 26-28 at Cobo Center in Detroit.
“I think it’s great,” said Jake, 19. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Jake’s grandfather found the truck in Florida about three years ago.
“We flew down to look at it ? it was in pretty rough shape, but the body was solid,” said Larry, owner of S&L Auto Body and Paint of Clarkston.
“I love trucks ? trucks are fun,” Jake said. “They go fast and look cool.”
They replaced the motor, transmission, and front suspension, and restored original badging and woodwork in the bed. Paul Anderson of Clarkston completely restored the interior.
“I think we’ll do well,” Larry said. “I’m happy with it. The truck speaks for itself.”
The 58th Annual O’Reilly’s Autorama, presented by Meguiars, features more than1,000 exhibits of chopped, channeled, dumped and decked hot rods, custom cars, trucks, vans and motorcycles of the past and present.
The show is open 12-10 p.m., Friday, Feb. 26; 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 27; and 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 29.
Tickets are $18/adults; $5/children 6-12 years; free/children 5 and under. For more information call 248-373-1700 or check www.autorama.com.