My dad and I are big fans of your show and the projects you showcase. We prefer your show over many others that aren’t of the same quality as yours. Thank you for always presenting yourself and the brands you support well, and without the scripted comedy. Most recently we've been following the 59 Ford Panel Cornwell project (which is so cool) and it sparked this email about our project.
My father acquired the remains of a 1957 Ford Panel out of his uncle's farm field in Northern Wisconsin over 30 years ago. After completing the project in the early 90’s, he sold it in 1994 for down money towards a new home. I was only 4 at the time but the truck would leave a lasting impression on my life. Growing up over the years guys at car shows would tell me that my Dad built one of the coolest customs back in the day.
Years later, I got the itch to locate the car so I pulled out the car file and grabbed the phone. On my first call, a man named John answered and it turns out he still had it! Even crazier, it turns out he didn't do much to it with the exception of some updates and just driving it. The paint, interior and motor were practically untouched. A few years later I had saved up some money and gave the gentleman a call back. He had since passed and his widow Myrna still had the panel truck. We traded stories about the vehicle, my prior conversations with John and made plans to make a trip to see the truck.
Long story short, after much debate we came home with a time capsule - with the same rad late 80's paint scheme, graphics, wheels, and pinstriped emblems and matching vanity sign. We would finalize the deal on Father's Day, exactly 25 years from when it sold at Back To The 50's. We've since got it running and driving again but it needs a lot of attention to get back to what it once was as a show truck. We’ve decided to keep the paint the same for the time being since it is so crazy that the gentleman didn't repaint it over the years. We can't make up our minds if we should freshen up the 350 or put in a modern drivetrain with an LS swap. Our hope is to just have it ready for him to hop in to drive to shows, the grocery store and visit his grandkids.
The story ended up being awesome and the actual vehicle is so trick I thought you might get a kick out of it! We just hope we can get it back on the road and drive it all over like it was built to do 25 years ago! Thanks again for having a solid car show and continuing car culture. Also my Dad gave me your project planner book as a Christmas gift and man it has more than enough room for all the vehicle’s details inside; super cool idea!
Here are some specs from the build: - Chevelle Front Clip with Nova Rear end - 350 Chev, PB/ PS / Tilt, Cruise Control, AC - Smoothed out Pontiac Rims (No logo) - BMW Motorcycle mirrors, MR2 side vents - Suicide Doors, Shaved handles - Suicide Hood, One rear door (welded together) - Frenched in antenna, Dual taillights - Blue window tint and more
