Classic Truck Performance

RFORTIER@INTHEGARAGEMEDIA.COM When I was a youngin', my dad wasn't much of a hobbyist when it came to automobiles. He did mess around with a few baja Bugs, but those were mostly just a quick flip despite my pleas for him to keep them! What exposure I did gain through the old man was through all the various forms of racing he took me to, most of which was the Saturday night dirt track/demolition derby action at Corona Raceway, which was literally right up the street from our house. So, how it came to be that instead of listening to my second grade teacher's daily lessons I was scribbling flamed '56 F-100 pickups (mostly panels) when no family member or friend of my father's ever had one to begin with, is…

1. FITECH'S STANDALONE LSDRIVE-BY-WIRE EFI SYSTEMS FiTech Fuel Injection is expanding its LS product lineup with the introduction of the new Ultimate LS Drive-By-Wire Standalone EFI System, engineered for builders who want modern electronic throttle control without purchasing throttle body, pedal, intake, or other components as part of the kit. The Standalone Ultimate LS Drive-By-Wire EFI System delivers smoother acceleration, sharper response, and enhanced driveability compared to cable-driven setups. Built for LS-powered applications of all types, this system provides the advantages of electronic throttle control while giving builders full freedom to select their own compatible components. Designed with OEM-quality components and FiTech's proven calibration strategies, the system incorporates preset drive modes that refine pedal feel and responsiveness for daily driving, towing, performance use, and custom builds. By eliminating mechanical linkage,…

Danny Rios’ Total Performance Motorsports–Built 1972 Blazer BY ROB FORTIER IMAGES BY MICHAEL CHRISTENSEN “Danny Rios wanted to build the ‘ultimate California cruiser’ two-wheeldrive Blazer. From the onset, he was up in the air on details, budget, and time. As a working guy supporting a family, he was concerned the build would be too much for him to take on. Though as we moved through the project with a clear vision, we simply took our time to complete the picture; we strategically chose build partners that would add style and value to the overall picture, while totally encapsulating the complete feel we had for the roadster blazer we now know as ‘Sancha.’” –Aaron Cushman, Total Performance Motorsports Cushman pretty much summed it up when he compared the concept of Danny Rios’ 1972 Chevy…

A One-Off Option for Gas Storage Courtesy of Rick’s Tanks Relocating or otherwise updating the fuel tank in a classic pickup truck is far from an uncommon modification. From safety concerns to performance a classic pickup truck is far from an uncommon modification. From safety concerns to performance requirements to EFI upgrades, there are several reasons why a pickup owner might want to modify, replace, or relocate the fuel tank in a classic truck. Moving the tank from inside the cab to under the bed is a common upgrade on those trucks equipped with such a scenario, and the resulting modification can not only remove the smell of fuel from the interior of the truck, it can create a sense of safety, not riding around with gallons of fuel directly…

A “Full- Throttle” Father & Son Project BY FUELISH MEDIA There's nothing more timeless than a family based truck build. The combination of ideas and effort and the hard work that goes into the execution pays out in invaluable gratification every step of the way. We recently met with David Baba of San Clemente, California, who just wrapped up the restoration of his 1977 Ford F-150 that he purchased back in March 2021. David's son, Matt, was a big part of the project as well, and between the two Baba men, they were able to make some promising initial progress, although they soon realized they may be approaching a major project pitfall. "I bought the truck to build it into an off-road race truck," David says. "It needed to be completely stripped and taken down…

Installing Golden Star's New 1947-53 Chevy Grille . the Roundabout Way! BY ROB FORTIER IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR  When I first acquired my 1948 Chevy three-window some years ago, I was kind of attached to the stock, painted grille… emphasis on "kind of." But, once I swapped out the gray steelies and installed the chrome Cragar Star Wires, albeit a bit crusty, the blandness of the OE grille stood out, especially with the rechromed bumpers. It was about that time of my aesthetic quandary thatGolden Star Classic Auto Parts came out with their all-new deluxe stainless grille for the 1947-53 Advance Design pickups. It was also at that same time my truck just happened to be at Old Anvil Speed Shop, so I figured that was an opportune moment to…