1953 Chevy Truck Wow!

An article on this truck was done in Chevy Hardcore Magazine in July of 2015. The article wastitled The Third Act and it was written by J.R. Janicek The information below is from this article and you can also search the web for The Third Act Chevy Hardcore Magazine and you will find more information.

This 1953, 3100-Series, Chevrolet Truck was built by RideTech of Jasper, Indiana, and Scott Smith of Lebanon, Tennessee. The build was started by RideTech. After sinking a hefty sum of moneyinto the truck, RideTech put the brakes on the project and started on another project. This is where Scott Smith, hot rod builder extraordinaire, comes into the mix. Scott caught wind the truck was for sale, and after giving it a good detailed look, realized it was a nearly complete truck that only needed a few finishing touches.

Under the hood is aGM ZZ3 350ci crate engine fitted with finned Corvette valve covers. The engine was primarily kept as-is from Chevrolet Performance, but there were some minor changes that added to its overall operation. Engine additions included March pulleys, a custom-built Rochester Quadrajet 625 carburet and 1962 Corvette air cleaner assembly.

Hedman Hedders and Flowmaster mufflers route the exhaust fumes through 2½-inch black powder-coated pipes. The engine's temperature is maintained by an aluminum radiator and electric fan. Electronic ignition is provided by MSD and the Optima battery was frame-mounted under the bed. A GM 700R4 AOD transmission is connected toa column shifter.Supporting the 3100 is a set ofstylish 18×8-inch and 20×10-inch Roulette wheels fromBillet Specialties, wrapped in 235/50R18 and 295/45R20 BFGoodrich tires, on a coil/over suspension.

Interior mods began with a bench-seat frame from TEA's Design covered withimported, distressed cedar-colored leather. Chris Tisdale of Big Body Interiors Custom Upholstery in Lebanon, Tennessee, handled the stitch work, adding the leather to the bench seat, door panels, custom console, one-piece headliner, and rear of the cab.

The floor was covered in Mercedes-Benz copper carpet, which blends nicely with the leather. The dash usesa set of updated gauges fromClassic Instrumentsand the chrome tilt steering column fromFlaming Riveris topped off with a Billet Specialties steering wheel. Audio entertainment is provided by a JVC-CD head unit that spins tunes through JL Audio speakers mounted in the cab's kick panels. Power windows, electric door locks and A/C unit transform this 1953 Chevrolet pickup into a comfortable, modern-day cruiser.

Finalizing the build, the bed needed to blend the interior with the exterior. Bed Wood, Inc., made a custom, exotic-wood bed floor with chrome strips.