Way out here in the Flathead Valley of Northwestern Montana, we don’t see professional restoration shops, rod shops, or trick truck shops on every corner. Even so, classic trucks abound. In fact, old pickups are as hot here as they are in California or anywhere else—and based on what we see, the folks that build ’em, drive ’em. Granted, we’re new to these parts, but so far our outside observation seems accurate. Here in the Flathead, the classic truck hobby is best enjoyed on a do-what-one-can basis, and hands-on, truck-lovin’ families like the Colbys do it all.
Long before this project began, Laurel Colby knew what she wanted. Her 1972 Chevy C10 shorty reflects her taste in trucks, as Voodoo Blue ’n’ White Pearl R-M Diamont topcoats reflect plenty more. During the course of the 2 1/2-year build, Laurel scoured the Interweb in search of needed parts. She also worked hands-on, phase-by-phase, but still she’s quick to credit husband, Mel, for her truck’s most eye-catching features—its bodywork and paint. Cut, buffed, and polished to perfection, the finish is deep, but as you might suspect, this frameup over-restoration possesses an inner beauty that of course runs deeper yet.
If every picture tells a story, Laurel’s good old-fashioned scrapbook speaks volumes. This pretty pickup was no cherry to start with. It was Laurel’s brother-in-law, Clayton, who discovered the decomposing remains of the dead farm truck, less engine, transmission, and bed. Clayton told Mel, Mel told Laurel, and away they went to the nearby farm. As raw material, the farm truck fit the bill. It was rough and rusty, but fairly priced, and as luck would have it, a nearby neighbor just happened to have a compatible bed assembly for sale.
With trailer loads transferred to their homebased shop, the Colbys commenced to scattering their new old truck project, beginning at the beginning with a very bare frame. Soon afterward, the bodywork portion of the project snowballed into snow-related patchwork. Around that same time the engine-overhaul ensued as well, so Laurel’s fingers did some walkin’. These days it’s good to have aftermarket parts resources like LMC Truck, Brothers Trucks, Classic Industries, and Speedway Motors as close as our newfangled ’phones.
Laurel’s well-dressed big-block Chevy 402 is based on a 400ci truck engine, bored 30-over by Bradford’s Balance & Machine. From there, engine assembly was handled at home by Mel. With a little help from Edelbrock, Thumpr Cams, and a trouble-free Quadrajet carb, Mel got the balance right. Laurel’s hauler does indeed haul with a sleeper-like element of surprise. In addition to its quickness, the finished product is dependable enough that its hood is rarely raised for anything other than routine maintenance, occasional detailing, and obviously this morning’s photography.
There’s more than one way to build a classic truck. Here the Colbys’ award-winning formula is based on basic ingredients. The ride height is stock. The disc/drum combo is stock. The wheels are stock—for a later-model, and wrapped in same-size radials they look as though they belong. Completed with interior trim by Dad’s Valley Upholstery, Laurel Colby’s near-stock stunner turns heads, without heavy modification.
Facts & Figures
CHASSIS
Frame: Stock
Rearend / Ratio: Stock 3.73 limited slip
Rear suspension: Stock
Rear brakes: Stock drums
Front suspension: Stock
Front brakes: Stock discs
Steering box: Stock PS
Front wheels: Stock for later-model GM pickup
Rear wheels: Stock for later-model GM pickup
Front tires: Grand AM G/TS 225/70R15
Rear tires: Grand AM G/TS 225/70R15
Gas tank: Stock
DRIVETRAIN
Engine: 402ci BBC
Heads: Two
Valve covers: Finned aluminum
Manifold / Induction: Cast-iron manifold and Quadrajet
Ignition: HEI
Headers: Cast-iron manifolds
Exhaust / Mufflers: Custom twice-pipes by Metalworks ’n’ Mufflers, Kalispell, MT
Transmission: TH400 by Flathead Transmission Specialists, Kalispell, MT
Shifter: Stock column-type
BODY
Style: Shortbed fleetside pickup
Modifications: Repaired
Fenders front / rear: OEM
Hood: OEM
Grille: OEM-style reproduction from LMC
Bodywork and paint by: Mel Colby
Paint type / Color: R-M Diamont BC/CC, two-tone Voodoo Blue ’n’ White Pearl
Headlights / Taillights: OEM-style reproductions from LMC
Outside mirrors: OEM-style reproductions from LMC
Bumpers: OEM-style reproductions from LMC
INTERIOR
Dashboard: Stock
Gauges: OEM
Air conditioning: Maybe next time
Stereo: Yes
Steering wheel: OEM-style reproduction from LMC
Steering column: Stock, non-tilting
Seats: Stock
Upholstery by: Dad’s Valley Upholstery, Kalispell, MT
Material / Color: Vinyl ’n’ Houndstooth
Carpet: Matching blue
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