1955 Chevrolet Pro Touring 2dr Reg Cab 120.5 WB ST

a, a:visited color: #FFFFFF; .style1 text-align: center; 1955 Chevy Truck - Fahrenheit 454 It wasnt too long ago that there was very little, if any, deviation from the traditional flame job. Of course, you had your seaweed or crab-claw styles, but those arent far from the good old-fashioned licks weve become accustomed to for decades. Even towards the end of the 90s, we saw what some youngins call tribal flames, but here again, they do not deviate much from the norm. With the new millennium has come numerous advancements in paint technology and application--including flames! In the same token of saying Von Dutch (the real one, Kenneth Howard, not the rip-off clothing line!) was the father of modern pinstriping, its probably safe to say that Mike LaValle (Killer Paint) is the modern father of flames. Viewers of Monster Garage (or more precisely, fans of Jesse James) should be familiar with LaValles work, as it has covered everything from the shells of Top Fuel race helmets to chopper tanks to brand-new Chevy Silverados. We knew it wouldnt be long until the realistic flame craze caught on, and just as soon as those words left our mouths, we stumbled upon Todd Boatrights 55 Chevy from Tuttle, Oklahoma. Obviously, it was the crazy flame job that immediately caught our attention, which of course drew us in for a better look. Upon further inspection, we realized that we were in the midst of one finely done pick-em-up truck! First, we asked about the unusual licks, and Todd was quick to credit Charles The Kid Armstrong for the fire graphics (as he prefers to call them). Boatright continued, I had just built a 00 Silverado; it was red with fire graphics. I wanted to bring the same ideas to the 55 and transform it into a hot rod truck. The 55 was purchased as an in-progress driver that Todd stumbled upon while looking at a perspective 57 project truck (which was a bit too rusty for his tastes). Todd recalls, I started gathering custom parts together and began working on the body. I have lost count as to how many nights and weekends I have spent on this truck. I know that when I get an idea of what I want it the truck] to look like, I dont seem to think about time; I just keep pushing to the end. I have been building cars and trucks for about 25 years, and I have a great amount of respect for custom builders. The best part for me is when I can cruise around town and go to shows with what I have built, and people tell me they like my work. I was able to finish my truck just in time for the Goodguys Texas show; it felt good to be done with this truck and just relax! Well, it was probably even better when Todd not only became one of the final five for Truck of the Year, but a CLASSIC TRUCKS Top Ten recipient at Fort Worth, as well! As Boatright mentioned, the 55 was bought as a driver. Actually, it was a bit more than just your average driver, as it already has a late-model drivetrain and suspension, so no major chassis surgery was necessary. Todd did opt to swap out the small-block 350 for a stouter 454 plucked from a 72 1-ton--behind which he kept the stock Turbo 400 in tow. As for the suspension, the chassis features an 85 CK-series subframe with DJM spindles, Nitro shocks, and Air Ride Technologies bags. The rear portion features a custom four-link on a 3.83 Posi 9-inch, also with Air Ride adjustable ride-height equipment (modifications handled by the owner and Modern Customs). For braking, Todd chose discs at all four corners controlled by an under-floor RBs Obsolete Vette master with an 8-inch booster. Steering is stock (85, of course) GM power.