1948 Chevrolet Truck - Old Red

Rex Ecoff's '48 Chevy 5 Window

From the February, 2012 issue of Classic Trucks
By Wes Drelleshak

It all started as an old, rusty, daily driver with the original six-cylinder engine that was picked up for next to nothing. From childhood, learning balance and coordination on a bicycle or walking a lone curb with both arms out are some of the things you might forget, but learning to drive as a teen is one thing that every car person stores in the old memory bank. I dare you to think back, just try it. I bet you remember which vehicle and about how old you were when you first mashed the gas pedal down and quickly realized that it was exhilarating and scary at the same time.

For example, my pops realized that I was getting of age to drive while on a trip in the high dessert in California. At the time, I was 14 and randomly my pops pulled over and said, “Do you want to drive?” Before I could say a word he slammed the ’76 F-250 into park and opened the door, as I slid across the bench seat my palms started to sweat and I remember my pops saying, “OK, now drive slow, the steering is kind of sloppy.” I can still see the battered street sign that read Owens River Road, somewhere near Mammoth, California.

Unlike my first driving experience with nothing around, Rex Ecoff’s lack of experience behind the wheel, and with a little help from some solid objects, would land him fixing a fence post and pounding out a bumper to minimize the vehicle damage. But boy did he remember that day, and the vehicle that landed him in some hot water. Rex could never let go of the thought of one day owning a ’48 Chevy just like the one he crashed so many years ago. The dream came true for Rex as he made a purchase of a magnificent ’48 Chevy that was about 80-percent restored, and besides, Rex could now add the touches of his style that he deemed fit.

Changes included a new stained bed wood from Bed Wood Products, and a completely new and rearranged interior thanks to Cadillac Eldorado seats and the saddle tan leather stitched by Coverall Custom Upholstery. Wheels and tires from Wheel Vintiques were one of the first exterior items ordered and set the vehicle’s stance just right in my personal opinion. And as far as the motor goes, well it’s kind of ironic in a way because the truck came with a Ford 351 small-block backed by an AOD transmission. Rex has also cleaned up the motor by adding some chrome and refreshing the wiring.

Rex Ecoff

Indianapolis, IN
1948 Chevy

Chassis

Drivetrain

Engine: Ford 351
Heads: stock iron
Valve covers: finned aluminum
Manifold / Induction: stock
Ignition: Ford
Headers: stock
Exhaust / Mufflers: dual 2-inch/Turbo
Transmission: AOD
Modifications: shift kit
Shifter: Lokar

Body

Style: ’48 Chevy 5 window
Modifications: stock
Fenders front / rear: stock
Hood: stock
Grille: stock
Bed: BedWood Products
Bodywork and paint by: Craig’s Auto restoration of Spokane, WA
Paint type / Color: PPG/Corvette Red
Headlights / Taillights: stock/’78 El Camino
Outside mirrors: stock
Bumpers: stock roll pan

Interior

Dashboard: stock
Gauges: Dakota Digital
Air conditioning: Vintage Air
Stereo: Bose
Steering wheel: Lecarra
Steering column: ’70s GM
Seats: Cadillac Eldorado
Upholstery by: Coverall Custom Upholstery of Martinsville, IN
Material / Color: leather Saddle brown and Tan
Carpet: Brown