Words: Tommy Parry
With unparalleled ambition and like minds, the clever fellas at Speedway Motors have teamed up with the maestros from Classic Trucks to take a ‘52 Chevy truck and, within just one week, make it into a head-turner, a consummate cruiser and a commemoration to Speedway’s 65th anniversary. At the end of the frantic week, they’ll be taking their creation to the Grand National Roadster Show in Sacramento. The starting point is a pristine sunshine yellow example - starting on the right foot - and they’re going to town, adding an LS3 engine, custom suspension, a 4L80E transmission and a little of everything else.
Though Speedway typically focuses on cars, they chose this gorgeous Chevy truck because of its popularity - plus, the company has an abundance of parts for the ‘47-’54 AD trucks. In a bright yellow (Speedway’s signature color), the truck had looks to start with and was in great shape, but had to be transported all the way from Lincoln, Nebraska to sunny Southern California before things could get started.
Aside from the melding of two great companies making this project an interesting one, they’ve decided to keep their fans constantly up-to-date on the build’s progress with a series of YouTube videos. Just within the first day, their talented hands removed the cab, the front clip and the bed so they could get to work on the chassis. A new crossmember, new Speedway frame rails, upper and lower control arms, 12” disc brakes and stainless lines make up the front axle - and somehow they managed all that in just a few hours.
Their video series, which is made up of edited clips and some live streams, offer both an educational viewpoint and some fun-loving banter between the boys. Humor aside, these shots depict the guys installing all sorts of goodies, including big brakes and Speedway’s Mustang II independent front suspension kit, among others.
All the finer points and the nitty-gritty are discussed in great detail, which ought to give the hardcore wrencher plenty to enjoy, and the lighthearted rapport will keep the casual truck fan glued. The team run into a few problems along the way, but their spirits always remain high. Continue to watch their videos to stay updated on this incredible build!