Since sgo70 asked for opinions I played devil's advocate and it got some discussion flowing. Actually a tight stock truck is unusual rather than the norm these days. The truck pictured is a survivor, all there and in running condition. There's plenty trucks of that era to be found without engines, interiors and in need of attention to get back where they belong- on the street.

I say why tear up an running stocker just to prove you can stick a crate motor some corporation built, lower it like every other one out there and scavange a pair of funky bucket seat and a cheezy console with some tilt wheel like everybody else? My statement of going radical is simply for the sake of extreme if you want something to stand out. Seriously, otherwise the truck I described in the beginning of this paragraph is the Clone Ranger of every one we see at every event.

Everybody that actually did innovative work on their trucks is what it is great. My point is if you're gonna get innovative please do so to the max. Don't build another "formula" truck a described by tearing up a nice running original.

I've gotten weary of seeing people "do what they want with their own vehicles" because what they do is too often simple cloning. Sorry but I see way too many vehicles that don't deserve a second glance because they are formulated. Use some friggin imagination instead of running with the pack.

The whole reason to build a ride used to be have something unique. In the last 10 years every twerp who stumbled off the pickle boat believes he "needs" a hot rod instead of his Honda Civic. It's just a status thing now to have a "30s-something" roadster or coupe replica that is as standard in construction as the Honda is. There's too many dorks owning these repro turdwagons that shouldn't. They haven't got any insight to the history of the custom, hotrod or what a modified cars is.

I can go to a cruise and see a dozen 32-34 Fords with 8 using the exact same uninspiring gray cloth interior all with Chevy motors painted in black, red or yellow. I mean WTF, what's the point? No one is expressing themselves anymore. They're just joining the status quo.

A lot of you lived in the 50s and 60s like me and can confirm that folks putting together rides were more varied that today's. There were trends sure but not formulas like today. The whole idea was to be different instead of conform- the message owners/builders have lost today.

It's sad. I miss the variety. Great designer/builders whether aftermarket customizers or factory men have always stood apart from the crowd and their work has illustrated that. So when sgo70 asked about the truck I say do it justice or leave it alone casue we got too many same old ones out there.