When I painted my orange C10, Tangelo Orange Pearl was the hot new ticket. It was also deathly expensive and more-than-likely hard to spray for someone like me who had literally never painted anything before. Single-stage industrial urethane was a tougher, easier, more affordable choice. Forklift orange. It's no contest, though. Tangelo catches the eye best. Photo courtesy of Goodguys.
Convertibles, Jeeps, motorcycles, but not Cab-over haulers. This is the exception, as it was built as a full-blown fast party wagon. Powered by a supercharged 500 cubic inch Cadillac and backed by a TH400 and a Gear Vendors overdrive, this truck is ready to go and tow, as long as you’ve got the gas money. It rides on twenty-four-inch wheels and air ride suspension, giving it that nice low stance. Inside, there’s orange vinyl and speckled black ostrich leather wrapped around air-ride truck seats, along with air conditioning for all-day comfort.
Like music? You’d better. There’s a 5600-watt stereo that’s both inside and outside of the cab, perfect for pulling up to the party by the beach. I have no idea what’s under the hood, as the engine is behind the cab, but it’s probably not the spare tire, as one isn’t necessary. Have you ever changed a tire in a good situation? I’ve done it in the dark, in the rain, on a gravel road by a slough while being devoured by mosquitoes and wood ticks, never fun. Why carry a tire and tools when you could carry a matching Big Dog Chopper with a healthy 117 cubic inch S&S V-Twin engine? Just unload and go for a ride. Deal with the truck later. A cell phone would work nowadays, but a custom cell phone case just doesn’t fit as well as a custom chopper when you’re trying to grab attention with a show vehicle. Over the years, this truck has popped up here and there, now in the continental USA. The most recent sighting I can find is at a Mecum auction in Kissimmee, Florida, a couple of weeks ago. It looks like $234,000 American won it for someone. It has virtually no miles on it, so hopefully, that changes with the new owner. Even if it drives two blocks a day to the beach, I just hope it goes. It’s too cool just to travel on a trailer from auction to auction, new owner to new owner.
Have a question or comment for Kelly? Post it at lmtimes.ca/kirk
