1968 Chevrolet 1/2 Ton short bed pickup
I am helping my long-time friends from church and the old car hobby sell their super fine 1968 Chevrolet pick-up. This vehicle had been a one-owner pick-up until the Morgans of Madison, MS bought it in 2012. The Morgans contracted with Mr. Bill Echols of Wild Bill’s Hot Rod Shop, Richland, MS to completely rebuild the truck. Mr. Echols Is acknowledged to be one of the premier fabricators on hot rod themed vehicles in the Southeast.
This truck had been a farm truck in Mendenhall, MS since it was new when the Morgans purchased the truck. It was rough and there were rust issues. The truck was dismantled 100%. The cab of the truck as well as the frame were chemically dipped before being quickly primed with Epoxy primer. This same procedure was also true of the hood, front fenders, and the doors. The complete bed was a replacement unit from LMC Truck as was the radiator support. As the photos show, there is no rust to contend with on this fine truck. Once primed, the truck was reassembled and painted at a facility in Rankin County, MS. The color is “Switch Blade Silver” and is as nice in person as is shown on these photos. Mr. Echols got the painted truck back and then renovated and restored it in every way. Everything on the truck was touched and modernized. The following is a partial list of the work done on this truck:
1. The truck was completely rewired.
2. The existing suspension was maintained but all new bushing, bearings, ball joints steering linkage, springs, shocks, etc. were replaced with the best quality units available.
3. All new glass in the truck
4. All new weather stripping
5. The chassis was lowered 4.5” in front and 5” in the rear using drop spindles in front.
6. The engine was new in 2014 and is a GM crate motor, 350 cubic inches and 290 HP. The truck has roughly 4000 miles on it since the restoration was complete.
7. Wheels are 20” coys
8. Engine was Billett Specialties serpentine front drive and the plug wire loons are Echols’ customs.
9. The headers are by Hedman and the exhaust system was completely replaced by Echols.
10. The transmission is a rebuilt 700R4 overdrive unit
11. The rear end in the truck is the original but has been completely rebuilt.
12. All lights, interior and exterior were changed out at restoration and an entirely new dash cluster was installed. (See photos)
13. A Vintage Air unit is used for heat and air.
14. The truck has power windows, power steering, power brakes and a new tilt steering column that is attached to a new steering box.
15. The radio is a Kenwood with video display, XM and navigation. Boise speakers with a linear amp. Sounds great!
16. The floor of the bed is a fine red oak wood.
17. Interior: This truck is special in that the interior was produce by M&M Hot Rod Interiors of Holly Pond, AL. https://www.mmhotrodinteriors.com/ This is one of the finest upholstery shops in the USA having produced upholstery in several vehicles that have won “The Ritler Award” for the finest Hot Rod in the USA. This interior cost was almost $10,000 in 2013. A M&M interior for a vehicle like this today would cost more than $15,000. The leather is a red leather: Lip Stick Red.
18. Chrome and Trim: All chrome is either new or re-chromed items done by Dan’s Plating in Adamsville, TN.
No expense was spared on the build of this fine truck. The truck is comfortable, powerful, and dependable. It doesn’t run hot on the hottest days. The Morgans are wanting a classic high-performance Mustang and intend to seek that with the proceeds from their fine truck. The truck is for sale and is in Madison, MS just north of Jackson, MS and the intersection of Interstates 55 and I20 where it can be seen, inspected, and driven Advise Mike Martin of
questions or requests for more photos. Please contact Mike at the phone number and email address shown.
