The
latest of popular creations for the enthusiast from Barris Kustom
Industries is this size hot rod type utility truck. Developed by George
Barris, Hollywood Automotive Stylist, for the Model Products Company,
the truck is smaller than most trucks from its era but larger than
the type usually seen.
The
rectangular chassis rails are kicked up in the rear, leaf springs
fore and aft with assist from torsion bars. Braking is accomplished
through a converted hydraulic system. A '69 Chevrolet 396 engine with
four barrel carburetion supplies the power to the rear axle. An air
cleaner collector box with twin Air Ram injector scoops are mounted
atop the engine. All accessories have been chrome plated for effect.
The hand built fiberglass cowl has been channeled over the frame rails,
while the cab, bed, and rear body compartment is done in laminated
marine plywood finished in press-tec then painted in Kandy Persimmon
and Diamond Gold Murano Pearl of Essence. A hand formed grille assembly
includes adjustable louver vents to assist cooling the 4" core radiator.
The shell is chrome plated and sports a flying Ice Cream Cone as the
radiator ornament. Headlights are taken from Chrysler Imperial.
Bugatti
type curved fenders were hand made from 18 gauge steel. All mouldings
are hand formed and fitted, then chrome plated. Over the cab, a string
of brass bells and Krazy Daisies were added to accent the plastic
daisies fitted into the decorative wood trim. The finishing touch
of hand pin striping is followed throughout in contrasting coordinated
colors.
The
interior includes custom air foam cushioned seats covered in Masland
Duran Yellow and Persimmon antique grain vinyl. Carpeting is 3" Rust
fur. Dash panel of grain walnut includes undated luminated dials and
gauges. A Hurst automatic floor shifter activates the power transfer.
The steering wheel is specially built including a cone shaped housing
to fit the Chevrolet components. Fuel tank is a Moon with flip type
gas lid. Musical sounds can be attributed to the Muntz Stereo Pak,
eight balanced speakers, and musicolor light bars for sight as well
as sound effect. The rear compartment features simulated gallon buckets
of Ice Cream, and hand churner Ð not to mention the soda fountain
bar. Wheels are SS Cragar reversed Chrome with wide base rims on which
Gold Line Firestone Super Sport tires are mounted.