Driving Line VOLUME V ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2019 | Page 24

So what’s the best plan for building a custom Rob Logsdon, Premier Street Rods’ owner, was With an entry price of $8,995, not everyone may
classic vehicle that is more than 60 years old? Well, ecstatic to be able to create a modern marvel with this ’57 feel it's worth it. However, this is a bargain compared to
we can tell you there are no shortcuts, but there are Chevy 3100. You see, the crew there sells GM-licensed the time and money that would need to be spent while
smarter ways to attack the situation. When the idea to cabs and the necessary sheetmetal for people who attempting to get an original truck to the same starting
create the ultimate ’57 came to Premier Street Rods want to build a classic truck without the headaches and point that this new cab provides. Another thing to keep
of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, the company knew just ballooning budgets these types of builds can create. You in mind is that you might be working with steel that has
what to do. The folks there are known for building read that right. They build completely new cabs for late been compromised in the process. Given these facts, it’s
some outstanding vehicles, but their latest project has ’55–’57 GM pickups. This is the newest product in the easy to see how starting off fresh can be a good idea.
revolutionized the classic-truck marketplace. This was line, as Premier has previously offered parts for trucks the perfect build for their shop, as they specialize in as early as ’47, which makes it easy for anyone looking making vintage trucks just like this one. to build these mid-century haulers.
PERFORMANCE GRIP
ALL-NEW CHASSIS
With the concept launched for this legendary ’57,
the crew at Premier started with a Total Cost Involved
(TCI) chassis, complete with airbag-equipped RideTech
ShockWaves shocks. They can be tuned for different
driving situations and also have the ability to dramatically
alter the vehicle’s height. To add to that, an AccuAir air-
management system was hooked up to control the altitude.
With this setup, Logsdon doesn't have to compromise ride
comfort for a low stance.
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HOT ROD LS POWER
Since this was a high-end build with plenty As things were shaping up, the team at Premier wanted to
of performance and a touch of luxury, this truck make sure this truck was no slouch. One of the go-to powerplants
needed a tire to match. The crew at Premier for builds like this is the LS3, and this one was built by BluePrint
set their sights on a set of 245/35ZR20 and Engines to bring 638 hp to the table. Since the truck was being
285/30ZR22 Nitto INVO tires that would not set up for serious performance, the shifting capabilities now come
only look the part but could perform when put from a TREMEC T56 manual transmission that delivers power to
to the test. These innovative products of modern the Currie rearend. Bringing this all to a halt is a set of Wilwood
gripping technology now cover the Budnik 14-inch disc brakes. For extra safety, an E-Stopp pushbutton
G-series Spyder billet wheels that were chosen emergency brake was added, which is a convenient modern
for this wicked ride. touch that fits right in.