Less is More

The concept of “less is more” is an easy one to overlook, particularly in this day and age of wild custom builds. So often it seems like the builds with the most flash and mile long sponsor list, the builds in which every last bolt is removed and replaced with something more custom, seem to garner the most attention. Even so, the goal of most ultra-in-depth projects is to recapture a truck’s original glory. Sometimes the simpler approach of repolishing tarnished parts is all it takes to create a more striking and refined transformation of a special truck. Few builds communicate this minimalist approach quite as well as Stacy Ramos’ ’49 Chevrolet 3100. Tim Palazzo and his team at GAP Racing in Houston brought the classic truck back to life. 

Rather than cut apart what the GM factory had put in place, Tim and his team opted to modify and update the truck’s bones. The chassis had a fourth generation Camaro front clip adapted to it already, but the challenge came in fabricating a 4-link rearend suspension configuration suitable for the build. After adjustments were made and modifications were in place, the truck was outfitted with custom spindles and upper control arms in the front and an independent front suspension, all from Total Cost Involved. Ridetech adjustable coil-overs were placed in the front and rear. The coil-over suspension choice preserves the original styling with a slightly lowered modern look to provide superb ride and handling.

Stacy’s truck is a one-of-a-kind build that utilizes the most modern amenities without compromising its retro attitude. the Chevrolet Performance heartbeat perfectly suits its mildly hot-rodded style.”

Tying the classic Chevy to the pavement is a set of custom Mobsteel rollers measuring 20×8 inches. The wheels are color-matched to the truck’s body for a clean, monochromatic style. The steelies’ ultra-traditional look paired with a modern size is the perfect blend of old and new school. Wrapping up the wheels are Falken 245/50R20 tires for plenty of grip to back up the power. Despite being made invisible by the solid wheels, super tough Wilwood brakes sit at each corner, all powered by a Wilwood master cylinder mated to a Tuff Stuff brake booster.

Providing the need for such ample braking bits is a Chevy Performance LS3 that cranks out the goods. The V-8 power plant features a March Performance accessory line, custom-paint-matched Holley valve covers and cleanly tucked American Autowire wiring. A custom GAP Racing 4-inch intake feeds the massive throttle body, and Speedway stainless headers flow to the exhaust. GAP Racing built a custom 2.5-inch exhaust that ends in dual Black Widow Pro Venom mufflers for a wicked sound that highlights the SOHC motor. The engine is mated to a stout 4L70E automatic trans that runs the power through a custom driveshaft from Northwest Drivetrain. Power arrives at the rear wheels by way of a Currie Enterprises Ford 9-inch rearend.

GAP Racing kept the exterior classic, using GM Bright Red paint by PPG to coat the original body with a thick glaze of color. Minor mods and refurbishments lend themselves to a clean and up-to-date aesthetic that the truck pulls off effortlessly. The original front grille and bumper were refurbished and returned to their places. The rear has been slightly filled for a smoother set of body lines on the back of the Chevy. The factory gas filler has been shaved and relocated to the truck’s bed, where it’s housed along with the beautifully detailed wood panel bed liner. The final touches are brighter, safer LED taillights and a hidden tailgate mechanism.

While each piece of the puzzle deserves a spotlight of its own, they all work in harmony to create a timeless build. Just as impressive as the exterior, chassis work and powertrain is the beautifully restored interior. All of the factory-original elements have been left in place, but they’ve been returned to their former glory using modern materials and techniques. The factory dash has been repainted a high-gloss black. New black carpet stretches over the floor, while a black vinyl headliner hangs overhead. The OEM bench seat has been refreshed and re-covered in black leather with vinyl inserts, as have the door panels. The dash display could easily pass for original until it’s illuminated by new Dakota Digital VHX series gauges. Perfectly conditioned air is pumped through the factory vents thanks to a Vintage Air system, and placing the cherry on top is a refined Speedway Motors black leather-wrapped steering wheel.

With its subtle exterior alterations, striking red appearance, period-correct interior design and modest yet modern stance, Stacy’s truck is a one-of-a-kind build that utilizes the most modern amenities without compromising its retro attitude. The Chevrolet Performance heartbeat perfectly suits its mildly hot-rodded style. The team at GAP Racing put their best foot forward with this truck, truly blowing away Stacy’s expectations when they finally revealed it to him at the Houston Autorama, an event from which he walked away with a first place trophy. It cannot be said enough, less is definitely more. ST

---

TRUCK SPECS

Owner

Stacy Ramos
1949 Chevrolet 3100
Houston, TX 

Engine

• Shop: Gap Racing
• 2014 Chevrolet Performance LS3 376
• 525 hp and 475 ft-lbs torque
• March Performance accessories
• Paint-matched Holley performance intake covers
• Custom GAP Racing 4-inch intake
• Speedway stainless headers
• Custom GAP Racing 2.5-inch exhaust
• Dual Black Widow Pro Venom mufflers
• Rick’s Custom Tanks fuel cell
• 4L70E Auto transmission
• Northwest Drivetrain driveshaft
• Currie Enterprises Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.50:1 gears

Chassis & Suspension 

• Shop: Gap Racing
• Adapted fourth gen Camaro font clip
• Total Cost Involved front IFS, upper control arms and spindles
• Custom 4-link rear suspension
• Ridetech coil-overs, front and back
• Tuff Stuff brake booster
• Wilwood master cylinder and disc brakes

Wheels & Tires

• 20×8 inch Mob Steel wheels, paint-matched
• 245/50R20 Falken tires

Body & Paint 

• Shop: Gap Racing
• Refurbished front grille and bumper
• Slightly filled rear bumper
• Shaved gas filler and tailgate latch
• Custom wood panel bed liner
• LED rear taillights
• PPG GM Bright Red paint

Interior & Stereo 

• Shop: Gap Racing
• Custom black vinyl headliner
• Gloss black painted dash
• Custom black carpet
• Custom black leather-covered bench seat and dash panels with vinyl insert
• Dakota Digital VHX gauges
• Vintage Air AC system
• Speedway steering wheel
• Dynamat Xtreme sound deadener

Special Thanks From the Owner: “GAP Racing, Rush Paint and Body, Total Cost Involved, Black Widow Mufflers and Mob Steel Wheels.”

---