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Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
1948 Chevrolet Crew Cab COE Custom “Decoliner” rolling into 2022 Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve
Imagination, functional performance, and excitement collide in this one-of-a-kind creation by Dale Gerry Street Rods in Vancouver, British Columbia. With 60 years of car building experience behind him, this master craftsman has built specialty cars for customers throughout Canada and the United States. This project began with a 1948 3-ton Chevrolet truck that was actually purchased new right down the road from Dale’s hometown. When Dale bought it, he began a 10-year and 10,000-hour build odyssey that injected art-deco style, and soul, into this humble cab-over-engine (COE) delivery truck. The end result is a completely new paradigm emerging in the world of custom vehicles, and it will cross the block at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction January 22-30, where it will be selling with No Reserve.
This truck’s concept was launched because of the builder’s fascination with the art deco styles of the late 1930s through the ’40s. When he finally acquired this truck, he drew a rough sketch of the finished product he saw in his mind’s eye then had an artist friend do a real illustration of it which served as the master blueprint for the build. Exterior body work was extensive as the fenders alone required 1,000 hours of dedicated artisanship to create.
A totally new and handmade frame of aluminum was crafted to provide the ultimate superstructure from wheels to wheels to wheels. This meticulously engineered chassis is 23 feet long and hand welded on all four sides. It houses a GM crate 502ci Ram Jet fuel injected V8 engine that provides the performance required for any situation. This machine’s exhaust system is a work of art all by itself that’s worthy of being on full display.
Every system within this machine is a bright spot of ingenuity and detail including a Gearstar Performance 4L80E overdrive automatic transmission. A Duramax radiator with electric fans help keep this big block powerplant cool for any kind of hauling you have in mind. The custom front crossmember incorporates independent suspension. Out back, a specialized aluminum Ford 9-inch housing flaunts Dutchmen axles and makes the package look like it should be on exhibit in an art and science museum. The first pair of rear wheels disperse the engine’s power to the pavement whereas the rearmost wheels are actually floaters.
The Decoliner rides on a fully adjustable computer-controlled air-ride suspension system which incorporates high performance Alden shocks. Six classic American Racing Torq Thrust wheels with modern radial tires put the truck’s serious street capability to the pavement with extra style and proper respect for hot rod tradition. Stopping power comes via 14-inch Wilwood disc brakes up front and C5 Corvette disc brakes on all four rear wheels.
The original GM steel cab was stretched, and two additional factory doors were precisely morphed into the design, so your family or friends won’t be left out when the good times roll. And they will be hauled in high style. The new cab offers four bucket seats and door panels draped in red Italian leather — the work of Lee Baxter’s Hot Rod Interiors.
An early 1960s-era Chrysler dashboard and gauge cluster referred to as the “Astro Dome” in Chrysler’s national advertising campaign — now utilizing modern Dakota instruments — was incorporated and offer a nostalgic view of what the future looked like back then. The present, however, is represented by Vintage Air climate control and a custom audio system by Andres Car Audio. The rear portion of the body hides a compartment that opens like the cargo bay of the space shuttle and is the perfect place to stash luggage or four bags of golf clubs.
No mere show car, the Decoliner has been driven from Canada to California, and has a fifth wheel hitch for towing. This vehicle was built for dreamers who dream big, and someone’s dream will come true in Scottsdale in January.
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By: Barrett-Jackson
Title: THE BIG HAUL: The No Reserve 1948 Chevrolet Crew Cab COE Custom “Decoliner”
Sourced From: www.barrett-jackson.com/Media/Home/Reader/1948-chevrolet-crew-cab-coe-custom-decoliner/
Published Date: Fri, 19 Nov 2021 16:55:17 +0000
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