Raymond Rendina's 1947 Chevy Thriftmaster

16 April 2007
# 1922

From Ray :

           This 1947 Chevy Thriftmaster has a 1951 Jeep Willys 4 X 4 drive train. It has air conditioning, tilt wheel, a 327 Chevy Vette motor, shift kit, auto transmission, Ididit power brakes and steering, roll bar, Ford 9" rear. . I guess you can best classify this truck as a "Vintage Utility Vehicle (VUV)." My truck is a 10-point truck at any show. My Classic Car TV show has this truck on its web page for the week of March 19.

           The color scheme was selected from the Chevy Burgundy Blue and Chevy Silver. My truck is a daily driver. And it's a low-rider!

           I always wanted a classic pickup. So when I found the pickup of my dreams, I was too overweight and couldn't fit in the thing! So I had gastric bypass surgery. You will be amazed what you will do when you want something that bad!

           This picture was taken at the 2006 truck show in Hershey, Pennylvania. We make the trip every year with my family and my extended family, the Road Gents Classic Car and Truck Car Club. I am proud to say that I am the founder of the Club. We have wonderful people who are members of this Long Island-based organization.This Club produces one of the largest car shows in the Northeast. We will be having our Third annual show this September, Sunday of Labor day weekend in West Islip, New York. This show is a fundraiser for education. This show is known as the "Blast from the Past." We have live entertainment all day long -- '50's music, doowop, live on stage. Fun stuff for the family and kids as well. Cash giveaways. This is one of the things we can do with our wonderful toys and share them with others.

           I have been a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Long Island, New York since I was 17 years old. I am 53 now. My son is a volunteer as well (he is 20 years old). I have seen most of what is horrible for one person can imagine in one lifetime. And I have seen some amazing things as well. I am a 26 year career employee of Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services -- this my paid job. I will be retiring this year so I can spend more time with my many classic cars!

           If you have any questions, you can email me.

Thank You

Raymond Rendina
"Rayr1953"
Bolter # 14261
Long Island, New York

           Good luck with the retirement Ray. I am sure after the year's you've had, you will certainly get the best out of it! ~~ Editor