In March, 2012, my 56 Stepside "Lucille The Ferns WonderTruck" was in an accident. Well, I wouldn't actually call it an accident - a young lady ran into me. I was stopped at a stop sign and - just like in a slow motion movie - I watched helplessly as she turned a corner and plowed right into me. I was fine. Lucille was not. According to the Official Police Report (and I'm not making this up) "...Operator (name) related that she turned onto Park Row and got a frisbee stuck in the wheel... could not correct the turn and struck Bearfield's vehicle....she was cited..."
When it was clear that Lucille, was too far gone to repair her, I looked for a replacement. Mike, my good friend suggested that, instead of a pickup I ought to search for a panel truck. Mike even said that he'd help with a rebuild! Now, you have to understand that Mike is a craftsman and a winner of the prestigious Ridler Award so I had to take advantage of his generous offer! I looked for a 55 (2nd) or 56 Chevy Panel so I could take parts off of the pickup and easily reuse them (same model truck). I scoured the country and eventually found one with a decent body in Las Vegas. I went out to see her - did the deal and had her shipped back to Boston. I had decided that, because she's a Daily Driver, I'd spend a little more time on her and do a frame-off so she'd last longer. So, unlike the grey 'patina' of Lucille, Bella sports a two-tone paint job and graphics. After ONLY 100 days she was put on the road!
Lucille lives on because she became an organ donor... Bella (which is Italian for beautiful) has her engine, transmission, rear end and assorted other parts. Including her heart and soul. I then sold the remains of Lucille to a local craftsman who intends to use her as part of a 56 extended cab that he's building. These pics give a snapshot of the restoration that took place.
RIP Lucille. Welcome Bella!
Last edited by Larry Bear; 10/01/2019 6:55 PM.
