Keep on Truckin’

Looks do count. That is what drew Richard to the ‘58 Chevy Cameo Carrier pickup that his friend was restoring fifteen years ago. It had sleek lines from its fiberglass fenders that were unusual for a pickup of that era when all others were what are now known as “stepsides.” It was also the first year for dual headlights on Chevrolets. He told his friend that if it were ever for sale, he wanted it. His friend enjoyed restoring more than keeping and sold it to Richard. Since then, Richard did replace the original 283 CID engine and three-speed transmission with a 1964 327 CID engine and a three-speed transmission that has an overdrive. He also added an aluminum storage box in the bed mounted on stainless steel slides. He and his wife Pat needed that for the trip to Washington and two trips to Lake Havasu with fellow Roamin Angels. With no power steering or brakes and no air conditioning, it was not a luxury cruise. As Richard observed, “If they drove as nice as they looked, it would be fantastic. But it’s a truck and drives like one.” In this day of leather-seated, climate-controlled, premium-sound, power-everything trucks, it is easy to forget that “truck” used to be synonymous with “primitive” and “hard riding.” But Richard’s Cameo does look great.

Story & Photos by Roamin Angel Ron C. ©2007