Words & Photos: Gary Rosier
There's an old adage, that comparing like but different things is like comparing apples to oranges, which started way back in the 1600's (according to Wikepedia). That phrase applies today with Don Larson of Port Orange, Fl and this 1940 Ford All-Steel Pick-up. Don didn't build this car, but wanted to give credit to Robert Hunter of Cocoa Beach, who did build it a short time ago.
Always interested in cars since he was a young man, Don had attended many Indy 500's (13 of them!) and over the years owned many different cars in the heyday of the 60's - muscle cars, hot rods, classics of all types. These included a 1949 Olds, '34 Ford 3 window, '53 Olds, '55 Olds, '62 Olds Starfire, '66 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 421 and 4-speed and three deuces (Wow! He wishes he still had that one!). Also, many a Corvette filled the garage, at one point including a '64, '66 (a 427!), and a '68 427 also. That '64 Corvette was his favorite, he says, because it was so reliable. "Only" a 327, but it was his favorite and most dependable Corvette and never gave him any trouble.
Don worked all his life in Indiana, but upon retiring from AT&T after 34 years, he decided a warmer climate was what he was seeking and relocated to sunny Florida in 1990. His dad always took good care of his cars, he said, and this is why he is so particular about his stable of cars now (a 95 Mustang GT Convertible with 31k, a 68 GTX Mopar, and the 40 Ford). The '40 Ford, he said, just appealed to him because it had the 350/350 combo (Corvette motor), and was all steel and modern components that spelled a dependable, comfortable and trouble free ride. A full complement of Auto-Meter gauges keeps track of all the vitals. It has the Mustang II Suspension and rack and pinion steering with discs up front as is so common on most of today's street rods. A Ford 8 3/4 Rear end with gears of 3:00 ratio keeps it in the "cruising" range and economical.
The motor was taken from an '85 Corvette with only 19k miles on it. Go goodies were added to the tune of an Eldebrock manifold, 600 carb and aftermarket headers. For comfort, a Cadillac Escalade rear bench seat was utilized. Oak was used for the bed and stained, which sets it off nicely. American Racing 'Cragar' wheels (15in) all around adds to that '60's theme. It was painted a very '60's GM Color called Hugger Orange.
It's certainly a lot of "Apples and Oranges," but also a perfect blend of new and old, aftermarket and stock pieces, and as dependable and fun as anyone would like to own. His wife of 30 years, Cathy, loves the ride, the comfortable sit, leather and roomy interior. Apples and Oranges perhaps, but it's a great mix and one sweet-delicious ride for sure!
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