Words & Photos: Gary Rosier
Russ Stoiber and his wife “Cookie” have been blessed to have such a rock-solid marriage for nearly 30 years now. “Cookie,” as she is often referred to by friends and family alike, says that with over 20 years invested in this build by her husband, she could only say that it’s been a “Term of Endearment” throughout as Russ’s mission to complete this truck has ebbed and flowed over the last 20 years; she has supported and encouraged him throughout the build.
It’s never really done, he says, as it has led to other various projects within the build. You change one thing here and that leads to three other things there, he says with a chuckle. Never mind that it has also taken place recently with a 1,200 plus mile move from the snow country of Toledo, Ohio to Edgewater, Florida. While he will NEVER miss the snowfall associated with winter up north, exactly WHEN do you ever stop sweating down here, he wants to know?!
Russ built this whole truck from the ground up. His experience as a sheet-metal worker (welder/fabricator) for Local 6 (37 years) in Toledo, Ohio gave him the foundation to tackle such a project. The many years he campaigned a ’55 Sedan Delivery in its E-Modified drag racing days helped. Additionally, he worked part time for a custom Corvette Body shop (Pit Shop Body Shop – specializing in custom Corvettes) and at Simpson Chassis shop where they built midgets and drag cars of all sorts.
Purchased from the Detroit area over 20 years ago, it was originally a 1949 Chevy 3100 series 5 window pick-up. It was in need of some serious repair, so when you have such a passion for Corvettes, drag cars and racing with access to so many different pieces and parts gathered over the years, what’s a grown man to do? Unafraid of the challenge ahead, Russ dove right in. Little did he know it would take him 20 years to complete the task!
This ’49 Chevy is powered by a 383 cu in stroker engine with a 6-71 Weiand Blower and a Hilborn Fuel Injection set up (684 hp w/680ft lb torque!). Forged internals with such goodies as a Scat Crankshaft, Eagle rods, SRP Pistons (10:1), Dart Pro 1 heads, Lunati Roller cam and competition lifters, roller rockers and pushrods all blend together to make a very street-able package.
All that power is transmitted through a 700R4 TCI Trans and 2500 S/S Converter. Autometer gauges with a Pro Comp 10K tach keep an eye on the performance. A Denny’s 2 piece steel driveshaft and 12 bolt posi Chevy rear end with 3:73 gears get her down the road. 10 inch disc brakes all around (70 Camaro front clip) and coil-overs at all four corners rounds out some of the suspension goodies. Stock looking early GM (Vintique) slotted wheels (off-set 10 inches -rears) hold 31×18. Hoosier tires with 205/15x7R’s up front. 2-2100 cfm electric fans and a custom Saldana aluminum 18x38x4-inch radiator keep her plenty cool.
Corvette parts are everywhere on this build. From the ’53 headlights to the early Corvette dash, seats from an ’89 ‘Vette, ’68-’73 rear bumpers and even mid-year taillights too! Red Pass Interiors of Swanton, OH did the gorgeous Ostrich Saddle-Tan vinyl interior to perfection.
Note all the body work photos where you’ll see how it came together. A total of 4 doors were cut apart to make the rear two doors. A ’54 Windshield/cowl looked smoother (one piece glass) and Scott’s Custom glass was responsible for cutting down all the smoked and tinted windows. Custom made rear curved windows were formed with lexan for the corners. The bed is all hand made, covered too, and is fitted with custom battery access and fuel cell/pick-up doors.
It’s painted a Custom mix of Rust Red PPG basecoat/clearcoat with ’79 Corvette Frost Beige by Sampsel’s Paint and Body in Swanton, OH. Pin-stripping by Ray Smith accents it perfectly. A Vintage A/C system cools the occupants. A total wrap of all the 3 inch exhausts under the car with heat wrap helps particularly well in that department also.
It’s great to see such craftsmanship still exists, a no-fear mentality to create something that you’ve dreamed about and making it happen with your own two hands. Even more compelling is that this couple endured, they understood and encouraged each other to complete that dream and share in the passion of building such a cool truck. Many thanks also to so many friends and particularly his son Ryan. The terms are of endearment and encouragement; and the results are one COOL ’49 Chevy pickup!
