There’s no doubt that, these days, almost any mid-Sixties and older car is being snapped up for some sort of hot rod or custom project. Times, they couldn’t be better. But what’s next? What’s the next generation of cars that we’ll turn our focus toward?

I submit that early to mid-Seventies pickup trucks could fit the bill. Think about it: those 35 year-old Ford, Chevy and Dodge full-size pickups are plentiful and can be snagged cheap. And, as Keith Tardel of Rex Rods says, “Everyone needs a truck.” Since the Fords were basically the same body style from ‘73 – ‘79, parts are WAY interchangeable and speaking of which, there are so many dang parts available for these old horses that you’ll actually enjoy sallying up to the parts counter at the local GoodLuckWithThatAutoPartsWarehouse.

As for some custom tricks, let’s think about the Outlaw Country movement of The Day for inspiration: I see rootbeer and gold metalflake panels, goldleaf scrolling in the corners, maybe a freakin’ mural on the roof – tasteful, of course. Forgotten custom wheels like Keystone Klassics, Gold Nuggets, Wagons, etc. can be plucked cheap and are oh-so appropriate. Interior? How ’bout some small diamond tuck ALL OVER the place, orange or red or blue rear window tint to match your paint scheme, throw in a vintage 8-track and CB complete with a Whipstinger antenna (found pretty cheap at swap meets and the eBay) and you’re set.

Point is, these trucks look great and even though they’re famous for rusting out in certain parts of the country, the aftermarket has you completely covered for restoring one. Good friend and hot rod prince, Darryl Roth, has been customizing these old boys at his venerable Western Auto in Bell, CA for years now and can help you with just about anything. Good luck and send pictures.