The Once-in-a-Lifetime Surprise Delivered Live on Camera
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Let's face it: teaching is a difficult profession. They are unquestionably an underestimated (and typically underpaid) section of our workforce, with an immense impact on people's lives. Shane Switzer, who is married to a teacher, understands how much dedication Tanya puts into her career...and their marriage. Shane saw an opportunity to offer his wife something unique that they could both enjoy on weekends while also showing his appreciation for all of her hard work. The delivery of this surprise, however, was not intended to end up on an episode of Counting Cars.
Shane discovered this 1950 Chevrolet 3100 Counting Cars, which was mostly stock but had been "upgraded" with an inappropriately placed Camaro subframe. In other words, because this so-called adjustment was too messed up to correct, the entire suspension needed to be overhauled. Shane had a buddy whose automobile had been customised by Count's Kustoms in Las Vegas, and he was quite impressed with their work. He asked Danny Koker about taking on the project after gathering some suggestions for potential adjustments. He managed to keep his wife in the dark about how long it was taking, how much money was needed, and the ultimate bombshell that presenting her the finished vehicle would be broadcast.
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| Counting Cars |
The old chassis Counting Cars was replaced with a dealership TCI one outfitted with a Ford 9-inch rear with 3.73 gears, coilovers, and front disc brakes. Shane already had an LS1 destined for another project that was rated at 550 horsepower and came with a 4L60E transmission. The engine has been somewhat detuned to make it more streetable, and it is equipped with a March Performance beltdrive system, Hooker headers, and a custom aluminium gas tank.
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| Counting Cars |
The inside of the 1950s Counting Cars was improved with a customised dash that was somewhat smoothed out and unnecessary elements filled in for a more streamlined design. It was outfitted with Auto Meter gauges, a Vintage Air A/C system, a Pioneer audio, and a Lokar shifter ornamented with a marble apple to honour the instructor who would be driving. The stock bench and door panels were restored in brown leather. Tuckers supplied a scaled-down aftermarket '55 steering wheel, which is mounted on an ididit column.
A significant amount of work was spent straightening that body, filling in exterior vents, the fuel tank filler, side vents, and smoothing everything out. A unique roll pan was installed in the back, which was filled in with Impala taillights. Shane got the idea for the paint after seeing a Toyota that appeared black from a distance but turned out to be dark blue when you got near enough. He knew his wife like blue, so he combined a special Nautical Blue with pearl to achieve a comparable aesthetic. The hardware for the bed was provided by Bed Wood and Parts, which was given extra clearcoats to intensify the effect of the grain and the strips were fastened from beneath to keep it looking smooth.
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| 1950 Chevrolet |
Shane and the video team surprised Tanya at work after roughly a year and a half of waiting. He drew her out of class to show her the completed result, and she burst into tears. If you haven't already, watch the episode online! The truck already won Participant's Pick at Counting Cars the Water Street Car Exhibition, the first show it attended, and we're confident it'll continue to make waves on the scene. We hope it inspires others to accomplish what they love...and to marry someone who appreciates it!
1950 Chevy 3100 Counting Cars
Chassis Frame: complete TCI unit
Ford 9-inch / 3.73:1 Rearend / Ratio
GM drum brakes at the rear
IFS front suspension
Front disc brakes: GM
Boss 18-inch front, 20-inch rear wheels
Dunlop Direzza 245/40R18 front, 245/40R20 rear tyres
Drivetrain
Engine: LS1 (2004 model)
Chevy intake / carburetor
Heads: Chevrolet
Ron Davis is the radiator.
Hooker Header
4L60E transmission
Lokar is a shifter with a unique apple handle.
Exhaust / Mufflers: 2.5-inch bespoke Flowmaster
Body
Vents and the gasoline filler have been filled in, and a unique roll pan has been installed.
stock hood
stock grille
Bed:
Count's Kustom did the bodywork and painting.
Custom nautical blue paint type / colour
Stock / Impala headlights and taillights
Interior
Dashboard has been updated.
Auto Meter gauges
Vintage Air conditioning with March Performance pulleys
Pioneer audio system
Tuckers shorter '55 steering wheel
ididit is the steering column.
Seats are in stock.
Leather / buckskin material / colour
Dark brown carpet
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