There is nothing someone in the automotive industry loves more than seeing a vehicle rise from the ashes and become new again. The Scott Family 1942 Chevy Truck was purchased brand new by Richard Scott's grandfather. Richard and his two sisters learned to drive in the family Chevy and spent its life on their ranch off of 620 in Austin, Texas. In the picture below, Richard's grandfather proudly displays his new truck in front of his service station off of Burnet Road. The Scott Family pickup always stayed in the family, even being restored to its original glory in the 1980's.
When a family works to keep a vehicle for the next generation, one way or another life tends to get into the way. Despite the vehicle being restored only a few decades back, this project was brought to us here at Murpho's Rods and Customs in 2019 for an overhaul. The Scotts were looking to upgrade to a modern drivetrain, suspension, shiny new paint and everything in between. The goal was to keep the truck stock looking but enhance it with modern driving capabilities.
The truck needed a lot of TLC once it arrived here at Murpho's Rods and customs. Richard wanted to keep every part of the car original if possible, so our fabrication and paint team were tasked with a top to bottom restoration in order to bring this truck back to life. This frame off restoration included a new LS3 engine being installed, front disc brakes, and new Vintage Air A/C installed. In house painter Juan Bernal laid down a custom PPG color - a gorgeous forest green with a metallic finish. The interior was completed by Zach Black Customs, who laid down a cream color inside the cab. The chrome was completely refinished inside and out. New Diamond Back Whitewall tires dressed up with stock 42 center caps to complete the look.
Unfortunately, Richard Scott passed away before the build was completely finished. Richard was a regular here at the shop, stopping by to see the evolution of the build. When the special day came for the vehicle to go home, it was a mix of excitement and heartbreak for the family. Tami Scott, Richard's wife was gathered by family as she was able to lay eyes on the beautiful truck her husband wanted to bring back to life. Murpho's Rods and Customs was happy to put in the hard work to restore this family jewel. Not only was there sentimental value in this but historical as well with only a number of trucks being produced in 1942 before the US switched from a focus on manufacturing civilian vehicles to helping with military essential vehicles. Check out the full story on this build in Ol' Skool Rodz #117 or in motion on the official Murpho's Rods and Customs Youtube Channel below.