In the late 1980’s, when Susan Mizell was a teenager, her older sister bought a 1970 Chevy Pick-Up.  According to Susan, the two siblings would blast Def Leppard, hang out at the drive-in and cruise the streets of small town Booneville, Ark.  Susan says those are some of her most fond memories.

Now, about 20 years later, Susan finds herself cruisin’ in her own truck: a 1968 Chevy Pick-Up that her husband gave to her, on April 28, 2005, for her 30th birthday.  This truck is a little different than big sis’, though: it’s totally souped up and it’s no longer used for girls’ night out, but rather boy’s night out...with mom.

Susan is the proud mother of three boys, who she continues to impress with her Chevy.

Ten months of work went into making this truck extra special.  The following in an excerpt from StreetTrucksMag.com:

“To start the build right, Susan enlisted the help of Walt Solo, from SA.F Inc., in Mena, Ark.  Walt and his crew started by dismantling the entire truck.  With the bare frame in front of them, the suspension was thrown in the junk pile.  The front suspension was cut out and replaced with a Total Cost Involved Mustang 2 suspension setup.  The rear frame rails were c-notched and fitted with a 14-gallon fuel tank, then the entire frame was boxed in.  The truck gets its ups and downs, thanks to Air Ride Technologies air springs.  Susan chose Panther Juice 5, 20x9.5 inch wheels, all the way around with 245/35zR20 tires up front and 245/402R20 in the rear.  To add even more shine, Wilwood drilled and slotted rotors with chrome brake calipers were installed behind her 20s.

The rolling power in this ’68 comes from a Chevy 400 with GM tuned port injection.  The engine was treated to silver and yellow paint and a host of chrome to dress it up.  Wiseco tall chrome valve covers, chrome moon breathers, Vintage Air pulleys, all stainless hoses, Griffin aluminum overflow, and an aluminum radiator are just some of the bling under the hood. 

The engine also sports a COMP Cams camshaft, MSD ignition and a Stewart high-flow water pump.  A Corvette master cylinder helps supply juice to the Wilwood brake package.  Between the engine and the painted frame, is a set of Chassis Engineering motor mounts.  Taking a look at the engine compartment, you can’t help but notice the custom-built enclosure painted to match the truck.

The tranny comes in the form of a ’93 GM 700R4, thanks to Don Quinn of Mena.  From the tranny back to the stock 12-bolt rear end, is a custom drive shaft by Larry’s Drive shaft.  Street and Performance took care of the exhaust.

The truck started with the usual shaving, including door handles and tailgate.  California Style mirrors replaced the stock mirrors.  Susan wanted something a little different for the front end, so the crew at S.A.F decided on an accumulator-activated forward-opening hood.  The kit was supplied by Electric Life and installed by Dustin Jacques.  Susan’s choice of paint was PPG Vibrance O-So-Orange and Yellow.  Since she wanted something to break the two colors apart, a tribal design was drawn up and marbleized into the paint by the guys at S.A.F

…The interior is equipped with power windows and door locks, a custom-built console by S.A.F., Dakota Digital gauges, Billet Specialties steering wheel, a B&M street stick shifter and a LCD monitor dash.  The ’71 Subaru seats, headliner and door panels were covered in black ultra leather, and the carpet is bronze Daytona, while the rest of the insides are painted to match the outside….”

Since it’s first appearance, in late April of last year, Susan’s extraordinary custom has picked up about 20 awards, including a few for Best of Show and many for Best of Paint.  She hopes to get another prize at this weekend’s Roadrunners 10th Open Car Show in Greenwood, Ark; Susan also attends local Darryl Starbird shows.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin and excerpt from StreetTruckMag.com.