Was It Something I Said?

Hey, my parents had a 1970's Ford LTD station wagon with that fake wood paneling. I had some great times cruising in that behemoth.

Maybe in 1980 it was; then again, people thought fake wood pannelling on station wagons looked cool too.

My parents had a 81 Chevrolet Caprice wagon with wood paneling as well. I even inherited it later. Although it was on its last legs when I got it. I have fond memories of it as well, but it belongs to its time. Would you buy a modern station wagon with wood paneling? How about a Yugo? My point is times change. The stretched truck might of been cool. I personally don’t see the practicality of it. Coffin sleepers were once considered a luxury. It just happened to be 40+ years ago. Times change.

I love nice vehicles as well. Although I can appreciate the craftsmanship of the work done to stretched trucks, I for life of me understand the purpose. You take away from the handling and fuel economy for what? I have seen many beautiful trucks that are not stretched. I just don’t understand the reason to stretch a truck unless you plan of doing something with that space. It just seems such a waste of money and effort. I am a firm believer in functionality. I have seen a stretched Pete with a motorcycle lift on back. That was such an awesome thing to me. Guy had a nice HD sitting up there. I just don’t get doing it, with nothing gained. To me it looks silly. I’m sorry if my view offends. Form should enhance function.

To each their own...

There was a time when it was necessary. Stretched truck frames is a hold-over from the days of 40’/45’ trailers and greater legal gross weight. In order to comply with bridge laws (especially in western states; Cali), the frame was stretched to provide a greater distance between the axles.

Things are very different now. Although a stretched frame is no longer necessary, despite Patrick’s opinion, I think it looks very cool.

I know everybody had their own personal preferences, Then again I think a wood paneled dash looks gaudy. LoL

I love the walnut accents in my Heritage 567. The tan with the dark brown is beautiful together as an interior.

Something else I forgot to mention yesterday is with flatbed, a longer frame often comes in handy when hauling over length loads. Hanging the load off the front of the trailer with less off the rear can drastically change permit and travel requirements depending on which states you're running through. There's still practical applications even though most of it is for show.

Each their own. LoL

There's nothing like a snub nose with a long tail.

There's nothing like a snub nose with a long tail.

That's sharp. One of our local drivers is restoring an old cabover and adding some modern touches like air ride front axle to smooth out the ride along with the longer frame rails. The last time I talked to him he said it would be ready for spring.

There's nothing like a snub nose with a long tail.

Way cool! And likely has a walnut dash overlay surrounding the gauges.