Raybestos 1953 Chevy restomod to be given away after North American tour

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Updated Jun 9, 2018
Raybestos 1953 Chevy Pickup
Raybestos 1953 Chevy Pickup Revealed (PRNewsfoto/Raybestos)

If you’re a fan of restomod pickups then take a few minutes to check out the Raybestos 1953 Chevy pickup.

Schwartz Performance in Woodstock, Ill. worked hard to transform an old 3600 workhorse into an impressive, head-turning truck that’s got power to spare.

Under the hood is a 2017 LT-series 5.3-liter V8 that’s been paired up with a T56 Magnum six-speed manual. Schwartz Performance founder Jeff Schwartz said the truck tops out at 425 horses. That’s a big step up from the truck’s original 85-hp 216 cu. in. engine.

Of course, power doesn’t mean much unless it’s got a solid foundation. In this case, Schwartz opted for his tried and true bolt-in G-Machine chassis with optional center bracing.

Other specs, photos and a video are posted below. More photos and videos detailing the build from start to finish are available at raybestosbuild.com.

The truck is also currently on a North American tour which will conclude at the Automotive Aftermarket Products Expo this October in Las Vegas. There Raybestos plans on giving the truck away to a lucky auto professional at the show.

Frame & Suspension

  • Schwartz Performance bolt-in G-Machine chassis with optional center bracing
  • Ridetech single-adjustable coilovers
  • Unisteer/Maval power steering rack
  • Raybestos front & rear brake system- 14” Advanced Technology rotors, 4-piston HD calipers, and Raybestos Truck brake pads

Engine

  • 2017 Gen V LT-based L83 5.3L engine
  • Chevrolet Performance LT1 harness & ECU, custom tuned by Late Model Throttle
  • Dirty Dingo custom front serpentine drive system w/Maval power steering pump & Sanden AC compressor
  • Modified LS7 Z28 exhaust manifolds to fit LT heads
  • Custom 2.5″ stainless steel exhaust, mandrel bent & TIG welded, with Magnaflow mufflers & SLP resonators

Drivetrain

  • T56 Magnum 6-speed, clutch kit & slave cylinder, by American Powertrain
  • Custom steel driveshaft
  • Moser steel 9″ rear end housing w/Torino bearing ends
  • Moser 31 spline axles
  • Moser 9” third member, 31 spline axles, TrueTrac differential, 3.70 gear

Wheels & Tires

  • Forgeline ML3C 3-piece Forged wheels, 18×9 front, 18×12 rear, finished in transparent smoke with a polished lip
  • BFG Rival S tires, 275/35/18 front, 335/30/18 rear

Paint and Body

  • Original cab, minor rust repair by Schwartz Performance
  • New sheet metal & trim components by Dynacorn International
  • PPG primer & paint materials
  • Color: Light Toreador Metallic, material by PPG & The Color Shoppe
  • Bodywork & paint by Schwartz Performance

Interior

  • TMI Products full interior kit: Bench seat, carpet, door panels, and 2pc headliner
  • HushMat sound deadener applied throughout entire cab
  • Flaming River steering column, Waterfall steering wheel & billet hub adapter
  • com retractable 2-point seat belts
  • CRUNCH Audio 8″ subwoofer, 4-channel 1400w amp, and 5.25 / 6.5 inch 3-way speakers
  • Bodywork & paint by Schwartz Performance

Other Features

  • Bolt-in BeCool aluminum radiator w/electric fan
  • Dakota Digital HDX gauges- custom with Raybestos & Schwartz Performance logos
  • Vintage Air Mini A/C system & vents
  • Rock Valley stainless fuel tank with internal LT1 Camaro EFI pump
  • Optima YellowTop battery
  • MechanixWear gloves to get the job done
It all started with this, and then one year later…It all started with this, and then one year later…

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