Who wants to waste their time building a dumb ol' Jeep or Ford when you can have a rig that's different from anyone else's? The one-percenters, that's who-those intrepid 'wheelers who march to their own drummer. They may be a dying breed these days-we really don't get many submissions like these anymore-but there'll always be space in these pages for those of you who dare to boldly go where no 'wheeler has gone before. And probably for good reason, but hey, we like a challenge too.
Anonymous 4x4
Owner/Hometown: Ann O'Nymous of Anytown, U.S.A.
What it is: 1973 Chevy El Camino
The dirt: When the spec sheet reads "Paint: Olympic White Code 90-DDL-8217, '59 Cadillac," you know you're dealing with a serious modifier. This rig's spec sheet ran four full pages, but since space is short, here are the highlights: '73 El Camino, Z/Z4 crate V-8, TH350, 205 transfer case, 44 front and full-floater 14-bolt rear running Spicer 'joints, Truetracs, Warn shafts and 4.11:1s, 6-inch Rancho springs and 9000 shocks, 4-inch body lift, 35x12.50 Goodyears on 15x10 U.S. Wheels, custom rollbar, Garmin GPS, Hella and KC lights, front and rear monitor cams, and an 8-ton Warn hydraulic tucked back between the 'rails.
Oh, and ...: This meticulous owner only forgot to send us two significant facts: Name and Address.
Six-Wheeled Isuzu Buggy?
Owner/Hometown: Gerry Culleny/Arcadia, Florida
What it is: Originally a 1984 Isuzu truck
The dirt: The letter that accompanied Gerry's rig pic claims it "started life as an '84 Isuzu truck." OK, we've bought Florida real estate before, so we read on: "The motor is still turning the original four-cylinder diesel, but the buggy frame and body were fabricated at Turner Custom Welding." Hmm, whatever you wanna call it, the rig sports Ford running gear, a Dodge transfer case (all unspecified), six-wheel drive, and 35-inch Dunlop Mud Rovers. The body, frame, and wheels have all been powdercoated, and the buggy's stereo utilizes marine speakers.
Oh, and ...: There's also an (obviously well hidden) "10-ton MileMarker winch up front" for getting unstuck from the bogs around his hometown.
Kruisin' Kali K-5 Kamaro
Owner/Hometown: Scott Dittmer/Temecula, California
What it is: 1967 Chevy Camaro
The dirt: Normally, we snicker when we see rigs like this in our mailbox, but Scott's K5/Camaro hybrid actually has us drooling with envy. Maybe it's that sparkling body (the car we always wanted when we were pups), or the balanced and blueprinted 468 Chevy V-8 underhood, or the no-doubt-well-cared-for 700R4, 203 transfer case, and 3.73:1-geared Dana 44 front and 12-bolt rear axles.
Oh, and ...: Scott didn't tell us the size of the tires and wheels sitting under his spring-over suspension, so we guess we'll have to mosey on down one day to Scott's business-Precision Alignment and Brake in Temecula-and have a gander for ourselves.
From the Pacific Theater to Joe's Ranch
Owner/Hometown: Joe Paul/Adin, California
What it is: 1941 Dodge WC 1/2-ton
The dirt: Joe notes that his WC is a "complete body-off resto," though we'd imagine the 400ci Chevy small-block and 600-cfm Edelbrock carb weren't in wide use back in '41, and the TH350 tranny would have likewise been rather scarce. The transfer case and axles remain stock, though hydraulic steering has been added for aid in steering the OE 7.50-16 rolling stock.
Oh, and ...: We really like the trick forklift behind the vinyl/cloth seats (from an early-'80s Wagoneer, maybe?), which Joe says "is very useful on my ranch."