By Rob Fortier – Images by NotStock Photography
With notable builds, such as his 1970 Blazer “Charlie Brown,” the “Grinch” 1964 C10, and most recently featured in CTP as the inaugural Triple Crown of Rodding’s Truck of the Year 1977-87, his 1979 unibody “Lolita,” when Ricky Holly says he’s putting together a weekend cruiser, well, as you can see, he really doesn’t cut any corners!
Finished in March of last year, Ricky’s 1977 Chevy Scottsdale, which he’s given the name “Stella,” may not have the multitude of custom mods we’re used to seeing with his builds—heck, this one still rides on an OE frame—it is by no means simply a mild cruiser.
To start things off, Chassis Fab in Ricky’s hometown of Houston, took his stock Scottsdale platform and updated it with tubular control arms and a four-link out, each corner fit with QA1 coilovers and Wilwood six-piston discs (now semi-concealed by a quartet of Hot Rods By Boyd Signature Series in 22/24-inch variety). Rather than go the usual LS route, Ricky opted to retain the stock small-block 350 paired with its Turbo 350 mate—carbureted, bits of chrome and polish, and many of the original parts—surrounded by a set of Slosh Tubz inner fenders, custom firewall panels, and a set of CVF billet hood hinges. Underhood detailing is top notch for a basic weekend cruiser, if we don’t say so ourselves!
For the exterior, Ricky turned to his team at Alamo Customs in Alvin, just south of Houston toward the newly named Gulf. While mostly stock in appearance, from the trim to the grille and everything between front and rear bumpers (excluding the United Pacific LED lighting), custom artistic license was taken with the bed treatment to accommodate the dropped suspension. The end result is a perfect combo of PPG copper and cream with tan trim inserts complemented by the mix of chrome and polish.
Finally, before Ricky could call his daily done, he made one last stop at his go-to interior guru, Chris Pate, and his team at Mobile Toys in College Station, Texas. Granted, MTI didn’t get all elaborate with 3-D printing and/or formed paneling, they did create a perfect complement to the exterior using a mixture of brown leather (over a Snowden bench seat), some OE components, and modern amenities, such as Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air, and a subtle JL Audio system (with wiring by LSX Performance).
To be quite honest, Ricky’s “weekend cruiser” is without question a dream truck for many of us—yes, us included! We can’t wait to see what he brings to the table next!
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
