North Coast Ohio - June 2012
NORTH COAST PONTIAC CHAPTER (OHIO) – JUNE 2012
NCPC member Josh Kucia has always enjoyed searching for varied vehicles. Josh is a notable Craigslist ‘junkie’ and the Sunday of the 2009 Super Bowl was no different. He was looking for a truck that was sturdy enough to pull the family’s trailer which holds their classic cars and race car. He came across an ad that spiked his curiosity. The advertisement listed a 1997 GMC 3500 7.4 L, 5-speed, dually, crew cab, power windows/ locks, A/C, new tires, NO RUST (a Florida truck) with 82,000 actual miles. The dually was located in close-by Brunswick, OH. Upon first sight Josh knew the rust free dually had possibilities…so the C3500 found a new home in Josh’s driveway.
Significant changes were made. The utility bed came off and the restoration began. Because it was used as a work truck, there were numerous dents and scratches to be removed. The frame was prepped and repainted. Along with a rust-free 8-foot dually bed, also added was a new extra tall cowl inducted hood. The exterior was painted black with a base coat clear coat system. The crew cab’s burgundy interior was removed, detailed, and reinstalled plus new carpeting giving it a fresh new look. Josh added a few more finishing touches including new bumpers, grill, head lights, tail lights, custom exhaust, and gleaming new wheel liners and new tires for a smooth ride. Josh recently added new power side mirrors for towing.
Listed are additional statistics which include 454 MPI Vortec, V8 engine-290 HP @ 4000 RPM…410 lb.ft. @ 3200 RPM. Also a 5-speed NVG Manual Transmission – 14-Bolt rear-end and a ratio of 4:10.
The curb weight is approximately 7,000 pounds. The odometer now reads 89,000 miles. The fuel economy is as follows: Low 9 MPG with trailer…..High 9 MPG without trailer. LOL
Josh is happy with his decision to purchase the 1997 dually. The 3500/trailer combo gives a steady ride. It is an imposing vehicle on the road. This 1997 GMC C3500 dually is truly impressive as it cruises down the highway.
On August 12th North Coast Pontiac Chapter will be hosting the 15th Annual All Pontiac Benefit Car Show at Solon Commons in Solon, OH…This show will benefit Rett Syndrome Foundation. A flier can be found on our websites listed below.
We are also looking forward to our 2nd Annual Drag Day to be held at Thompson Drag Raceway on August 22nd .
Congratulations to club member Mike Giuliano who won First Place with his ’63 Grand Prix at the 21st Annual BOP Show.
For more information on the North Coast Pontiac Chapter of POCI, contact Carolyn Kucia, 127 Willard Avenue, Bedford, OH 44146, or email onecleannut@aol.com , or please check out our website at http://northcoastpontiacchapter.org & You can also search for North Coast Pontiac Club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/northcoastpontiacclub) .
Meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 PM at Jay Buick GMC, 18800 Rockside Road, Bedford, OH If you are in the area, please join us.
See Your Local Chapter Events
Our chapters often sponsor car shows and other events.