If there was any doubt that a Chevy LUV pickup would respond well to substantial modifications, this custom creation on craigslist will likely settle any scores once and for all. Whether you like or not not is certainly up for discussion, but it’s hard to deny that level of effort that went into this build. The LUV features a Buick-sourced V6 motor along with a custom convertible top, among many, many tweaks. Find it here on craigslist for $8,750.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Miguel for the find. The LUV features the “California” stepside bed, and obviously custom taillights. The suspension has also been dropped a fair amount, and the hood now opens up via a clamshell-style design. The “Plum Crazy” paint job won’t be to everyone’s tastes, but it works well on a wild rig like this, in my opinion.
The work appears to be of a high quality, and be sure to check out the pictures of the custom oak floor in the bed if you want to salivate for a minute. The interior is also incredibly nice, with a one-off gauge cluster and freshly reupholstered seats with matching door panels. The steering wheel is aftermarket but works well in this cockpit; the convertible top folds down behind the seat when not in use.
Engine-wise, the LUV has been upgraded significantly. The Buick-derived V6 is paired to a 350 automatic transmission with 10 bolt rear end, and has less than 8,000 miles on it. Plenty of new parts were installed at the same time, including a new carburetor, HEI distributor, fuel pump, alternator, water pump, three-core radiator, and more. There has to be way more invested here than the $8,750 asking price suggests, so if you’re looking for a show truck, this LUV could warrant closer inspection.
If anyone loves this so much that they want to build their own, I have a set of those fenders. I bought them off a truck just like this 20 years ago for project that never happened.
Appears to be a very well done project. I like it and it seems like a fair price.
This one is nice and has a 350 V8, Turbo 400 and a narrowed 10 bolt rear end and is for sale for less money.
There was a company in SoCal back in the late 1970s that made convertible kits for minitrucks. I’ve got their brochure in my archives, having unsuccessfully quoted on supplying some of the metal components, back then.
Looks like a sano rig…
Will it be rigid enough with the roof removed? I like it though.
Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should do something.
Another wooden dashboard “applique” or pine board posing as burled walnut. At least it is not a carved totem like the dash we saw a year ago on some barn find. I like this conversion and, like Beatnik, I have all sorts of magazines from when the mini truck craze was in full swing showing the convertible conversions. Rigidity be damned! Only in sunny California.
I like the interior, it looks confortable, but I dislike the gauges.
I am with Jay Leno on this point when he says he likes the original dash so he knows what car he is driving at the time.
One-off gauge cluster? They all look “off”.
Sorry for the old dig up but,
I bought this truck, my family loves it, daily drove it all summer and just put it away for the winter months