Bulk Transport Since 1950'
Custom Truck Builds  & Landscaping Yard

Len Jeffries' family approached Kuchel Custom Trucks to carry out a surprise restoration of the original Jeffries delivery truck. The build commenced at the end of 2022 and was to be completed in time for Len's Birthday on March 14 2023.

Since leaving the factory 64 years ago it was no surprise that the truck was no longer in show room condition, so a donor truck was sourced from Sutherlands SA by Rob McConnell. 

Everything from the exterior to interior was in poor shape and had to be completely dismantled ready for refurbishment. The tray sides were salvaged to ensure the sign writer could replicate the original text. Prior to disassembly, the engine was started and run, being that the engine appeared to be in sufficient running condition, the decision was made to give it a service, some gaskets and a coat of paint. 

The chassis was sandblasted and painted black. Driveline, suspension and body components were individually sand blasted, primed and painted prior to body work and re-fitment. The donor cabin was sandblasted and assessed, then panel work commenced. The donor cab was trial fitted to the original chassis and panels fitted for alignment prior to final body work and paint. 

The paint colour was custom mixed to match the original red of the delivery truck. With the final paint colour down, the truck began being reassembled and started to look like a 58 Chev Viking once again. All hands were on deck to complete the build with the deadline approaching.

The re-skinned and re-painted side boards were sent off to Brian Earl in Kadina SA, for signwriting - hand painted as per the original with skilled craftmanship. The bench seat cover was purchased from overseas with the trim taken care of by Steve Baum of Stateside Trim.

Then for the surprise! following instructions from his family to 'go get pizza' during his birthday celebration, Len was left speechless to find his good old truck as good as new parked in the driveway.

​​