When you write about hot rods for a living you have to guard against becoming jaded by all the outstanding cars you see literally by the thousands during a spring/summer car show season. I’ve found myself unable to remember a car that my buddies assure me was “awesome.” 
     But I remember the first time I saw Ron Cambrey’s 1932 Ford Extended Cab pickup.  It was two years ago at the Seaside Cruisers Father’s Day Show & Shine in Qualicum Beach, B.C. It rolled by me, a quicksilver dagger on wheels, and all I could utter was “Wow!.” No wonder the paint on Cambrey’s Deuce is called Reflex Silver — you can’t help but react to this truck.  From the stunning curves of the all-steel box and Lexan bed to the velocity stacks straining from the hood and tear-drop shaped hood sides — it’s clear the builder was considerably inspired by the owner’s vision.
     It’s hard to believe that Cambrey first approached Al Clark at Deuces Northwest in Victoria, B.C. with the idea of building a driver street rod. “I was never planning to take it as far as I did,” says Cambrey, an Assistant Ship Repair Superintendent with Victoria Shipyards. “But as the project evolved I just continued with some more ideas that came along and at the end of the day I had what I have now.”
     What he started with was a fibreglass Speedway Motors Extended Cab pickup and Westcott fibreglass glass fenders and a more-than 50 year relationship with Clark. “I’ve always respected his ability and skill as a hot rod builder,” says Cambrey. “When you want the best, you go to the best.”  Clark put his considerable talents to work first fabricating the chassis.
     He started with American Stamping ’32 Ford rails, boxed and lengthened by 12 inches. He then added round tubular crossmembers and drive shaft hoops. A 8” Maverick rear end was narrowed and mated to a custom DNW four link/sway bar setup. Aldan coilovers on Bellcrancks are positioned fore and aft. The rear brakes are Ford Crown Victoria units while up front stopping power is provided by Wilwood Disc brakes. The front suspension is a TCI independent system with Aldan Eagle coilovers and rack and pinion steering.
     When the frame was completed it was powdercoated for good looks and durability. The rolling stock is Billet Specialties Legacy wheels both front and back (14x6 up front, 15x10 out back) wrapped in B.F. Goodrich T/A Comp tires.  Cambrey built his own stainless steel fuel tank, which along with the chassis and rear suspension is visible through the pickup’s Lexan bed.
     The engine is a 2002 Ford Racing G.T. 40 crate engine — a DNW favourite — which displaces 302 cubic inches and puts out 345 hp. An Edelbrock RPM Performer intake and 650 cfm carburetor taking care of the breathing and drinking chores while the Hilborn style scoops and a K&N filter make sure clean air is getting to the engine. There are lots of chromed and polished goodies stuffed under the custom hood top, including a polished alternator (100 amp), Sunden A/C compressor with stainless steel hardlines, Ford racing valve covers, Sanderson block hugger headers, Flexlite fan and Walker Cobra radiator. A 2 1/2 inch stainless steel exhaust system and with 5” Megs Mufflers from Stainless Specialties take care of exhaust flow.
     While Clark started with a Speedway Motors fibreglass cab the rest of the body and box is pretty well custom, including the rolled rear pan, recesses license plate, custom hood tops and sides, custom steel running boards and aluminum box cover on gas struts. Cambrey chipped in when he couldon all of the above. The Brookville grille shell has also been dropped 1” while the insert is a Dan Fink unit. Clark is particular proud of the hood sides, though you don’t see them in the photos.
     “A considerable amount of work went into them,” says Clark. “A custom tear drop die was made to form tear drop scoops instead of louvers.”
     In the interior a Glide Engineering Seat was used and a custom package tray created that fits under the dash and houses the A/C and heater vent. All the electrical and a Panosonic AM/FM/CD stereo is mounted behind the seat in an enclosed panel. There are eight speakers placed throuhout the cab. Autometer Sport Comp gauges are set into a Wescott ’32 Ford dash and a Hurst shifter completes the interior, which is upholstered in grey Scottish leather by Davlin Upholstery. Grey wool carpet covers the floor. The truck also has power windows.
     When I asked Cambrey if he’s every had any “adventures” with the truck he had this to say.
     “Every time I drive the truck it’s an adventure. It’s truly a great ride to drive,” he says.  It’s not too bad to look at, either.