AT 7:00 AM THE TRUCK DRIVER SHOWS UP:

Of course, you already knew what happened, right? I simply could not sleep the night before; I got absolutely “ZERO” sleep due to the overwhelming anticipation of finally receiving my beloved 1956 Chevy 3100 Pick Up Truck.

As many of you might already know, I have been struggling with sleeping issues ever since July 1st, which was the date of my open heart surgery. In the hours leading up to its delivery, I made several attempts to fall asleep, but it proved far too difficult for me. Instead, I found myself pacing the floor anxiously until 6:30 AM.

I was, without a doubt, an excited wreck at best.

THE TRUCK CAME OFF THE TRUCK AND IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL:

As the driver carefully backed my brand-new truck off the delivery vehicle, shipped all the way from Chicago, IL; I heard the engine roar for the very first time, and it sounded incredibly “MEAN.”

Once the truck was fully unloaded, I couldn’t wait to sit inside and experience what so many others felt back in 1956 when they first got behind the wheel of their own trucks. This vehicle is built almost entirely out of solid steel, most likely sourced from Detroit, the heart of the American automotive industry.

Back then, owning a car meant having something truly rugged and durable, no plastic parts, no sub-frames, and definitely none of the hundreds of sensors common in today’s vehicles.

These classic trucks were made up of just three main components: the motor, transmission, and rear end. Besides the uniquely moving windshield wipers operated from inside, there weren’t many moving parts to worry about.

The glass is all original factory-installed and incredibly strong, a testament to the quality craftsmanship of that era.

I must admit, I felt like a young man again, as if a true “Muscle Car” from the 50’s had arrived right before me. Now, it’s time to make more serious modifications to restore it to its original true glory while also adding a sleek “Restomod” look and feel.

My goal is to ensure it launches like a rocket the very moment I put my foot down on the gas pedal, accelerating smoothly and powerfully, driving it as if it were a modern race car from the past. This vehicle is thoughtfully upgraded with all the latest braking systems for safety, advanced air conditioning for comfort, and a state-of-the-art automatic transmission for seamless shifting.

I’ve also added some stylish bling and sleek black accents to the engine compartment, enhancing both performance and aesthetics. Finally, it features an amazing custom wrap showcasing a “Batman Exterior” paired with a striking Gotham City-themed interior, designed to display its full glory, authenticity, and unique character.

This combination of classic style and cutting-edge performance promises an exhilarating experience every time I hit the road.

THE REAR END / 4-LINK SUSPENSION / 427 STROKER MOTOR:

One of the primary reasons I decided to purchase this truck was because it already came equipped with an outstanding suspension system. This is a crucial factor to consider when you are about to restore or modify a classic vehicle, failing to think ahead can easily end up costing you thousands of dollars in your restoration process.

In my case, the truck features the classic Ford 9 inch rear end that has been carefully shortened, paired with a reliable positraction differential and a set of 3.55 racing gears, which together provide excellent performance and long-lasting durability.

Then, I acquired this vehicle with a freshly built 396 motor that has been upgraded with a 427 crank, effectively making it a true “Stroker Motor.” This means that the engine is capable of delivering approximately 600+ horsepower directly to the wheels, especially because it is equipped with a high-performance “Holly Sniper EFI system,” which ensures consistent and reliable “all the time” performance under various driving conditions.

Lastly, it came equipped with a Hurst 4-speed manual transmission, which I plan to remove because I want to install a “Transgo” 4-speed overdrive racing transmission complete with a shift kit. This upgrade will ensure that she launches like a rocket every time and cruises down the PCH with effortless smoothness and power.

The Exhaust system is a three-inch tube setup that will be modified to quiet her down a little.

THE ORIGINAL SIX INCH HULA GIRL FROM 1950:

The six-inch hula girl dashboard doll (or "nodder") was invented and gained widespread popularity in the 1950s as a quintessential souvenir for tourists visiting Hawaii. 

Origins and Popularity

• Wartime Influence: The influx of American soldiers and sailors into Hawaii during and immediately after World War II contributed to the dolls' popularity, as servicemen brought them back to the mainland United States as souvenirs.

• The 1950s Boom: The post-war economic boom and the rise of commercial air travel made Hawaii more accessible to the average American, leading to a surge in tourism. To meet demand, manufacturers in the 1950s began producing the dolls in a more durable and affordable form, typically made of plastic or poly-resin, often in Japan.

• Dashboard Nodders: The dolls were specifically designed for car dashboards with the addition of a spring at the waist (allowing the characteristic hip-swaying motion, or "nodding") and, originally, a magnet in the base to attach them securely to the metal dashboards common in cars of the era. Modern versions use double-sided tape or solar power for movement. 

Cultural Significance

The six-inch hula girl became a major part of American pop culture, symbolizing the "aloha spirit," a carefree tropical lifestyle, and the mid-century "Tiki" movement. California surfers and beach-goers were early adopters, further cementing the doll's status as a cultural icon. 

The doll is more than a trinket; it is a lasting memento of the Hawaiian experience for travelers and a fun, nostalgic accessory that endures today.

YES!! … I do have one, which will be carefully installed right on the dashboard in the center of the truck. This will serve as the perfect finishing touch to complete the overall look once the wrap has been fully applied.

THE WRAP CONCEPT OF MY BAT TRUCK:

You know, I could have simply painted it like everyone else, spending a typical $10,000.00 on a standard job. But then I thought, why not make it something truly unique, a one-of-a-kind, standout truck that reflects a bold personality.

After exploring what felt like a trillion different truck designs and concepts, I finally came up with an original "Truck Wrap Concept" that’s truly unmatched.

To your left, you’ll see an incredible wrap on a BMW, which really caught my eye. I love it because it masterfully blends a deep, killer black color melted seamlessly with vibrant sun yellow tones. I’m even considering adding a splash of orange to elevate the look and give it that extra wow factor.

So, if you can envision my truck wrapped in a similarly striking concept, then you are imagining exactly what I have planned.

On the tailgate, it will boldly say “I’m Batman” with a ghostly outer glow effect to make it pop at night. Inside the truck, the theme continues with a full wrap of the iconic City of Gotham.

The ceiling will showcase Gotham’s skyline at its tallest points, while the sides will feature its famous bridges, towering buildings, and maybe even some subtle references to legendary villains like The Joker, The Riddler, Mr. Freeze, Catwoman, The Penguin, and some of their notorious henchmen.

This detailed and artistic concept will make my truck not just a vehicle, but a rolling piece of art and storytelling.

All of this, combined with my right “Batman” themed sleeve on my arm, is shaping up to be something truly special. Well, I can confidently say it is going to be absolutely BATLICIOUS!!!

I can’t wait to dive in and finish it up. My best guess is that it’s going to cost me another $15,000 to $20,000 to complete the project.

But hey, it’s only money, right? You only live once, after all.

That’s why I’m determined to create a truly one-of-a-kind, Batman-themed 1956 Chevy 3100 Truck that will stand out and capture everyone’s attention.

Lastly, I’m really eager to find a Batmaan-style steering wheel to truly complete this concept truck, wouldn’t that just be the cherry on top of the cake? Alternatively, a Hula Girl could work just as well.

Either way, the final touch will firmly represent DC Comics in style, and the truck will remain period correct while incorporating a bit of Christopher Moss’s unique influence into the design.

GET YOUR FEET WET AND EXPLOER LIFE BEFORE IT’S GONE:

Here’s a deep, philosophical, poetic version of what i mean.

“Step into the waters of life while they still touch your feet.

Do not wait for perfect conditions or calmer tides, the shoreline is always shifting, and time is always receding.

Wade forward, explore boldly, and let the currents of experience shape you.

Life is not meant to be observed from a distance.

It is meant to be entered, felt, lived, and cherished before the tide pulls back for the final time.”

Most importantly, make sure to do it with the one you love and cherish the most!

~ Christopher Moss