Flashback Feature: A 1951 Chevy Bomb Reimagined

Juan Trevino . January 23, 2026 . Features . TIM SUTTON

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A Modernized Bomb-Style ’51 Chevy

Classic trucks with modern amenities have been built for decades, but it’s not something that’s commonly seen in the lowrider bomb scene. Customizers who build ’20s through mid-’50s bombs don’t usually go beyond keeping everything stock except for a few accessories gleaned from the rare and hard- to-ﬁnd factory options, and of course, a low and slow stance.

Michael Hurtado wanted to join the ranks of the few who have broken away from the norm with his ’51 Chevy 3100 custom cab truck. Michael’s long been a fan of vintage trucks that look original on the outside but sport late-model engines under the hood and modern suspension and brakes under the body. So when he acquired the ’51 from the original owner, he began the build with that concept in mind.

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ONE COOL CUSTOM FEATURE ON THE EXTERIOR IS THE WOOD BED STAKES THAT MICHAEL DESIGNED HIMSELF AND HAD A FRIEND BUILD”

First, he took the truck over to The Bagman in Anaheim, California, for a complete suspension overhaul that consisted of a Mustang II front clip with tubular control arms, drop spindles, airbags and Baer disc brakes. Out back, Ponch from The Bagman installed a custom 4-link setup with airbags, and he also C-notched the frame so the truck could lay running boards front to rear. The rearend also got a set of Baer brakes and a power brake booster. To complete the now airbagged suspension, a two-compressor and single-tank setup was installed with remote control operation. The Bagman also took care of the steering with a tilt column, and the crew rewired the entire truck.

Michael installed a set of factory 16-inch powder-coated wheels with ’48 Chevy hubcaps and Firestone 600.16 whitewalls. For power, he installed a GM crate 350 Chevy with factory A/C. It’s topped with an Edelbrock manifold and carburetor. The transmission is a factory 350 from a 1970 Chevy Camaro controlled by a transmounted Lokar shifter. His exhaust is a complete stainless steel setup with factory mufflers to keep things quiet while he cruises the boulevard.

Next, it was time to get the body nice and straight and sealed in a beautiful taupe color. For that he took the truck over to Louie in Santa Fe Springs, California. Louie used PPG paint inside out for a slick taupe ﬁnish. Then, Danny A. was brought in to handle pinstriping, ﬁnish off the Chevrolet letters and write the truck’s name on the tailgate. The truck’s next trip was to East L.A. where Olympic Top Shop is located. There, master upholsterer Chano laid down German tweed carpet and covered the entire cab in mohair, except for the rare headliner, which was covered in wool. Michael installed a custom Koch steering wheel that ﬁts in perfectly.

Now Michael could take his truck back to his hometown of Whittier, California, and begin accessorizing it for the true Bomb look. While the truck was at various shops getting work done, Michael and his friends and fellow Bomb Club car club members were at the Pomona Swap Meet scavenging for rare parts. It’s there that he found the rare deluxe stainless steel trim that’s on the truck’s exterior. The fender trim is an original option for the Carryalls and adds a cool OG look. The front bumper has a factory GM cattle guard as well as factory fog lights. The rear bumper features optional bumper guards, and a GM sun visor is located over windshield. Inside, Michael installed many factory GM accessories like a compass and a radio, along with chrome trim options. One cool custom feature on the exterior is the wood bed stakes that Michael designed himself and had a friend build.

Michael says that he’s thankful for his wife Patty’s help with the build, and now that it’s ﬁnally complete the couple can get down to business and really enjoy the truck. ST