Some of the facts of building the Prototype Southern 358:
- The Southern 358 was started off as a 1954 Chevrolet PU cab, with every thing being modified to get the look SMC was looking for.
- Cab was chopped 2"
- Cab was lengthened 5"
- Fenders modified, LH side with fuel filler door.
- Running boards modified and smoothed.
- Windshield was leaned back about 10°
- Bed was shortened 5" and raised about 2".
- Grille is based of a 1948 Chevrolet car
- The production Southern 358 will be built from new sheet metal thru out & new frame.
Note:
The pictures that follow are reference to building the prototype only.
All pictures are property of Carolina Rod Shop, Inc. & Southern Motor Company and are not to be used for any other purpose than viewing on this site. For use of any of these Photos you must have explicit permission from CRS, Inc. or Southern Motor Company.
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| Trying out grille designs | Starting to layout dash | |||
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| '48 Chevy car grille trial | Looks good to me.. | More gage layouts | Cab ready for body shop to be sealed | |
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| Testing bed & tailgate designs | Frame powder coated | LS engine installed into chassis | ||
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| Looking good... | Gas filler door added to fender | |||
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| In body shop for finishing & painting | ||||
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| Stainless Steel gas tank | Cab back from body shop with shiny new paint | |||
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| Assembly starts | ||||
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| More parts in from the body shop | ||||
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| A/C lines being installed | ||||
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| Interior starting to come together | More sheet metal installed |