An alternate last year, Randy Swartz and his Chevy shortbed were selected by you, dear readers, as-yep-an alternate again this year. Fortunately for him, one of our top 10 finalists was forced to cancel at the last minute, and Randy got the call to scrap with the big dogs at TTC XVI. He ran a few of the obstacles for fun last year-would that give him an advantage over the other competitors? Check out our event coverage in next month's issue to find out.
Specifications
Owner name/city: Randy Swartz/Azusa, CA
Occupation: Entrepreneur/owner, Randy's Off Road
Vehicle model: 1977 Chevy shortbed
Estimated value: $40,000
Engine/aspiration: 540ci Merlin V-8, bored and stroked; JD pistons, Merlin heads .578/332 roller cam, Edelbrock intake, Hedman exhaust; balanced and blueprinted
Transmission: SM465
Transfer case: NP205
Suspension (f/r): "Super long" leaf springs, Sway-A-Way shocks/Leaf springs, Sway-A-Way shocks
Axles (f/r): Super Dana 60, limited-slip/GM 14-bolt, Detroit Locker; hydro-assist steering, rear disc brakes
Axle ratio: 5.38:1
Wheels: 15x14 Weld alloys
Tires: 49-inch IROKs
For a truck that sees a lot of Azusa mud, Randy's interior is fairly clean and largely stock-note the old-school HVAC controls-with Summit Racing gauges and a Grant GT wheel the most noticeable mods. The owner-fabbed in-cab cage, along with five-point harnesses, provides Randy with an added measure of safety, while the headphones on the dash-well, if you'd listened to the Merlin underhood, you'd understand why they're there.