@Storm 51, Your truck looks great. I love the combat rims. I think they make the M37 look meaner or tougher!
As for the craftsmanship. That is some really nice work. As a guy who does custom work (okay it's in leather) but as a guy who does custom work I understand if the customer wants X and you think X looks stupid and ruins the whole thing...you may try to talk them out of it but if they say I want X then you give them X and smile when they say it's wonderful. That's just good smart business and customer service. The owners wanted their vehicles that way and he delivered. I have no problem with that.
I have no problem with either vehicle other than the square headlights. I agree those just don't work for me.
I agree with you entirely! You guys in the restoration / custom business are in a profession where you have to walk a very fine line. You try to help the customer avoid some very stupid and painful mistakes and you may provoke anger and resentment. If you don't say something you get blamed when it turns out ugly and stupid. You guys must have the patience of Saints and the political skills of Satan himself.
Thank you for the compliments on my truck, I truly appreciate it. In truth those compliments belong to Gary not me; he did the work. As for the combat wheels, I don't know about making the truck look "meaner" but they certainly give it an older, heavier, "riveted" look. The "when in doubt, make it stout" school of engineering.
The blue truck is attractive in its own way. Not to my taste, but it has its place.
I'm always very hesitant to second guess or modify a design engineer's work. I always assume he has probably considered my "improvements" and has rejected them because he has more data than I do and can spot their weaknesses. I feel like I would be acting very arrogantly in modifying his designs.
I tend to stick pretty close to strictly stock or proven modifications.
Storm 51