Damsel in Distress: A Tribute to Family and Craftsmanship

Jose Acevedo Jr. . October 28, 2024 . Buyer’s Guides

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Rick Baker’s Bow to Grandfather’s Legacy

Every truck enthusiast dreams of having their ride featured in a magazine, and in this case, we have a 1977 Chevrolet Squarebody truck named “Damsel in Distress,” built and owned by Rick Baker from Hurley, Virginia. Rick had a special vision when it came to building this truck, especially since it was a Squarebody. He wanted to honor his grandfather’s legacy by creating a vehicle that was similar to the one passed down to him. To achieve this, Rick found a truck that was identical to the one his grandfather had given him and added his own unique twist to it.

Rick, fueled by his unwavering dedication and passion, embarked on a remarkable journey alongside his brother and wife. Their unwavering support and motivation served as the driving force behind Rick’s quest to construct the truck of his dreams.

The meticulous process began with the exterior of the vehicle, where Rick made a pivotal decision to preserve the original turquoise blue color that came from the factory. The truck’s enchanting patina, acquired over time, bestowed upon it an extra layer of character, making it truly one-of-a-kind. To further enhance its allure, Rick opted to incorporate a factory gold trim, adding a touch of uniqueness that elevated the truck to new heights.

The Damsel in Distress was purposefully built for driving pleasure, as Rick and his family thoroughly enjoy weekend cruises and embarking on cross-country trips to various shows across the United States.

The Damsel in Distress is a vehicle that features custom cut 22×9 front and 24×12 rear Intro Twisted Rally model wheels. To accommodate these wheels, it is equipped with front and rear slotted rotors and brakes by Wilwood. The front control arms have been custom made by Porterbuilt, which allow the vehicle to tuck and turn smoothly even when the truck is lowered to the floor.

The rear suspension includes a narrowed differential with a 2-piece Panhard style setup, which helps maintain stability and control. Additionally, the pick-up is equipped with air bags and an air management system provided by Airlift. This setup allows for adjustable suspension and enhanced ride comfort.

Beneath the hood, you will find a 5.3 LS engine paired with a fully built 4L60e transmission. In order to enhance the vehicle’s power output, Rick, the owner, sought the expertise of his friend Justin Vandyke. Justin is a skilled and experienced technician known for his mastery behind the keyboard, referring to his ability to tune and optimize engine performance using computer software.

To give the additional power it needed to confidently cruise down the interstate, Justin installed a custom cam package sourced from Texas Speed. This cam package includes a specially designed camshaft, as well as other components that work together to optimize the engine’s performance. With this upgrade, the vehicle’s power output is significantly increased, allowing for a thrilling and dynamic driving experience.

The interior of the Damsel in Distress predominantly consists of the original factory components, which can be quite challenging to maintain in today’s times. However, Rick is fortunate to have a supportive partner who encourages him to preserve the truck’s originality, as she takes great pride in it being “all hers” and insists on it being flawlessly maintained to her liking.

Although the truck may appear simple at first glance, Rick’s unparalleled attention to detail sets it apart from the rest. It is evident that he has invested considerable time and effort into ensuring every aspect of the truck is perfect. One notable detail is the bed floor, which Rick’s brother ingeniously suggested should be crafted from genuine hickory wood. To achieve this, they painstakingly completed the woodwork, including applying a glossy boat lust varnish, all within the confines of their own garage.

Another often overlooked detail is the front and rear bumpers, which Rick and his brother skillfully tucked away, giving the truck an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) appearance. This seamless integration of the bumpers adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

The Damsel in Distress was purposefully built for driving pleasure, as Rick and his family thoroughly enjoy weekend cruises and embarking on cross-country trips to various shows across the United States. Rick expresses his deep gratitude, stating, “It has always been a dream of mine to have my truck featured in a magazine, and I am truly honored!” His determination and unwavering commitment to his goal have made the dream a reality, and he looks forward to cherishing this creation with his family for many years to come.

Rick acknowledges that the realization of this project would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance of his brother, Johnny Baker, and his wife, Alyssa Baker. Additionally, Rick expresses his love for his two beautiful boys, Eli and Krvz (double check name?) Baker, who have been supportive throughout the journey.

The Damsel in Distress exemplifies the true essence of a purpose-built pickup truck that will be passed down to future generations, carrying on the legacy that Rick has meticulously crafted.