Words by Pete Maio and photos by Chris Penree
Jim and Karen Mortis always had an affinity for cars that began with their purchase of a new ’59 Chevy Impala convertible. Over the years they’ve had a ’55 Ford Fairlane and a ’78 Corvette. They always enjoyed cruises and made friends with other car enthusiasts along the way. When they sold the Fairlane hardtop in 2000, it was with the intention of replacing it with a convertible, a classic they could cruise with and take to the car shows.
While on the hunt for a Fairlane convertible, Jim saw an ad for a ’49 Chevy pickup, a “project” truck that really sparked his interest. After talking to Karen (always the supportive partner), Jim followed up and answered the ad. What he found was a disassembled ’49 Chevy five window truck with a bed full of rusty parts. What he envisioned was a fully restored classic.
Jim was a plumber and accomplished carpenter by trade. This project would require learning a new array of skill sets and knowledge. Always determined, never deterred, Jim trailered the truck home.
While his initial aspiration was to restore the truck to its original glory his idea quickly changed as he envisioned a high-performance street-rod with a hot drivetrain, modern suspension, and luxury conveniences. And so it began; a three year rebuild and restoration project that would involve family, friends (both old and new), and fellow enthusiasts from his car club, the Tappet Twirlers, and others.
With the help of his sons, Randy, Brad and Todd, a frame off restoration began in 2000. Over the next three years the truck was reassembled to the exacting details Jim envisioned when he trailered the truck home. While Jim leaned on club members and friends who readily advised and assisted in the rebuild, his son Todd researched the technical aspects and was passionately drawn into the project.
A Mustang II front end from Fat Man Fabrication was installed and a 350 cubic inch crate engine was dropped in after being tweaked to produce 300 hp. A Turbo-350 automatic transmission was used and a posi-traction rear end from a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am completed the muscle. Sixteen-inch wheels and tires were installed along with 4-wheel disc brakes.
With the “mechanicals” complete, it was time to work on the modern conveniences. The interior was completely redone with the seats coming from a 2000 Chrysler Concorde. Air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, power windows and electronic door openers completed the luxury touches. Jim’s lifelong friend, Dick Bronson, milled cherry logs to provide the stunning truck bed. With a dazzling Indigo Blue paint job, the truck was ready to roll.
In 2004 Jim and Karen attended their first car show with the newly completed restomod. It was the Wampsville show where they took first place in their class. Since then, Jim has had numerous “wins” at a number of shows including Best of Show at the Mexico VFW Post 369 Auxiliary show in 2017. A proud Marine, Jim was the winner of the first annual Veterans Trophy awarded at the J/C Cruise-In Car Show at the Unadilla Drive-In.
Whenever they were awarded a trophy, Karen was as excited as if they had just won the Powerball lottery. She was Jim’s biggest fan. Sadly, Karen passed away in May of last year. Jim continues to compete at the shows with his friends as Karen would have wanted him to and he says the wins are now bittersweet as he is reminded of the excitement she had at winning and how much he misses her.
Sidebar: With a written and notarized letter from his mother, Jim was able to join the US Marine Corp in February of 1957 at the age of 17. He signed on for a six year obligation. He served aboard a US Navy ship, and made landings, engaging in military conflict in countries in the Middle East.
Note: This article appeared in the 2019 winter issue of Apex Automotive Magazine. All the featured rides in that issue were owned by vets. That issue was dedicated to all the veterans who served in the United States armed forces. Thank you for your service!…and God bless our vets!
(Article uploaded by Bob Sblendorio, March, 2025.)