Too Shy

Photos by Elliot GilbertA professional machinist by trade, Armando Fernandez appreciates precision workmanship and quality craftsmanship. You can tell that just by taking a look at Armando's beautiful candy red '71 Chevy Cheyenne stepside pickup truck, which was cleanly customized from the chrome bar grille to the tailgate. The 41-year-old resident of Bellflower, California, flies the Los Angeles Car Club plaque in "Too Shy" (as the truck is called), and with a club of that lofty reputation, you know that there would be a serious emphasis on quality with this '71 Chevy.

Some big names familiar to Lowrider Magazine readers were involved with this three-year-long pickup project, including Javier Gomez AKA "Mexico" of Mexico Auto Center in La Puente, California, who strengthened the suspension of this air bagged Cheyenne, as well as doing a bang-up job on the body and red candy paint with flakes. Pro pinstriper Mike Lamberson of Ontario, California, added some fine scroll and stripe accents, while Los Angeles C.C.'s in-house muralist "Fonzy" airbrushed a pair of beautiful bikini babes on the stepside panels.

Of course, there's a lot more to Too Shy than meets the eye, as more top talent was involved under the hood and inside of the cab. Adam Trejo of Montebello, California, rebuilt and chromed out the original 350-c.i.d. V-8 Chevy engine. And how about the job that Roberto Aguilera of Santa Ana, California, did on the velour upholstery? A chrome-plated dashboard, LeCarra steering wheel, Toshiba cassette player and Chevy "bowtie" rear-view mirror put even more fun in this super '71.

Details are vital to any show-quality vehicle, and Armando's wild Cheyenne is no exception. All of the chrome-plated pieces found here and there on the truck were dipped by "Chico" at M&M in Gardena, California. Speaking of chrome, Armando chose to roll on all-chrome OG Wire wheels with color-coordinated spokes. And then there's the wooden truck bed handcrafted by the owner.

As talented as he may be, Armando knows that he couldn't have delivered the goods without some assistance. "I just want to thank my wife and family for their support in building my truck," says Armando. He also acknowledges his fellow Los Angeles C.C. members and all of the talented individuals who helped turn Too Shy into the stand-out it is on the Southern California show circuit, including Lowrider Magazine Tour shows where Armando has made numerous trips to the winner's circle. Obviously, Too Shy is none too timid around the competition.