(eas § Dave Halliday Contributing Writer PICKUP trucks, espe- cially one-to ane aci.s, are a popular choice as a tow vehicle for fifth- wheel trailers. However, some motorists want to tow trailers coo large and heavy for a one-tonne pickup to handle safely. In the past, the choice to fill that void was often a medi- um-duty truck. Those units usually are a cab and chassis to which the vehicle owner must add a deck and fifth-wheel hitch. But they may have a suff ride and lack the space and fuxury in the cab that some buyers expect. That’s where the Everest tow vehicle could fill che bill. Composite Motor Works of Omaha, Neb., converts Ford F-450 and F-550 regu- lar.and crewcab Super Duty trucks into Everest tow vehi- cles by adding a fibreglass bed, hich package and a vari- ety of interior upgrades to the truck. “Everest was created to fill a niche market for customers who desire style, luxury’: and a whole lot of power,” the company says in a press release. The F-450 and F-550 have gross vehicle weights of 6,750 kilograms and 7,875 kg (17,500 Ib.), respectively. The gross combined weight rating is 11,700 kg (26,000 Ib. y with a maxi- mum cargo weight of 2,970 kg (6,600 lb.) and maximum hat load of 8,020 kg (17,820 The interior upgrades include new front seats to (15,000 pounds) . «© ° the fac- cat Tam. bar sunny orts, seat heaters, an Npine premitun cond avstem and aw. mayne global positiua- ing navigation system, rear seat entertainment system, exotic wood trim, monogrammed floor mats and a rear-mounted camera system. The — enter- tainment pack- age includes a 17-centimetre (64-inch) rea scat Monitor, an Alpine DVD player, a VCR and Nintendo video game sys- tem. The — enter- tainment com- ponents are built into a rear- facing console that mounts between the front seats, The pickup box is construct- ed with a built- in bed liner and features 1.25 cubic metres (42 cubic feet) of in- bed, lighted and weatherproof storage com- partments. The truck is equipped with 4,950-kg (11,000-Ib.) self- levelling computer controlled air suspension and stainless steel accessories such as exhaust, whecls and running boards. The F-450 and F-550 are available with cither a 6.8- litre V10 gasoline engine or a 7.3-litre V8 Powerstroke diesel. The trucks can be equipped with five- or six- speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions. Cs SEES Se es ee ee ee — ATTENTION! JEEP OWNERS Complete mechanical & electrical repairs by factory trained technician IMPEX AUTO 1166A West 14th Street Tel: $85-6237 (off Pemberton Ave.. entrance at rear) Visit our web site: wwrw.linpexauto.com V6, 4 speaker arvin cass stereo, ABS, drive select 4X4, 24 hour, roadside assistance rugged ladder box frame, Power steering, power door locks, power windows, power i Mirrors. City: 12.3L/100km (23mpg), highway : 9.7L/10Gln oe ~, ae < John McDonald, Composite’s vice-president of sales and marketing, said the company is set up to build 500 trucks a year, but could handle up to 1,000 units. He said there are two main groups interested in the truck: those who need it to pull a large recreational vehi- cle or heavy horse trailer and Works hasn’ Canada. However, those who want it because of its appearance. “They like it because it looks cool,” he said. So far, Composite Motor Canadians who want the Everest pickup could order it from their Ford dealers. verest pickup made for mountainous needs photo Composite Motor Works THE Everest conversion pickup uses a fibreglass bed and comes complete with fifth-wheel hitch and a variety of storage compartments. from che factory Composite then delivered to is completed. For more information, phone toll-free 1- 300-340- sold a truck in McDonald said works.com>. |Get Ready For Spring 77 | Earn & Win With Your Esso Extra Card | li Lube Oil & Filter: || Change with 56 Pt. it |; Car Care Inspection ; B § includes: Lubrication; up ta 5 Liters of Warranty J r] Approved Esso 10W30 Motor Oil; New Filter; i B, (Matric Sitters Extra); For Most Cars. Pricing May ai Vary on Luxury and D'ssef Equipped Vehicles. i a ij Ask tor Details. { i] I 99 ples i &oQ énvironmental i] charges and taxes.§ All offers expire April 15, 2000 i Brake Service | | Drum Brakes, includes: labour to install new : Premium: quality brake linings; resurface two brake drums; 9-point braking system chack; E] repack wheel bearings; road test. Cost of brake ¥ linings extra. Most cars. Ask for details. f Disk Brakes, includes: labour to instail new - i premium quality disc pads; resurface two disc rotors; 7-point braking check; road test. Cost of brake pads extra. Rear disc brakes extra. Most | cars. Ask for details. | 2 wheel disc or drum brakes. Most cars i Feagheihs g Labour only ~ pris extra Quality Parts provided by North Shore aia $53 wee BE ccece Mom Ser AMBLESIDE : ESSO Mehrdad Suttani 1392 Marine Drive West Vancouver, BC 922-3925 ' Iiiaintemance | Tessse~Ug9 Includes: Labour to install new spark plugs; Check distributor cap, rotor: Check P.C.V. vaive; Check and adjust idle speeds (rpm's); Final ee es Most cars and light plek-ups. ignition system fans and minivans oxtra. . Ask for d analysis; Road test. Labour only ~ person | The truck would be sent the dealer after the conversion 9637 or 402-346-4344 or go to