1972 Chevy P20 owned by Jeff Bergum

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Issue

January 2025

Owner

Jeff Bergum

Ride

Rad Dad CEO Hauler
(1972 Chevy P20)

Meaning Behind the Name

Rad Theme Bread Truck

Photographer

Double D Dan

Ride Details

Original Cost

23000

Build Cost

12000

What was the inspiration?

I have been a HUGE fan on the Movie RAD that was released in 1986 and that movie was the inspiration behind the build. Bill Allen who played Cru Jones is a friend of mine and he was an inspiration behind the build as a tribute to the cast in the movie.

How long did it take you to build?

It took us 1 year from the time we brought the van home.

How long have you been building?

I love this question. I have a full service shop that I use for my own vehicles. However, I'm not the most mechanically inclined person and I have always a friend at the shop helping me with my projects. Lets just say I'm more of a took cleaner , picker up er, parts bitch, and grunt work. I'm told and guided with good friends in my buildsl

Club Affiliations

Petitioning Negative Camber

Your future plans?

We are to rip the power train and rear end out of it this winter so she can tow my other vehicles to shows so the Rad Dad CEO Hauler is always at the show!

Vehicle history

The prior owner used it for his automotive detailing business. Personally the thing was scary as hell to drive.

Thanks to

Wesley Nelson-Negative Camber Lee Peterson-Personal Friend Wade Nieman - Hot Rod Stripes Wisconsin

Previous Rides

These are just a few: 1959 Buick Invicta 1959 Cadillac Flat top More than a dozen minitrucks 1964 Chevy Impala 1957 Ford Fairlane 1962 Ford Galaxie ETC...........................................

Engine Details

Make

Chevy 350 1972

Cylinders

Displacement

Engine Mods

Serpentine pully setup, minor painting to the engine to match the exterior, 350 amp alternator,

Driveline Details

Axle

14 Bolt rear end

Chassis Details

Chassis

Factory

Mods to Frame

Bagged front and rear with all the parts except ball joints were made at my shop

Frame Builder

Wesley Nelson Did all the bracket work and bagged it

Front Shocks

Monroe

Rear Shocks

Monroe

Spindles

stock

Springs

n/a

Four Link

Made in house

Compressor Info

2 viair 480's

Valve Info

Aire Jax 4 play

Airbag Info

Slam Specialties

Other Mods

Train Horns

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type

Factory with painted dog dishes

Rear Wheel Type

Factory with painted dog dishes

Front Wheel Size

Rear Wheel Size

Front Tire Size

Rear Tire Size

Paint Details

Color

Fake patina and Turquoise

Paint Type

No idea

Graphics Description

Rad themed

Painted By

No idea

Graphics By

Wade Nieman - Hot Rod Stripes Wisconsin

Body Details

Grille

Factory

Bumpers

Factory

Interior Details

Dashboard

Wade Nieman - Hot Rod Stripes Wisconsin

Gauges

Aftermarket speedometer and aftermarket warning gauges

Steering Wheel

Skyway Rim with a tire

Head Unit

Alpine ILX W650

Amps

Down 4 Sound

Speakers

2 subs NVX VCW 12"s

Stereo Installed by

Lee Peterson

Shifter

Factory

Seats

4 1971 VW Bug Seats

Tint Percent

Upholstery Description

4 1971 VW bug seats, hardwood flooring. Rad Themed bike in the back, Rad Poster, and the vehicle has been signed in multiple spots by Bill Allen AKA Cru Jones

“Rad Dad CEO Hauler”

Owned by: Jeff Bergum

Photos by: Dan Davis

Rad Dad CEO Hauler: A Tribute to the Movie RAD

Some builds are more than just vehicles; they’re tributes, rolling testaments to the passions and memories of their creators. Jeff Bergum’s 1972 Chevy P20, affectionately named the Rad Dad CEO Hauler, is a heartfelt homage to the cult-classic BMX movie RAD (1986). This bread truck turned showpiece combines nostalgia, craftsmanship, and sheer creativity.

Inspiration Behind the Build

As a lifelong fan of RAD and a personal friend of Bill Allen (Cru Jones in the movie), Jeff wanted to create a tribute to the film and its cast. The Rad Dad CEO Hauler encapsulates the movie’s spirit with its RAD-themed graphics, fake patina, and turquoise accents.

Build Highlights

Make and Model: 1972 Chevy P20
Original Cost: $23,000
Build Cost: $12,000
Build Time: 1 year
Photographer: Double D Dan

The vehicle was transformed from a former automotive detailing workhorse into a nostalgic masterpiece, ready to turn heads at car shows.

Exterior and Paint

The exterior sports a unique fake patina and turquoise paint scheme, amplified by RAD-themed graphics designed by Wade Nieman of Hot Rod Stripes Wisconsin. The factory grille and bumpers maintain a vintage vibe, while painted factory dog dish wheels add a touch of retro flair.

Wheels: 16-inch factory wheels
Tires: 16-inch factory tires

Chassis and Suspension

Jeff’s Chevy P20 features a bagged suspension system front and rear, custom-built in-house with components like:

Airbags: Slam Specialties
Compressors: Dual Viair 480s
Valves: Aire Jax 4 Play
Rear Axle: 14-bolt

Wesley Nelson handled the bracket work, ensuring a smooth and functional suspension setup.

Engine and Driveline

Engine Mods: Serpentine pulley setup, minor painting to match the exterior
Add-ons: 350-amp alternator, chrome accents

The drivetrain is complemented by a 14-bolt rear axle, providing the reliability needed for the future towing duties Jeff has planned.

Interior: A Nostalgic Playground

The interior is where the RAD tribute truly shines. Featuring:

Seats: Four 1971 VW Bug seats
Upholstery: Hardwood flooring and a RAD-themed bike in the back
Dash and Graphics: Designed by Wade Nieman
Audio System: Alpine ILX W650 head unit, Down 4 Sound amps, NVX VCW 12” subs

A Skyway Rim steering wheel ties the BMX inspiration to the driving experience. Signed posters and autographs from Bill Allen himself add authenticity and a personal touch.