1gukkdvatbbmagzus.org

ON THE COVER

Closing out the year of cover trucks is this amazing Chevy K5 Blazer shot by Brandon Burrell.

OPERATIONS

EDITORIAL, PRODUCTION & SALES OFFICE

2222 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713

(800) 764-6278 • Fax: (919) 516-0950 www.streettrucksmag.com www.facebook.com/streettrucks

Street Trucks (ISSN 1525-1918) Volume 24, Number 12 is published monthly, 12 times a year by Engaged Media LLC, 2222 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713. Periodical postage paid at Durham, NC, and additional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Street Trucks

c/o Engaged Media LLC, ColorArt, 101 Workman Ct., Eureka, MO 63025.

Canadian Post: Publications Mail Agreement #40612608.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Pitney Bowes, Inc., PO Box 25542, London, ON N6C 6B2, Canada. GST #855050365RT001.

© 2022 by Engaged Media LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any material from this issue in whole or in part is strictly prohibited.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Engaged

theeditor letterfrom

Living

the Life and Printing the Passion

HROUGHOUT THE PAST DECADE OF DOCUMENTING THE DO’S AND DON’TS OF THE CUSTOM AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY, WE’VE MET TONS OF NEW FRIENDS, BEEN ALL OVER THE COUNTRY TO SOME OF THE GREATEST STATES AND CITIES IN THE US, AND MADE MEMORIES THAT WILL SURELY STAY IN OUR MINDS FOR THE REMAINDER OF OUR LIVES. These memories make the mission more exciting, and when one of those flashbacks pops up in our feed, a little smile inevitably appears and all of our current concerns disappear for just a moment. Whether it was a big dinner with a group of friends, a throwback to cruising in someone else’s custom, or just a location that made an impactful moment during one of your earlier adventures, creating that memory is still the most important part of the process.

Recently on a trip through a small Florida town, my wife and I happened to pass a pitstop that was extremely meaningful to our personal journey. Nearly seven years ago to the day, we met at this location for the very first time to complete a cover truck photo shoot of an unbelievable off-road vehicle. We recognized the location instantly and immediately made a U-turn so we could revisit this rest stop. Our lives have changed dramatically since that first encounter, and standing in the same spot seven years later shows us that we’ve come a long way as a team, but we’ve got a long way to go.

How do you make your memories? Do you document them on road trips and revisit them when you’re in the area? Or are you the type to forget about the past and only focus on the future? The industry that we all are proud to be a part of makes plenty of memories on its own, but when you stop to smell the roses and appreciate your past, your outlook on the future will always stay strong. We would love to hear your stories about reminiscing of the past through your love of trucks! Send us a message and give us the juice!

wordonthe

BY MIKE SELF

The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

ED by the first-ever Sierra Heavy Duty Denali Ultimate, the 2024 model year takes the Sierra HD lineup to new heights with what GMC describes as premium luxury and comfort, turbocharged pulling power, and elevated technology— which the company says offers the most trailering assistance technology in its class.

The 2024 Sierra HD lineup includes 2500HD and 3500HD models, in Regular Cab, Extended Cab, and Crew Cab configurations—with dual-rear-wheel models available on 3500HD. They support the lineup’s highest trailering capacity: up to 36,000 pounds. Available trims include Pro, SLE, SLT, AT4, Denali, and Denali Ultimate, with the AT4X trim coming later in the model year.

The available enhanced 6.6L Duramax Turbo-Diesel, paired with the 10-speed Allison

transmission, now delivers 470 hp (at 2,800 rpm) and 975 lb-ft (at 1,600 rpm) of torque, offering more power across the entire operating speed range. Specifically, low-end torque production increases up to 25% compared to the current model for improved towing performance.

The Denali Ultimate is distinguished by an exterior featuring a unique grille and GMC badging in exclusive Vader chrome, along with exclusive 20-inch ultrabright machined aluminum wheels with high gloss black accents, and unique fender badging featuring topography of Mount Denali, the highest point in North America. Additionally, Denali Ultimate will include a six-way MultiPro Tailgate with a standard Kicker audio system. Power assist steps also come standard.

Inside, Denali Ultimate’s exclusive Alpine Umber interior reaches new heights of premium luxury and comfort in a heavyduty truck. Full-grain leather appointments and open-pore Paldao wood meticulously adorn the interior trim. The wood’s darkened finish creates a distinctive color blend, while the unique graining adds bespoke attention to detail.

The refreshed 2024 GMC Sierra HD arrives at dealerships in the first quarter of 2023, with the AT4X coming later in 2023. Pricing will be announced closer to the start of production.

NEW CUMMINS 2023 RAM 2500 HEAVY DUTY REBEL UNVEILED AT STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

AM unveiled the new 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel at the State Fair of Texas. This new model expands the brand’s heavy-duty lineup and offers a unique and exceptional combination of off-road performance without sacrificing towing and payload capabilities.

The new 2023 Ram Heavy Duty Rebel, positioned between Laramie and Power Wagon, further fortifies Ram trucks as North America’s off-road and performance truck leader.

Ram Heavy Duty Rebel models offer a choice between a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 with cylinder deactivation and variable-cam timing (VCT) and 6.7-liter Cummins Turbo Diesel I-6 engines. Other

features include a unique suspension, rear limited slip differential, rear electronic locker, and an available 12,000-pound winch installed from the factory.

The Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel uses Power Wagon’s structure and off-road prowess as a base while offering an alternative that off-road truck customers have been clamoring for, an available 6.7-liter Cummins Standard-Output Turbo Diesel I-6 engine that produces 370 horsepower and 850 lb.-ft. of torque with a powerband that provides ample torque starting at 1,700 rpm. The 68RFE six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the turbo diesel option. The standard 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with cylinder deactivation and VCT provides 410 horsepower and 429 lb-ft of torque and is paired with the 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior styling cues are shared with Power Wagon, but Rebel features unique badging and a sport performance hood from Mopar. Ram Heavy Duty Rebel also features a unique off-road suspension, a rear limited-slip differential and rear electronic locker, 20-inch wheels (optional 18inch wheels – late availability), 33inch off-road tires and skid plates that protect the fuel tank and transfer case. Cargo tie-downs are standard while a spray-in bedliner, LED bed lighting and bed step are available.

An integrated front-mounted WARN Zeon-12 winch, rated at 12,000 lbs., is available on 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel models equipped with the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. The winch is installed at the factory and features a unique fairlead and fairlead retainer that utilizes a synthetic line that is maneuverable and won’t kink or fray.

The new 2023 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) starts at $67,045 plus $1,895 destination.

ALL-NEW FORD F-SERIES SUPER DUTY IS BUILT LIKE NEVER BEFORE

ORD just introduced the all-new 2023 F-Series Super Duty lineup of pickup trucks and chassis cabs. Redesigned inside and out, every Super Duty is built with unprecedented levels of work capability, ingenious new technology, and a suite of cloud-based services for new levels of productivity.

Ford Super Duty is not only the tool of choice for builders; it plays a significant economic role. Super Duty also is the preferred choice for essential industries with more than 50% market share in utility, mining, construction, and emergency response vehicles, according to S&P Global Mobility.

Every Super Duty features a Ford-designed and

built 10-speed TorqShift automatic transmission, and every chassis cab model comes standard with a power take-off connection to run added equipment, like boom lifts and plows. Four-wheel drive is now standard on XLT models and above.

The new Ford Pro Upfit Integration System (UIS) is a game changer for customers who rely on body equipment and upfits to accomplish a job, such as utility cranes or plows. This digital solution provides aftermarket equipment makers with improved access to Super Duty’s electrical system and signals to seamlessly integrate and operate their hardware into the truck’s digital displays. Cloud-based software connects to the UIS so equipment makers can add digital buttons that allow drivers to control their equipment from inside the truck.

The system also allows for high levels of customization and safety interlocks, like preventing the transmission from shifting into drive with a raised boom lift.

Pro Power Onboard is now available for Super Duty, featuring more exportable power than any heavy-duty pickup or chassis cab. The 2.0-kilowatts of output can power a jobsite or tailgate party. Power outlets are accessible inside the truck and cargo box, or they can be mounted on chassis cabs with a special outlet installation kit.

The 2023 Ford F-Series Super Duty is proudly assembled at Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville, Kentucky, and Ohio Assembly Plant in Avon Lake, Ohio. The allnew Ford F-Series Super Duty goes on sale in early 2023 with some features and trim series available starting in spring 2023.

COMPILED BY CHRIS HAMILTON

COYOTE CENTRIFUGAL SUPERCHARGER

7,500-POUND BAGS

THE LOADLIFTER 7500 XL ULTIMATE OFFERS SUPPORT FOR THE HEAVIEST TOWS WITH AN INTERNAL JOUNCE BUMPER, ABSORBING SHOCK FOR THE SMOOTHEST RIDE. Air Lift’s fully adjustable, industry-leading air springs are the perfect upgrade for your vehicle, eliminating any issues you might face when towing or hauling.

Utilizing the largest bags of any Air Lift kit at 7-inch diameter and with the highest leveling capacity at 7,500 pounds, the LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate makes towing or hauling with even the biggest trucks a comfortable and stress-free experience. The LoadLifter 7500 XL Ultimate has up to 20% more air spring volume when compared to Air Lift’s LoadLifter 5000 series.

AIR LIFT COMPANY 800-248-0892 www.airliftcompany.com

TORQSTORM’S NEW BILLET ALUMINUM CENTRIFUGAL SUPERCHARGER FOR THE FORD S550 COYOTE ENGINE PRODUCES 7 TO 10PSI OF BOOST AND 1,250CFM OF AIR FLOW AND INCREASES THE ENGINE’S POWER OUTPUT BY ABOUT 40 TO 50%. The boost range is active from around 2,000 to 6,500rpm, and the supercharger’s operating efficiency is accomplished in part by the design of its billet compressor wheel.

The gearbox and bearing housing is constructed from 6061-T6 billet aluminum alloy. This kit features TorqStorm’s familiar self-contained oiling system,

which eliminates the need for oil-feed lines and thus simplifies installation. Lastly, the kit includes a ¾-inch-thick mounting bracket, 8-rib supercharger drive belt, matching crank pulley, ATI crank damper, and 52mm blow-off valve.

TORQSTORM SUPERCHARGERS 616-706-558 www.torqstorm.com

’67-72 F-100 BED SHORTENING KIT

CLASSIC PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS HAS INTRODUCED A LONGBED FRAME SHORTENING KIT DESIGNED TO TAKE ALL THE GUESSWORK OUT OF CUTTING AND SHORTENING A LONGBED F-100 FRAME. The kit comes with a simple template used for drilling and cutting the frame. A strong, laser-cut C-channel is also provided to reattach the shortened frame. Hardware is included to bolt together the frame sections, but welding is recommended to ensure long-term structural rigidity.

CLASSIC PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS 833-710-8791 www.classicperform.com

FLUSH-STYLE LED TAILLIGHT FOR FORD SUPER DUTY AND BRONCO

THE NEW LED TAILLIGHT MODELS INCLUDE THOSE FOR FORD SUPER DUTY TRUCKS AND THE NEW FORD BRONCO. The innovative modular design features a unique animated turn signal sequence and adapters to fit both halogen- and LED-model taillights. Compatible with F-250, F-350, and F-450 model years 2017-2022 and for all Bronco model years 2021-2023 (except Raptor).

ORACLE LIGHTING 800-407-5776 www.oraclelights.com

’73-80 SQUAREBODY BODY MOUNTS

YOU CAN GET COMPLETE RADIATOR CORE SUPPORT AND CAB MOUNT KITS FOR ’73-80 CHEVY AND GMC C/K TRUCKS

FROM AUTO METAL DIRECT (AMD). These bushing sets come complete with washers, spacers, bushings, and hardware. The OE-style bushings from AMD are aimed at providing a superior ride quality for everyday driving, compared to their much stiffer urethane or billet counterparts.

AUTO METAL DIRECT 877-575-3586 www.autometaldirect.com

TRANS AM STEERING WHEEL

LECARRA’S TRANS AM STEERING WHEELS DEFINITELY CONJURE UP A GROOVY ’70S AND ’80S VIBE. Modeled after the Pontiac Trans Am steering wheels of the ’70s and early ’80s, they’re available in brushed, gold, or black anodized finishes. A fully polished version is also available, and you can choose from 12 hand-stitched leather colors. The steering wheels are 14 inches in diameter and can be used with one of Lecarra’s hub adapters (sold separately), which fit 1967-94 GM steering columns.

LECARRA STEERING WHEELS 877-469-7440 www.lokar.com

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

F YOU FOLLOW NASCAR OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF CAR RACING, THEN YOU MAY ALREADY BE FAMILIAR WITH THE INDY 500’S LONGSTANDING TRADITION OF INTRODUCING A DIFFERENT PACE CAR JUST ABOUT EVERY YEAR TO KICK OFF THE RACE. The official pace car of 1993 was the “new” Camaro Z28, which was selected to celebrate the launch of its fourth-generation model.

The Z28 wasn’t the only Chevrolet vehicle to be put on a pedestal this particular year. A special Indianapolis 500-edition shortbed C1500 pickup truck was also released to the public to commemorate the company’s participation in the big race. Only 1,534 of them were built and sold, and all of them sported the same very distinctive two-tone black and white paintjob adorned with multicolor logos and graphics to signify it as being part of the limited-edition run.

…there is no need to do anything more than simply restoring the truck’s OG façade as its iconic factory style is what has made it as desirable as it has been for nearly 30 years.

While these race-inspired Silverado pickups were hot commodities at the time of their initial release, they have since drifted into the realm of rarities. Vintage, limited-edition badged trucks tend to gain their own cult following these days, and this Indy 500 specimen is no different. Nostalgia rules the marketplace in today’s market, and nothing screams early ’90s vibes quite like colorful, striped graphics on an OBS Chevy truck body.

THE STARS ALIGN

These trucks pop up for sale every now and then in various conditions and price points, but they still remain somewhat hard to find below market value. Ty Zito of Prairieville, Louisiana, has been a fan of the Indy 500 Chevy truck for years but has always been hesitant to pull the trigger and purchase one. These pickups are sometimes placed on the chopping block by various automotive auction houses, but every now and then,

BELOW. Ty kept the factory-equipped 350 V-8, but he had Joe Gerbitz and Mikey Stinson of 3rd Coast Customs perform a simple engine rebuild while cleaning it up cosmetically for good measure.

one will surface on Craigslist for a steal. Ty had always kept his eyes on sales listings of these trucks, but having the disposable funds ready to strike when one pops up, as well as it being close enough to pick up, have proved to be the make-orbreak factors of scoring one.

After years of searching, however, the stars aligned for Ty in Owensboro, Kentucky. An

Indy truck was listed for sale at a price he was willing to pay. And while the drive was a little too far for him at that time, he lucked out when Chris Stafford of C/K Syndicate agreed to go fetch the truck on his behalf. Game on!

START WITH SUSPENSION

While the truck was in fair enough condition, it was in need

of some serious TLC to bring back the luster of its glory days. Before anything was buffed or polished though, Ty first started to analyze what could be done to refresh the Chevy’s suspension.

Chris Stafford once again offered to be of service for this phase of the rebuild. He welded a notch under the bed before installing a coilover

3rd Coast Customs also reworked the OEM grille and bumpers and replaced the truck’s lighting housings to give the Chevy a spruced-up shine from front to back.

conversion kit and narrowed A-arms from Stone Fab, which would allow easy compatibility with front Aldan coilover units. A Belltech flip kit, sway bar, and Aldan adjustable shocks are responsible for dropping the rear to give the C1500 a much lower, aggressive stance for a modernized, custom appearance.

While upgrading the truck’s chassis, Chris also upgraded the front brake system with drilled and slotted rotors from Little Shop MFG. He went with the company’s rear disc brake conversion and master cylinder swap kit for all-around performance stopping power. To capitalize on the truck’s fully revamped chassis, a staggered set of Intro ID313 wheels and Lionhart tires were mixed in to give Ty’s Indy 500 pickup the updated, sporty appearance it so desperately deserved.

REWORK AND REFRESH

To keep the Chevy as original as possible where it counted the most, Ty kept the factory-equipped 350 V-8, but he had Joe Gerbitz and Mikey Stinson of 3rd Coast Customs perform a simple engine rebuild while cleaning it up cosmetically for good measure. New valve covers and an air cleaner were included in the cleanup process, and to add some extra performance gains, Brent Kelly at Exhaust Pros was asked to fabricate a custom 3-inch exhaust system. Other than that, the engine bay was kept relatively untouched, which is really all that was necessary to help preserve this historical pickup project.

Next, T.J. Maples and Joe Gerbitz of 3rd Coast gave the Indy 500 Chevy’s original paint a welcomed refresh. They also reworked the OEM grille and bumpers and replaced the truck’s lighting housings to give the Chevy a spruced-up shine from front to back. Again, there was no need to do anything more than simply restore the truck’s OG façade as its iconic factory style is what has made it as desirable as it has been for nearly 30 years.

FACTORY PLUS

When it came time to address the Chevy’s interior, Ty treaded lightly as to not destroy the natural styling within the cab. While he had no reason to suffer with the dated cloth upholstery and cracked plastics that do deteriorate over the years, Ty wished to create a familiar environment that even the strictest of purists could appreciate. Since Ty’s truck was equipped with a bench seat (only 414 of the 1,534 run were outfitted with factory bucket seats), Lawrence Bergeron of LB

TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

TY ZITO

❚ 1993 Chevy 1500 Indy pace truck

❚ Relaxed Atmosphere

❚ Prairieville, LA

ENGINE

§ 1993 Chevy V-8 350ci

§ Engine buildup/ modifications by Joe Gerbitz & Mikey Stinson

§ Comps Cams camshaft

§ Ceramic coated headers

§ Custom 3-inch exhaust system by Brent Kelly at Exhaust Pros, McComb, MS

§ Edelbrock air cleaner

§ New valve covers

§ 1993 Monster 4L60 transmission by 3rd Coast Customs, Mt. Hermon, LA

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

§ Frame modification by Chris Stafford at C/K Syndicate, Tylertown, MS

§ Stock 1993 chassis

§ Weld-in notch under bed

§ Stone Fab coilover conversion w/ narrowed A-Arms and front sway bar

§ Aldan American coilovers up front, rear adjustable shocks

§ Belltech flip kit and rear sway bar

§ Rearend narrowed 3 inches by Jeremy at BH Fabrication

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

§ 22-inch Intro ID313 wheels

§ 285/35/22 Lionhart LH-TEN tires

§ Little Shop MFG drilled and slotted front brakes, rear disc brake conversion, NBS master cylinder swap

BODY & PAINT

§ Summit White and Tuxedo Black by T.J. Maples & Joe Gerbitz @ 3rd Coast Customs

§ Slosh Tubz faux metal wheel tubs and fillers

§ OEM grille and bumpers restored

§ Classic Parts of America stock style replacement headlights

§ Spray-in bedliner

INTERIOR & STEREO

§ Shop: Lawrence Bergeron @ LB Upholstery, Kentwood, LA

§ Bench seat from Snowden custom seats

§ Gray leather and suede upholstery

§ New dash, dyed panels, custom kick panels and stereo install by Chris Stafford @ C/K Garage

§ Dakota Digital VHX gauges

§ Billet Specialties steering wheel

§ Sony head unit

§ Powerbass component speakers, subwoofers and amps

Upholstery suggested swapping the worn out bench with a brand new one from Snowden. He covered it in gray leather and suede upholstery that closely resembled the old material’s color. The door panels were also reupholstered to match.

Chris Stafford clocked back in for work inside of the cab by first installing a new dash and then creating custom kick panels that house Powerbass component speakers. A Sony head unit and a combination of amps and subs were also wired up to give the single cab a robust, well-rounded sound signal. While he was at it, Chris replaced the headliner and made new visors to complete the fully renovated interior space. It now looks as factory as you can get save for the Billet Specialties steering wheel and Dakota Digital VHX gauges—but even those blend in all too well.

It’s always cool to see these Indy 500 trucks pop up at shows, and it’s even better when the right sets of hands not only expertly restore them but also go the extra mile by adding subtle custom touches to elevate their

original style and performance. Ty’s Chevy maintains the classic Indy truck appearance but has gained heightened appeal with its lower, more capable suspension, premium wheels, and its cleanas-hell interior space. The rebuilt 350 and restored exterior ensure that this commemorative edition Chevy will remain on the road and stay relevant for a long time to come.

To capitalize on the truck’s fully revamped chassis, a staggered set of Intro ID313 wheels and Lionhart tires were mixed in to give Ty’s Indy 500 pickup the updated, sporty appearance it so desperately deserved.

For many enthusiasts Art Morrison Enterprises is known primarily for its series of GT Sport chassis that provide corner-carving handling, performance and a contemporary stance with bolt-on convenience.

But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that AME is also a pioneer in air suspensions dating back 30+ years when the Morrison engineering team and its suppliers developed one of the industry’s first successful classic truck/street rod air suspension packages. And continue to evolve them to this day.

The important thing to remember is that AME’s engineering and manufacturing team can design a custom chassis to your exact needs, and build it with industry-leading craftsmanship.

If you want to tackle your build incrementally, AME can custom-build front and rear clips to your individual requirements.

And don’t forget that an investment in a Morrison chassis pays big dividends in performance, driving enjoyment and vehicle value.

JamesStewart’sMethod ofChevyTherapy

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY BRANDON BURRELL

From the Chevy Apache dash to the custom center console, the lid for the rear storage compartment, and the custom rollcage built by Wally Meador, plenty of one-off pieces blend right into place.

OMETIMES

WE NEED TO PAUSE AND REFLECT ON THE PEOPLE AND THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE WORTH LIVING.

Our daily routines can get so hectic and our outlooks become too cloudy to sometimes see all the good that is right in front of our faces. Although that is much easier said than done at times, there is plenty to be thankful for in the way of family, friends, and favorite hobbies.

Recently, we had the pleasure of meeting James Stewart of Salisbury, North Carolina, who shared a story with us that was as heartbreaking as it was inspiring. Within a five-year span, he lost his mother and his mother- and fatherin-law to illness, as well as two friends to suicide. With so much tragedy striking in

such a short amount of time, James and his wife, Kristi, really had to lean on each other for the support they needed to get through that trying period in both of their lives with a healthy, positive view of the future.

GOING TO THERAPY

Everyone deals with grief in his or her own way, and James chose to dive deep into a pastime that he has always had an interest in throughout his life—custom cars and trucks.

“After all that loss, I needed something to distract me,” he says. “I wanted something that I could focus on to keep my mind clear day or night, and I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than to build my high-school dream truck—an old-school Chevy K5 Blazer.”

James locked his sights on the truck he was after, and then it came time to put some ideas together for what

exactly to do with it. He began to pay close attention to his own personal taste in classic, custom Blazers and not necessarily what the mainstream trends were. Given James’ interest in both lifted and lowered pickups alike, he began to dream up a suspension package that could give his truck the exact stance and demeanor he was after.

SUSPENSION

’Bags and air-ride systems are the ultimate in the slammed truck segment, but while he wasn’t interested in dropping his Blazer to the ground, James figured out a way to incorporate the on-thefly adjustability of air suspension within a rugged, lifted truck setup. To start with the transformation, James teamed up with friend Wally

Meador to design and mock up a truly custom one-off suspension lift, while still utilizing the factory frame that has since been fully smoothed, boxed, and peppered with dimple die accents and unique upgrades such as a hidden Watt’s link. This type of fabrication required a ton of design work that meant they had to think outside the “box”—and create life-sized cardboard mock-up components assembled with wooden dowels and bolts.

CAD software is useful with jobs like this, but James took great pride in his plan and had a great time practicing this old-school approach instead. ‘’Bags and Rough Country shocks give the Blazer an adjustable ride height with premium ride quality, and two Accuair five-gallon ENDO CVT tanks have been incorporated into the project for the bakedin ease of adaptability to the Blazer’s already heavily upgraded suspension setup.

Building my high-school dream truck with my own hands, my son, and a great group of friends by my side, is a priceless experience I will never forget.

STOPPING POWER

Wilwood braking components now grace the Blazer’s chassis for performance stopping power. A truck with a stature as big as this requires the ability to properly slow and come to a controllable halt, especially with the set of plus-sized wheels and tires that

were on the way. James selected Fuel Off-Road’s FF09 aluminum wheels for their clean, multispoke design and their ability to be custom-tailored to fit a dramatically altered application such as his Blazer. To further add to the Chevy’s off-road-inspired style, Fuel’s Gripper M/T tires were

also added to the lineup thanks to their aggressive good looks and superior all-conditions traction.

READY FOR PAINT

With the Blazer’s suspension well taken care of, James then moved on to cleaning up and rebuilding the ’74 SBC 388. Brad

James brought together high-end internals and other parts from Edelbrock and Summit Racing, as well as Hedman headers, to create an exciting driving experience.

OWNER

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

§

§

BODY & PAINT

§

§

§

§

§

§

CHASSIS

INTERIOR & STEREO

Green, another of James’ talented friends, joined the project at this point to not only whip the vintage power plant back into tip-top shape, but to level it up with top shelf performance add-ons to boot. James brought together high-end internals and other parts from Edelbrock and Summit Racing, as well as Hedman headers to create an exciting driving experience, as well as a show-worthy appearance underneath the hood. Also keeping the driving experience at the forefront of the project is a GM TH350 automatic transmission with a B&M shift kit. The engine and trans now work in tandem to show James and his passengers a real good time on the road.

To keep the project rolling, James then reached out to

Lanny Freeman to lend a hand in getting the K5’s body ready for paint. Staying true to his vow to build this truck to meet his own standards, James planned for a handful of custom touches to give it the exact look he had been envisioning for a few years already. First, the Blazer was turned into a roadster; the windshield and doors were chopped approximately 3 inches, and the indicator lights and taillights were shaved clean off of the surface. While those are all big jobs to jump into, the final results are subtle enough to qualify the work as a sophisticated restyling. The front and rear bumpers were also modified substantially to achieve a unique look all their own. A two-tone red and white House of Kolor paint job seemed like

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

§

§

JAMES

the perfect colorway as it would provide classic GM packaging on a truck that has been radically redesigned.

FINISHING TOUCHES

In addition to all the custom touches that required the attention of a seasoned professional, James added a few bolt-on exterior parts to give the Blazer a slightly updated appearance. New headlights from United Pacific, a ton of rock lights from Driven Customs placed underneath the body and frame, and AMP Research PowerStep retractable running boards all modernize the truck’s appearance and functionality without going overboard.

Before James knew it, work on the Blazer was nearing completion, and it soon became time to discuss seat and interior-panel upholstery

options with Steven Karman. Factory front GM buckets would do the trick, but for the rear, an Impala-inspired bench was built to fit the space between the wheel tubs. James and Steven settled on a black and gray leather and cloth upholstery combo to offset the abundant red paint that had been sprayed throughout the interior landscape. From the Chevy Apache dash to the custom center console, from the lid for the rear storage compartment to the custom roll cage built by Wally Meador—there are plenty of one-off pieces that blend right into place. Aside from specially fabricated parts and pieces that were still needed, James moved

on to wiring in 12-volt accessories such as the Dakota Digital gauge cluster, the integrated iPad unit, speakers and hidden 15-inch subwoofers, a push-button ignition start, and a panel of other buttons to control the heated seats and other electrical features. There is definitely no shortage of onboard creature comforts here.

A DREAM COME TRUE

James was in no hurry to complete his Blazer project, as it provided him a creative outlet that promoted the inclusion of family and friends throughout its duration.

“Building my high-school dream truck with my own hands, my son, and a great group of friends by my side, is a priceless experience I will never forget,” he says. “Also, having my understanding and supportive wife by my side allowed for this whole build to come together as great as it did.”

While budgets get blown at every turn during an endeavor such as this, James always made it a point to stay calm, be patient, and stay focused on the real reason for starting the project in the first place. This build was his personal method of navigating through life’s most challenging times, and we couldn’t think of a more productive and exciting way to go about it.

You’ve got a plan for your next build. Let Air Lift Performance be your architects of air with Builders Series Shocks. With 36 different configurations, 30-way adjustable damping and unique mounting options, you can achieve maximum customization. Take your build from planning to reality with Builders Series Shocks.

Learn more at: airliftperformance.com/builder

Builders Series sleeve, compact bellows and standard bellows-style shocks

ILL AND CHIP MILLER (NO RELATION) FOUNDED CARLISLE EVENTS FOR "CAR GUYS AND GIRLS JUST LIKE THEM." Anyone interested in restoring or showing 1950s- or 1960s-era cars had few options before they began going to car shows and automotive flea markets, where like-minded individuals would hunt for parts and accessories to restore their vehicles. A need for these events became obvious to these two men in 1973.

To date, Carlisle Events hosts nearly a dozen events and multiple collector-car auctions. Carlisle Events’ schedule is what it is today due to the demand for all things car collector and family

ONE OF THE LARGEST AND MOST ACTIONPACKED

TRUCK EVENTS IN

THE WORLD!

fun. Events have evolved from “cars in a field” to destination activities for individuals and families from around the world.

In all, more than a half million guests visit shows promoted by Carlisle Events annually. The Carlisle-based events bring in $98 million annually to the local economy in Central Pennsylvania, and Spring Carlisle is the organization’s biggest draw of the year with nearly 100,000 enthusiasts converging on the region.

Continuous improvements include paved roads, a manicured landscape and more than 10 permanent buildings. At the same time, Carlisle Events has established consumer-friendly services such as onsite bank financing, notary and title service, and a wide variety of dining choices.

WORDS BY CARLISLE STAFF

PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS

CARLISLE TRUCK NATIONALS

AFamily-FriendlySuper

SportSilverado

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY VICTOR LOPEZ

VEN THOUGH THERE ARE PLENTY OF DIFFERENT MAKES AND MODELS OF TRUCKS OUT THERE TO BUILD, IT’S SOMETIMES DIFFICULT TO COME UP WITH ORIGINAL IDEAS WITH POPULAR PICKUPS TO MAKE THEM STAND ALONE AS UNIQUE SHOWPIECES. Sammy Cantu of Pharr, Texas, can vouch for this struggle as he has been in the custom truck scene for more than two decades, and a member of the Ground Zero truck club for more that 15 of those years. In that time, he has seen trends come and go and has since trained his eyes to lock onto a narrowed selection of modifications and bolt-ons that appeal to his personal standards the most. It’s this set of standards that he has utilized as a sort of template whenever Sammy starts on a new project.

One particular preference Sammy has developed over the years is the single cab. The classic look of a two-door cab is just something that has always proved to catch his attention. While the more streamlined appearance of a single cab pickup has been hard for him

The most important reason for my decision is having the ability to have enough room to take my entire family to a show or a cruise in one single truck…

to pass on in the past, he did choose something out of his wheelhouse with his latest project.

“With my newest build, I chose an ’06 Chevy Silverado SS for a few specific reasons,” Sammy says. “The most important reason for my decision is having the ability to have enough room to take my entire family to a show or a cruise in one single truck, and to do that we would need one with a back bench seat at least.”

Even though Sammy’s main concern was being able to load up his wife and kids for an extended trip or to take a quick drive to grab some dinner, the Silverado SS is a hell of a truck to choose for a complete build. While there have been a great deal of killer SS models on the show circuit in the past, Sammy had never seen one built to meet his exact criteria, which is what he was also looking forward to accomplish with this project.

To start, Sammy knew that he wanted to ‘bag his SS, and to do that

he recruited the help of Gerardo Garcia of Shorty’s Customs to help him do it.

“It made sense to work on the truck there since I was working in Freeport, TX at the time, which is where the shop is,” Sammy says. “I would call him up to see if I could work on the truck after I was done with my workday and on weekends, and he would never say no. This truck was completed mostly during the afterhours when we were both done with each of our long 1012-hour shifts at work. We would take turns working on my truck and on his into the late evening/early morning hours, which was such a tiring yet exciting experience.”

To bring the frontend down, the guys went with an Ekstensive Metal Works front control arm with bumpsteer kit, and to drop the rear, a custom 3-link setup with wishbone was fabricated. A combination of Slam Specialties SS7 ‘bags, dual Viair 444 compressors and Accuair air management components slam the truck down to a drastically

TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

SAMMY CANTU

❚ 2006 Chevy Silverado SS

❚ Pharr, TX

❚ Ground Zero

ENGINE

§ Shop: Sammy and Jorge Cantu, Edinburg, TX

§ 2006 Chevy LQ9 6.0L

§ Comp Cams camshaft w/.550-inch lift

§ Double valve springs, hardened pushrods

§ Speed Engineering headers

§ Custom air intake

§ Corsa Xtreme 3-inch exhaust system

§ Painted valve and radiator covers

§ Extended wires for ECU and fuse box to move inside the cab

§ Battery lowered to front crossmember

§ Original 4L65 transmission rebuilt with new clutches, band, sprag, drum from Trans-Go by JR Performance Transmission, San Juan, TX

§ Precision Industries torque converter

§ Tru-Cool transmission cooler

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

§ Shop: Gerardo Garcia @ Shorty’s Customs, Clute, TX

§ Modified original Silverado frame

§ Ekstensive front control arm kit with bumpsteer

§ Custom rear 3-link setup w/ wishbone

§ Custom mounts for link bars to run under frame

§ Welded in C-notch

§ Slam Specialties SS7 ‘bags

§ Accuair air management

§ Dual Viair 444 compressors

§ Two floating seamless 5-gallon air tanks

§ Stainless lines

§ Raised factory fuel tank crossmembers two inches

§ Original 2WD SS 14-bolt rearend

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

§ 26x9 and 26x12

Intro Mesh nonconcave wheels

§ Atlas tires

§ Wilwood 16-inch brake kits

§ Hydroboost

BODY & PAINT

§ Shop: LT Body Shop, Mission, TX

§ PPG Silver Birch metallic

§ House of Kolor paints used for graphics by Edgar Solis @ EDS Airbrush, Pharr, TX

§ OEM ’06 grille and Super Sport bumpers

§ Firewall tubs to turn low with larger wheels

§ Custom front wheel tubs with bead rolled details and hood struts by Jose Pena @ Drops R Us

§ Stock bed floor raised, widened factory rear wheel tubs

INTERIOR & STEREO

§ Shop: RGV Upholstery, Alamo, TX

§ Headrests removed, seatbelt position lowered on OEM seats

§ Graphite leather upholstery

§ Matching headliner and floor mats

§ Original dash and gauge cluster

§ Dakota Digital air pressure gauge

§ Stereo system by House of Sound, San Juan, TX

§ Pioneer head unit

§ Custom speaker box

§ Sundown Audio subwoofers, 2000x1 and 1500x4 amps

§ Epicenter bass processor

§ DS18 mids and highs

Within two years, the truck was completely transformed to meet Sammy’s personal specs, and although he is happier than hell with how the truck turned out, there are a few things left on his checklist..

lowered ride height with a single push of a button. Before all the new suspension parts were bolted back to full spec, they were all blown apart again so Sammy could send a few components out to get powdercoated. Since there is no better opportunity to do this kind of mod than when the frame is currently under construction, Sammy seized the moment to introduce contrasting hints of color to the mostly black frame.

To make the best of the Silverado’s newly updated stance, Sammy began shopping for the right set of wheels to stuff into the fenders. He landed on 26x9 and 26x12 Intro Mesh non-concave wheels (with 6- and 4-inch backspacing respectively) that sport a cool multi-spoke design, and were custom tinted for just the right appearance. Behind all those spokes lie drilled and slotted rotors and upgraded calipers from Wilwood that not only look sharp

framed by the hoops, but will provide powerful braking power that Sammy and his family can depend on to help keep them safe while having a great time on the road. With the chassis system completely revamped and looking and performing incredibly, the next phases of the project were immediately set to commence.

To keep the ’06 running strong for many more years to come, Sammy and his brother Jorge focused on refreshing the Silverado’s factory-equipped 6.0L LQ9 engine while still performing some tricks to clean up the engine bay. Aside from installing a new set of Speed Engineering headers and stepping up to a Corsa

Extreme exhaust system, the Cantu brothers went a couple steps furthers by extending the wires for the ECU and fuse box to stash them inside the cab. This extra effort lessens the amount of wires and components seen under the hood for a much more presentable scene while on display at shows.

To add to that clean yet custom appearance in the bay, Jose Pena from Drops R Us created a set of

RIGHT. Sammy and his brother refreshed the Silverado’s factory-equipped 6.0L LQ9 engine and cleaned up the engine bay.

bead rolled inner fenders to give the space a much more intriguing appeal.

On the exterior, LT Body Shop performed some necessary bodywork as well as a few custom touches to get it prepared for final paint. Before the truck reached that point, however, Sammy further prepared the SS for its moment in the paint booth by first raising the OEM bed floor and then widening the factory rear tubs. The time for paint had finally arrived, and the color of choice was PPG Silver Birch metallic—a stock paint code but the exciting part was soon to come. Edgar Solis at EDS Airbrush soon joined the party by adding House of Kolor pewter, red, charcoal and copper colored graphics along the bottom side of the Silverado for a muchneeded break in the monotony.

Inside the cab, RGV Upholstery modified the OEM seats by first removing the headrests, then lowering the seat belt position to flow better with the reshaping. RGV also recovered the headliner and created floor mats in the same graphite grey hue already prevalent in the cab to jive with the factory styling. Next, House

of Sound wired up a new Pioneer head unit, and constructed a custom speaker box loaded with two 8-inch Sundown Audio subs. All the factory speakers were swapped out for highquality DS18 units and two amps AND an Epicenter bass processor were also squeezed in to give Sammy and his family enough firepower to enjoy all their favorite tunes on full blast.

Since the SS has been completed, the Cantu family has already taken the truck to a few Texas shows, and they plan to further their adventures to events in Mexico soon enough.

Within two years, the truck was completely transformed to meet Sammy’s personal specs, and although he is happier than hell with how the truck turned out, there are still a few things left on his checklist.

“I’d like to add some boost with either a turbo or supercharger but we’ll see what happens there,” he says. “All I know for sure is that the truck has come out better than I hoped for. That was all possible due to the great people I’ve met during the process and the ones who helped me build it.”

HAT COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU THINK ABOUT LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY? The home of Muhammad Ali, Jennifer Lawrence, and Hunter S. Thompson? The fastest 2 minutes in sports in early May, a.k.a. the Kentucky Derby? The place where your Ford Super Duty was born? Louisville is, indeed, represented by all these things and more.

HERDS OF HORSEPOWER AT THE KENTUCKY EXPO CENTER

WORDS AND PHOTOS BY CAMERON AUBERNON

However, if you’re a big street truck and rod fan, then Louisville means one thing to you: the annual National Street Rod Association’s Street Rod Nationals. Every first weekend of August, thousands of fine machines with herds upon herds of horsepower roll into town to bask under the late summer sun (and the many Boeing 747s flying into and out of UPS’ Worldport) at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Whether it was a Chevy, a Dodge, a Ford or another make, as long as it was 30 years old or older (1992 being the cutoff for the 2022 Nationals), all trucks were welcome to participate in the massive custom street-rod party.

And what a party it was! This year’s Nationals were the first since 2019 to bring the kick-off parade to Fourth Street Live in Louisville’s business and entertainment district, with some 30 custom rides—including a few trucks—making the short trip downtown from the back lots of the Kentucky Expo Center. And speaking of the lot, it also served as the location for the NSRA Autocross, put on by Gateway Mustangs, where a few cool trucks burned it up around the cones to get the best runs of the day.

If that wasn’t enough, the NSRA announced that next year’s street-rod giveaway would be based upon a 1977 Chevrolet C10 built by Harrison’s Rod and Custom of Greenville, Tennessee. The lucky winner will receive this squarebody rig during the drawing on Aug. 5, 2023, during the last full day of the 54th annual Street Rod Nationals.

With trucks already popular on the showroom floor for decades, it only makes sense to see more old pickups mix it up with the muscle cars and street rods at events like the NSRA Street Rod Nationals. May we continue to see this trend grow in the years to come.

WORDS BY MIKE SELF PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

OR DECADES, THE DODGE SWEPTLINE TRUCKS HAVE BEEN A HARD PILL TO SWALLOW. Even with their capable powerplants and unique, beautiful styling, they never quite enjoyed the same popularity as their GM and Ford competitors. Seeing a D-Series truck at anything other than a Mopar event is a rarity, but thankfully that is finally changing as of late! In fact, they’ve been coming out of the woodwork often enough these days that QA1, one of the leading aftermarket suspension companies on the planet, decided to pick one up to R&D new suspension systems for this growing market.

The project began with a ’69 D-100 fresh out of a California vineyard where it had served as a work truck for most, if not all, of its life. Hence: Project Corkscrew! And one of the raddest parts of this build is that, other than the suspension development, a lot of volunteer time went into it thanks to QA1 employees from different departments. As has been said many times before, teamwork makes the dream work!

HANDLING UPGRADE

Of course, the first thing the QA1 crew had to tend to was the severely outdated and worn suspension, which consisted of leaf springs all around. It was great for hauling wine barrels around the vineyard, but that was now in the past.

The front received a new crossmember from which an independent control arm setup

was hung, with Mustang II-based drop spindles, a power rack steering system, and QA1 Proma Star double-adjustable coilovers. This yielded a 6-inch total drop up front, while the rear was dropped 7 inches with a modified ’88-98 GM truck flip kit and the addition of 1-inch lowering blocks, with QA1’s Stocker Star double-adjustable shocks taking care of the damping. While this setup drastically improved the handling and overall feel of the Dodge, the folks at QA1 tell us that the rear setup is temporary and will soon receive a newly developed torque arm linked rear suspension with coilovers to replace the leaf springs.

Braking performance was greatly enhanced with 13-inch Wilwood brakes all around, actuated via a Wilwood manual master cylinder. All of this stopping power terminates where the road meets the sticky 295/40R20 Pirelli tires, which are mounted on 20x10 Rocket Racing Attack wheels.

Now that the truck could handle, it needed something other

& SUSPENSION

WHEELS & TIRES

than the 318 V-8 that was currently sitting between the framerails. While respectable in its own right, it certainly wouldn’t provide the acceleration and speed that the suspension deserved. We’re not sure whether an LS, LT, or even Coyote engine were considered, but we’re definitely glad that the QA1 crew stuck within the Dodge brand and wedged a built low-mileage, cammed 2020 5.7L Hemi into it, complete with an 8-speed automatic trans underneath. A Mopar 345 crate engine controller setup was wired up, saving everyone the trouble of having to figure out the electrical side of the install. As luck and preparation would have it, the engine started right up and idled the first time the ignition key was turned! Plumbing up the fuel system ended up being relatively easy as well, since it was found out that LS fuel components are pretty much

interchangeable with the Gen III Hemi since they use the same size connectors and operate in the same PSI range.

The rest of the truck remains pretty much stock, with the exception of the vintage pinstriping, as well as lettering and signage done by Print Lab Wraps. Well, then there’s the Dakota Digital gauges, which were pretty much a necessity due to the modern engine, as were all of the other peripherals that keep the truck running and driving smoothly.

With QA1 now fully onboard with the ’61-71 Dodge D-Series trucks and hinting at developing performance suspension systems for ’72-93 Mopar trucks, we definitely think now is the time to be on the lookout for your next Dodge project!

MAKING

PROGRESS ON OUR 1967 PATINA C10

E ARE RACING DOWN THE HOME STRETCH ON PROJECT LAST CHANCE. In the last issue of “C10 Builder’s Guide” (Issue 28, Winter 2022), we took this 1967 Chevy C10 restomod build from a bare frame with a motor and transmission to a fully assembled body with all the major systems installed.

Our goal is to take this truck on the world-famous 2,000-mile-long Hot Rod Power Tour. This year’s tour route passes close to my home, and we decided it would

be the perfect first event for the build. If you complete the entire Power Tour from start to finish you are deemed a Long Hauler.

In Phase 2 we are going to throw out the original suspension components for a much better coilover setup, spice up the motor, and throw on some big brakes. The coilover suspension is not only going to help the truck put power to the ground and handle significantly better, but also let us adjust the compression and rebound at each coil for the different driving conditions we will face.

We can quickly set the truck up for road use or track use with the turn of a wrench. But first things first: It’s time to get this truck back together and finally on the road.

OF COURSE this build and experience would not have been possible without the support of my wife, Lauren, who really understood how important this build was to me. Thank you to my Father, Wayne, who came over to give me a helping hand and who helped me keep the project moving along. Also, a huge thank you to the sponsors and partners that were a part of this build.

01 |Chris and his team over at C&K Metal took over the build to rewire the body and run power to the Holley Terminator X Max and Vintage Air systems. Chris went with a body harness from EZ Wiring located in Bunnell, Florida. EZ Wiring makes a universal harness that is color-coded, and all the wires are labeled to help with installation.

C&K Metal measured and ordered a custom driveshaft from a shop in Jacksonville, Florida. The shop had the job complete and delivered within a week.

Our inner fenders from Auto Metal Direct arrived. Time to get those fitted so we can finish our plumbing under the hood.

Chris wired power to the Vintage Air AC unit with a dedicated AC circuit on the EZ Wiring fuse panel.

With all of the major items complete, it was time to fill this LS1 and 4L60e with fluids and turn it over! The entire project had gone smoothly, but the first fire did not go as planned. The engine would turn over, build fuel pressure and get spark, but would not fire. After two days of working directly with Holley Performance, double and triple checking wiring, and looking at every possible issue, it turned out we had a bad cam sensor. The cam sensor would clock the cam but report an inaccurate position to the ECU. As soon as we installed an AC Delco cam sensor, the truck fired up right away and ran perfectly. Lesson learned. Do not buy off-brand sensors! Holley’s tech support through this whole process was great. Not only does Holley make quality products, but its team will also do everything they can to get your project on the road.

The

06 |

This intake was a tight fit. There were about 5 inches from the face of the throttle body to the fan shroud, so we had to order a tight 90 degree intake elbow to fit our 4-inch intake pipe. Chris then TIG welded on a simple bracket, and the intake was done.

07 |

The last big ticket item on C&K Metal’s punch list was custom fitting the 3-inch exhaust. Chris used an X-pipe design and dumped the exhaust just before the rear axle. This should help keep cab noise down.

first item on the final punch list was to rebuild the vent windows and replace all the glass in the truck. We went with all new glass from Auto Metal Direct and used Precision Replacement Parts for all of the door seals, weather stripping, windshield and back glass gaskets, and rebuild kit for the vent windows.

09 |

Time to take the truck back to the house and wrap up some details for the Hot Rod Power Tour.

13 |After all of the interior components were installed, tested, and working properly, it was time to do the final assembly of the interior. We were able to reuse many of the original parts, including the door panels, window cranks, door handles, armrests, steering wheel, gauge cluster, and glovebox door. We ordered some new carpet, soundproofing, and door sill plates from National Parts Depot, and to finish it all off, we wrapped a seat we got for $100 with a Mexican blanket seat cover.

15 |

11

|

We dug out the old seam sealer and brushed on some Ospho to convert any rust into iron phosphate so we could apply the 3M high solids seam sealer.

12 |

To wrap up the Vintage Air install, we cut out the holes in the dash in our non-factory air A/C cab to install the Vintage Air vents, and then ran the duct work under the dash. 14 |The last item on our checklist was to install the original bumper and brush guard. After some road testing, we are ready for the Hot Rod Power Tour!

My wife and I hit the road early Wednesday morning to meet up with our friends, Joe and Cristin Egizio (@ averagejoec10fl). We decided to hop on the Power Tour in Hoover, Alabama, which is Day 3 of the official route. Day 4 the tour heads to Pensacola, Florida, and Day 5 the tour ends in Atlanta.

16|Day one (for us) was a long travel day. We logged about 540 miles and the C10 did great! We had no major issues and were able to monitor all engine vitals on the Holley Terminator X Max digital display. The Egizios were driving their beautiful, original paint, 1986 C10, and their truck ran great as well with no issues at all. Heading back to the hotel for the night we met up with the rest of our group which included:

17 |Chris and Nicole Hamilton driving a Tesla for research purposes for the EV Builder’s Guide.

18 |Rick Cheeseman (@sqrbdy_c10) driving his original paint ‘86 C10 with some killer 22-inch MTW Wheels.

19 |Derek Bloom (@dr_bloom86) driving his 2006 Cadillac DTS which was his “Plan B” vehicle since his ‘86 C10, unfortunately, developed a severe oil leak and could not make the tour.

20 |Day two (for us) started a little later than we wanted. The heat was brutal on the tour so we decided to take it easy and cruise to Pensacola, Florida, after a nice big breakfast with the crew. We decided to take the Power Tour route to Pensacola and that turned out to be a great decision. The best way to road trip is to drive back roads and explore all of the little towns you drive through.

Dino’s’73Chevy SquarebodyStepside

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY SOLOMON LUNGER

BATTILANA

YEAR IN PHOENIX. While he gives GM pickup enthusiasts a place to gather every year, he also makes sure to keep his own garage filled with Chevy pickups of his own with the latest of his projects being this short, dark and handsome ’73 Squarebody that he affectionately refers to as the Black Widow.

Now, before your imagination wanders too far off, let’s get one thing cleared up. Dino isn’t some sort of evil Chevy warlock or anything like that (OK, maybe he is a little bit) because the name for his truck came from it being totally infested with black widow spiders since the day he took ownership of it. In fact, Dino says one or two will still pop up every now and then, which makes it seem like the truck might actually be haunted. Either way, there haven’t been any reported cases of fatal spider bites that we’ve ever heard of, so we’ll just chalk it up to the truck having some additional character, how about that?

FIRST STOP: SUSPENSION

At the very beginning of his most recent Squarebody project, Dino made it a point to contact Seth Mcatee at Switch Suspension in Phoenix to reserve a spot for his ’73 in the shop’s rotation.

“This was the best call I made during the build process,” Dino admits. “I’m not one to take shortcuts with anything, but having one of the best in the biz agreeing to work on my truck took a lot of worry off of my mind, ya know?”

There’s no arguing with that logic, especially seeing how much work was done to Dino’s truck during its stay at the Switch compound. Seth and his crew started the build by affixing a Choppin’

INO

IS A CERTIFIED CHEVY TRUCK SPECIALIST, WHICH IS EXACTLY WHAT HIS SHOW DINO’S GIT DOWN CATERS TO EVERY

Block Extreme air bag front crossmember kit, which includes the main crossmember, motor mounts, tubular control arms, shock relocation brackets, and a whole lot more.

The Choppin’ Block back half package does its job at slamming the truck on the ground in style and comfort due in part to its 100% bolt-on installation and triangulated 4-link for stability. These packages make it possible to get that laid out look while

sidestepping any problems that tend to arise during a major suspension alteration such as this.

To further promote increasing ride quality, Ridetech HQ Series adjustable dampening shocks were included on each corner for good measure.

To take advantage of the Squarebody’s new arachnidsplattering stance, a staggered set of 20- and 22-inch American Racing Burnout wheels wrapped in Nexen rubber were added for a timeless, sporty appearance. With stopping power being high on the list of things to attend to during truck’s rebuild, front and rear Pro Performance 14-inch big brake packages, as well as a Baer Remaster master cylinder unit were assembled to deliver responsive and accurate braking at any speed.

UNDER THE HOOD

To help the C10 reach those high speeds, Seth at Switch once again lent a hand but this time to prepare an LS3 Connect & Cruise powertrain system for installation. The 6.2L mill was treated to a Holley front drive kit, a custom

TRUCK SPECS

OWNER

BODY & PAINT

4-inch intake and a CBR aluminum radiator to keep things cool.

The coolest thing of all though may just be the Edelbrock E-Force supercharger, which guarantees a good time even during the most boring of days. The Connect & Cruise system was further utilized when pairing the 4L65E transmission. The calibration is made to be as simple and straightforward as possible, and in no time flat, Dino’s ’73 was well equipped to take on the streets.

SUBTLE FACELIFT

Before any cruising would be done, however, Dino had a few more

things in mind to tackle first. The Squarebody needed a facelift, but nothing too crazy would be in the works as Dino envisioned something more on the subtle side of the tracks. First off, the entire cab, bed and exterior panels were powdercoated (not painted) in a satin black finish for the ultimate in low-key styling. The headlights and taillights were swapped out for upgraded replacements from JW Speaker and United Pacific respectively, and a few more exterior additions in the way of door handles from Delmo’s, custom badges from Rad

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

INTERIOR

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

Machining, a carbon fiber wrapped hood and Lux underglow lighting to liven up the party.

Even though the truck’s exterior restyling was meant to stay relatively streamlined, Switch created a raised bed floor that features lots of bead rolled details, Hart Fab inner fenders, as well as a center hourglass shaped cutout in the center to not only offer a sneak peek to the suspension and chassis components below but also to lend credence to the Squarebody’s whole venomous spider motif.

SOPHISTICATED INTERIOR

Inside the cab, Dominic of ‘D-Bomb’ Custom Interior Fab was next to step up to the plate wielding his expert upholstery skills. He completely transformed the front Suburban seat and door panels with a little re-imagineering and some quality leather and cloth materials. Dakota Digital gauges, a Forever Sharp steering wheel, and lots of trick LED lighting have all come together to create an elevated sense of sophistication inside of the C10’s cabin.

Jeff James of Connections Audio soon stepped in to create custom

kick panels and a behind-the-seat enclosure that would be stuffed with JL Audio subwoofers. In fact, the entire cab was treated to a well-rounded sound system orchestrated by other JL products from the MediaMaster series head unit, component speakers and the amps required to create an ample amount of juice for the entire audio assemblage.

Plagued with spiders or not, Dino’s ’73 is still one bad jack—that much simply cannot be disputed. While a pesky friend may still crawl onto the scene uninvited, Dino has just learned to live with the eight-legged buggers—it’s not like a cluster of them have shown up all at the same time or anything.

All arachnophobic jabs aside; this here Squarebody is a physical representation of what Dino digs about highly modified Chevy trucks. His stepside is simply one of the coolest, cleanest around because of its smooth styling and select assortment of top-shelf upgrades that only a true aficionado could’ve put together.

ROJECT LUCID DREAMS IS BACK IN THE SHOP FOR SOME MORE UPGRADES! If you’ve been following along with our build of this 2001 S-10 Extreme, you’ve seen all our mods—from adding Airlift Performance’s 3H kit to high-performance Nexen AU7s wrapped around 20-inch Foose Legend wheels and more. This time, we are at American Radio in Knoxville, Tennessee, for a fully custom radio install. We partnered up with Boss Audio to get this Chevy S-10 rockin’ with some new speakers and a massive double DIN radio. The original equipment performed its duties as well as one could expect, so out with the old!

Since the truck is back at home in Knoxville, we were able to get the truck into American Radio pretty quickly for this awesome upgrade. If only you could hear how good this sounds … We promise you would be impressed!

RADIO AND SPEAKER INSTALL

With the new speaker hooked up and back into the dash, we were able to tighten it down and reinstall the speaker grille.

02 |The previous owner of the S-10 had already put in some aftermarket speakers. However, they were blown and no good. So, we removed the wiring for the old, worn-out speakers and connected all-new wiring. Project Lucid Dreams will be getting a set of Boss 4x6-inch two-way full-range speakers.

04

|Next, it was time to tackle the radio. When I purchased the S-10, it had an aftermarket single DIN already installed. However, only some of the functions worked. So, it was definitely time for an upgrade!

05 |To get the radio out, we needed to remove several of the dash panels. This also meant removing the dreaded S-10 dash bezel. Although this truck was in pretty decent shape when I bought it, the dash bezel was broken and falling apart.

01 |We started with the dash speakers because they were the easiest to get to in the truck. First, we removed the speaker grille and the screws that mount the speaker to the dash.

After all of the wires were crimped and connected, we plugged in the harness to the truck’s radio wiring. This double DIN came with a microphone, so we were able to run the wiring behind the dash during this part of the process.

09 |

Boss also supplied us with its USB/3.5mm interface kit. We were able to snap out one of the truck’s cigarette lighters and drill out the plastic to make the interface fit perfectly. We ran the wiring behind the dash so we could plug it into the back of the new radio. It fits flush with the truck’s plastic trim and almost looks stock!

06 |With the dash panels out of the way, we were able to remove the old radio and access the wiring harness. I think this radio has seen better days!

|We took a break from working inside the truck and started on the wiring for the new radio. Colorcoded wires made it super easy to connect the radio’s harness to the aftermarket radio harness.

We wanted to do a test fit to make sure that all of the wiring was correct and that the radio install kit matched up to the truck’s dash.

Unfortunately, the previous owner who installed the aftermarket radio did a little damage to the dash where the radio mounts up. Luckily, the install kit had a few universal brackets that we could line up and use to bolt the radio to the dash.

Since this S-10 was never meant to hold a double DIN radio, we had to do some cutting! We needed to shave down the top plastic dash trim so that the new radio would fit into the dash.

Boss also supplied us with its USB/3.5mm interface kit. We were able to snap out one of the truck’s cigarette lighters and drill out the plastic to make the interface fit perfectly. We ran the wiring behind the dash so we could plug it into the back of the new radio. It fits flush with the truck’s plastic trim and almost looks stock!

After we cut down the plastic support on the dash, the radio slid right into place!

Because this truck was equipped with a single DIN radio, the original dash bezel would not fit. However, I was able to locate a newer dash bezel from a later-2000s-model Blazer that had the double DIN opening.

Finally, we were able to put the new dash bezel on and verify that it would fit over the new radio.

With the radio installed and playing, we were able to reinstall the rest of the interior trim pieces.

After finishing the radio, we moved on to the door speakers. The S-10 is getting upgraded to a set of SSL 6.5-inch speakers in the doors. We started by removing the door panel.

22 |Since the truck already had aftermarket speakers installed, the original wiring was already prepared for the new speakers. All we needed to do was crimp on a new set of terminals and connect them to the speakers. Typically, to install a set of aftermarket speakers, you have to cut off the OEM connector and figure out which wires are the positive and ground. 23 |Now that the new wiring was installed and connected to the speakers, we could screw the speakers into place. 25 |After just a few hours at American Radio Knoxville, Project Lucid Dreams was blasting tunes louder than ever before! The double DIN radio really brings this truck to modern times. With wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, this SSL radio has it all!

Be on the lookout for more updates from PROJECT LUCID DREAMS soon as we keep this truck build rolling!

PART2

REVIVING

F YOU’VE BEEN FOLLOWING PROJECT PLAYBOY IN PRINT AND ON STREET TRUCK’S YOUTUBE SERIES, YOU ARE UP TO DATE WITH OUR 1988 CHEVY C1500 TRUCK’S CURRENT SUSPENSION AND BRAKES AS WELL AS THE WHEELS THAT WE CHOSE. The goal with this go-fast machine is to restore an ’80s-model vehicle with an era-correct look and a few hidden modern upgrade to make it more reliable.

We ripped out the original suspension and installed a complete coilover conversion from Ridetech Suspension thanks to the crew over at Saltworks Fab in Myakka,

Florida. With the suspension complete, we replaced all four brakes with a disc brake upgrade from Performance Online to give it the stopping power it needs. Bolted to the new disc brakes is a set of 20-inch stagger-fit wheels from Schott Wheels wrapped in Goodyear Eagle rubber. The stance was perfect, the offset was ideal, but the installed 350c.i. carbureted engine was still incredibly unreliable. The fuel pressure would not stay consistent and the air conditioning

ICON

was completely unusable, which is unacceptable for a central Florida street truck.

To cure the concerns our motor was giving us, we ordered a Pro-Flo 4 fuel injection conversion kit from Edelbrock and all-new fuel system from FAST. Removing the carburetor and replacing it with this kit was a simple but scary task knowing that this conversion could get out of hand real quick. In our experience, once we start to disassemble a motor, we just

keep going and replacing parts. But with this project we had one purpose, which was to complete it by the predetermined deadline. So we simply followed the instructions and installed it exactly how the company suggested, which went smoothly for us the very first time.

Now that the truck had the perfect stance, the best brakes, and an upgraded fuel injection system to make the motor more reliable, it was time to turn our focus to paint and interior. We dropped the truck off with Shane at Street Dreams in Ocala, Florida, for a new cowl hood and roll pan as well as a complete coating of bedliner to make the bed floor look new again.

As Project Playboy leaves the paint shop in record time, we return to the Street Trucks garage for a complete interior overhaul with our partners TMI Products, Classic Industries, Dakota Digital, Retrosound, as well as heat and sound protection from Design Engineering Inc. Let’s go!

SOURCES

• Suspension www.ridetech.com 812-481-4787

• Brakes www.performance online.com 888-991-0887

• Wheels www.schottwheels.com 714-891-7680

• EFI www.edelbrock.com 888-799-1135

• Fuel System www.fuelairspark.com 877-334-8355

• Body Panels www.lmctruck.com 800-562-8782

• Frame Coating www.kbs-coatings.com 888-531-4527

• Installer www.saltworksmfg.com 941-914-5536

• A/C Replacement Parts www.originalair.com 813-548-4952

• Interior www.tmiproducts.com 888-460-0640

If you remember from the previous coverage, the rear glass had to be replaced due to some radical rust spots on the outside of the cab. Everything has been repaired and repainted. and a new piece of glass from LMC Truck is installed.

Street Dreams in Ocala, Florida, was able to match this custom color for our new cowl hood and roll pan. With a smooth blend onto the fenders and bedsides, it’s hard to tell it wasn’t original.

With the body all back together, Shane did one final wash before we were able to fire it up and bring a Playboy back home.

The first thing to do is to remove the previously installed bench seat. This is not the original seat; it looks like it came out of a ’95-98 Chevy truck.

07 |

09 |All of these panels simply unscrew and unclip from their original locations. Be careful when you’re pulling because it’s easy to crack this old plastic.

06 |We plan to replace the carpet and seats, but before we do, we will add some some heat- and sound-resistant material from Design Engineering Inc. These panels are perfectly cut for the cab of this truck. 08 |With the seats and seatbelts removed, we can start removing all the plastic panels. We can deep clean them while they’re removed.

|Next, we remove the headliners—but not before we unscrew the visors.

dash bezel around the gauges will also be removed before we replace the gauges with a new set from Dakota Digital.

|The original gauges were not working any more, which is pretty common for this truck, so luckily the panel came out easily. We will wire up our new gauge cluster in the next issue.

in decent shape, but they are past the point of re-purpose. They will be replaced with Coverlay panels from Classic Industries.

13|The entire audio system will be ripped out and replaced with all-new gear from Retro Sound. We have some really cool things planned, so be sure to pick up next month’s issue, too!

OUR 1985 CHEVY C10 PICKUP TRUCK RESTORATION PROJECT IS OFFICIALLY UNDERWAY, AND WE HAVE BEEN BUSY! Over the last few weeks we have completely disassembled the original truck, ordered all the new LMC Truck body parts we needed, and had a long conversation with the amazing team at Classic Industries about interior options for this build.

As we eagerly await the All American Chassis to arrive, a trip to QA1 Suspension in Minnesota for a behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s amazing facility was scheduled. Stay tuned for the next issue as we take you behind the scenes at this industry icon.

Once the truck is 100% built, we will be taking it on tour to multiple automotive and military events around the country, with a final stop in our 2023 SEMA Show booth. After SEMA wraps up, our Sergeant will be on the auction block at Barrett Jackson in

•

•

• lmctruck.com

• allamericanbillet.com

• sloshtubz.net

• nexentireusa.com

• vintageair.com

• feslerusa.com

•

Scottsdale where 100% of the profits will be donated to Mission 22.

We have some great sponsors on board, including All American Chassis, Classic industries, LMC Truck, QA1 Suspension, Slosh Tubz, Vintage Air, Fesler USA, and Nexen Tire.

ABOUT MISSION 22

At Mission 22, the commitment could not be more personal. Mission 22 was founded by veterans. Most of the staff are veterans, spouses of veterans, or have immediate family members who have served in the US military.

Mission 22 provides extensive, personalized support and resources to help veterans and their families thrive. Their programs for veterans and military spouses offer everything from biometric monitoring of stress, sleep, and activity levels; to meditation and coaching; to exercise programs and a wellness supplement regimen; to books and learning resources to help Veterans put their experience in context.

Mission 22 recognizes that a veteran’s experience is a

Mission 22 recognizes that a veteran’s experience is a family’s experience—families live through all of the ups and downs that soldiers returning home do.

family’s experience—families live through all of the ups and downs that soldiers returning home do. They have developed a support program exclusively for spouses to take positive steps that renew their identities as individuals and the strengths they bring to their household.

The organization’s Ambassador program further supports veterans and military families—a network of more than 3,500 veterans and civilians in all 50 states and around the world. They work to advance society’s collective understanding of the issues faced by active service members, veterans, and their families.

Mission 22 knows firsthand that veterans and service members bring extensive skills and assets to any situation. Their leadership capabilities, experiences, and sense of teamwork and integrity are unmatched. Veterans know how to rise to a challenge. America’s veterans make our society stronger. They deserve a community worthy of all they have given, and all they will yet achieve.

Battle in BAMA

Mobile, AL

Mobtown Showdown Mobile, AL

Orange Beach Invasion Orange Beach, AL

Cruise to the Pines Phoenix to Prescott, AZ

Arizona Super Show Glendale, AZ

Bring the Noize Glendale, AZ

Dino's Git Down Glendale, AZ

Cruise to the Pines Prescott, AZ

The Sonoran Showdown Scottsdale, AZ

Kern County Showdown Bakersfield, CA

Slammed on the Lake Clearlake, CA

Aftershock Corcoran, CA

Mini-Trucker Beach Day Huntington Beach, CA

Cruisin’ for Breast Cancer Victorville, CA

Sparks in the Park Niceville, FL

Slamfest Tampa

BloodDrag West Palm Beach, FL

Southern Tradition Canton, GA

Severed in the Midwest Elizabeth, IN Slamology Indianapolis Camp N Drag Waveland, IN

Pieced Together Hazard, KY

Lowdown Roundup Des Moines, LA

Last Resort Jennings, LA

Parks and Recreation Lake Arthur, LA

Altered Metal Rayne, LA Bayou Showdown Slidell, LA

Show Me Shakeup Branson, MO

Sparks in the Ozarks Noel, MO

event scene

2022 NATIONAL EVENTS DIRECTORY

Midwest Dragfest

Sedalia, MO

Relaxin in the Park St. Louis

Scrapin the Coast Biloxi, MS

Redemption Day Tupelo, MS

Southeast

Mini-Truckin’ Nationals Maggie Valley, NC

Spring Slam Rockingham, NC

Friends in Low Places Wilkesboro, NC

Forbidden Fantasy Show N Shine Laughlin, NV

Lowdown in Laughlin Laughlin, NV

Mini-Truck Showdown

Las Vegas

SEMA Las Vegas

SEMA Kick-Off Party Las Vegas

A Day to Remember Pahrump, NV

Dropt N Destroyed Uniontown, OH

Kickin It Old School Boring, OR

Rituals

Corbett, OR

One Day Slam Bristol, PA

Carlisle Truck Nationals Carlisle, PA

The Gathering Columbia, SC

River Slam Chattanooga, TN TriStar Tradition Lewisburg, TN

East Tennessee Showdown Piney Flats, TN

The Sparks Show Sevierville, TN

Texas Heat Wave Austin, TX

Lone Star Throwdown Conroe, TX

Layin at the Lake Grapeland, TX

Stand Your Ground Houston

Texas Wake N Scrape Huntsville, TX

Turkey Drag Lone Oak, TX

Border Bash Mercedes, TX

Spring Break Jam South Padre Island, TX

Rollin in the Red Rocks St. George, UT

Puzzled Car, Truck & Bike Show Lynchburg, VA

Showdown 2022 Moneta, VA

Attitude Check Woodford, VA

Cruise to the Pines NW Arlington, WA

lifestyle our

Info

from

an Industry Insider

RUCK ENTHUSIASTS, IF YOU’RE READING THIS ISSUE OF YOUR FAVORITE TRUCK PUBLICATION, THEN WE CONGRATULATE YOU FOR MAKING IT ANOTHER TRIP AROUND THE SUN. The upcoming new year also means some of my favorite trucks will be a year older.

When you were younger, did you ever think about the ’88 to ’98 Chevy

trucks becoming classics? I still remember when the ’88 Chevy pickups were introduced, and many were not too keen on the redesign. If the old-school guys from late 1987 disliked the redesign then, do you think they dig

the old body style (OBS) trucks now?

Regardless of the answer, I think we can all agree that GM nailed it on the redesign. and we are all forever grateful as the OBS trucks are “on da rise” as we say at Our Lifestyle Podcast.

Well enough with me reminiscing about the good ol’ days. Here’s to 2023 and whatever plans you have in store for your truck. There is no doubt we are in for another historic year!

Until next month, stay “On Da Rise.” Peace, Jason “ODB” Ballard of Our Lifestyle Podcast!