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EDITORIAL,

Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713

764-6278

1525-1918)

(919) 516-0950

2222 Sedwick Road, Durham, NC 27713.

at Durham, NC,

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.

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theeditor letterfrom

Living the Life and Printing the Passion

AS THIS ISSUE OF STREET TRUCKS IS BEING PRINTED, THE ST CREW HAS PACKED THEIR BAGS AND THEIR CALENDARS IN PREPARATION OF A SEVEN-DAY NOVEMBER GETAWAY TO THE WORLD-FAMOUS SEMA SHOW IN LAS VEGAS. A lot of changes have happened in our industry over the last year, many of which will undoubtedly alter the landscape of this automotive lover’s mecca. From the aggressive infusion of electric-vehicle upgrades and swaps to the absence of major industry icons such as Ford and GM, the storyline is set, and all the surrounding drama you need for an entertaining outcome is in perfect alignment. We’re excited to be attending in 2022!

While we are out documenting the best and keeping an eye on the rest, enjoy the last 30 days of content creation by the amazing team here at Street Trucks magazine. All the passionate individuals who have a hand in these books each and every month love hearing the feedback you have on their work, and we hope you continue to email and message whenever you have a thought.

In this issue, we cover a large part of our audience’s enthusiasm by featuring trucks from all walks of life—including an unreal Chevy C10 truck that is detailed from bumper to bumper. Ford trucks, a killer Chevy, and even a custom Land Rover are just a hint of the happenings. We were able to hit the road to three different amazing truck events before stopping off at QA1 suspension for a in-depth behind-the-scenes tour of the company’s amazing facility.

Finally, we bring a cool, fun, technical side to the book by finding and fixing an OBS Chevy truck that was almost undrivable, and we answer the top 10 Ford F-150 questions we have been asked more than once. Dig deep and read the reviews because Street Trucks is doing big things both in print and online. Be sure to follow us and try to keep up at StreetTrucksMag.com!

street wordonthe

BY MIKE SELF

INTRODUCING

The Latest News, Rumors and Changes in the Truck World

CANYON AT4X

Designed to be the Most Advanced Off-Road Midsize Truck

THE official vehicle of nowhere is here: the 2023 GMC Canyon midsize truck. Boasting a fully redesigned exterior with a standard factory lift and widened track across the lineup, a new premium suite of advanced technology, and an all-new interior design, the next-generation Canyon is built from the ground up to conquer just about any terrain.

The 2023 model year Canyon introduces the first-ever Canyon AT4X option to its lineup. Building on the success of AT4, the AT4X sub-brand is the ultimate expression of GMC’s commitment to delivering serious off-road capability. First introduced on the 2022 Sierra, the AT4X trim has quickly become synonymous with robust off-road credibility.

The 2023 GMC Canyon will be the first midsize truck on the market to offer a suite of segmentfirst key features, including available underbody cameras, available Head-Up Display, fully digital driver information center, wireless Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto compatibility, and available Google Built-In (Google Automotive Services).

Inspired by the Canyon AT4 concept first introduced in 2021, the Canyon AT4X boasts a factory lifted, ultra-wide track to elevate the off-road performance and capability. Canyon AT4X comes standard with 33-inch MT tires, Multimatic DSSV shocks, front and rear e-lockers, underbody skid plates, and the AT4X-exclusive Baja drive mode. The Canyon AT4X’s factory lift enables 10.7 inches of ground clearance standard and a 36.9-degree approach angle.

Within its interior, the Canyon AT4X features exclusive Obsidian Rush interior with Ceramic White accents, customizable 11.3-inchdiagonal touchscreen infotainment system, and an 11-inch-diagonal fully digital instrument cluster.

In addition, the AT4X includes a GMC-exclusive Head-Up Display and Bose seven-speaker audio entertainment system.

The Canyon AT4X will also be the only trim to offer the available Edition 1 package, which includes front- and rear-facing underbody cameras with wash function, off-road front bumper with safari bar, front 30-inch off-road grille light bar, winch by COMEUP, 17inch beadlock capable wheels, reconfigurable bed rail system, performance front skid plate, and a unique Edition 1 tailgate badge.

The 2023 Canyon is set to begin initial production in early 2023 with AT4X in spring 2023. Reservations for the 2023 GMC Canyon AT4X Edition 1 are open now, with MSRP starting at $63,350. MSRP for other 2023 Canyon trims will start around $40,000.

JEEP

THE Jeep brand is bringing bright sunshine to its lineup, adding the vibrant High Velocity yellow exterior paint color to the 2023 Jeep Gladiator.

The first yellow to be available for the Gladiator, High Velocity is a high-energy, high-impact hue that is authentic and not afraid to stand out, just like the Jeep Gladiator community.

“Since the Jeep Gladiator arrived for the 2020 model year, customization has been a huge part of its identity,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “In response

VELOCITY YELLOW

to customer requests, High Velocity is the latest example of another bold shade that strengthens the enthusiastic personality of our loyal and avid Jeep community.”

High Velocity joins Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue, Sarge Green, Silver Zynith, Sting-Gray, Granite Crystal, Black, and Bright White as available exterior paint colors for the 2023 Jeep Gladiator.

Available on all Gladiator models, including Sport, Overland, Rubicon, and Mojave, the High Velocity exterior paint option is available now for ordering and is priced at a U.S. manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $395.

FORD F-150 Lightning owners receive 250 kilowatt-hours of complimentary charging through FordPass Rewards at Electrify America ultra-fast charging stations to kick-start their electric vehicle experience with Ford. This included charging benefit is available solely to F-150 Lightning retail customers.

For F-150 Lightning customers with the standardrange battery, the 250 kilowatt-hours of fastcharging energy is equal to nearly three “fill-ups,” or near-full charging sessions, or up to 575 miles of electric driving.

Using Electrify America’s DC fast chargers, the F-150 Lightning with an extended-range battery can, depending on conditions, add an estimated 54 miles of range in approximately 10 minutes, and can achieve a 15% to 80% charge in approximately 41 minutes.

The F-150 Lightning is one of the most highly anticipated electric vehicles. Reservations for the truck quickly reached nearly 200,000 ahead of order banks opening at the start of the year. Year to date, 4,400 F-150 Lightnings have been sold

across all 50 states. This charging agreement builds upon Electrify America’s previous agreement with Ford to provide 250 kilowatthours of charging for Mustang Mach-E customers, which has been on sale since late 2020.

Electrify America continues to drive EV adoption forward through building range confidence by rapidly expanding its fastcharging network, which currently has 800 charging stations comprised of about 3,500

individual chargers open or with construction completed.

Electrify America expects to have more than 1,800 total charging stations with over 10,000 chargers in the United States and Canada by 2026.

During this period, the company will be expanding to 49 states and the District of Columbia. Collaborations with automakers like Ford will support America’s transition to an electric vehicle future.

counter

COMPILED BY CHRIS HAMILTON

’63-’87 C10 CHASSIS

THE GROUNDED CHASSIS INCLUDES ALL NEW FRONT AND REAR AIRBAG SUSPENSION. When aired out, it allows you to lay the frame on the ground with 29-inch-tall front and rear tires. Fully aired up, the chassis boasts a max ground clearance of 8 inches with minimal camber change. When aired down, it provides that aggressive 4-inch ride height that everyone wants.

In the rear, choose from two different coilover suspension options based on your needs and preferences. Both of these replace the outdated and under-performing truck arm suspension that’s seen on factory C10 frames.

TOTAL COST INVOLVED ENGINEERING, INC. 800-984-6259 www.totalcostinvolved.com

SQUAREBODY TRUCK WINDSHIELD SURROUNDS

WINDSHIELD FRAME AND UPPER COWL PANELS FOR THE ’73-’80 AND ’81-’87 CHEVY AND GMC C/K TRUCKS ARE A DIRECT REPLACEMENT TO YOUR FACTORY COMPONENT AND INCORPORATE THE WINDSHIELD FRAME, OUTER A-PILLARS, AND UPPER COWL JUST LIKE OE. They also

’67-’72 C10 INTERIOR INSULATION KIT

ELIMINATE UNWANTED HEAT AND NOISE WITH THESE EASY-TOINSTALL, PRE-CUT, VEHICLE-SPECIFIC KITS. The 1967-’72 regular-cab Chevy and GMC pickup kits achieve that goal by utilizing a combination of proven 2mm damping material and Boom Mat Under Carpet Lite while remaining lightweight for performance applications. The kits are an easy and affordable way to cruise in style and comfort while improving stereo performance and sound.

DESIGN ENGINEERING 800-264-9472 www.designengineering.com

have produced these to the same gauge thickness on premium quality automotive grade steel. Each panel arrives EDP coated to protect against rust and corrosion prior to installation.

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

STINGER

727-732-3114

NEW VINTAGE USA GAUGE PACKAGE

UPGRADE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER IN YOUR 1973-’96 FORD F-SERIES FROM ANCIENT TO MODERN WITH A NEW VINTAGE USA GAUGE

features New Vintage USA’s Direct Drive system that makes installation a

2022

1500 SUPERCHIP

BY MIKE SELF

BY VICTOR LOPEZ

The ’97-’03 Ford full-size trucks were never super huge with the custom crowd—even the Lightning was never really that popular in comparison to other trucks—but Servando Salazar was all about straying away from the pack and building something that was totally unique from the get-go. And we don’t think anyone can say that his 2000 F-150 isn’t in a league of its own!

The complete build took about six years from start to finish, and it had a few different looks along the way while Servando figured out exactly where he wanted the truck to end up. And because he was building a lowered Ford, a lot of the parts had to be adapted or built from scratch rather than just adding them to an online shopping cart like most of us are lucky enough to be able to do.

HEAVY LOWERING

As a member of Draztik Truck Club, Servando had some pretty high ideals to live up to, but being a millwright by trade, that didn’t bother him any since he’s used to doing some heavy lifting on the daily. But again, starting out with an F-150 was a challenge.

At first, the truck was just lowered a bit over a set of offthe-shelf wheels with a few mild custom touches to tide him over, but as the project progressed it was clear to Servando that the Ford needed a lot more to stand out. A few of the mods were easy enough—bolting on some engine upgrades, including under-drive pulleys, a 75 mm throttle body, a short ram intake, Pacesetter headers, and a Carven side-exit exhaust—but the more exciting stuff required cutting and welding.

Servando employed the help of Tony Rivera of Family Kustoms in Alvarado, Texas, to get the truck a lot lower to the ground. The frontend was modified extensively to fit a set of airbags, and a custom Mustang rack-and-pinion steering rack was used to better work with the now-adjustable ride height.

IT TAKES A LOT OF COURAGE TO DROP A GRIPLOAD OF CASH ON A TRUCK THAT MOST PEOPLE PASS RIGHT OVER ON THEIR WAY TO BUY A CHEVY.

THE COMPLETE BUILD TOOK ABOUT SIX YEARS FROM START TO FINISH, AND IT HAD A FEW DIFFERENT LOOKS ALONG THE WAY WHILE SERVANDO FIGURED OUT EXACTLY WHERE HE WANTED THE TRUCK TO END UP.

Because the truck was about to see a set of huge wheels, a more compact Ford Explorer brake booster was used for additional clearance. The rear was just as involved, requiring a monster notch and 4-link, in addition to another pair of airbags over the narrowed rear end. All of this was to make sure that a decent amount of the 26x9 and 28x12 Intro Berlusconi billet wheels would tuck plenty hard, and they certainly do!

And then there was the sheetmetal work required to keep the impressive wheel and tire setup covered, which included cutting out the factory wheelwells and welding in large wheel tubs. When all was said and done, Tony’s hard work definitely brought a smile to Servando’s face once he hit the “down” switch for the first time!

FACTORY FRONTEND

But even with the amazing suspension and wheels, one of the first things that always attracts folks to the F-150 is the frontend. While a lot of people assume it’s totally custom or aftermarket, the truth is that it’s simply a (mostly) factory front sheetmetal swap from a 2005 Expedition with a custom billet grille! It obviously doesn’t hurt that it (and the rest of the truck) is painted in Ford’s T5 Dark Copper Metallic, which also looks completely custom.

The interior is also the perfect blend of factory and custom, with reshaped Expedition

seats stitched in custom stamped leather, with matching Expedition center console and other stamped interior pieces. The W-Power steering wheel adds the perfect finishing touch, while still allowing a perfect view of the white-faced gauge overlay.

Even though most would consider a masterpiece such as Servando’s F-150 finished, he tells us that he has even more planned, including a possible engine swap, graphics, and possibly even a new color. Guess we’ll have to wait and see, but we definitely wouldn’t be disappointed if Servando decided to leave the truck as-is!

Fort Worth, TX

2000 Ford F-150

Draztik Truck Club

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Work performed by Tony Rivera at Family Kustoms

and rear

notch over rear axle

rear suspension

frame notched for airbags

Ford Mustang rack-andpinion steering

Explorer brake booster

and slotted brake rotors

rear axles in narrowed axle housing

WHEELS & TIRES

and 28x12

Intro

wheels

255/30R26 and 295/30R28 Atlas tires

& Drivetrain

transmission

by First Professional Transmission

BODY & PAINT

performed by Celso’s Auto, California Collision, Texas’ Finest, and TJ’s Customs

Ford Expedition front sheetmetal swap

grille insert

T5 Dark Copper Metallic paint

pinstriping

and rear wheel tubs

INTERIOR & STEREO

performed by Northside Upholstery

Ford

seats, upholstered with stamped peanut butter leather

Expedition center console

stamped/ upholstered interior pieces

steering wheel

gauge overlay

double-DIN head unit

WORDS BY MIKE SELF PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

For others, the reasons can get rather complicated. Andy Rubio has built quite a few custom vehicles throughout the years, many of them falling into the previously mentioned “because it’s cool” category. This time around, however, Andy had different motivation.

After taking his family to countless shows over the years, he wanted everyone to have a hand in the next build, offering their input on how it would turn out. What the Rubio family ended up with is a showstopper that left the crowds slack-jawed

PEOPLE BUILD THEIR CUSTOM RIDES FOR A LOT OF DIFFERENT REASONS. For some, being cool is enough.

CHASSIS

SUSPENSION

when it debuted at this year’s Lone Star Throwdown.

Now, while everyone reading this obviously already loves C10s, we all have to admit that there’s a certain formula that has become popular over the last few years: stock-bodied C10 + popular air-ride kit + popular wheels = done.

Before anyone gets mad, we follow that same formula all the time, but Andy and family decided to go a different route altogether and go as custom as they could with this ’72. That meant no kits, and a ton of body mods!

Andy called upon his buddy Adrian Lopez to handle all the cutting, smoothing, and painting on the truck, and one look will quickly prove that he was the right guy for the job! A molded and raked front end, shaved drip rails, reshaped rear roof section, shaved and

molded bed, and modified ’67 Camaro bumpers are just a partial sampling of the body mods, which were eventually covered with custom-mixed silver paint.

The chassis retains portions of the factory frame, but Adrian modified it extensively with a custom notch and 4-linked air-ride setup out back, and a fabbed front air suspension as well (all controlled by Air Lift’s 3H air management and a Flo Airride tank). He also completely smoothed and boxed the frame before blowing it all back apart for paint. Brakes are 14-inchers from Wilwood, front and rear, which are hidden behind 22x8.5 and 24x15 Schott Tomahawk billet wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tires.

The truck was now really beginning to

something

together, and the decision was made to bless the

HEAT

a bit more exciting than a common 4.8 or 5.3L swap. Instead, Andy found a 2015 LS3, which he took to Kahlen Koch for some work. A potent Texas Speed cam was installed, and the original manifolds were ditched in favor of an Edelbrock EFI intake manifold and Doug’s headers, leading back to a pair of Borla Attak mufflers exiting through Lokar tips on either side of the bed. Shifting is handled via a 4L80 transmission built to Stage 3 specs by Kyle’s Transmission, which spins a custom aluminum driveshaft fitted with Moog U-joints. With everything finally in place under the hood, the custom sheetmetal panels could be installed and the truck moved over to Sublime Heights for the interior work.

While at Sublime Heights, a fresh Snowden bench seat was fitted with custom-shaped foam padding

and upholstered with Relicate leather. Of course, a matching headliner, console, and door panels were a must, each with custom Dotlow Rides stainless steel inserts to match the Dotlow grille and other pieces installed throughout the truck. The custom steel dash was then fitted with Dakota Digital HDX gauges, and a Billet Specialties Fury steering wheel was bolted onto the steering column. The icing on the cake is

the JL Audio-based sound system, which probably doesn’t get used as often as it should due to the LS3’s own beautiful sound.

Now completely finished, Andy and family have been taking the C10 to lots of shows in and around Texas, where it picks up trophies left and right, which is just about the perfect family fun night if you ask us! The only thing left now is to decide what the next family project will be!

THE

PROMISE LAND

CAR & BIKE SHOW

RICK ROSS HOSTS HEAVY HITTERS AT ROZAY MANSION

EVERYTHING ABOUT RAPPER RICK ROSS IS LARGER THAN LIFE, SO WHEN HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE WOULD BE HOSTING A SHOW AT HIS OWN HOUSE, WORD SPREAD FAST THAT THIS WOULD BE THE EVENT TO ATTEND IN 2022. Touted by RR himself as the biggest show to ever hit the Atlanta area, The Promise Land show drew the slickest local rides, as well as plenty from other states near and far.

Held on Ross’ 235-acre property, there was no shortage of space for the hundreds of rides in attendance, not to mention the thousands of spectators. At $750 per ticket to enter (and $250 for spectators!), anyone attending with their ride had to be sure that it was up to snuff, and most went above and beyond. It seemed like almost every classic car and truck had some sort of LS- or LT-based engine, and the majority of those were boosted with either turbos or superchargers as well. On top of that, large wheels were pretty much the rule, with quite a few 30-inch and larger sets proudly on display on big-money builds.

But this wasn’t just a fancy version of a parking lot meet,

as lots of vendors and food trucks were on hand to make sure that everyone could pick up plenty of merch and stay well-fed all day long. Tons of Ross’ personal rides were on display as well, from old schools to new customized side-by-sides and exotics. And although plenty of folks were hoping for a tour of the 45,000-square-foot mansion, seeing Da Boss’ expansive fleet in all its glory did not disappoint.

And if you needed a new set of fronts or a new chain the size of an anchor, Johnny Dang himself was posted up with the latest custom jewelry fresh out of his shop on display. Lots of big stars, including 2Chainz, Curren$y, and Chad Ochocinco were also in attendance, taking in the sights with everyone else.

At the end of the day, Ross awarded the owners of the best of the best with impressive iced-out chains for their efforts, and it was quickly announced that the show was so successful that an event for 2023 is practically guaranteed. For more info, search your favorite socials for @rickrosscarshow.

WORDS BY MIKE SELF PHOTOS BY SOLOMON LUNGER

BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY KYLE APPELL

TO BE COMING FROM THE “OPPOSITION.” Questions of dependability, sustainability, and overall function are being thrown about from a lot of directions as more fully electric vehicles are introduced to the new-car marketplace—not to mention those coming from the custom segment as well.

While the technology going into this new generation of battery-powered cars and trucks is technically “new” from an old-school, gas-guzzling perspective, the work and research that goes into retrofitting a classic truck with a voltagepowered drivetrain is still hot-rodding at the very core.

If you aren’t fully on-board with that sentiment just yet, wait until you’ve heard from Casey Loter and seen what he has done with his 1958 Chevy Apache pickup.

ITH THE GROWING WAVE OF EVS EMERGING FROM THE HORIZON, A FORMING SWELL OF DOUBT SEEMS

Casey operates Electric 51 Speed Shop in Salt Lake City, and even he would admit that he got into the EV game totally by chance. While finalizing the drivetrain for his project ’58, he felt that his only two real engine options were either an LS unit or a late ’58 348 Chevy engine. Both were viable power solutions, but they weren’t the most exciting selections to pick from. Casey felt bored and uninspired with the thought of going in either direction. This was the point when he began looking towards another option—one that had been talked about before in the classic truck community but never followed through to completion.

GOING ELECTRIC

Yes, the direction Casey chose to go was electric—there’s not really a surprise there anymore—but

“going electric” was such a vague term even just a few years back. The term didn’t even really mean a whole lot to Casey until he figured out just how he was going to make it happen.

As it turns out, the salvaged Tesla motor market was the big resource that allowed Casey to lay the groundwork for his master plan. He was able to get his hands on a used 2016 Tesla Model S Large Drive Unit (LDU), which was actually capable of creating impressive power. With a kilowatthour rating of 400kWh with 450 nm (which roughly translates to 536hp and 332 lb-ft of torque), this plug-in Apache pickup would be no slouch on the streets.

Along with the help from friends Joseph Horgen and Michael Bream, as well as plenty of guidance of the trusty internet, Casey took on the task of assembling all the

parts necessary for a successful installation. The job was definitely a new experience for him, but one that he has grown excited about replicating and tweaking for customers looking to transform their classic gasburning vehicles into classic all-electric vehicles.

Now, the resulting driving experience isn’t anything like you might expect. This truck doesn’t putt around in circles like some kind of lame kid mobile; Casey’s Apache has real power and torque as well as serious acceleration. Yes, it’s capable of burning rubber. Yes, it could probably smoke most unsuspecting challengers that step to it. The Model S motor is definitely a high performance power source, and it creates a totally unique driving experience, especially when paired with a 64-year-old truck.

You’d really have to drive something like this to fully comprehend the experience and understand Casey’s newfound obsession with performance voltage.

SLAM DUNK

Casey not only wanted his Chevy to go fast on electric energy, but he also wanted it to sit at an aggressive lowered height. To do so, the factory frame was first modified with an ’81 Camaro front suspension clip and a rear Cadillac IRS setup. Next, Ridetech Shockwave

A USED 2016 TESLA MODEL S LARGE-DRIVE UNIT PROVIDES ROUGHLY 450NM OF POWER, WHICH TRANSLATES TO 536HP AND 332 LB-FT OF TORQUE.

airbags were ordered for the front end, while Vixen 3600 bags were lined up for the back. To provide reliable, fully adjustable and programmable control of the air suspension, Casey chose to include an Accuair VT tank and an e-Level air management system to orchestrate the truck’s air ride system.

Modest 15-inch steel wheels and BF Goodrich whitewall tires were added to give the truck timeless street appeal. In fact, the rest of the Chevy’s exterior was left well enough alone for the most part. The patina is natural, and half of the glass is still original. The only thing that changed for the most part are the LED halo headlights, which isn’t enough to alter the truck’s classic styling.

The same streamlined approach was taken inside the cab as well. Aside from the reimagined bench seat done by B62 Upholstery as well as the bare metal dash, the interior environment was left to maintain its mostly OG charm.

E-HOTRODIN’

In the end, this wasn’t the type of build to include all the bells, whistles, and comforts found in a luxury vehicle. On the contrary; the Apache was to stand as a barebones, electric hot-rod that embodied all the familiar touches that diehard classic truck fans appreciate, along with the inclusion of state-of-the-art technology that forwardminded enthusiasts demand.

While the build process did require Casey to learn about harnessing a new-to-him energy source, it did lead to him succeeding and starting a business dedicated to transforming customers’ old cars and trucks into exciting electric hot-rods that will no doubt take commanding attention while on the road and at shows nationwide.

When asked how to properly assess if a vehicle is right for electric transformation, Casey suggests first deciding if the car or truck in question will be meant for daily driving or weekend cruising. This will help determine the batteries needed for the job, which is the majority of the cost involved in the process. Other than that, he also promotes allowing form to follow function and not allowing indecision to paralyze a build.

Casey’s Apache has been on the road three years now without incident, which stands tall as a testament to any questions regarding dependability, road-worthiness and ability to plow down the highway. In the end, it doesn’t matter what makes it move—it’s all hot rodding.

CASEY OPTED FOR A DUO OF ELCON PFC2500 CHARGERS SITTING ALONG THE ACCUAIR VT TANK.

THE FUN BEHIND RESTORING AN ICONIC PIECE OF AMERICAN ENGINEERING IS HARD TO EXPLAIN

TO SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER TAKEN ON THE TASK. Yes, it’s a lot of work. Yes, you will probably spill some blood and sling some curse words now and again. But when it’s all said and done and you find yourself cruising down the interstate in a one-of-a-kind roller that everyone looks and points at, the addiction sets in and there is no escaping.

The final product is obviously the ultimate goal, and the feeling of accomplishment is something that can’t be replicated—but a lot can be said about the process before the prize, and this particular project offered up some interesting opportunities all along the way.

First and foremost, the state you find your fix-up is almost as interesting as the project itself. Is it a ride that the original owner still enjoys? Did you find it in a field amongst other forgotten friends, or did you have an experience like us and simply drag your truck out of the back yard of some guy that just gave up on it?

The story behind the sheetmetal is almost always an interesting one, and digging through the interior can often shed some light on it’s last days in service. In our

SOURCES

case, a deep dive under the dash revealed quite a few interesting items including some classic Playboy magazines full of females that were covered in more dust than denim.

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

• Brakes www.performanceonline.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

After a quick flip to the rags for “research” we set them aside and focused on getting this fixer upper fired up. Lucky for you we created videos of our entire experience so be sure to scan the QR code with your cell phone camera to watch what actually went down during this truck turnaround.

The upper wishbone bracket easily bolts to both c-notch brackets percfectly. The engineering behind this system is impressive to say the least.

Next item to be put on Playboy are the Rear HQ Series Coilovers. These remote reservoir triple adjustable coil-over shocks feature rebound adjustment along with dual stage (High Speed & Low Speed) compression adjustment.

Now Casper can install the lower coilover mount to the C-notch bracket.

Before we bolt on our new wheels we need to do something about these ugly drumb brakes, more to come on that later!

|

Speaking of wheels, let us introduce you to our roller of choice for Project Playboy. The Schott Wheels Vulcan EXL is a ten spoke design with a smooth lip rim to expand the center design for a larger look. Each Schott Wheel is precisely CNC machined from forged billet aluminum for lightweight strength, refined style, and meticulously hand finished to levels that are second to none. These D.Concave profile wheels are ideal for neutral to low backspaces and wide wheel applications. American Made Quality, by Design!

With the rear suspension completed it was time for the crew at Saltworks to focus on the front. All the factory suspension is removed and will eventually be replaced.

The new front copilovers from Ridetech are now installed and the controls arms can be bolted on. There is much more involved in this process so we highly recommend you watch the video above the see all the steps.

For Your Truck

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

value.

BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

A

was brought in to not only lower the

of the

but to also

for

While Rob’s engineering background did help, he still had a lot to learn to take his ’56 Chevy truck across the finish line. TIG welding, aluminum fabrication, and bead rolling were all new things he had to familiarize himself with in order to accomplish as much as he did in his home garage.

Before Rob started on his Chevy truck, he had a vision of creating a pickup that he could hammer down at the track while still comfortably cruising during his much-needed downtime. With this project, he was looking to move out of his comfort

zone by sinking his teeth into custom fabrication, which he has great taste for, as you will soon see. His fingerprints can be found everywhere on this truck, as he left very little for outside hands to do—an impressive feat given the quality of the results.

FROM THE GROUND UP

To kick things off, Rob started at ground level with the Chevy’s factory frame, which he chose to keep and modify. A ’69 Camaro front subframe was brought in to not only lower the front of the truck but to also retain its suspension travel for optimum ride quality. For the rear, Rob got to work on a 2x3 back half complete with a 4-link setup with Watt’slink. He also fabricated a cross brace equipped with a transmission mount and driveshaft loop that would soon be utilized.

Since Rob had a pretty good “in” with QA1, he ran with its coilovers at each corner along with QA1’s Proma Star double adjustable shocks, which not only promote a better ride instantly but also offer an easy way to dial in ride height for the perfect stance.

FTER SOME WELL-EARNED EXPERIENCE, ROB MCPHERSON, DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AT QA1, HAS SOME ADVICE: “YOU CAN DO EVERYTHING YOURSELF WHEN BUILDING A TRUCK AND HAVE SOME SATISFACTION WHEN IT’S DONE, OR YOU CAN SPEND MONEY SOMEWHERE TO GET IT DONE FASTER,” HE SAYS.

This is huge for those having a difficult time tracking down direct-fit shock options, which is especially handy for true custom applications like Rob’s ’56.

It’s obvious at this point that Rob was gunning for a performance pickup, so when it came time to choose a set of wheel and tires things started to get real interesting. Up front, a set of 17x8-inch Billet Specialties Street Lite wheels was selected for its clean, timeless appearance and weight-saving design. Out back, Rob ran with 15x14-inch Weld Racing ProStar wheels—one of the longest produced five-star style drag racing wheels out there! The heavily staggered front Falken and rear Mickey Thompson tires further solidifies the intentions set for this truck’s future on the track.

BIG BLOCK BOOM

Rob recognized he’d need more than just wheels and tires to get the good times rolling. He soon started on

building a ’72 Chevy 496 Big Block to squeeze between the frame rails. Since he was taking on the job in the comfort of his own garage, Rob really had the chance to geek out during this phase. Of course, he wanted respectable power (the truck currently dynos at 650hp with 675 lb-ft of torque), and to get just that, he dove into the abyss and came up with a winning combination of gofast products that would deliver the big results he was after.

From an extensive list of top-shelf internals to visible and audible additions in the form of an Edelbrock intake, a custom 3-inch exhaust system, Cherry Bomb Salute mufflers and vintage Mickey Thompson valve covers just to name a few, the 496 was destined to be one rowdy source of power.

The only real outsourcing Rob did during the build of his ’56 is when the time came to secure a transmission. Extreme Automatic in Amelia, Ohio, found a ’97 GM 4L80 that would work perfectly. The trans

was treated to a TCI Diablo shifter and an Extreme 9.5-inch custom torque converter. A QA1 3.2-inch carbon fiber driveshaft was then selected for its lightweight properties, as well as its sheer strength to the ground and delivery of quick acceleration.

EXTERIOR, INTERIOR CUSTOM

When Rob began working on the Chevy’s body, he first set his sights on creating a custom bed floor that is comprised of custom wheel tubs and bead rolled panels (one of his newly acquired talents) with a bonus center access section that lifts up to help with regular maintenance and to show off Rob’s chassis work below. The front fenders were then flared ¾-inch and pie cut to maintain the original lip, and various firewall mods were made to accommodate the engine set back. After a few rust repairs, Rob then moved on to spray the black epoxy primer to the truck’s surface and apply custom QA1 decals to the doors.

The interior still needed some attention so Rob began by smoothing the dash, gutting the door panels and painting whatever needed a fresh coat of black primer to match the exterior. Fresh bare aluminum door panels and a trans cover were fabbed up, and for seating, a set of high-back buckets from JEGS were ordered, which might actually need some minor adjusting or replaced

FORD “HOT FORGED” DISTRIBUTORS

CHEVY D.U.I. FOR CARBED ENGINES

copy cats have come and gone, but the D.U.I. remains the most popular choice for hot rodders around the globe. A super smooth advance curve is machine calibrated, providing you with instant throttle response, while eliminating engine damaging detonation. The 50,000 Volt D.U.I. Coil teams up with our high dwell Dyna-Module, allowing you to run a massive .055” plug gap. 8, 6, & 4 cyl. applications are available. Part No. 12720 V-8 Chevy & GMC, Non-Computer

GM 8-PIN COMPUTER DISTRIBUTOR

Performance Distributors is now building a new small diameter EFI compatible distributor. The distributor comes with oil impregnated bushings insuring longevity and shaft rotation accuracy. Each unit is hand checked with a feeler gauge in order to set the correct amount of end-play between the distributor gear and the housing. This procedure prevents the distributor from binding up and it also leads to a more precise magnetic pick-up signal. A brass terminal cap and rotor are utilized for maximum conductivity. The brass terminals will also resist corrosion longer than stock aluminum terminals. Caps are available in bright blue or black. The cap and rotor have excellent dielectric strength and resist carbon tracking. The high output Dyna-Module is located inside the distributor. The Dyna-Mod has more electronic dwell calibrated into it, allowing your ignition coil to saturate longer, which in turn provides a more intense spark. Installs in minutes and plugs into your stock wiring harness. Part No.

ALUMINUM VORTEC DISTRIBUTORS

No more wimpy plastic distributors for your truck! Our engineers have designed a Vortec distributor with an aluminum housing which is stronger, more durable, and longer lasting than the cost cutting plastic units made by the factory. No more stripping out your distributor cap retaining screws when installing a new cap and rotor! Each housing is polished, providing a high tech appearance. Includes our heavy duty brass terminal cap and rotor. Part No. 12625 1996-2003 SB V-8 Chevy & GMC, Part No. 12626 1996-2007 V-6 Chevy & GMC 1997-2000 Isuzu Hombre, 1996-2001 Olds Bravada, Part No. 12627 1996-2003 BB V-8 Chevy & GMC

TIME FOR YOU TO START DRIVING YOUR STREET TRUCK UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE BEST IGNITION AVAILABLE!

altogether. Standing at 6’3”, there isn’t much spare legroom for Rob as it is, so he just might have to make a set of lower profile seats (at least one for the driver side) to gain a few valuable inches to increase his comfort level dramatically.

EVEN MORE!

While he was still in fabrication mode, Rob also put together a kickass, certified 8.50 8-point chromoly roll cage since he planned to put his Chevy through the paces on the 2021 Hot Rod Power Tour, which he has done successfully. Since it has been completed, the truck has made it out to numerous local shows as well as multiple QA1 #goDRIVEit cruises that are geared towards enjoying the

beauty of taking the scenic route—how kick-back cruising always should be.

While Rob’s ’56 Chevy pickup project did take a good chunk of time to complete (about 7 years or so), he can honestly say that he designed and executed the majority of the work that went into the build. With that accomplishment comes a great deal of pride and a set of newly developed skills that will surely come in handy for the next project he takes on. For now, Rob plans on continuing what he’s been doing with the truck ever since he finished it—driving it fast and driving it often. His ‘56 is set up to perform and handle like a champ on the track as well as take it easy on twisty back roads. What else could anyone ask for?

TRUCK SPECS

❚ 1956 Chevy 3100 P/U

❚ Eden Prairie, MN

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

§ 1972 Chevy Big Block V-8 496

§ Custom engine mounts to set engine back 4 inches

§ SCAT connecting rods, 4.25-inch forged crank

§ Probe forged pistons

§ Total Seal gapless rings

§ ARP studs

§ Fabricated trap door for pan

§ Comp Cams custom grind camshaft, Ultra Pro Magnum roller rockers

§ AFR 300CC CNC oval port heads

§ Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold

§ Vintage M/T valve covers

§ FST Billet X-treme Pro 950 carb

§ 3-inch exhaust tubing

§ Cherry Bomb Salute mufflers

§ MSD 6AL programmable ignition

§ 1997 GM 4L80 transmission by Extreme Automatic, Amelia, OH

§ Full manual build with reverse pattern and trans brake

§ TCI Diablo shifter

§ Extreme 9.5-inch torque converter with lock up

§ Derale transmission cooler 17x8 in front of radiator

§ QA1 3.2-inch carbon fiber Driveshaft with 1350 U-joints

§ Dana 60 rear axle narrowed with 35-spline axles

§ Be Cool custom radiator with dual electric fans

CHASSIS

§ Modified stock 1956 frame by owner

§ 1969 Camaro front subframe

§ QA1 front 500-lb coilovers, rear 130-lb coilovers

§ QA1 Proma Star double adjustable shocks all around

§ 2x3 back half with 4-link and watts link

§ X-brace with trans mount and driveshaft loop

§ Wheelbase stretched 1 inch for 115-inch total

§ Rack and pinion steering

WHEELS, TIRES & BRAKES

§ 17x8 Billet Specialties Street Lite & 15x14 Weld Pro Star wheels

§ 245/45/17 Falken Azenis & 31x18x15 Mickey Thompson drag radials

§ Right Stuff front and rear disc brake conversions

§ •Mopar 15/16-inch master cylinder

PAINT & BODY

§ Black epoxy primer by owner

§ QA1 logo on doors by QA1 marketing team

§ Front wheel wells flared ¾-inch with pie cut

§ Rear wheel tubs

§ Bumpers deleted

§ Fabricated aluminum bed floor with opening in center section

§ Battery and storage access doors

§ Custom firewall mods for engine set back

§ Several rust repair patch panels

§ OE replacement grille and headlights

INTERIOR

§ JEGS high back sport bucket seats w/ simulated black leather (vinyl)

§ 8.50 certified, 8-point chromoly rollcage by owner

§ Stewart Warner Deluxe gauges

§ Gutted doors with aluminum door panels and trans cover

§ Smoothed dash

§ Lizard Skin heat barrier

§ Lexan rear window and power side windows

WORDS BY JOHN MATA JR. PHOTOS BY JON HAWKINS

WHILE THE POPULARITY OF OBS PICKUPS CONTINUES TO SPIKE THESE DAYS, SOME BUILDERS OUT THERE ARE LOOKING TO SWITCH THINGS UP A BIT BY CREATING SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN THE NORM. Mike Batty of Vero Beach, Florida, is a big fan of ’88-’98 Chevy pickups, but he didn’t want to add yet another truck to the show fields in his region. Instead, he selected another Chevy alternative of the same vintage—a

’95 four-door Tahoe that he was eager to smooth out and slam to the ground.

It really is difficult to not be a big fan of the OBS-era GM SUV models, especially when they’re laid out on a nice set of wheels. The Suburban of this same period would also be a great choice to build instead of the Chevy pickup, but there is just something about the more compact and boxy Tahoe that makes it an ideal candidate for a full rebuild—no matter if it’s equipped with two or four doors. Mike subscribed to this exact same sentiment as he began tearing into his ’95 about four years ago.

…they’d challenge you to fly in the face of convention. Because when you seek your next adventure, you want a tire that chops into that space between traditional mud-terrain and all-terrain tires. The Atturo Trail Blade X/T stylishly delivers the best of both worlds. So, if you’re looking for a tire that can make any pursuit look hot, Go with Atturo.

WHAT WILL YOUR TIRES SAY ABOUT YOU?

ALTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

The first order of business was to address the Tahoe’s altitude, so Mike reached out to Kevin Dixon of Home Brewed Customs in Mooresville, North Carolina, to work his magic on the factory frame. Air Lift Dominator D2600 ’bags and KYB shocks were utilized on each corner, as was an Accuair VU4 4-corner manifold and SwitchSpeed controller to assist in adjusting the Tahoe’s ride height on the fly. To further increase its ride quality, Kevin built a custom back-half frame for the Chevy from the transmission back. Once that was completed, he performed a bodydrop to allow it to sit as low as it does when aired out.

Capitalizing on his Tahoe’s newfound slammed stance, Mike began sifting through multiple wheel options before landing on a set that stopped him dead in his tracks. Raceline’s Explosion 5 forged billet wheels are custom built to fit a truck’s individual specs, and in this case, 22x8.5-inch wheels were

an ideal size for the front and wider 22x10-inch units were chosen for the back, which required the rear drive axle to be narrowed 6 inches by Jimmy’s Rod ‘N Customs. Pirelli P Zero Nero ultra high performance tires were used to cover the high-end billets for an equally sporty appearance and all-season drivability.

LESS-IS-MORE EXTERIOR

For the exterior, Mike was looking to stay within the whole “less is more” realm. To help massage the Tahoe’s panels and prep them for paint, Scott Refice of Intense Works tackled the bodywork the Chevy needed as well as adding more custom touches, such as shaving the door handles, roof rack, and fuel door. A specially mixed dark blue paint color was soon applied, but to really bring out the most of the new paintjob, Jason Feltham of Feltham Fabrication concocted a multi-color mini-truck inspired graphic that adorns the center of the hood and onto the dash inside the cab for a slick stroke of individuality. From there, Mike kept

the exterior accessories relatively streamlined by only adding RZ custom headlights, LED tails, and a throwback Trenz billet grille.

TOUCH-OF-CLASS INTERIOR

Moving inside the Tahoe, Robert and Dylan Doerr of Robert Doerr Upholstery added a fresh set of buckets from Snowden Seats. The upholstery options were narrowed down to a tan Rolls Royce leather and suede combo that adds an elevated touch of class to the interior space. The inner quarters

really were a joint effort as Scott Refice clocked back in to create a custom center console and door panels for the interior, while Jason Feltham also made a return appearance to fabricate custom rear panels for good measure.

Mike was able to source and squeeze a 1959 Impala dash into place, which sports the aforementioned paint graphics but has also been stuffed with Dakota Digital RTX gauges and a Raceline Explosion steering wheel. With so much more room to work with inside the Tahoe, a complete JL Audio sound system was wired up—complete with front and rear speakers, an 8W7 subwoofer, and the right amps to feed the suggested juice to them for optimum thumping power.

While the factory 5.7L V-8 is still intact under the

hood, it has seen some healthy upgrades in the way of Hooker short tube headers, a 3-inch exhaust system and Flowmaster muffler for better breathing abilities. Mike has hinted that he would be game for an LS swap sometime in the future, so we’ll see if he takes the plunge with that upgrade sooner than later.

FOUR YEARS, ZERO CORNERS CUT

Mike is a proud member of the Aftermath truck club, and made sure to stick to their collective “Quality Over Quantity” motto with the build of his Tahoe. The build process spanned a total of four years, and the outcome of this project took every bit of that time because absolutely zero corners were cut. Mike believes in doing things right the first time, even if that means having to practice extreme patience when problems arise.

While nothing comes easy with builds of this nature, Mike saw his Tahoe through and now has a cool 90’s era Chevy to cruise around town in. It has enough retro styling without going overboard to serve as a fantastic example of that old school Y2K style that got a lot of us hooked on the whole custom truck scene to begin with.

…THERE is just something about the more compact and boxy Tahoe that is an ideal candidate for a full rebuild…

THE 2022 SUMMER C10 SHOW SEASON OFFICIALLY STARTED WITH THE C10 SLO DOWN SHOW

ON SATURDAY, JULY 23. Held at San Luis Obispo’s Historic Madonna Inn right off the 101 freeway, 800 registered classic Chevy and GMC owners parked their prized possessions all along the 23-acre grass field next to the hotel.

Originally started by Paul Karp, a member of C10 Club Central Coast, C10 SLO Down had its first big event last year but was still more of a car meetup than an actual show. Wanting to take the SLO Down to the next level, Karp consulted the organizers of C10 Intervention: Tony Ortega, president of C10 Club Sacramento, Carlos Vidales of Dropped Lower, John Oro of C10 Club, and title sponsor United Pacific.

Once C10 Intervention and United Pacific joined the cause, it was off to the races…

By the time the SLO Down closed off registration, 750 passes were sold out in record time with 50 more available to purchase the day of the show—a massively larger number than originally expected, which was fantastic for the show’s first time holding a big event.

On the day of the show, vendors and registered owners began to roll in and set up at 6 a.m. before the start at 9 a.m. With every minute, the venue started to flow with all sorts of classic Chevy and GMC trucks like C10s, K5s, Blazers, 3100s, and even OBS trucks. C10 enthusiasts gathered from all over California, Arizona, and as far as Washington and Texas.

Along with many food and drink booths, quite a few vendors were offering parts, accessories, and apparel like Dropped Lower, C10 Crew, and United Pacific. Many enthusiasts were happy to enjoy the show and come home with some goodies. Live music from bands and DJs played throughout the day, adding to the fun.

Towards the end of the event, United Pacific held the drawing of its raffle giveaways of UPcarparts’ signature LED headlights, apparel, and other accessories, and organizers of the event awarded the show winners with trophies. It’s safe to say that C10 SLO Down 2022 was a huge success, and we’re eagerly anticipating next year’s festivities.

ARGUABLY, THERE IS NO BETTER WAY TO COMPLIMENT THE AGE OF A CLASSIC TRUCK THAN WITH A PATINA PAINT JOB. And whether you’re distressing the paint by hand or letting time do all of the hard work, a point comes when you’ve reached the perfect combination of rust, paint, and bare metal. So what then?

Older generations would tell you to rub your truck down with oils, like boiled linseed, to prevent further oxidation. But with the oils come issues; they lack

the necessary components to keep your patina truly safe from everyday elements like UV radiation. They fall even shorter when it comes to protecting it from harsher conditions like acid rain.

That’s where Poppy’s Patina steps in. The company has developed a line of urethane-based matte and gloss clearcoats that have been designed specifically for patina paintjobs. The Oklahoma-based company even developed a wipe-on clearcoat for the DIY truck owners who don’t have access to any automotive paint equipment. For larger projects, Poppy’s offers the standard spray-on formula, allowing for greater surface application in a shorter amount of time.

This happened to be perfect for Salvage to Savage’s newest GMC patina van project. The guys at Poppy’s Patina headed down to South Florida with some of the company’s matte clearcoat to give them a hand!

POPPY’S PREP

The GMC Vandura was still rocking the original factory paint from the 1970s, and the crew at Salvage to Savage wanted to make sure the Florida elements didn’t turn the van into a pile of rust. Brian from Poppy’s Patina kicked off the process by hosing down the van and giving it a wash with Poppy’s pre-cleaner, using the scuffing pad to prep the surface. The scuff pad not only helped to remove stuck-on debris from the paint, but it also created a more adhesive surface for the clearcoat.

Once cleaned, the guys moved the GMC van inside the shop to start wiping it down with Poppy’s Patina degreaser. The degreaser is designed to bring the trapped oils and leftover debris up to the surface of the paint, helping to remove anything that could affect the clearcoat’s adhesion. It’s important to wipe the degreaser on and be able to wipe it away with a clean cloth before the chemicals evaporate. The hot Florida sun would have caused the degreaser to flash off far too fast for it to work effectively, which is why the GMC was moved out of the direct sunlight for this step.

LAST STEPS

The last prep stage before applying the clear was to mask off any surface that didn’t need a urethane coating. With the van taped up, it was time to mix the clearcoat catalyst into the matte

urethane base. Just like the degreaser, it’s not beneficial to have the clearcoat flash too quickly during the application. It’s best practice to spray or wipe on the urethane protection in a well ventilated garage, under a carport, or anywhere out of direct sunlight.

Since the guys were trying to avoid any overspray inside the shop and didn’t have a carport at their disposal, they decided to wait until the early morning to apply the urethane clearcoat to the van. With the Florida sun low in the sky and the temperatures at their coolest, the team quickly worked its way around the van, putting down a thick, even coat of protection. Instantly the color of the van

began to pop and appear more vibrant under the matte coat and the natural rust colors of the patina really came to life. Within an hour, the urethane clearcoat was dry to the touch. The surface no longer had a rough, uneven texture. The smoothed topcoat made it easy to wipe down the van with a microfiber cloth without fibers of the towel being snagged by what would normally be jagged oxidized paint and metal.

After waiting only 24 hours, the protective coating was fully cured and Salvage to Savage’s 1970 GMC Vandura was ready to hit the road without fear of the Sun’s UV rays, chunky bird droppings, and the salty, corrosive, Florida climate.

ABOVE.

RIGHT.

always best

in a

like a car port. But if no

area is available, spray as early as possible so the paint isn’t hot and the chemicals in the

don’t flash off too fast.

1966CHEVYC20LOKJAW |BanksPower withTX6RBigBrakeTruckFront/RearKits

ONE OF OUR MOST RESPECTED EDITORIAL SERIES IS BACK, AND WE KICK IT OFF WITH ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PARTS MANUFACTURERS IN THE U.S.—QA1. The company also happens to be our 2019 Street Trucks Manufacturer of the Year. After a few emails and schedule checks, we booked our flights to Minnesota and packed our camera gear anticipating an eye-opening experience into one of the industry’s highest-quality component makers.

Whether your goal is a Saturday night sprint across the checkered flag or a slow, easy cruise down main street in your classic Chevy C10, QA1 is one of the industry leaders you should consider when ordering a complete suspension package for your pickup. Quality and affordability are top priorities at QA1, and the company achieves this by having a robust quality-management system and a culture of continuous improvement.

The crew at QA1 believes vehicles were

meant to be driven, and we couldn’t agree more. They’re engineering products that are designed to be bolted on by anyone with basic mechanical skills to get you behind the wheel faster. Increase your 60-foot times, handle curves with confidence, and increase the pride in your pickup. Everything QA1 does is designed to get you out on the road. No matter what you drive, QA1 just wants you to #goDRIVEit!

The priority at QA1 is quality above all, which is why the company’s system is certified to the ISO 9001 standard. What’s the you ask? ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system and is the only quality standard that you can receive certification for. It’s based on a number of principles, including a strong customer focus, the motivation of top management, the process approach, and continual improvement. The QA1 crew follows a strict process, uses precision machinery, and inspects all of their products to ensure the quality meets the high standards. QA1 products are designed, built, and tested to ensure consistent quality, ultimate reliability, and unbeatable performance.

HighPerformanceSuspension andDrivelineProducts

WORDS BY CHRIS HAMILTON PHOTOS BY MACH1 MEDIA

CARBON FIBER DRIVESHAFT TESTING

QA1’s Advanced Materials Division uses many techniques to evaluate and ensure the quality of the company’s driveshafts. The carbon fiber driveshaft testing meets or exceeds SFI specifications. Some of the in-house material tests include tension, compression, shear, three point bend, and surface roughness.

QA1 also performs imaging techniques with a high magnification microscope to analyze the composites for fiber volume, layer analysis, and to avoid potential void content. Harmonic testing is done to determine the natural frequency of the driveshaft, and a modal analysis is performed to ensure the composite driveshaft meets the applications’ requirements for NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness).

ENTHUSIASTS FOR ENTHUSIASTS

Many of

QA1

They also know

are designed,

and

ensure

Backinthe70’s

allkindsofclassiccars,trucksandhotrods?

Turnsout,itwasveryhard.Itwasn’tenoughtojustblowcoldair,wewantedto engineer super-compact,simple-to-install,andtruelyreliablecomponentpackagesthatthe averageenthusiastcouldinstallandforget.Theproofis46yearsofcool!

everymanufacturingprocessbecausewehavealwaysbelieved,

TMI’S FIRST ANNUAL

CARS & CLEARANCE

BY JOHN MATA JR.

EVENTCOME FOR THE FREE COFFEE, STAY FOR THE SHOW AND BIG SALE!

SURELY YOU’VE SPENT QUITE A BIT OF TIME AT YOUR LOCAL CARS-AND-COFFEE TYPE EVENT. They’re a great time to show off cool rides while getting to know likeminded folks who live in your immediate area. As fun and comfortable as they are, the one thing these intimate meetups have to offer is the ability to purchase killer seats and interior panels at factory-direct prices or lower!

By now, TMI Products should be a household name for lovers and builders of custom cars and trucks alike. To show its appreciation of customers and owners of sponsored vehicles, as well as those looking to somehow score some new interior parts of their own, TMI held its first annual Cars & Clearance event on August 20. The premise was to gather for an early morning show (8 a.m.-noon) at TMI’s SoCal HQ, but to add to the excitement, TMI blew out a bunch of old inventory—even non-clearance items were priced to move!

“After being in business for 40 years, we had a lot of one-off pieces from shows stored away that we included in the sale. It was finally time to dust them off and clean house at incredible prices,” says TMI’s Senior Sales Manager Jimmy Pearce. “The early birds in attendance got the ‘worms,’ that’s for sure, as there were a lot of great deals to be had.”

For those just looking to hang out and take in the scenery, it was a rare opportunity to see so many different custom show vehicles of various makes and models with one thing in common—full TMI interiors. Onlookers who ever wondered just how deep the selection of leather seats, consoles, and panels

TMI had to offer were able to see firsthand just what is available at the click of a mouse or early entry to next year’s Cars & Clearance event. With such a successful inaugural event in the books, of course those involved with the show are already looking into planning next year’s followup show.

To shop TMI’s current and future product lineup, as well as to stay posted for the next Cars & Clearance event, be sure to visit TMIProducts.com.

WORDS BY MIKE SELF

LAND ROVERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AMAZING VEHICLES, KNOWN FOR BEING ABLE TO TRAVERSE PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING THAT GETS IN THEIR WAY. Well, until they get in their own way, that is. Leaking suspensions, electrical gremlins, and blown head gaskets are par for the course when dealing with stock vintage Rovers, but they have so much character that enthusiasts ignore the pain and just try to remember the good times while emptying their wallets over and over again. To own a Land Rover for any considerable amount of times means that you really love Rovers, despite their inherent drawbacks.

The folks at ECD Automotive Designs really love Rovers, and they know them inside and out. So, it makes sense that they have, over time, perfected the art of perfecting them and accentuating those things that make them great. Project Naw is one of the company’s latest builds and is probably the best example of a 110 Defender we’ve seen in a long time. Right off the bat, the

450-horsepower GM LT1 is a huge improvement over the original engine, with the 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission allowing the Rover to slam through the gears from zero to 60 mph in just 6 seconds! But even when the pedal isn’t mashed to the floor, the engine still sounds great thanks to the custom Borla exhaust, which includes a resonator in addition to the muffler.

This particular Defender hasn’t been in the U.S. too long, having been legally imported for an ECD customer who had an itch for a rad, updated 110 Defender. Originally a work truck, the old rig was a little rough around the edges but had tons of potential. The company got right to work on it, tearing it apart and rebuilding it into the the magnificent specimen you see here over the course of 14 months.

experiencing this Defender for ourselves, we have to agree that the company does build trucks that are special, melding modern-day technology and comfort with the classic styling of automotive design’s heyday.

There’s no ignoring this sophisticated beast, either, with its Verde Mantis paint—a color originally found on the Lamborghini Huracán—and black 20-inch Kahn Mondia Retro alloy wheels (with matching spare on the swingaway carrier). Underneath, an upgraded air suspension allows for both comfort and flexibility, and color-matched Brembo brakes bring things to a full stop in a hurry.

Moving inside reveals a fully appointed cabin, rockin’ custom Recaro Cross Sportster CS front and second row seating wrapped in Hydes Pelle Fresco Frost leather material, with matching door panels and a custom center console. Project Naw was brought into the 21st century with luxury and convenience upgrades such as front and rear cameras, blind spot assist, wireless device chargers, Wi-Fi, and an Infinity Kappy stereo system.

The rest of the truck was restored with classic Defender accessories, such as a backdated style bumper and grille, a roll cage, and a fresh soft top convertible roof, preserving the iconic look of everyone’s favorite British off-road machine.

As ECD co-founder Scott Wallace tells us, “Project Naw is a brilliant example of what we do at ECD, where everything is possible. Unbound by convention and driven by out clients’ creativity, our talented craftsmen and engineers bring dream cars like Project Naw to life, and they remain unmatched to anything else on the road.”

While those may be bold words to describe ECD and its creations, after experiencing this Defender for ourselves, we have to agree that the company does build trucks that are special, melding modernday technology and comfort with the classic styling of automotive design’s heyday. ECD may call it Project Naw, but it gets a “Yup” from us!

1ARE FORD F-150S RELIABLE?

The short answer is that, historically, the F-150 has been considered one of the most dependable trucks in the US since its introduction. Many publications, including US News (which gave it an 86/100 score in recent years), have consistently rated it as highly reliable next to many of its competitors. We think it’s important to note that, in the long run, a truck’s reliability is greatly dependent on consistent preventative maintenance and overall care. In other words, you get out what you put in!

2ARE FORD F-150S GOOD ON GAS?

As can be expected, the F-150’s fuel economy has improved over the years, but of course that depends on which engine and transmission you’re running. According to FuelEconomy.gov, a 1984 F-150 with the 4.9L inline six and 4-speed AOD transmission could expect about 14 mpg on streets and 18 mpg on highways. A 2022 F-150 equipped with the 2.7L turbo V-6, on the other hand, is estimated at 20 mpg street and 26 mpg highway.

Upgrading that ‘84 to the 351 Windsor V-8 with the beefy 3-speed C6 automatic would drop MPGs down to 11/12, while a 2022 F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V-8 and 10-speed auto nets 17/24.

And then, of course, there’s the new Lightning, which is rated at an equivalent of 78 mpg city and 63 mpg highway. So yeah, you could say that the F-150 can definitely be good on gas!

F-150 hasn’t enjoyed the same stature as its heavier-duty siblings, such as the F-250 and F-350.

We think those times are changing, as GM truck pricing has been going through the roof and plenty of F-150s are just waiting for their chance to prove themselves as viable custom trucks. You may have some questions about F-150s before taking the plunge into uncharted territory, and hopefully we’ve addressed them on the following pages. Even if you’ve been a Ford head all along, you may learn something new!

WITH THE FORD F-SERIES BEING THE BEST-SELLING TRUCK IN THE UNITED STATES EVERY YEAR SINCE 1977, IT SOMEHOW STILL TENDS TO PLAY SECOND FIDDLE TO GM TRUCKS WHEN IT COMES TO CUSTOMIZING AND EVEN RESTORATION. They have always been an amazing platform to build off of, but the

3ARE FORD F-150S EASY TO WORK ON?

The newer the F-150, the more complicated things can get when it comes to working on your truck yourself. Modern electronics, multi-cam engines, and forced induction can definitely make things confusing for those who aren’t used to working on them! That being said, today’s diagnostic equipment is better than ever and can usually help pinpoint the cause of any problems pretty easily.

In the end, some folks feel more comfortable tuning a carburetor with a screwdriver and a careful ear than they do tuning through a laptop, so whatever floats your boat is good with us!

4CAN THE NEW FORD F-150 LIGHTNING BE LIFTED?

Oh, you betcha it can be lifted! In fact, several companies already have lift kits for the Lightning in full production. We’ve seen up to 3-inch spacer kits available as of this writing, but we’re sure that eventually someone will go even bigger. The problem for the average Lightning owner, however, is the fact that the truck has an independent rear suspension, which can be limiting due to drive axle angles.

5WHERE IS THE F-150 BUILT?

Today’s F-150s are built at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant and the Dearborn Truck Plant, which has produced F-series trucks since 1948. Also known historically as the River Rouge Plant, it is also where the new EV F-150 Lightning is built.

Past generations have been built in a multiple plants all over the U.S. (as far west as Long Beach and San Jose, California), and around the world depending on their intended market.

6IS THERE A DIESEL FORD F-150?

You may be surprised to find out that the first diesel available in the F-150 wasn’t that long ago—2018—with the 3.0L Powerstroke V-6. Unfortunately, the increasing popularity of the EcoBoost engines meant that as time went on, fewer F-150 buyers bought the Powerstroke, making 2021 the last model year in which you could order an F-150 with a diesel. We’d love to see another diesel engine between the F-150’s fender badges some day, but only time will tell if that will ever be a reality again.

Past generations have been built in a multiple plants all over the U.S. (as far west as Long Beach and San Jose, California), and around the world depending on their intended market.

7ARE FORD F-150S MADE OF ALUMINUM?

Yup, all F-150s from model year 2015 and newer have aluminum bodies (cab, bed, fenders, etc.), replacing the steel panels of years past. The biggest advantage is obviously weight savings, but can you believe that the switch to aluminum resulted in an almost 750-pound reduction in curb weight? The 14th generation (2021+) has the same aluminum construction, so we foresee aluminum being Ford’s material of choice for the F-150 for at least the next few years.

8WHAT DOES THE F-150 NAME MEAN?

F-series models date all the way back to the 1948 model year, when Ford’s different truck models were named, F-1, F-2, F-3, etc., to signify 1/2-ton, 3/4-ton, and higher payload capacities. With

the introduction of the ‘53 F-series, the naming was changed to F-100, F-250, F-350, et al. It wouldn’t be until the 1975 model year that the F-150 name would be introduced for a slightly heavier duty version of the F-100 (similar to Chevy’s Big-10 and GMC’s Heavy Half trucks). The F-150 name didn’t completely replace the F-100 until the 1984 model year, when it became the sole option for Ford 1/2-ton trucks and has remained so ever since.

The F-150 name didn’t completely replace the F-100 until the 1984 model year, when it became the sole option for Ford 1/2-ton trucks and has remained so ever since.

9WHAT IS THE LUG PATTERN OF A FORD F-150?

Well, this one is going to depend on what year F-150 you’re talking about, but thankfully it’s pretty easy to remember since Ford used the same lug patterns for many years at a time. The 1975 to 1996 F-150s used 5x5.5-inch (or in metric, 5x139.7mm), 1997-2004 F-150s used a 5x135mm bolt pattern, and 2005-current F-150s use a 6x135mm bolt pattern.

10WHAT ARE THE BEST AND WORST YEARS FOR THE FORD F-150?

We thought this was a weird question—after all, how do you narrow down the best and worst years of a truck? Well, once we started researching, we remembered all of the issues that certain model years had when introduced. For instance, when the 11th generation F-150 was introduced as a 2004 model, it was plagued by so many problems that it was described by some as the worst F-150 in history!

Some of the problems were major, such as spark plugs ejecting themselves from the cylinder heads, while others weren’t as terminal, like faulty window regulators. By this point, we’re sure that most of the trucks affected by these problems have been long since fixed, so while you should be mindful of them while shopping for a used F-150, the proper paper trail of repair receipts should put your mind at ease. It’s important to note that the 2005 model year had its share of similar problems, so be sure to do your due diligence on those as well.

Oh, and the best year for the F-150? Among the older models, the ‘93s are well known for their durability and ease of maintenance, while ‘15s tend to have the highest satisfaction ratings among the more modern F-150s.

FAT

DEPOT 87

MAXTRAC SUSPENSION 19

NATIONAL PARTS DEPOT 2

PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING 33

PAINLESS PERFORMANCE 111

PERFORMANCE DISTRIBUTORS INC 69

PERFORMANCE ONLINE 6-7, 121

PROSPORT GAUGES 103

QA1 PRECISION PRODUCTS 95

SLAM SPECIALTIES LLC 111

SUMMIT RACING 10-11

THERMO-TEC AUTOMOTIVE, INC. 113

UNITED PACIFIC INDUSTRIES 51

VINTAGE AIR 97

WESTERN CHASSIS 20-21

WHEEL PROS 28-29

WHEEL PROS 41

WILWOOD DISC BRAKES 89

an

STREET TRUCKS ENTHUSIASTS, THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS

UPON US. It is time to get together with friends, family and truck kinfolk as we celebrate the holidays.

To me the 4th quarter of the year is a wonderful time. Truck or Treat events, SEMA, Daytona Turkey Run and various other truck shows are just a few things that come to mind when I think of end of year fun. As the year comes to a close I encourage you to check your beginning of the year to-do list. Did you accomplish some or all of your goals? Don’t stress if some of your items are still unchecked.

You still have time in 2022 to make headway plus 2023 is upon us. As you think ahead to next year use your note or to-do apps on your phone to set tasks. A well established plan will set you and your project up for success. Here’s to 2022 nearing an end! Enjoy the holiday season however you celebrate! Until next time, stay “On Da Rise.” Jason “ODB” Ballard from Our Lifestyle Podcast!

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