Summary

Ground-up Resto-Mod powered by a 454ci big-block Chevy engine mated to a built Turbo 400 transmission. Features an auto-leveling air-ride suspension.

Details

This 1963 GMC original short-bed magazine cover truck has been fully customized. Beginning at the foundation, this truck rides on a full Porterbuilt-equipped air-ride chassis that has been powder-coated. The chassis is also equipped with Baer Pro Plus brakes that feature 14-inch cross-drilled, slotted and vented rotors, as well as billet 6-piston calipers on all four corners. The air suspension consists of Slam Specialties airbags, controlled by an Airlift 3H auto-leveling air management system. Air is supplied to the dual aluminum tanks by a set of VIAIR compressors. The drive train starts with a rebuilt 454ci big-block Chevy engine, equipped with a complete TrickFlow top-end kit that includes aluminum cylinder heads, mild cam and roller rockers. A polished All American Billet pulley setup encompasses the air conditioning compressor, power steering pump and high-flow water pump. Behind the engine is a Turbo 400 3-speed automatic transmission outfitted with an upgraded valve body and torque converter to handle the high-horsepower engine, which has also been painted to match. Transferring the power to the rear wheels is a narrowed Chevy 12-bolt rear end. The axle was built with 3.73:1 Richmond gears and Auburn limited slip. A custom-built 20-gallon aluminum fuel cell was designed to tuck nicely in between the rear frame rails. The truck sits on a set of custom Candy powder-coated 22- and 24-inch Intro 'Flo' two-piece billet wheels. Inside, the cab features a shaved dash with a flush-mounted double-DIN radio and a custom billet instrument bezel that houses Dakota Digital HDX gauges. Upholstery in the truck consists of a TMI split-bench seat, door panels and steering wheel with custom-built center console, kick panels and trim panels. The interior also houses an Insane 2600-watt audio system, including four 13.5-inch JL Audio subs in a blow-through encloser. Keeping the inside cool is a Resto-Mod climate-control system that feature billet vents and control panels. The remaining interior is painted to match. Under the hood is a shaved firewall, custom bead-rolled sheet-metal fenders, and an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans with accenting paint and powder-coat. Over 900 hours were spent on the exteriors fit, finish and modifications on this truck. One of the unique mods is the bed treatment consisting of an air-actuated bed cover. Under the cover reveals the custom chassis and an upholstered trunk. After all the fab and body work was done, and House of Kolor clear was sprayed over the Metallic Gold base coat. Lastly, all the exterior trim work was covered in a custom Candy powder-coat. The truck has taken multiple awards at shows, including Best Paint.