Chris Hamilton
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September 30, 2021
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Department
We love our readers, and we want to know what you are working on, even if it’s not a show stopping, race winning sport truck that gets attention anywhere you go. Does your ’93 have some rust but you still love it? Send us some pics! Have an ’89 with a custom paint job? That’s right up our alley—send us some pics! Or maybe you have an immaculately restored, completely original 454SS with less than 100 original miles on it. Definitely send us some pics of that! We really want to see them all. We are enthusiasts just like yourselves and seeing all the possibilities for these amazing trucks will inspire someone to build something similar. They say imitation is the highest form of flattery, so here are some of the coolest OBS GMT400 Chevy trucks from around the country to get you thinking about your personal project. Ready to send those pics now? Email them over to us at editor@streettrucksmag.com.
1994 Chevrolet “EL Diablo”
Fuquay-Varina, NC
Mods: McGaughys 4/6-inch lowering kit with C-notch. All new trim with new bumpers and all new glass. Special blend red paint, new suspension with 20-inch and 22-inch US Mag Rambler wheels, Sport mirrors.
1997 Chevy 1500 “OBSession”
Las Vegas, NV
Mods: Full chassis build, stock floor body dropped on 22-inch wheels.
1997 GMC C1500 SL “Rooster”
Blanchard, OK
Mods: 4-inch front and 6-inch rear drop using McGaughys suspension products, Doetsch shocks front and rear and Billet Specialties Speedway wheels. 20-inch in the front and 22-inch in the rear. A full interior makeover is also complete and now it’s a daily driver.
1997 C1500 Crew Cab “2nd Chance”
Mods: Engine 6.0LS with 4L80E transmission. BTR cam, Holley 92mm sniper intake and 92mm throttle body. Speed Engineering shorty headers, full stainless exhaust with Borla muffler.
Body dropped, Stone Fab upper and lower A-arms, Dominator 2600 bags in front. Rear is parallel four-link, Thor Bros Watt’s link, Firestone F9000 air bags. Chassis cleaned and painted satin black.
22-inch Intro Dakota wheels wrapped in Nitto 420s tires. Bed is shaved with a Mod Shop Metal Works full skin and Watson Street Works LED taillights. Inside the bed is fully bead rolled and sprayed in Line X. Paint is PPG Ocean Blue metallic. Interior wrapped in two-tone brown vinyl and suede with blue stitching. All work performed by Auto Kustoms. Dakota Digital VHX gauge cluster, Billet Specialties steering wheel. Escalade center console and stock seats with armrest and headrest removed.
1997 Chevy Tahoe “GZ Hoe”
Mods: Static dropped, non adjustable suspension riding on 22-inch front wheels and 24-inch rear wheels.
1988 Chevrolet C1500 “The Grinch”
South Georgia
Mods: Boosted stock bottom end 5.3-liter LS, factory 243 heads, makes over 1kwhp (proven), 1.27 60’, way too many parts to list on here!
1995 Chevy C1500
Mods: Bagged with Ridetech four-link, Stone Fab front arms, Airlift 3p air management system, narrowed rear end, US Mag Milner billet wheels and a fully built 350c.i. Small block.
1998 GMC Sierra
Miami, FL
Mods: Bagged Nfamus metal rear three-link suspension, raised gas tank bracket, Ekstensive metal front cups, Airlift air management, Viair 444 compressors, 22×9 front and 22×11 rear US Mags Ramblers
1994 GMC Sierra “Country Boy’s Kryptonite”
Naples, FL
Mods: Full body custom paint along with custom painted stripes. 6-inch Zone Offroad suspension lift with 20×12 XD Grenades wrapped in 35×12.5×20 Federal MT tires. Hydro dipped interior and green underglow 14-bolt rear end swap.
1999 Chevy Tahoe LT “Midnight”
Sebring, FL
Mods: Midnight sits with a 2-inch drop on 20-inch chrome Voxx wheels with 275/45/20 Nitto NT420V tires all around. Her gray leather interior is mint and the fresh repaint factory Indigo Blue has been ceramic coated to keep her outside looking fresh and wet, which also makes cleaning her a breeze! She’s got a 2-inch cowl hood, upgraded slotted rotors, painted calipers and drums. New aftermarket headlights and tail lights and even a new factory Chevy bowtie exhaust tip. Her tag reads “CHEVY CK” for Chevy Chick. She’s still running her original 5.7-liter with 143k miles. When I got her she was bone stock and has lived her whole life in South Florida until I got her last April. In November she made a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, for the holidays and ran like a champ. She’s my daily driver and the nicest of my three OBS Tahoes and my OBS Suburban. What a fleet!
1995 Chevy 1500 Extended Cab
Newberry, FL
Mods: Three-quarter custom built frame with cantilever air-ride setup, 24-inch Raceline billet wheels, 2008 Nissan Titan power rear window molded into cab. 2008 Chevy Ext Cab power side windows molded in. Working on suiciding the front doors with the 2008 Chevrolet extended cab. 180 door hinges, twin turbo small block 350. 1964 Chevrolet double hump truck dash. In process of installing 2005 Pontiac G6 panoramic sunroof.
1998 Chevrolet Silverado C1500
Trenton, FL
Mods: 502bbc with 871 Weiand blower. One-off set of staggered 24-inch wheels. One-off 180° 3rd door. Suicide driver’s door. Kindigit handles. G6 panoramic roof. 16-inch Wilwood brakes at all four corners. Winters Performance quick change rearend. GMC full phantom grille. 2-inch chop top, stock floor body dropped to the doors. All link components are polished stainless.
1993 Chevy Indy 500 Pace Truck “La Indy”
San Jose, CA
Mods: Forgeline wheels, Viking coilovers, DJM control arms, Belltech flip kit.
1990 C1500 “90s Rich Kid”
Gadsden, AL
Mods: Stock floor body dropped on 20-inch, 3-piece Johnson hotrod seabrings, custom all billet interior with Snowden seats, Slosh Tubs and engine detail. Truck is fresh from its debut at Battle in Bama ‘21.
1992 GMC Sierra “Ol Blue”
Vermilion, Alberta, Canada
Mods: 2.5-inch bodydrop, raised and smoothed/radiused bedfloor with custom center piece. KP components six-link with Watt’s link. Epic Customs front narrowed control arms with slam bags. Accuair VT/e-level. Rear diff narrowed 5 inches. 22-inch Boyd billet wheels. Custom tucked and sectioned front bumper, custom shaved roll pan, smooth wiper cowl, billet grille, shaved tailgate, shaved firewall, Slosh tubs. Currently in the paint shop for a full frame off paint job and a powdercoated chassis and suspension. 350c.i. Chevy small block rebuilt with a 700r4 that has been all chromed and painted. Flowtech headers, Magnaflow dual exhaust, cam, lifters, springs, etc. producing 325-350ish hp.
What are some other truck builds featured in the “Busted Knuckles” series?
Looking for more exciting truck builds from the “Busted Knuckles” series? Here are some standout projects that enthusiasts can’t get enough of:
Explore the details of an iconic 1984 Blazer build, affectionately named Johnny 5, that combines rugged performance with classic style.
Dive into the transformation of a 1991 Silverado, showcasing a meticulous build that goes deeper than just the surface aesthetics.
Get to know Ol’ Girl, a 1972 C-10, complete with its rich history and impressive modifications that bring new life to this timeless classic.
Discover another 1984 C10 build that stands out for its unique features and the craftsmanship involved in creating a true masterpiece.
Check out a 1965 F100 that offers a blend of vintage appeal and modern enhancements, resulting in a truck that performs as good as it looks.
Finally, take a look at a beautifully restored 1968 C10, presented with attention to detail and a dedication to preserving its original charm.
Whether you’re a fan of classic models or modernized builds, the “Busted Knuckles” series has something that will pique your interest and inspire your own automotive projects.
What are some trending topics related to trucks and automotive news?
These topics underline the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the automotive world, keeping enthusiasts and industry watchers on their toes.
What modifications did Zack make to his 1997 Chevy Silverado?
Zack has completely transformed his 1997 Chevy Silverado with a series of impressive modifications that make it stand out on the road.
By focusing on both cosmetic and functional enhancements, Zack’s modifications make his 1997 Chevy Silverado a true head-turner both inside and out.
What customizations were made to the interior of Zack’s Silverado?
Zack’s Silverado boasts a meticulously customized interior. The standard plastic components received a smooth finish and a fresh paint job, executed with precision. The bench seat underwent a transformation, now elegantly wrapped in a luxurious combination of leather and suede.
Additionally, the door panels were not only painted but also accented with suede wrapping, enhancing the overall aesthetic. For the final touch, a Billet Specialties steering wheel was installed, offering both style and functionality.
Overall, these modifications resulted in a refined and unique interior that stands out from the original design.
What specific body and paint modifications were done on Zack’s Silverado?
Body and Paint Work:
What Wheels and Tires are Used on Zack’s Silverado?
When it comes to the wheels on Zack’s Silverado, he’s chosen a setup that offers both style and function. The truck is fitted with 24×10 wheels, providing a bold and aggressive stance.
As for tires, Zack has opted for a set of 275/25R24 Nexen N3000. This combination ensures a smooth ride and excellent grip on the road.
Specifications Recap:
This setup not only enhances the truck’s overall aesthetic but also delivers a reliable performance.
What components make up the drivetrain of Zack’s Silverado?
When exploring the intricacies of Zack’s Silverado, the drivetrain stands out as a blend of power and precision. Here’s a detailed look at its key components:
Each of these components has been meticulously chosen and customized to ensure Zack’s Silverado delivers both reliability and high performance on the road.
What specific modifications were made to the rear suspension of Zack’s Silverado?
Zack’s Silverado underwent significant modifications to its rear suspension to enhance performance and aesthetics. Here’s a detailed look at the custom work done:
This comprehensive makeover not only refined the truck’s visual appeal but also upgraded its handling and performance.
What specific modifications were made to the front suspension of Zack’s Silverado?
Front Suspension Modifications on Zack’s Silverado
Zack’s Silverado features specially engineered tubular arms that have been meticulously crafted to fit the vehicle’s unique requirements.
The track width has been significantly reduced by 5 inches. This modification aims to enhance handling and maneuverability while providing the truck with a more aggressive stance.
The truck is equipped with custom steering tie rods, a crucial adaptation for ensuring precise steering control, especially after other suspension modifications.
Drop spindles have been incorporated into the front suspension design to lower the vehicle’s ride height. This approach maintains optimal suspension geometry while achieving the desired drop.
Airlift Dominator 2,600-pound air bags are utilized in Zack’s Silverado, permitting adjustable ride height and superior ride comfort. This air suspension system adds versatility, allowing the truck to adapt to different driving conditions effortlessly.
What is the affiliation of Zack Looney’s truck club?
Inside the Build: A Closer Look
Zack Looney proudly associates his truck with the Crooked Edge Truck Club, a community known for their passion and dedication to customizing and showcasing unique trucks.
Who is Zack Looney and what is his background with trucks?
Zack Looney, a 26-year-old from Lufkin, Texas, has been deeply connected to trucks for as long as he can remember. Growing up, he was a constant presence in general-repair shops, where he quickly picked up various skills by assisting in repairs. His hands-on education began at home; his father, Steven, frequently worked on his truck, with young Zack eagerly learning the ropes.
By the time Zack turned 16, his fascination with trucks took a new direction. He befriended a local peer who owned a ‘bagged truck, introducing Zack to the world of custom suspension. This encounter sparked a profound interest in truck customization and broadened his understanding of the vehicle subculture.
What experience and skills does Zack Looney have in truck customization?
Zack Looney, at only 26 years old, brings to the table a rich ten-year history in truck customization. His journey began as a teenager, diving headfirst into the world of automotive modification. Over the years, Zack has honed a diverse set of skills that make him a standout in the field.
Though his current project, the Silverado, is only halfway complete, Zack’s demonstrated talents and continuous growth suggest a promising future. With each new skill he acquires, Zack pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in truck customization.
How did Zack Looney become interested in customized trucks?
Zack Looney, a 26-year-old from Lufkin, Texas, grew up immersed in the world of general-repair shops, where he quickly absorbed mechanical skills. Under the guidance of his father, Steven, Zack spent his early years learning the ins and outs of truck maintenance. The father-son duo often worked side-by-side on Steven’s truck, fostering Zack’s innate mechanical abilities.
At the age of 16, Zack’s interest took a pivotal turn. He encountered a peer who owned a truck with a custom suspension—a setup he had never seen before. This new acquaintance introduced Zack to the intriguing subculture of customized trucks. The spark of friendship kindled an enduring passion for modifying and enhancing vehicles beyond standard repairs.
Zack’s blend of early exposure, hands-on experience, and that crucial introduction to customized suspensions carved his path into the world of bespoke truck modifications.
Who does Zack Looney credit for motivating and inspiring him?
Zack Looney attributes his growth and success to a diverse group of individuals who have influenced his journey. He deeply appreciates the unwavering support and encouragement from his parents, Terrie and Steven. Their guidance laid the foundation for his achievements.
He also extends a heartfelt thank you to Kirk Risinger for his invaluable mentorship. His cousin, Landon Spurgeon, played a crucial role in his development, offering consistent support and camaraderie.
Moreover, Zack acknowledges the significant impact of his girlfriend, Morgan Vann, whose love and encouragement have been a constant source of strength.
To his Crooked Edge club members and a broad circle of friends, Zack is immensely grateful for their continued backing and motivation. This collective group has been instrumental in shaping who he is today.
Who helped with the upholstery work on Zack’s Silverado?
Organization</Diboll Custom Upholstery> contributed their expertise to create the red interior for Zack’s Silverado.
Who assisted Zack in painting the Silverado and what color was used?
Zack received help from his cousin Landon to paint the Silverado. They chose Olympic White as the color for the final coat.
How did Zack acquire his 1997 Chevy Silverado?
Zack acquired his 1997 Chevy Silverado through a trade. After securing the vehicle, he chose to embark on a complete overhaul. Leveraging his expertise, Zack executed a body drop and revamped the entire rear section of the truck.
What was Zack Looney’s first experience with a ‘bagged truck?
Zack Looney, a 26-year-old from Lufkin, Texas, had always been around trucks. Growing up in general-repair shops with his father, Steven, he quickly picked up mechanical skills. However, Zack’s first encounter with a ‘bagged truck’ happened when he was 16. He met a local teenager who owned one, marking the first time Zack ever saw a truck with specialized suspension. This unique experience piqued his interest and expanded his knowledge about different truck modifications.
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