What started out as just a truck cab that originally belonged to the owner’s father, this oversized project began to take shape with the help of a concept sketch by Travis Highlander. This collaborative effort turned the truck into something more streamlined and modern.
What began as a simple truck cab passed down from father to son has evolved into a fully customized masterpiece, blending classic heritage with modern engineering. With a concept sketch by Travis Highlander guiding the vision, this oversized project took shape with a GSI Machine and Fabrication chassis, an LS3 powertrain, and a host of innovative modifications. From a one-of-a-kind sheet metal bed to enhanced accessibility and functionality, every detail was meticulously crafted to create a streamlined and modern interpretation of a timeless truck.
What started out as just a truck cab that originally belonged to the owner’s father, this oversized project began to take shape with the help of a concept sketch by Travis Highlander. This collaborative effort turned the truck into something more streamlined and modern.
A GSI Machine and Fabrication chassis was utilized to begin the project with a solid foundation. The rear suspension was modified to fit the massive pro-street style rear tires rolling on custom 20” Budnik wheels. Powering this behemoth is an LS3 crate motor and automatic transmission mounted in the engine’s original location under the cab floor. The engine is accessible from a removable floor section. The engine and transmission can be removed out the bottom of the vehicle if any major overhauls are needed in the future.
The most noticeable custom modification on this larger-than-life project is the uniquely shaped sheet metal bed. The bedsides were redesigned with the cab’s body reveal continuing into the sides as it circumferences the bed to the other side of the truck cab. The rear fenders were modeled from the front fenders, mimicking the size, shape, and wheel openings. Once the design was finalized, we 3D scanned the foam mockup fenders and created a CAD file to have the bucks cut on a CNC router. The bucks were then assembled and integral in helping shape the fenders from scratch. The wooden bed floor was engineered to have the removable aluminum ramps stow underneath it. When the tailgate is open, it allows the ramps to be removed as well as access to the fuel fill. Additionally, there are two functional commercial-grade belly boxes built into the front bedsides to keep things safe and organized.
Being that the truck sits higher than most vehicles and making it more visible when opening the doors, we cleaned up under the dash and firewall. This included moving the existing AC unit to the exterior of the firewall. An electric brake booster was also utilized with a custom bell crank pedal assembly that fits nicely in the extended footwell box on the firewall.
Originally, the hood was bolted onto the truck from the factory, and access panels were opened to work on it. To gain easier access to the firewall and some engine accessories, custom recessed hinges and inner hood structure were added to replace the fixed factory hood design. A custom aluminum PAC crossflow radiator was engineered and fabricated to neatly mount under the front hood area to keep things cool.
