THE BOTTOM LINE

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION OF A FULLY CUSTOM TRUCK? For me it means that your truck has been retouched in all segments including suspension, rolling stock, interior, exterior and, most importantly, the engine compartment. I don’t think that a fully custom truck needs to be so modified that it’s impractical to drive. I just think that you need to address all aspects before considering it finished.

If your goal is to create a real showstopper, then you can’t skimp in any of the areas I mentioned.

I’ve seen a lot of trucks that the builders consider finished, yet there are missing elements. That always grinds my gears. Often, the builder has neglected to clean up areas like wiring or the interior. Even if your truck isn’t the wildest thing in the scene, it should at least look clean. A simple, sanitary build frequently can make a bigger impression than a wild, outlandish one.

Maybe I’m just the type that doesn’t like to oversell or hype my own truck. I appreciate builders who give it to us straight about their truck’s flaws. I have more respect for people who can admit to their mechanical limitations or their modest budgets.

A fully done truck isn’t for everyone, though. Some of you might be fine with a few mods to get your truck looking a bit better than it started. There’s nothing wrong with a mildly customized truck. Next time you see an understated truck, don’t be so quick to judge. It could be a purposebuilt, minimalist ride, because some people just like things a little less flashy. Not to mention, simple trucks are easier to drive on a regular basis. For instance, taking a fully painted truck to the grocery store can be a harrowing experience.

For anyone who chooses to go all the way, I think it’s best to run with it. In the past, I’ve encountered several trucks that looked clean on the outside with a good stance and stunning paintwork, but when I got up close, things weren’t necessarily as they seemed. Sometimes the interior would be trashed, or the engine bay was untouched. I felt duped and a little disappointed. One of my biggest gripes is a “finished” truck with a stock engine compartment. Performance mods are always a nice touch, but because they don’t usually contribute to better looks, they go undone. If you can’t bear to add performance parts without an aesthetic payoff, why not simply paint pieces or add shiny accessories to improve looks? You’ll get the best of both worlds.

I’ve been seeing this type of truck trickery less frequently, though. More people seem to be doing what it takes to create a fully finished custom truck. This month’s cover truck is a perfect example. Chaps was able to add a twin turbo system to his GMC Sierra, but he needed more bright work to get the look he was going for. He had engine covers made to mask some of the hoses and wires under the hood. Rerouting can be a pain, so the simple solution was to cover them up in a respectable manner. His plan worked because the truck showcases the turbos and looks clean.

Still, we like seeing trucks that are the complete package. Combining good looks, power and performance are the things that excite us. Having a jawdropping truck that can leave a sports car in the dust gets our juices flowing. We hope that you’re inspired to prove to the world that they should never underestimate the potential of trucks.

COMBINING GOOD LOOKS, POWER AND PERFORMANCE ARE THE THINGS THAT EXCITE US. HAVING A JAWDROPPING TRUCK THAT CAN LEAVE A SPORTS CAR IN THE DUST GETS OUR JUICES FLOWING.”