Builders Joe Keenum and Dan Ehle are best friends and business partners. Initially drawn together by their love for classic cars and trucks, the two have created a number of super rods and classic trucks over the years out of their shop in Leighton, Alabama. Keenum and Company has built trucks that compete with the best of the top-name builders in the country. Producing upwards of a dozen custom vehicles a year, the duo decided it was time to go it a bit further and build a radical shop truck that would showcase the expert craftsmanship the shop is capable of producing. 

After running across this 1972 Chevrolet 1/2-ton pickup in early 2006, they felt this was the classic truck that would make the ideal candidate for the project they had in mind. Once Keenum and Ehle acquired the truck, they began the extensive build. The truck was a nice driver, and the previous owner performed a rather simple hot rod restoration, leaving the truck on the frame and updating a few of the components here and there. However, Keenum and Company had other plans for this classic.

The team spent months searching for the right project vehicle, so once the truck arrived at the shop, they wasted no time tearing it apart. With more than 35 years of experience, Keenum made short work of disassembling the entire truck, down to the bare chassis. They began updating the chassis with the latest suspension components. As they began the build on the stripped chassis, a set of dropped spindles and rebuilt factory disc brakes were installed, and this helped set the stance of the Chevy closer to the ground. The rear chassis received a total makeover with a new custom four-link coilover suspension with a 12-bolt rearend, 4:11 gears and a Richmond Powertrax limited slip differential. The new four-link provides an improved ride, more traction and allows for ride height adjustment via the coilovers. Once these modifications were completed, the chassis was stripped and sandblasted, primered and treated to flat black paint.

Since the two wanted both power and reliability, they used a GM Performance Parts 425hp 383. Long known for its terrific dependability, the GM crate engine provided the perfect combination of horsepower and torque. To complete the look for the small block, a Billet Specialties TrueTrac, Edelbrock intake, Holley carb and a set of satin black Chevrolet valve covers were bolted on. To cool the classic, a Griffin aluminum radiator and fan were installed. Now, 425hp and 4:11s are a deadly combination, especially with gas costing upwards of $3 a gallon, so in order to help ease the pain at the pump, a built 700R4 overdrive transmission eases the cruising rpm and helps increase fuel mileage.

After completing the chassis and powerplant, attention was focused on the design of the exterior of the truck. Since Keenum understands what it takes to turn heads in today0s crowded truck scene, several mods were made before even thinking of paint. Beginning with the cab and working outward, the original sheetmetal received hundreds of hours of smoothing and block sanding. Since they love the classic lines, attention was spent improving and smoothing the clutter of the doors. They tossed the mirrors, door handles, key holes and vent windows, which cleans the lines and now allows onlookers to focus on the flawless paint rather than small items like door handles that break up the surfaces. 0ther small details, such as removing the side emblems and trim, also add to the smoothness. Custom exhaust tips were built, and they exit through the side of the flawless bed panel. This subtle touch provides the truck a race-inspired look and allows additional lowering in the rear.

The rear pan was rolled, which cleans up the rear of the truck, as does the addition of a new steel cowl hood to the front of the pickup. With these modifications completed, Keenum continued working his magic to the exterior surfaces of the truck, as an outstanding amount of time was spent smoothing the body. After  long and careful consideration, Keenum and Ehle agreed on PPG Vibrance O-So-Orange and Ruby Slippers, along with Key Lime and Perfect Purple for the flames and pin-striping, and the results speak for themselves. The beautiful paint is complemented by the polished Billet Specialties 18-inch soft lip wheels, wrapped in low-profile rubber. Finally, a new polished billet grille, Euro clear headlights and clear taillights were added.

When it came time for the upholstery, Keenum and Ehle selected Randy Malone of Malone Enterprises. Malone took the original bench seat and reworked the contours before installing new tan leather. Keenum and Ehle previously installed a billet dash panel and glovebox door. Malone removed these and treated them to the same beautiful leather. Housed inside the panel is a set of white face Classic Instruments gauges. After spending hours studying the center of the dash, the trio decided on a set of Billet Specialties air vents, and Vintage Air controls mounted in a custom leather panel accented by carbon fiber. Keenum added an ididit chrome column and Billet Specialties polished half-wrap steering wheel.

Since completion, the truck has covered more than 1,000 miles of on-the-road use, going to events around Western Alabama as well as cruising fairgrounds around the country. There are no plans to sell the truck anytime soon, as a few small details still need attention. No doubt, the truck is a testament to the quality Keenum and Company hoped to display.