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Inferno

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. 0nce 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.

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RIDING ON AIR

Lowering a truck usually involved cutting coils and shaving bump stops. Out back, the rear end was treated to lowering blocks, a few pulled leaf springs or heated coil springs. Over the years, manufacturers began to address these demands, as lowering coils, spring leaf blocks, dropped spindles and flip kits were offered. Times changed with the introduction of airbags, as owners were able to slam their pickups with full ride height adjustability. Air Ride Technologies (ART) is one of those companies offering quality suspension solutions for truck owners, with kits that fit specific applications.

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Rearend Upgrade

This article delves into the process of upgrading a ’40 Chevy truck, focusing on swapping the original torque tube differential with a ’69 Camaro axle assembly and enhancing the rear suspension. It provides a comprehensive guide on reusing the leaf springs, installing new bushings, and incorporating a strong shock mount for rear frame strengthening. Essential tools like a bushing removal tool, MIG welder, and an oxy-acetylene torch are highlighted, demonstrating the intricate steps involved in modernizing early Chevy trucks.

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Cimtex Rods Super Cameo: Part 12

In this detailed account, the Cimbanin brothers at Cimtex Rods in Jarrell, Texas, tackle the complex task of chopping and restoring a ’56 Chevrolet Cameo roadster. This article delves into the nuances of custom truck modification, from aligning door frames to adjusting the roof profile, highlighting the meticulous approach and expertise involved in such a project. Learn about the challenges and techniques of customizing classic trucks, as demonstrated by the award-winning craftsmanship of the Cimbanin brothers.

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

After purchasing this ’02 Silverado, the owner was looking to gain some additional horsepower and torque through a few small bolt-on performance parts. While the truck is still under warranty, there is a large variety of performance parts that not only meet certain warranty requirements, but also do not cause any problems at the dealership. After looking at all the available options for this Silverado, it was decided that the first modification to the engine was going to be the addition of a new AEM Brute Force air intake. AEM offers a vast array of dyno-proven intakes for specific applications, including trucks such as this Silverado.

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The Paws That Refreshes

Becky Walker, a housewife and career woman from Jarrell, Texas, has two hobbies: raising Great Pyrenees show dogs and her purple prism 53 Chevrolet show truck, appropriately named 53 PAW. About six years ago, my husband, Billy, dragged this raggedy old 53 Chevrolet farm truck home and told me he was going to fix it up for me to drive. That was the beginning of a major project that lasted over two years. We worked every night, weekend and holiday on that truck. In fact, I distinctly remember spending one New Year’s Eve, back in 2004, helping Billy change out two sets of springs.

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Stop, Drop And Roll – extra

Experience the evolution of classic trucks with the retrofitting of dropped spindles and disc brakes on a ’68 Chevy truck. Delve into the project’s motivation to not only enhance braking performance but also lower the front of the truck for improved aesthetics. Learn about the comprehensive drop spindle/disc brake conversion kit from No Limit Engineering, including 2-1/2-inch-dropped spindles, calipers, rotors, pads, and more. Follow the straightforward installation process that not only improves braking but also transforms the style of this iconic Chevy pickup.

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MOLDED MONITORS

Installing A Covans Classic Molded Gauge Package: Covans Classic, located in Cumming, Georgia, offers a full line of ABS molded dash panels and glovebox doors for classic cars and trucks. The fully molded dashes are designed to be factory replacements, giving a smooth, custom look while accepting common 3-3/8-inch speedometer and tach and 2-1/16-inch oil pressure, water temp, fuel level and volt gauges. The instrument panels feature high-quality molding and are available with or without holes. They can be purchased in brushed aluminum, black, burl wood and carbon fiber. The panels can also be painted to match the interior.

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SPRING TO ACTION

Dean Brown, a longtime rodder, was in the market for a new project car and stumbled across this ’52 Chevy panel truck, which turned out to be one of the original Helms trucks. The bakery cabinets had been removed but the body was in good condition, and it was still running with the original six-cylinder engine. Brown thought the truck was very cool, so he made a deal with its owner and drove it home. He formulated a plan of attack and started acquiring the parts he needed to turn it into a hot Chevy panel. The parts included a strong-running V-8 engine, a Turbo 350 transmission, a Fat Man Fabrications IFS front suspension and a new rear suspension that would provide a softer ride quality.

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