Rearend Upgrade
July 16, 2023
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Spotlighter
Truck Takeover at the Triple Crown of Rodding
The best custom trucks from the '30s to the '90s battle it out at Nashville’s biggest hot rod event.
Custom trucks have bulldozed their way into the hot rod world, turning what were once old workhorses from the ’30s through the ’90s into show-stopping, tire-shredding machines. These trucks aren’t just about hauling gear anymore—they’re packing serious muscle under the hood, killer suspension setups, and sleek designs that demand attention at events like the Triple Crown of Rodding.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen & The Auto Builder Staff
What’s Driving the Custom Truck Boom?
What’s driving the boom? It’s all about that perfect mix of nostalgia and personal style. Builders and gearheads are connecting like never before through online forums and social media, sharing ideas, swapping stories, and one-upping each other’s creations. The community around these trucks is as vibrant as ever, and it’s only getting bigger.
A Must-See Event for Truck Enthusiasts
One of the top events celebrating this movement is the Triple Crown of Rodding, where American-made hot rods, muscle cars, and classic trucks up to 1998 take center stage. Every year at the Nashville Superspeedway, you’ll find some of the wildest custom trucks around, each one a masterpiece of creativity and craftsmanship.
Fierce Competition at the Triple Crown of Rodding
With categories like Best Truck up to ’72, Best Truck ’73-’87, and Best Truck ’88-’98, the Triple Crown brings out the heavy hitters (CLICK HERE to see our coverage of the top winners). The competition is stiff, but only three trucks take home the top trophies. But don’t worry, we’ve got our eyes on plenty of other killer rides that showed up, and we’re here to give you a front-row seat.
1968 Chevrolet C10 – Jeff Stegall
Feast your eyes on this! Jeff Stegall, a country boy from Georgia, whipped up this truck in his own garage over 13 months. Every inch of that killer black paint and flawless bodywork? All Jeff. The mirror finish is next-level—seriously, you need to see it in person to grasp how insane it is. With that classic Alloway stance, this rig’s not just clean; it’s brutal. And those rear tires? Absolutely massive! This is what we love to see—the homegrown hero proving he can hang with the big league.
1953 Chevrolet 3100 – Justified Performance
Tim Horner’s ’53 Chevy 3100, aka “Gatsby,” is the kind of truck that turns heads and drops jaws. Packing a 525hp LS3 under the hood, hooked to a 6L80 transmission, this beast has the muscle to back up its looks. The Jim Inglese “8 Stack” setup gives it that old-school, gotta-have-it vibe, while Vintage Air keeps things cool inside. After two years of blood, sweat, and gears, “Gatsby” just debuted at Hot August Nights with a slammed chassis that rides so low, you’d swear it’s hugging the pavement. Check out the custom wood tonneau cover. That’s not something that you see everyday! This is one truck you don’t wanna miss.
1932 Ford Pickup “Time Merchant”- Goolsby Customs
Powered by an Olds Rocket 88 V8, this award-winning ’32 Ford Roadster, “The Time Merchant,” is pure hot rod gold. Built by Goolsby Customs for Matthew Gordon, it started life as a closed-cab pickup but morphed into the topless stunner you see here. Sitting on a Johnson’s Hot Rod Shop chassis, it’s dressed in Starfire Blue Glasurit paint and packs a Bowler Performance 5-speed that’s all business. Inspired by Gordon’s dad’s favorite show, Lost in Space, this roadster blends old-school cool with top-tier craftsmanship.
1985 Chevrolet C10 “Red Velvet”- Fat Fender Garage
Packing a supercharged LS3 under the hood and rocking BASF Metallic Red Velvet paint, this ’85 Chevy C10, known as “Red Velvet,” is a serious showpiece. Built by Fat Fender Garage, it cranks out 550 horsepower and was a finalist in the Goodguys 2024 Dakota Digital Truck of the Year competition. Sitting on a GSI Air Ride frame with Wilwood brakes and Drift Schott wheels, it’s the perfect mix of classic style and modern performance. Whether it’s parked or ripping down the road, “Red Velvet” turns heads everywhere it goes.
1937 Studebaker “Hellcat Express”- Ames Fabrication
Kurt Finton’s ’37 Studebaker Coupe Express, dubbed the “Hellcat Express,” is all about power and style. Packing a Hemi under the hood, this custom ride sits on an Ames Fabrication round-tube chassis with independent front and rear suspension. The cab and doors were stretched four inches for extra room, while it rolls on Schott wheels—18-inch up front and 20-inch in the rear. It’s got the muscle, the looks, and a whole lot of attitude.
1997 GMC Sierra “OBSessed”- New Creations
This 1997 GMC Sierra owned by Jason Mode just snagged The Best OBS Truck Award at the 2024 Southeastern Truck Nationals, and it’s easy to see why. This clean build features a fantastic color palette that works perfectly together, enhancing its appeal. Under the hood, a supercharged LT4 engine delivers serious power, while the Moore and Giles leather interior takes luxury to the next level. And that hidden gas cap feature behind the taillight? Pure innovation that’s bound to inspire other builders. With OBS trucks growing in popularity in the collector market, this ride is a standout that checks all the boxes for performance and style.
1931 Mercury Roadster Truck “Twelve Pack” – Roosterz Rod Shop
Check out this killer traditional hot rod from Roosterz Rod Shop in Clearwater, Florida! This wild Model A pickup is making a huge statement with its vintage show car styling and Mercury theme. Under the hood, it’s got a Mercury Y block engine with six two-barrel carbs—talk about power! The ’46 Mercury dash and Winters quick change add to that classic vibe, and those chrome reverse wheels with Firestone bias ply tires? Perfectly old school! This hot rod is all about style and performance, and it’s definitely turning heads wherever it rolls!
1955 Chevrolet – Robert Wyman
Check out Robert Wyman’s bright yellow ’55 Chevy pickup, a real head-turner with an LTI/700-R4 engine combo under the hood. This ride’s got a boxed stock frame, Mustang II front suspension, and a tough Currie 9-inch rear end. Inside, it’s decked out in bold red leather that really pops. This truck blends classic style with modern performance, making it a standout wherever it goes!
1968 Chevrolet C10- Robert Carpenter
Start with a 1968 Chevy cab and end up with a Top 5 finalist for America’s Most Beautiful C10? Robert Carpenter did just that! He turned a basic cab into a jaw-dropping ride using a Roadster Shop chassis and air spring suspension. With a Chevrolet Performance LS3 V8 pumping out 575 horsepower and a Borla eight-stack setup, this truck’s got the power to back up its killer looks. The body’s decked out in slick PPG Boyd’s Red and ’55 Chevy India Ivory paint, thanks to Sisco’s Fab and International Paint and Body. Inside, it’s all about style with brown Relicate leather and custom touches everywhere you look. After four years of hard work, this truck’s a true masterpiece that proves a little creativity and a lot of effort can turn any ride into a showstopper!
1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer – Page Customs
Check out this stunning K5 Chevy Blazer from Page Customs Rods and Restoration! With its sharp orange and black color scheme, this restomod is a standout. The build is super clean and features luxurious tan leather that adds a touch of elegance to the rugged style. This ride blends classic looks with modern upgrades, making it a head-turner that’s as comfortable as it is cool. If you’re into badass Blazers that drive like a dream and look even better, this one’s for you!
