This truck, which owner David Bardwell bought new off the lot in 1994, started out as a dealer conversion with running boards, wood trim, and custom wheels. But after he wrinkled the sheetmetal a few years back, he decided to take his truck to the next level.
First on the punch list was the suspension, so he dropped it off at Latest Trenz in Santa Fe, Texas, for the transformation from steel springs to air springs. The shop installed drop spindles and 'bags to drop the nose, notched the frame, and installed a two-link and 'bags to drop the rear of the truck. The shop also painted the frame and suspension after all the welding and chopping was done. The air suspension features 1/2-inch lines and Parker valves. Before he stepped up to the good stuff, David says he'd blow lines occasionally on the freeway. Apparently, it's quite a show of smoke and sparks at 75 mph.
Second on the punch list was to "unwrinkle" the exterior. And with the suspension out of the way, it was time to smooth the body. Shaved handles and tailgate, smoothed and relocated rear billet taillights, and a Street Scene hood provided an almost seamless canvas for the tribal flames.
The last item to finish was the interior. Again, Latest Trenz worked its magic and produced an outrageous custom interior filled with billet and bass.
So what's next for this truck? David says it's going under the grinder again for a total rework and will be rolling 20s and 22s. If it's anywhere near as cool as this version, chances are you'll see it here first.
Firestone 2500 air springs,...
Firestone 2500 air springs, a set of Belltech 2-inch dropped spindles on the nose, and an Extensive two-link rear suspension work with the notched frame to lay the S-10 low. Shaved door handles, tailgate, taillights, and license plate angled and frenched smooth the body and give the truck its custom personality.
The owner kept the stock leather...
The owner kept the stock leather seats, but changed just about everything else in the interior. A killer stereo system was installed with high output and high visibility in mind.
The interior is finished in...
The interior is finished in blue-leopard and indigo-blue tweed. A set of MA-Audio 5.25-inch component speakers was installed into the door panels.
The interior is accented with...
The interior is accented with Trenz billet accessories.
The Street Scene hoodscoop...
The Street Scene hoodscoop gives the truck's style a performance edge.
The engine is stock, except...
The engine is stock, except for the installation of a cold-air intake. The owner says he used a unit designed for a Honda.
The sub box and amp rack take...
The sub box and amp rack take up most of the rear seat area. A pair of MA-Audio 1,000-watt amps reinforced with a pair of 1-farad caps drives two MA15D6 subwoofers. For the front end, a single MA-Audio 480i amp drives the components and a pair of 4x6-inch plate speakers.
Everyone asks the owner how...
Everyone asks the owner how he frenched the license plate into the bumper cover. It's not a bumper cover: It's the original steel bumper molded to the Street Scene valance and endcaps. The grille is stock with Trenz inserts; the air dam is also Street Scene.
This truck rolls on model...
This truck rolls on model 212 Eagle 17x8-inch wheels on 215/40R17 tires. The owner painted the drums and the front calipers to clean up the presentation of the wheel. The paint is PPG Bahama Blue with PPG Violet Pearl clear- coat. The tribal flames were done in metallic silver.
A Panasonic AM/FM/CD head...
A Panasonic AM/FM/CD head unit fits in the customized dash. Note the air pressure gauges in the console.