When you spend the time and energy to custom-build a truck, you expect to receive some measure of respect. In a frustrating turn of events, however, Jeremy Swain, co-founder of Down South Kustoms (DSK) in Seary, Arkansas, found it lacking. Drastic times called for drastic measures, so Jeremy hauled his '92 Chevy 1500 Extended Cab into his shop. After about six months, a new life form emerged.
Jeremy has roots in the truck scene through his uncle, Syd Swain, who introduced him to custom trucks as a kid, and has now made it his profession. Jeremy lucked out when he spotted this '92 where many a treasure has been found: the classifieds. Although he was proud of the white theme his first buildup carried, a complete overhaul called for something original.
To start the revamp, and get the truck down to a respectable ride height, Jeremy installed Firestone airbags and Belltech spindles up front. The original rear leaf-spring setup was replaced with a sleek two-link suspension and another pair of Firestones. For rolling stock, Jeremy chose 20x8.5-inch Limited Alloy wheels, wrapping the fronts with 245/35R20s and the back with 255/35R20 Kumho tires.
Before going fully extraterrestrial, some body modifications were in order. Jeremy and the boys at DSK started up front with a Cat Eye grille; a smooth front bumper, complete with a frenched license plate box; and Diamond headlights. For a slightly more-than-average look, Jeremy also added chrome, street-rod-inspired rearview mirrors.
Out back, the taillights and stake bed pockets were shaved, and a rear roll pan was installed. Jeremy also added a custom bridge cover and a Checkmate tonneau to the bed. Jeremy's handiwork can be seen throughout the truck, especially in the tribal-flame pattern that appears in the window tint he applied.
Close encounters were well on the way as the paintjob began. David Green from DSK enveloped the body in green-metallic pearl, and Airbrush Ally fine-tuned the base with House of Kolor's Yellow Candy airbrushed tribal flames. As a final detail, often overlooked, custom-painted fenderwells were installed under the hood.
Back inside, a custom set of low-back bucket seats, as well as the center console, were wrapped in Hingham Green and Tan tweed and installed behind the controls. The door panels carry their own signature in tribal-patterned tweed. Jeremy's console is the real jewel of this enterprise: It houses 12-inch Kicker solobaric subwoofers powered by a Kicker Punch 800 amp that is flush-mounted atop the console. As if that wasn't enough, Jeremy also grafted an OEM cupholder to the centerpiece. An Alpine head unit controls the system, which also includes Alpine 4x6-inch mids and a Kicker Punch 100 amp. The rest of the interior was painted and smoothed, and Jeremy molded a 5-inch SPL TV monitor flush with the glovebox. White-face gauges are visible through the billet steering wheel, and the controls were finalized with billet pedals.
Things were kept fairly calm under the hood, but Jeremy made some minor adjustments to his engine with a Poweraid throttle-body spacer, Hypertech pulleys, and a USA green filter.
Since finishing the Chevy, Jeremy's taken home numerous awards, including local Best of Show and Best Interior and the Custom Truck award at Heat Wave, earning the nickname "Hater-Invader." Jeremy sends special thanks to his wife Maranda, friends and family, David Green, and Airbrush Ally for helping him earn the thing he sought the most: respect.