When you have a dad who is a gearhead and you grow up around hot rods, it's kind of hard not to follow in your father's footsteps. Greg Nettles of Brookhaven, Mississippi, did just that. What Dad may or may not have told young Greg is that hot-rodding is cool but can be expensive.
When you're a young pup trippin' behind your dad and asking obnoxious questions, the thought of money usually doesn't cross your mind, because you're too busy playing video games and wondering about your next meal. But, we know for some of you readers those are still your priorities.
Greg is a satellite technician by day and a sport trucker by night, but that's not to say he's not into sport trucks during the daytime. After spying the extended cab at his friend's house, Greg caught the bug-the sport truck bug, that is-and the rest is as follows. After some negotiation with his friend, Greg was the proud owner of a '96 Chevy 1/2-ton. Now, what's next?
Limited on money but having a desire to build and close friend Keith Thompson to help him, Greg was ready to create a custom sport truck. Tackling the suspension was first on the list. Using Belltech spindles and a rear flip kit was going to give the Chevy the mean look Greg was looking for. But, he wanted more, so like a mad scientist he opted for some 2,600-pound Firestone 'bags, and before you know it, he was into a complete custom airbag system. Now he could really lay it on the ground.
Being able to roll low is cool, but you can't roll in a raggedy-ass interior, so Greg called upon Shane Gibbs to install the beautiful gray and graphite leather/suede combo from Katzkin. To keep that interior looking fresh and not faded, he had Cool Tint in Brookhaven, Mississippi, lay down a 5 percent tint to keep the interior cool and keep the police happy.
While he was in the cab, he thought: What the heck, I'm gonna put in a sound system. A 9811 Alpine head unit became command central to control the Polk Audio MM6 6x5-inch speakers, as well as other goodies that would enhance his driving experience. So, after the wiring, re-wiring, and cutting was done, Greg had a masterpiece on his hands. His wife's response? "We have a tricked-out truck and now we're broke. What do you have to say about that?" Greg's only response was, "I love you?" So, for all you custom sport truck builders out there. Love conquers all! Or put a little cash on the side for a good divorce lawyer. It's all good.
The 411
Owner/hometown: Greg Nettles / Brookhaven, Mississippi
Year/make/model: '96 Chevy C1500
Engine/drivetrain: 350ci V-8 automatic
Wheels/tires: 20x9-inch Bonspeed / 245/35R20 Nitto
Suspension: 2,600-pound Firestone 'bags / Belltech front spindles and shocks / mono-leaf with a Belltech C-notch kit / Viair 450 Compressor / 1/2-inch air lines / Big Red valves / 7-gallon custom airtank
Fabricators: Owner Greg Nettles and Keith Thompson
Body Mods: Trenz full phantom grille / Street Scene mirrors / Sir Michaels steel roll pan with custom lights / shaved door handles / shaved roof seams and third brake light / stake pockets filled / smoothed tailgate with relocated tailgate handle
Paintwork: Jon Thomas, of Brookhaven, Mississippi / House of Kolor Kandy Apple Red
Interior: Katzkin gray and graphite leather/suede combo, installed by Shane Gibbs / custom gauge and switch enclosures
Audio: Installed by Greg Nettles / Alpine 9811 head unit / Polk Audio MM6 6.5 / 250W / Polk Audio MMC460 / 4x6-inch 100-watt / Polk Audio MM104 800-watt speakers / Polk Audio MOMOC400.4 amps / Polk Audio MOMOC500.1 500-watt amp / Stinger wiring / Stinger 150 amp fuses with total output of 1,100 watts