Ken Mello's GMC Sierra Pickup

The skilled techs at Trevco...        read full caption The skilled techs at Trevco installed the Belltech flip kit and hung all the fast bag components.

Ken left the internals of...        read full caption Ken left the internals of the 5.3L stock, but threw in 3-inch Allied exhaust and a K&N air cleaner for extra ponies and a more noticeable tone.

Ken kept it simple by covering...        read full caption Ken kept it simple by covering everything in light-gray tweed with charcoal accents.

Trevco built the bitchin’...        read full caption Trevco built the bitchin’ switch panel so Ken can change his altitude in style.

Ken recommends daring when...        read full caption Ken recommends daring when building custom stuff, such as this center console he constructed out of MDF and screws. Once it’s covered you’ll have a one-off piece that’s perfect for your needs.

Two Fosgate amps and six 10-inch...        read full caption Two Fosgate amps and six 10-inch Pioneer subs provide the thud for Mr. Mello’s system.

Ken Mello is one of those guys we all know — calm, cool, with nothing bad to say. The mellow Mello is a Director of Operations for a billiard supply company who shoots a good game of stick. His cool demeanor helps him a lot when he’s playing for some greenbacks. One day, coming home from work in his S-10, he spotted this Sierra sitting on a used car lot and, without hesitation, he pulled in and gave it the once over. It was already lowered on 17s and had the paintjob you see here with a Trenz billet grille, a roll pan, and a smoothie bumper.

After some paperwork and the keys to the S-10, Mr. Mello drove home in his new ride. This was a good start, because he could cruise with his head held high, while he saved money for more modifications. Being a member of Pharcyde Customs, he figured the first meeting with the club would be a great time to unveil the black GMC. After his club brothers gave him a hard time for the cut coils and the small rims, Ken knew he would have to step out of his chill persona and get to work.

To start making the truck his own, Ken hooked up with the guys at Trevco to make the sucker lay. The boys ripped into the Mello Machine and, in a fury of sparks and heat, the Firestone ’bags were squeezed into the A-arms. The front also received a 2-inch Belltech spindle and Nitro shocks. Then they moved out back and installed the Belltech flip kit and ’bags after removing a few leaves. Now Trevco got down to the nitty-gritty and hung all the air tanks under the truck, and plumbed it with 1/2-inch line into its own fast valve setup. Now that the truck could lie, Ken wasn’t happy with the 17-inch wheels so he picked up a set of 20-inch KMC Venom’s with Nittos 555 ZR-rated rubber.