Most custom truck enthusiasts get their creative vibes from dedication and commitment to excellence. Others seem to take a more casual approach, as Martin Leathers from Decatur, Illinois did. When asked why he built his 'bagged '90 GMC Sierra, he replied "just for the hell of it." Martin's efforts have been more than stupendous.
Martin is a hands-on builder, responsible for many of the Sierra's modifications, including the notched rear factory frame now fitted with Bell Tech 2-inch dropped spindles, factory disc brakes, and Air Bag Technologies 2600 double convoluted pneumatic 'bags, which allow the nose to be dropped 12 inches. The pneumatic suspension's oscillating action is damped by Monroe shocks. Tucked underneath the front wheelwells is a pair of Billet Specialties 20x8-1/2-inch polished billet aluminum SL Chicayne 5 wheels wrapped in 225/40R20 BFGoodrich rubber. Martin notched his frame considerably to allow for the rear suspension's negative travel. Martin used an Air Ride Technologies four-link bolt-on setup, with Air Ride Technologies 2400 tapered pneumatic 'bags and KYB shocks in the rear. A pair of wider, Billet Specialties 20x10-inch polished billet aluminum SL Chicayne 5 wheels are consumed by a pair of 275/35R20 BFGoodrich chubbies.
The 5.7L small-block was woken up by installing a set of Hypertech Power Pulleys and a Hypertech computer chip. The factory 700-R4 transmission received an aggressive B&M shift kit to produce firmer shifts. The engine is exhausted by a MagnaFlow Afterburner 3-inch exhaust system that flows into a high-flow catalytic converter. An electronic distributor and coil from Bosch disperse electronic impulses to each of the eight cylinders through 8mm Bosch ignition wires.
The '90 Sierra body was massaged by Jim and Paul Sucoe from Redford, Michigan. After the cab, fenders, hood, and bed were reformed and smoothed, Paul laid down some PPG Millennium Silver and black divided by a brilliant red pinstripe and then buried the fresh paint in multiple coats of PPG clear.
The interior's dash received some Billet Trim pieces and a Billet Specialties steering wheel. The team at H&H Handicraft Upholstery in Cerro Gordo, Illinois, resculptured the factory seats and covered them with plush, ultra-black leather and suede, matching the black suede headliner.
An Alpine CDA-7837 head unit is responsible for the audio vibes. The audio horsepower comes from a pair of Alpine V12 MRV-F357 five-channel amplifiers. Martin designed a sealed enclosure to house the JL10-inch subwoofer located behind the seat. The door panels are seasoned with 6-inch Boston Pro Series speakers, while the dash rocks with a pair of 4-inch Boston Pro Series honkers. The rear panels blast a pair of 4x6-inch Boston Pros. That's a lot of detail to put into a project "just because." It's just more proof: Even a laid-back attitude is no match for the enthusiast fire within.