When you have a specific idea to shoot for, it is easier to pull those late-night garage sessions-sacrificing sleep and time with loved ones to complete that pride and joy. Crafting a smoothed, candy-painted, and rim-tucking stunner requires a high level commitment of time, cash, and dedication. Ronnie Trammell of Corpus Christi, Texas, possesses all three of those qualities and poured his overflowing automotive enthusiasm into the '01 Silverado laying flat across these pages. Ronnie decided to build his truck around the audio system and crafted a hauler that produces pure listening enjoyment but is also easy on the eyes. This truck is not like typical SPL competitors with a whole lot of power between the doors but no visual spice on the exterior. Ronnie went the full nine on his truck with an ant-crushing stance, bold rollers, and extensive color use.
Starting at the suspension, the smoothed-up Extended Cab was delivered to Southern Auto Sports in Corpus Christi for a serious altitude adjustment. The SAS crew delivered by installing a complete Air Ride Technologies air suspension system featuring Firestone double convoluted 'bags up front and tapered air sleeve bellows in the rear. An Air Ride Technologies AirBar four-link keeps rearend movement in check, while a deep C-notch allows the rear fenders to swallow a shiny pair of double-deuce hoops. Parker 1/2-inch valves deliver slam and lift commands to the suspension on the double, while reserve air is held in two 5-gallon tanks. Dual nitrogen bottles also ensure quick up and down motion. For strong shine effects and easy upkeep, Ronnie mounted up a set of 22x9-1/2-inch Drive Dirt Nap wheels mounted on P265/35ZR22 Kumho rubber front and rear.
Sporting a gas-friendly six-cylinder under the steel cowl-induction hood, this bright head turner was never destined for tire-twisting greatness. Viewing the finished product it is quite obvious that Ronnie crafted this custom for the show circuit. To liven up the exterior, he headed to good friend and custom painter Leo Sosa in Corpus Christi who performed a little metal massaging and tossed down a sea of custom color. The tail end was cleaned up with the addition of an APC roll pan and the subtraction of the factory tailgate handle. An '04 GMC Denali front bumper updated the leading edge, while a Leer tonneau cover was used to top the box. Once the simple modifications were in place, Leo laid down a House of Kolor Sunset Pearl Orange basecoat and topped the vibrant hue with HOK Orion Silver, Cinnamon Pearl, and red and green metal flake graphics stretching from the front fenders to the tailgate. After an in-depth color-sanding and polishing session, Ronnie started collecting the gear to complete the true heart of the buildup: the full-throttle audio system.