It was a debate where each side was heard, but after the dust settled, a unanimous "Yes" was voted for this month's cover truck. Clean, custom, and wild in its own right, Justin Bender's GMC Sierra is a great example of what average custom-truck enthusiasts can build in their own garages. The bed, on the other hand, well, let's just say it may take some real skill to pull off. Blown, lowered on 22s, and sporting some pretty cool tricks, this two-tone fullsize is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Powering those 22s is an '07 5.3L V-8, which is equipped with an intercooled ProCharger supercharger stuffing 8 psi of atmosphere into the aluminum heads. A K&N intake and Hypertech power programmer keep the 5.3L running its best. Sending the exhaust on its way are high-flow cats from MagnaFlow, along with a side-swept exhaust from MagnaFlow. More than 450 hp is sent through the built '07 transmission to the factory rear end to roast the Toyo tires at will. Several plastic pieces were smoothed and painted to match the truck and add some points at the shows. Meanwhile, three YellowTop Optima batteries keep things charged.
Who brought the hot dogs?
Body-wise, most of the modifications were bolt-on, with the exception of Merzee's Paint and Body of Santa Fe Springs, which shaved the tailgate handle and bolted on the Sir Michael's roll pan. A steel Goodmark hood received louvers, thanks to a special Sir Michael's treatment, and a Precision Grilles mesh grille insert, which hides the PIAA racing lights. Merzee's also added the GMC Denali door handles, Street Scene Equipment Cal-Vu mirrors, and an ARE tonneau cover onto the truck. Jeff Merzee then went to work applying the ALSA blue, orange, green, and silver paints to the GMC. A classic two-tone was complemented by an aggressive orange graphic that was applied over the silver, which has a brushed-on effect covering the lower half. The overall scheme is very much custom, but still very livable, as well.