On Sale Now - Issue 7!

 FEATURES

Hollow Point 56
This F-650 is at the top of Darth Vader's Christmas list

Imitator SS 64
Regular cab SS clone

King of the Concrete Jungle 70
Top of the food chain

Apocalypse Now 76
Superlift and Matchbox's F-350 is ready for anything

Heirloom 84
The gift that keeps on giving

Online Lifted Truck Gallery 90
Even more sky-high trucks at truckinweb.com

SHOW

Bring the Noize 2012 94
A perfect day in the Arizona sunshine

TECH

Project Lead Sled 98
Part 1: Ekstensive Metalworks slams our Ram

Super Duty Makeover for Under $2,900 116
Looking good without compromising ride or breaking the bank

Kookin' in the Horsepower Kitchen 122
Adding Kooks long-tube headers to GM's 6.2L

Project 12-Gauge 128
Locked and loaded Silverado thanks to Auto Anything: Part 1

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 16

What'd You Say? 18

New Products 20

Tool of the Month 30

Truckin Tough 32

Radical Renderings 36

Busted Knuckles 42

Factory Fresh 44

Readers' Rides 136

Maxwell Matthewson

When Good Trucks Go Bad 138

You Asked, We Answered 143

On the Cover: Superlift teamed up with Matchbox to build this big-boy toy of a Super Duty. Check out page 76 to see it in all of its glory and to see how to win a toy version of this truck! Photography: Dan Ward

 The Eastwood Company has engineered a revolutionary, new Spot Weld Kit that produces professional spot welds using just a MIG welder.

 This first-of-its-kind kit combines Spot Weld Pliers and a unique Spot Weld Nozzle to help do-it-yourselfers produce full-penetration, OE-look, spot welds from one side of the repair panel.
 
"Prior to the launch of the Eastwood Spot Weld Kit, the only options the DIY auto-restoration enthusiast had were expensive, 'spot weld only' tools, resistance welders, or plug welding. There were no other options on the market that were economical and assured a perfect spot weld every time," said Mark Robidoux, Spot Weld Kit creator and Eastwood product manager.
 
The new Spot Weld Pliers have forked jaws that securely clamp two panels together and properly position the Spot Weld Nozzle, ensuring factory-correct spot welds that are functional, with full penetration on the back side of the weld. The Spot Weld Nozzle has "leg extensions" that create the exact standoff distance required for spot welding of 20- and 18-gauge steel.
 
"Specifically, spot welding is accomplished by clamping two panels together and fusing them with a number of welds sequentially-placed to hold the panels together, rather than a continuous bead," commented Robidoux.
 
"A perfect spot weld will be completed by following three simple steps..." Robidoux explained.
 
1)    Attach the Spot Nozzle to the Eastwood 175-amp MIG Welder (or any other 220-volt MIG using a Tweco(r)-style gun);
2)    Set the MIG to the highest power setting and 1/3 wire speed;
3)    Finally, clamp the Spot Pliers over the desired area, insert the Spot Nozzle between the pliers' forked jaws, pull the trigger and hold for three seconds, then release.
 
"Then simply move on to the next desired spot, and you'll be creating exact duplicates of the spot welds," instructed Robidoux.
 
For MIG welders running on standard 110 volts, the kit includes HSS drill bits for drilling pilot holes in the top panel to help achieve a strong, fully penetrated weld.
 
Eastwood's newly launched Spot Weld Kit now gives DIYers an economical, consistent welding system they can easily use to help replace automotive sheet metal such as quarter panels, rocker panels, floor pans and general patch panels.

 DYNOMAX(r) 'POWER SURGE' PROMO GIVES ENTHUSIASTS A $75 PRE-PAID DEBIT CARD FOR EXHAUST PURCHASE

MONROE, Mi. - The DynoMax "Power Surge" promotion that offers enthusiasts a $75 mail-in rebate for the purchase of a qualifying cat-back system will be available this spring and summer at leading performance exhaust retailers nationwide.

The "Power Surge" promotion will run from March 1 through June 30, 2012. Consumers who purchase a qualifying performance exhaust system during the promotional period will be eligible to receive up to a $75 pre-paid debit card.

"The 'Power Surge' promotion will give enthusiasts an opportunity to choose from several high-flow powerful exhaust system series including the DynoMax VT, Ultra Flo Welded, Super Turbo and Race Bullet mufflers," said Joe Pase, director, performance products, Tenneco. "It's a great time to buy the ideal exhaust system to suit your vehicle, sound preferences and desired flow characteristics."

DynoMax performance exhaust systems are available for a complete range of muscle cars, diesel and gas trucks, Jeeps, sport utility vehicles and sport compact cars. DynoMax exhaust systems often feature full stainless steel construction in high-grade stainless steel to provide protection against corrosion and permanent discoloration. Every DynoMax system is application engineered to deliver the most power and the preferred sound characteristics for each specific vehicle platform.

All DynoMax exhaust systems are covered by a limited lifetime warranty and stainless steel systems are also covered by an exclusive 90-day Performance and Sound Guarantee, an offer that lets enthusiasts try the product for 90 days. Consumers can return the product within 90 days for a full refund of its purchase price. Additional restrictions apply and can be found at www.DynoMax.com.

One of North America's leading brands of dyno-proven exhaust technologies for late-model and classic muscle cars, diesel and gas trucks and SUVs, DynoMax Performance Exhaust products are manufactured and marketed by Tenneco (NYSE: TEN).

For program details and necessary forms, please visit www.dynomax.com after March 1, 2012. All completed rebate forms and copied sales receipts must be postmarked by Aug. 1, 2012.

For additional information about the DynoMax "Power Surge" promotion, qualifying product lists, mail-in promotion forms and more, please visit www.dynomax.com after March 1, 2012. For more information regarding DynoMax products, check the website, contact your nearest DynoMax dealer or call 1-734-384-7806. To locate your nearest DynoMax authorized dealer, please use the "Dealer Locator" at www.dynomax.com to generate a list of nearby retailer stores in your selected region and other online retailers.

Tenneco is a $7.2 billion global manufacturing company with headquarters in Lake Forest, Illinois and approximately 24,000 employees worldwide. Tenneco is one of the world's largest designers, manufacturers and marketers of emission control and ride control products and systems for the automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment markets and the aftermarket. Tenneco markets its products principally under the Monroe(r), Walker(r), Gillet(tm) and Clevite(r) Elastomer brand names.

 The World's Coolest Cars, Historic Warbirds, Demolition Derby, Quirky Contraptions

HALF MOON BAY, CALIFORNIA -- For a remarkable and singular experience, there's nothing that matches up to the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show -- Half Moon Bay's massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style known as the "Coolest Show on Earth". It's a whimsical, fascinating, amusing, curious and absolutely unique show and tell spectacle featuring 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world's coolest cars of every era and style, model-T fire engines, vintage busses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the mesmerizing displays.

This year's 22nd annual show is expanding to two days -- April 28-29 -- and adding a Championship Demolition Derby (on April 28) to the lineup of awe-inspiring attractions. "Over the years, we've had countless people ask why we didn't do two days," said show chairman Chad Hooker of Half Moon Bay. "We're excited about the potential to grow the event and this will give us the opportunity to raise critically needed funds for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center," he said. The show is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Airport, located in the picturesque seaside town of Half Moon Bay about 20 miles south of San Francisco.

Headline attractions scheduled to appear include:
*The show's first ever super-gnarly Championship Demolition Derby (Saturday, 1 pm).
*"Mustang Madness", a spectacular display of America's Premier World War II Fighter.
*The one-of-a-kind "Molnari Gyrocycle", a flying, space-age motorcycle.
*U.S. Army NIKE HERCULES long range missile making a rare public appearance.
*The super sleek "Ack Attack" Bonneville streamliner, a world land speed record holder along with myriad speed machines in "World Record Wonderland".
*"Dreamcycles", a super cool display of the world's finest custom bicycles.
*"Strega", a highly modified P-51 Mustang and 8-time class champion at the Reno Air Races.
*Magnificent military aircraft including the Estrella Warbird Museum's Douglas C-47 (regarded as the World's Greatest Aircraft of its time), YAK Russian fighters and an impressive array of T-6 and T-28 military fighters and trainers.
*"Dream Big", the ginormous, mind-blowing World's Largest Monster-Cycle.
*Aerobatics pilot Eddie Andreini doing fly-overs in his bi-plane, YAK Russian fighter and P-51.
*The inimitable Blastolene Brothers extreme, mega-modified machines.
*"El Diablo", an astonishing jet-powered flame-effects device designed for "Burning Man".
*1909 Bleriot, the first aircraft to fly across the English Channel.
*Thrilling rides in helicopters, bi-planes, Beech 18 and T-6 military trainers and P-51 Mustang.
*1904 Holsman Hi-Wheeler, antique automobile part of Coastsider's family tree.
*Unimotorcycle racing with dueling speed merchants on one wheel battling head to head.
*Meticulously restored vehicles from the Military Vehicle Technology Foundation.
*Refurbished fly-wheel engines from the Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association.
*Roots of Motive Power's collection of restored logging equipment.
*Monster truck rides, go-kart rides, kid's amusements, food and live music.
Proud owners show up in cars that come in all shapes, colors and sizes.

Spectators will get a rare up-close look at antique horseless carriages and Ford Model T's, fanciful touring and luxury cars, powerful sports cars, custom cars and street rods, muscle cars, vintage and modern era high-performance race cars, quirky art and pedal cars, modified street machines with cutting edge styles, exotic high-performance cars, stylish European cars, ultra cool low-riders, sporty compacts, modified imports with flashy graphics, fashionable hip-hop urban show cars, homebuilt kit cars, super-charged turbo cars and trucks, "green" technology/alternative fuel vehicles, streamliners, dragsters, funny cars, gassers, and jet cars.

Hundreds of aviation wonders are expected to be on display -- stylish homebuilts, classics from the 40's and 50's, vintage warbirds, sport and ultralight aircraft. Highlights include "Mustang Madness", a spectacular display of America's Premier World War II Fighter; the Estrella Warbird Museum's historic Douglas C-47 (regarded as the World's Greatest Aircraft of its time), "Strega", a highly modified P-51 and dominant 8-time class champion at the Reno Air Races, YAK Russian fighters and an impressive array of T-6 and T-28 military fighters and trainers, many doing fly-overs during the show. Thrilling rides will be offered in helicopters, vintage bi-planes, Beech 18 and T-6 military trainers and P-51 Mustang.

The inaugural Dream Machines Demolition Derby will take place on Saturday, April 28th at 1:00 p.m. Watch demolition derby participants as they put their choice of any two wheel drive cars to the ultimate test. They will crash, smash, and ram other vehicles in the arena, yet keep their own vehicle in operation. The drivers must endure while judges keep score on the sidelines and decide which of the drivers are the most skilled to be declared a winner in the spectacular competition. There is a $5,000 prize purse with the first place winner pocketing a hefty $3,000.00. Those interested in entering can visit the derby website at http://www.hollandracingpromotions.net/ or call the derby office 707-485-8687.

Rounding out the activities will be radical Unimotorcycle Racing, food and drink, amusements for kids, and live music featuring the "Festival of West Coast Blues" hosted by the Stan Erhart Band with Saxophonist Nancy Wright and Special Guests Wendy DeWitt and Kirk Harwood (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday), The Inciters, Known as the West Coast's Premier 60s Soul Band (1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday), The Seducers with Pedal Steel Master Joe Goldmark (10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday) and Curtis Salgado, BMA Soul/Blues Male Artist of the Year (1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday).

Spectator admission is $20 ($30 for 2-day pass) for adults, $10 ($15 for 2-day pass) for ages 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only. Half Moon Bay Airport, at 9850 N. Cabrillo Highway, is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco and 5 miles north of Highway 92. For information, call 650-726-2328 or visit http://www.miramarevents.

Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pacific-Coast-Dream-Machines-Show/58603493859

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/miramarevents

photo credit: Miramar Events

 Truckin #6, officially online now!

Features

There Will Be Blood 45
Truckin's 2012 half-ton shootout

Rolling Thunder 58
This HD stands for heavily driven

Quad-Rotor Lightning 64
Twin superchargers boost this Ford into the 9s

Seeing Red 70
Red Jacket Firearms and VWerks' custom collaboration

Texas Terror 76
New school Cheyenne

Surprise of a Lifetime 84
A '58 Chevy wrapped in a bow

Tech

Gettin' Dirty 90
Tackle any mud hole, rock trail, or sand dune with this sky-high Super Duty

The Jekyll-and-Hyde 7.0L 100
Blending the LS7's displacement with the LS9's blower yields a 770hp street engine with two distinct personalities

Project New Guy Part 4 112
Reinvigorating the interior and audio

Power Stroke Bulletproofing Tactics 122
What it takes to make a 6.0L reliable

Departments

Blessings and Beatings 16

What'd You Say? 18

New Products 22

Truckin Tough 28

Tool of the Month 34

Radical Renderings 36

Factory Fresh 40

Readers' Rides 130

You Asked, We Answered 132

When Good Trucks Go Bad 137

Maximum Exposure 137

On the Cover: Jose Pena built his 2007 Chevy Silverado to be a simple, mean, street-shredding truck. Dan Ward flew down to Pasadena, Texas, to catch Jose tearing up the Texas streets.

More than One-Third of Vehicle Owners Plan to Spend a Portion of Tax Refund on Their Car, Truck or Motorcycle, According to eBay Motors Survey

Results indicate refund dollars most likely to be used for maintenance, repairs,
or buying a vehicle.
 
SAN JOSE - April 3, 2012 - As Tax Day fast approaches and refunds begin making their way into the bank accounts of many Americans, a new survey commissioned by eBay Motors found that more than one-third of vehicle owners anticipating tax refunds will spend a portion of their newly found cash on something related to a car, truck, or motorcycle, and the parts to repair and maintain them. The data is based on a recent survey conducted for eBay Motors by Harris Interactive, which polled more than 2,200 adults across the United States*.
 
According to the survey, 34 percent of current vehicle owners expecting tax refunds said they will spend part of their refund money to buy new or used cars or trucks, or spruce up their current vehicles. The categories in which the most people intend to put their tax refund dollars toward are:
 
1.       Maintenance (49 percent)
2.       Repairs (32 percent)
3.       Buying a new or used vehicle (21 percent)
4.       Tires (19 percent)
5.       Cleaning or detailing (14 percent)
        ** Survey respondents were able to select multiple options
        
On average, respondents who expect to spend at least some of their refund on a vehicle or parts and accessories plan to put 31 percent of this year's refund toward a vehicle-related expense. In addition, 42 percent of respondents say they plan to take automotive-related deductions when they file their taxes.
 
"The survey findings support the trends we have seen over the past few years in relation to sales and search increases on eBay Motors over the course of the Tax Season," said Gregory Boutte, vice president of eBay Motors and Electronics in North America. "This increased activity speaks to the selection and value people have come to associate with eBay Motors. With more than 22 million parts available on the site at any given time, eBay Motors is the place where people looking to spend refund dollars can find just about anything they need for their vehicle, whether they're shopping online or from their mobile devices."  
 
In 2010 and 2011, total searches for parts & accessories on eBay Motors during Tax Season (March and April) grew 17 percent and 23 percent, respectively, when compared to the average number of searches in other months of the year. As a result, sales of parts and accessories have also shown growth during the tax season in prior years. Tires and wheels have traditionally been the most popular tax-season accessories eBay shoppers purchase for their vehicles. Other popular items include grilles, motorcycle parts, and motorcycle accessories, including jackets, leathers and helmets.
 
In addition to parts, people appear to be putting their tax refunds toward their summer pastimes. In 2011, top non-traditional and motorsports vehicle sales on eBay Motors during tax season included Honda ATVs, Harley-Davidson Softail motorcycles, and Bass fishing boats.
 
Further, Americans appear to view tax refunds as opportunities to make purchases of vehicles associated with the joys of driving. The search terms on eBay Motors that have shown the greatest increase in frequency during the past two tax seasons are motorcycle, sports car and exotic-related vehicles, such as: Harley-Davidson, Corvette and Mustang.
 
People will also be shopping eBay Motors via their mobile devices this tax season. More than 173,000 parts and accessories and 3,400 vehicles are sold each week through eBay mobile applications. These purchases include high-ticket items - the most expensive motors related mobile purchase on eBay mobile applications in the U.S. in 2011 was a Lamborghini Gallardo, purchased for $249,999. People can visit Mobile.eBay.com to learn more, and download eBay applications, including the eBay Motors iPhone app.
 
People who plan to spend part of their refund on their vehicle this tax season can get even more for their tax refund dollars by visiting eBay's Uncle Sam's Garage, a site offering rebates and sales on wheels, rims, tires, turbo kits and more throughout the tax season. The garage is open now through April 17.  
 
*The Harris Interactive online survey was conducted February 13 and 15, 2012, and was weighted to reflect the composition of the adult population and to adjust for the respondents' propensity to be online.
 
About eBay Motors
eBay Motors, a part of eBay Inc., is the Internet's largest marketplace for buying and selling all things automotive. The site offers everyday cars for everyday drivers, as well as collector cars, motorcycles, auto parts and accessories. Nearly 4.5 million new and used vehicles have been sold on eBay Motors, and there are more than 22 million automotive parts and accessories available on eBay Motors at any given time.

Blog by Eric Radakovic

Many drivers in the market for a truck today are making the decision to buy used. Buying used vehicles is generally far more affordable than buying a brand new vehicle off of a dealership lot. There are some very high quality used vehicles available that have been well-maintained. If you are in the market for a used truck yourself, you can more easily find a quality used truck for sale by considering these points.

The Condition of the Truck

The condition of the truck should be considered first before any other factors. You want your used truck to last for years and require minimal maintenance and repair work during the time you own it. So take time to review the vehicle carefully, paying attention to signs that it has been well-maintained. Look for signs of scratches, dents, and rust on the exterior. Look for signs that a truck has been repainted, as this may indicate the truck was involved in an accident at one time. Check the tires to ensure the tire tread is evenly worn. Pop the hood and look for signs that the car is free of leaks and that filters have been cleaned or changed regularly. 

Consider Several Models

Because your main goal should be to find a truck in the best condition, you should consider the truck model secondary to the condition of the vehicle. In the long run, it will be far better for you to buy a quality used truck that may have been your second model choice but that is in impeccable condition. For instance, if you are looking for a 2006 Ford F-150, the 2006 Isuzu I-350 is a great alternative to consider.

Conduct a Thorough Internet Search

There are hundreds and thousands of used trucks for sale of all makes and models at any given moment, and most sellers today are choosing to list their trucks for sale on the internet. While some basic websites that cater to car and truck sales may come to mind initially, do not limit your search to only these specialized websites. Consider browsing local and online classified listings, checking Ebay and Craigslist, and even doing a basic search for “truck for sale” to find more listings. You will be more likely to find a high quality truck in your price range when you do a thorough online search.

Hire a Mechanic 

Most truck sellers will tell you a truck is in great condition. Many trucks will be in great condition, but some sellers may simply be trying to sell you a truck and may not be entirely truthful to you. The best thing you can do to avoid buying a truck with mechanical issues is to have a mechanic review your truck options. You can hire a mechanic to shop with you, paying his basic hourly rate for his time. Another option that may save you money is to take the truck in to your mechanic's shop when you do a test drive. Just let the seller know you may have the truck out for a while on your test drive.

There are so many great options to consider when buying a used truck for sale. Because of all of the options available, it may take some time and effort to find a great used truck. Keep these tips in mind, and you will have an easier time shopping for a high quality truck in great condition.

 NEW CONTENT, NEW LOOK for Truckin Magazine Issue 5! You're going to love it.

FEATURES

Twin-Turbo Syborg 56
Setting the bar for performance truck builds

Four Horsemen 64
Nothing gets in the way of this Super Duty, nothing

Eternity 74
An on-again, off-again project

Desert Killer 80
A twin-turbocharged Raptor that's just the thing for flying low over the sand

Indisputable 86
Built by owner, this '46 Chevy is incredible

THROWDOWN at Holley's LS Fest 92
Horsepower meets skill in Bowling Green, Kentucky

SHOWS

Holley's LS Fest 104
Showing, racing, and celebrating all things GM LS engine

TECH

DIY Go-Anywhere Silverado 108
Get your daily driver ready for next year's hunting season

Easy Hemi Horsepower Upgrades 118
Better breathing for your Dodge Ram from BBK

Project New Guy Part III: Paint and Body 128
Finding the diamond in the rough

Boosted 138
It's a Ford and GM 6.2L battle at the ProCharger corral

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 16

Factory Fresh 18

Tool of the Month 24

Truckin Tough 26

New Products 32

THROWDOWN and Havoc Truck Show 38

What'd You Say? 40

Radical Renderings 44

On the Road Again 48

Busted Knuckles 52

Readers' Rides 154

You Asked, We Answered 158

MAXimum Exposure 163

When Good Trucks Go Bad 163

On the Cover: No stranger to lifted trucks, Austin O'Krinsky's latest creation will leave you in awe. Freelancer Robert Kerian shot the incredible Super Duty in Katy, Texas.

 Have no fear! Issue 4 is at your fingertips (even though you won't find it on-sale anymore). Thank you internet!

FEATURES

Loco Greengo 50
A full circle story

Lowrnu 56
Friends-and-family-built 2000 Chevy

Showtime 60
Built by brothers, this Bow Tie is ready for the big stage

Homebuilt Ranger 70
Irreplaceable memories for father & son

60-Year Itch 76
Never giving up on a dream

SHOWS

Lights, Camera, Action 82
Custom trucks take over Vegas at SEMA 2011

Inaugural Viair Show 'N' Shine 94
Fun in the SoCal sun

TECH

Project New Guy: Part II 98
KP Components Cantilevered Four-Link Install

Big Power in a Small Package 106
Turn Key Engine Supply designs a 400hp Gen III 5.3L LS

Three Inches, Two Hours, One Sweet Ride 116
Bigger, Better, Badder F-150

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 18

Readers' Rap 20

Show Calendar 22

Throwdown 28

New Products 30

Tool Of The Month 40

Radical Renderings 42

Busted Knuckles 46

Readers' Rides 124

Coming Next Month 131

On the Cover: Brandan Gillogly braved the freezing cold temperatures to shoot Brandon and Dustin Naivar's Silverado just outside of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Columbus Circle by sending in photos of yourself reading Truckin magazine in an exotic location or just weird place. 

Selma Blair, Jason Lee, and Giovanni Ribsi lean an all-star cast in the suspenseful psychological thriller, Columbus Circle, available March 6th, 2012, on Blu-ray, DVD, and On Demand from Universal Studios.

You're probably reading this because you are an enthusiast! The question is, why not make a living selling aftermarket accessories and building awesome vehicles and profiting from it? The team at Performance Off Road (POR) has been making it possible for off road enthusiast for over a decade. The POR team will give you out of the gate knowledge to succeed.

Performance Off Road aftermarket retail stores are second to none when it comes to showroom design, clutter free installation bays, extensive products lines, and customer service. Once your new POR store is open, you will have a name recognized in the industry for building first-class projects such as trucks, jeeps, suvs, and other performance oriented vehicles, a first-class themed showroom, an extensive line of products, and a discount structures where you’re competitive and can pass savings to your customers.

Being a part of the POR team will guarantee that you will not go into our industry blind. You will not only become part of one of the oldest off road retail stores in the US, but you will also have the confidence that you are part of a winning team.

POR recently began in house financing on approved business plans. Have a location in mind? For more details give these guys a call at (830) 885-3917 or simply go online at performanceoffroad.biz

Take it to the next level and make a career doing what you love...

All of Issue 3's stories - clickable for your convenience!

Features

Sliced and Diced 46
Avant-Garde Roadster

Bought, Not Built 54
Getting Back to Your Roots

Captain Hook 60
Giant Towhooks Inspired This Super Duty

Showstopper 62
A Clean, Classic Creation

The Afterlife 70
Deceased Dodge With a Sinister Attitude

Orange Crush 76
Built Out of Love

Shows

Sittin Pretti's Summer Slam 80
The Northwest's best trucks converge in Washington

West Coast Nationals 2011 88
Classic river run style

Tech

Project New Guy: Part 1 94
New attitude and altitude for the front suspension of a 2000 Chevy

Go Into the Light 104
Upgrading the '11 Ford F-150 with halo and LED lighting from Anzo USA

Just the Basics 108
Adding street style with a new hood and grille with Godfather Customs

Smooth Rear View 114
Swapping the rear bumper for a roll pan makes for instant sporty good looks

Departments

Blessings and Beatings 16

Readers' Rap 18

Throwdown 22

Show Calendar 24

New Products 30

Radical Renderings 34

Tool Of The Month 38

Busted Knuckles 40

Readers' Rides 118

Coming Next Month 125

On The Cover: After Hugo Vela unveiled his '07 Classic Silverado at the TexMex '11 show, Maxwell "New Guy" Matthewson flew down to McAllen, Texas, to shoot it for the cover. Special thanks to Rob "Mr." Munoz for the killer design work.

Check out this install video from our friends over at Airaid. In a short amount of time you can increase the air into your engine, thereby increasing horsepower and adding MPGs.

Install Video

We have another giveaway to do. This time it is for copies of The Scorpion King 3. For this one, I am going to need you to send me an email with your reason for reading Truckin' Magazine. Was it because your dad read it, or maybe because we have the content you enjoy. Whatever the reason, send me an email and I will select the winners at random.

Send the email to maxwell.matthewson@sorc.com

A legendary warrior king returns to reclaim his honor and his destiny in the action-packed adventure The Scorpion King 3: The Battle for Redemption on Blu-ray & DVD January 10. 

We have several copies of Killer Elite to giveaway to a few lucky readers. All you have to do is go to our Facebook page and 'Like' it if you haven't already. Then post up a picture of someone reading Truckin' magazine. It's that easy.

Inspired by true events, Killer Elite is an action-adventure spy film debuting on Blu-ray Combo Pack with UltraViolet and DVD January 10.

 Catch Issue 2 of Truckin' Magazine!

FEATURES

Top 10 of 2011 40
You Pick the Winner

Everything's Bigger in Texas 48
H2, Texas-style

Goldmember 52
Gilded Bow Tie

Cloak & Dagger 58
This Silverado is hiding something lethal

Heavy-Duty Bruiser 64
Big, bad, & bulletproof

iWey 70
Two-Door Tahoe/Silverado mash-up

The Forgotten One 78
An overlooked body style is transformed into a show winner

SHOW

Biloxi Comes Alive 82
9th Annual Scrapin' the Coast

TECH

Hitting All the Gears 90
Replace your worn-out transmission with an upgraded one from Gearstar

Handling the Easy Way 100
Project MOMM gets new sway bars

Pressurized Lubrication 108
An Accusump may just save your engine from permanent destruction

Four-Door To Go 112
Lowering a 1998 Chevrolet Tahoe

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 16

Readers' Rap 22

Hall of Fame 26

New Products 28

Tool of the Month 32

Radical Renderings 34

Busted Knuckles 38

Readers' Rides 120

Coming Next Month 125

On the Cover: Associate Editor Maxwell Matthewson shot Eddie Gonzalez's '97 two-door Tahoe at Scrapin' the Coast in Biloxi, Mississipi.

Ok ladies and gentlemen, we have copies of Cowboys & Aliens to give out. All you have to do is send a picture of your truck to maxwell.matthewson@sorc.com and we will randomly choose the winners.

That's right, all you have to do is send a picture of your truck in and we might choose you to win a Blu-ray combo pack of Cowboys & Aliens. Here's a little about the movie:

The action adventure, Cowboys and Aliens, debuts on Blu-ray December 6th featuring an extended edition of the movie and over two hours of exclusive bonus features. www.cowboysandaliensmovie.com.

 Find all the stories of Issue 1, here!

FEATURES

Envy 42
A 21-year-old Master Mind

Race-Ready Rig 48
Snap-On Tools' Awesome Race Support/Entertainment Vehicle

Hustle and Flow 54
Style Meets Purpose in One Package

Tatted Toy 60
'Bagged, 'Bodied, and Badass

Simple Style 70
Classy, Clean and Custom

TECH

Get Down On It 76
KP Components Bolt-On Front and Rear Suspension

Ultimate E-ROD Build 90
Dressing Up an LS Engine with Eddie Motorsports

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 14

Readers' Rap 18

New Products 22

Tool Of The Month 30

Hall Of Fame 32

Radical Renderings 34

Busted Knuckles 38

Readers' Rides 98

Coming Next Month 107

On The Cover: Editor Dan Ward and Associate Editor Maxwell Matthewson drove out to Hemet, California, to shoot Grommit's tattoo-inspired Tundra.

 Issue 13 officially hits newsstands October 18th-November 14, 2011!

Features

Ecology 101 46
404 hp and 25 mpg-From a V-6!

Slickerado 52
Slicker than An Oil-Soaked Wrench

Obsession 60
Etching a Mark in This Owner's Heart

Lingenfelter's 21st Century Classic 66
This 1955 Chevy is more modern than vintage

Shows

2011 Texas Heatwave 72
Getting Hot and Heavy in Austin

Goodguys 2011 Del Mar Show 114
Where custom trucks meet the surf

Tech

Re-birth of the Green Movement 86
Gain Horsepower and MPG While Saving Mother Earth

PSIched 98
Cam Ram Part III: HP Performance Turbo Kit on a 5.7L Hemi Stroker

Project Novakane: Paint and Body 104
Our GMC slips into something a little more sinister

DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 14

Readers Rap 16

New Products 18

Tool of the Month 22

Radical Renderings 32

Busted Knuckles 38

Classic Truck Trends 116

Readers' Rides 120

Coming Next Month 123

On The Cover: Editor Dan Ward took this shot while cruising the streets of Austin, Texas after attending the Heatwave Truck show.

 Look for the Yukon-clipped green Sierra on the cover of Issue 12.

 FEATURES

1LOUDRT 46
A 2000 Dakota with Good Looks and Killer Sound

ROCKIN' THE SUBURBS 50
Upping the Ante on a Brand-New Explorer

HAULIN' HD 52
Don't Blink or You'll Miss It

ROCK CRUSHER 58
A Simple, Yet Impressive Sierra HD

TRIPLE THREAT TAHOE 64
Built Within These Pages, This SUV Shows, Tows, and Loves to Go

PARTY WAGON 70
Letting the Good Times Roll in the Shop Truck

DOUBLEMINT 78
Built to Lay Out and Be Driven Hard

SHOWS

DOWN TO EARTH DAY 2011 82
One of Central Valley's Premiere Shows

SHOWDOWN 2011 88
Custom Trucks Invade Houston for a Heck of a Time

TECH

CUSTOM TRUCK MATH 98
Equation for the Perfect Daily Driver

BOOST FOR YOUR BRAKES 106
Installing a Hydratech Power Assist Unit for Better Stopping Power

PACE EDWARDS ROLLING TONNEAU 120
Easy-to-Install Bed Protection for Your 2011 Ford F-150

CAM YOUR RAM PART II: INCHES & POUNDS 124
Torque (pounds) Gains Offered by Increased Displacement (inches) for the 5.7L Hemi

DEPARTMENTS

BLESSINGS AND BEATINGS 18

READERS' RAP 20

HALL OF FAME 28

NEW PRODUCTS 30

RADICAL RENDERINGS 36

BUSTED KNUCKLES 42

CLASSIC TRUCK TRENDS 132

READERS' RIDES 136

Coming Next Month 140

ON THE COVER: From Baytown, Texas, comes this Yukon-clipped Sierra that Editor Dan Ward shot at the Tex Mex show in Lake Somerville, Texas.

 Truckin' no. 11 - another great one to add to your collection! Clickable Table of Contents below.

FEATURES

FAMILY TIES 45
Husband and Wife Tag Team the Custom Truck Scene

STORM TROOPER 56
Fighting the Battle of Conformity

HEADHUNTER 62
Automotive Art Meets Cemetery for a Battle to the Death

'62 C10 CRUZER 72
Less is More

SHOW

SHOWFEST 2011 78
Floods Couldn't Stop the Masses

TECH

ECONOMICAL UPGRADES 86
2010 Chevy 1500 Lift the Easy Way

A MORE RAPID RAPTOR 92
Ford's Bold Off-Roader

HIGH EXPECTATIONS 100
McGaughy's 7-inch Suspension Lift for GM's New HD Trucks

6.0L ENGINE SWAP 108
Modern V-8 Power for Any Truck

DEPARTMENTS

BLESSINGS AND BEATINGS 16

READERS' RAP 20

INSIDER 26

HALL OF FAME 28

NEW PRODUCTS 30

RADICAL RENDERINGS 34

BUSTED KNUCKLES 38

CLASSIC TRUCK TRENDS 124

READERS' RIDES 126

Coming Next Month 132

ON THE COVER: Brandan Gillogly shot this 2009 Dodge Ram that is fit for the king of the undead in Henderson, Nevada.

 Issue No. 10 - the Throwdown issue - officially went on-sale July 26, 2011. If you have not picked up a few copies, now is the time!

 FEATURES

BLOWN 2B WILD 40
Darrell's Forty Ford

THROWDOWN 44
It's about time

COMPETITORS AND TRUCKS 48
Truck Shootout

STATISTICS 68
We have the stats

NEXT DAY AIR'D 74
Caddy-Clipped 1995 Silverado 1500

CARBON COPY SS 80
2003 Silverado SS Clone

TECH

PROJECT MURDERED-OUT MOMMY MOBILE: PART 2 86
36 HP in 1 hour and 30 minutes

THROWDOWN THRASH 92
Seven guys in six days do the impossible

CAM YOUR RAM 106
5.7L Hemi performance cam swap Part 1

LS SWAP QUICK GUIDE 116
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions and Where to Find the Solutions
   
DEPARTMENTS

Blessings and Beatings 16

Readers' Rap 18

Insider 24

New Products 26

Radical Renderings 28

Busted Knuckles 36

Classic Truck Trends 130

Readers' Rides 134

Coming Next Month 136

Feature Files 139

ON THE COVER: Editor Dan Ward shot this driving shot of two of the THROWDOWN participants, his very own supercharged Novakane and Julien Maurel's 2001 turbocharged Silverado, at El Toro Marine Base.
   

AutoAnything definitely knows how to raise the bar and their recent launch of Superchargers proves just that. Always striving to bring customers the best accessories at the lowest prices, AutoAnything recently brought on a full range of Superchargers to their website, adding to their ever-expanding line of products. The superchargers have their own category and are set to exceed customer expectations in both price and performance. For more information, visit www.autoanything.com.

"Our success is reliant on giving customers the best selection at the best prices," says David Klein, Chief Operating Officer at AutoAnything. "With the recent launch of our superchargers line, we're charting new territories within the auto accessories aftermarket. And, I'm delighted to say that these superchargers will be offered with our 1-year lower price guarantee and free shipping. These are savings points we emphasize to our customers because we want to ensure they’re getting unsurpassed value so that they consider us their foremost destination when purchasing performance automotive accessories."

AutoAnything's customer base has always had a penchant for popular performance accessories such as mods and bolt-ons. Within this segment you’ll find high-flow air filters, intakes, performance exhausts and custom engine tuners. These performance add-ons bring more life to one's engine, dishing out extra horsepower, torque, acceleration and even improved fuel economy. The addition of superchargers redlines their performance accessories selection.

AutoAnything has teamed up with the top names in industry - Edelbrock, Vortech, Whipple, Magnacharger and Paxton. This outstanding selection of superchargers is guaranteed to boost engine power and is sure to put a smile on even the most austere performance junkie's face.

Whether you're rolling in a Ford F-150, Dodge Ram, Chevy Silverado, Chevy Tahoe, or other head-turning street machine, you've got options when it comes to finding the most affordable superchargers for your romping, stomping ride.

"Our new superchargers category taps into a niche area of the market, and we know customers are going to find plenty of value by purchasing them through AutoAnything," Klein said.

We are in the midst of an awesome show season. I am sure you are wondering when and where you can meet the guys responsible for putting out the best custom truck magazine in the world. Our next show will be Texas Heatwave where we will have our first ever TAC (Truckin' Autocross Challenge). Be sure to come out and push your truck to it's limits.

Here is a list of the upcoming shows we will be at (each show is a link to their website):

Texas Heatwave July 22-24

Slamily Reunion August 5-6

Truckin 4 Troops August 13

Viair Show and Shine August 13

Severed in SoCal August 27

Toyota Jamboree September 23-25

West Coast Nats September 23-25

Turkey Drag December 3-5 

I am spending this week in Lenexa, Kansas, at the Procharger headquarters. Today one of the founders of Procharger, Ken Jones, gave me a tour of their facility, and I have to say that I am very impressed.

Procharger makes all of their units out of billet aluminum that they mill in-house on one of their numerous, small house sized milling machines. They then assemble in-house and do quality control on every unit before it leaves their facility, rather than on random units. The testing of units is performed in Procharger's state of the art Aerodynamic Testing Lab.  Sharing the building that houses the test lab is Procharger's other line of business, Inovair, makers of high efficiency, extremely quiet, and remarkably compact pneumatic conveyance packages.  Procharger really knows what they are doing, which is the reason they are one of the top power adders in the industry. They also have the widest range of superchargers available, from marine to cars and trucks, and even motorcycles. Like I said, it was easy to be impressed with such a top-notch facility that is run by an outstanding team!