OWNER: Shane Gonzales RIDE:...
OWNER: Shane Gonzales
RIDE: '98 GMC Sonoma
HOMETOWN: Anaheim, CA
CLUB: Xtreme Lowz
Over the last few years, Shane Gonzales of Anaheim, California, has been involved in building his '98 GMC Sonoma. Before long, the truck progressed until it was finally unique enough to become active on the show circuit. That's where Shane met some "really great people" and decided to get even more involved in the show scene. Now he's a member of Xtreme Lowz and since joining, the truck has come a long way from its original look.
After driving the stock truck around for a while and planning out his project so he wouldn't make too many costly mistakes, Shane decided to get down to business. He began with the suspension, knowing that an adjustable air system was the backbone for reaching his goal of laying the frame to the pavement. The task of initially bringing down the truck's ride height was given to Go Ez Customs in La Palma, California, where it received a suspension worthy of a set of 20- and 22-inch KMC wheels. The next task on Shane's creative mind was to tackle the interior and audio system.
After a few thoughtful conversations with his friend Mike Bach, a plan was put into action to turn Shane's stock cab space into something phenomenal. What happened next was nothing short of hours upon countless hours of precision design and fabrication that transformed Shane's truck into something unique. Since words can't describe the center console, cab wall, custom interior, and gauges, we hope the pictures can fill in the blanks.
Once a few cosmetic changes were accomplished and the paint was done, it was time to give the truck over to Tom McWeeny, and let him do the other thing that he knows how to do; pinstripe. From the front edge of the hood, all the way back to the tailgate, and everything in between, has all been striped. After the final detailing of the engine and interior, Shane was amazed with the truck that sat in his garage.
With the help of his family and friends, and just the right amount of purchased labor from the right shops, Shane managed to have his Sonoma looking the part for show readiness. The extra effort and willingness to try new things sets Shane's truck apart from the rest, and has earned him more trophies than he cares to count. The only question left to answer now is, what will Shane build next? We'll just have to wait and see.
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front): 20-inch KMC Thunder
(Rear): 22-inch KMC Thunder
Tires (Front/Rear): Hankook
Chassis Modifications
Suspension (Front): Modified spring pocket and control arms
(Rear): KP Components six-link
Airbag type and size: (Front): Firestone 2500
(Rear): Firestone 2600
Valves: Eight 1/2-inch Parker
Compressors: Two Air Zenith
Air accessories: Two five-gallon chrome air tanks
Frame mods: Step-notch, modified spring pockets
Performed by: Go Ez Customs
Body Modifications
Shaved: Tailgate, windshield wipers, and hood squirters
Front end: Envoy Bumper
Back end: Molded roll pan
Exterior bolt-ons: M3 side view mirrors, electric sunroof, billet grille
Performed by: Mike Bach
Paint
Pinstriping: Kustoms Ink
Performed by: Tom Mcweeny
Interior
Seats: Stock
Material: Black leather and gray suede
Dash: Fiberglassed and painted
Door panels: Fiberglassed and painted
Center console: Custom made with iPod docking station
Gauges: Stock, painted
Performed by: Mike Bach
Stereo
Head unit: Jensen in dash TV/DVD
Mids and highs: Four 6-inch Infinity
Amplifier for mids and highs: Kicker
Subwoofers: Two 12-inch Performance Technic
Amplifier for subwoofers: Kicker
Video: Seven-inch DVD monitor
Custom fabrication: Custom made center console and sub enclosure
Performed by: Mike Bach
Engine/Performance
Inner fenders: Removed
Detail work: Several items painted and pinstriped
Performed by: Tom Mcweeny
Special Thanks by Owner:
I would like to thank my family for all the help, my club Xtreme Lowz, Art at Go Ez, Mike Bach, Tom McWeeney at Kustoms Ink, Custom Carnage DVD, Extreme Audio, Grommit Industries, and all my friends in the scene!