When it comes to clean body lines and that classic custom feel, the first-generation S-10 just screams for the old hot-rod treatment. Well, our buddies over at Kustoms Inc. decided to tackle a new project to take to SEMA for the Line-X booth. With help from Chassis Tech, www.airbagit.com, LMC Truck, Line-X of Huntington Beach, and IMZZ Industries, this S-10 was headed for the full custom treatment. Of course, the major challenge was the timeline, and as you'll see it was coming down to the wire. Follow along as the crew works night and day to try and complete a 45-day transformation from trashed daily-driver to the SEMA floor.
For Part I of this installment, the team tore the truck down and began to tackle the air suspension. To help with the time constraints, we opted for the super-quick installation of the airbagit.com Plug 'N Play system, which comes complete with the compressor, valves, and switches already pre-wired. All that was needed was to connect the air line to the four airbags, hook up an air tank, and you're ready to hit the road. The installation of the Plug 'N Play will be covered in Part II, so stay tuned. For more information, contact the companies listed in the sources box.
1. This is how the truck looked...
1. This is how the truck looked when we started. A very respectable, yet well used, daily-driver parts truck.
2. We went with an entire...
2. We went with an entire airbagit.com complete Plug 'N Play system to help speed the build along.
3. After setting the truck...
3. After setting the truck up on jackstands, we began by unbolting and removing the bed.
4. With the bed out of the...
4. With the bed out of the way, we used a plumb bob to mark where the center of the axle sits.
5a.
5b. Next, the stock shock...
5b. Next, the stock shock mounts were cut away.
6. The top of the frame was...
6. The top of the frame was ground smooth and then measured to the width of the notch.
7. After that, the excess...
7. After that, the excess was cut away with our trusty Sawzall.
8. The crew measured the overall...
8. The crew measured the overall diameter (OD) of their tire and divided it by 2, to find out how much more travel the axle will need. After figuring out they needed another 4 inches, they clamped the airbagit.com notch into place.
9. With the notch marked and...
9. With the notch marked and in place, all the sides were tacked.
10. Once the front and back...
10. Once the front and back pieces were in place, the top and sides were marked and cut to fit.
11a. Airbagit.com offers a...
11a. Airbagit.com offers a unique solution to getting more lift and a better ride in the front of a minitruck. Using a bigger 'bag mount, the company has a kit that allows you to fit the big 2,600-pound airbag up front. Stay tuned to Part II of this story, we'll go over this particular process in more depth.
11b.
12. After measuring for the...
12. After measuring for the new 'bag mount, the front was marked and then trimmed.
13. As SEMA is upon the crew...
13. As SEMA is upon the crew and they only have a few weeks to finish the truck, many people were helping out, including Marcel Venable from Huntington Beach Line-X. He lent a hand to help measure and build the lower control arms to mount the larger airbags.
14. With the lower arm plate...
14. With the lower arm plate marked and trimmed, it was then tacked into place.
15. Here's a good look at...
15. Here's a good look at the new bottom arm and where the 'bag would mount.
16. Moving back to the notch,...
16. Moving back to the notch, the center of the frame could then be cut out.
17. Hmm, now it was time to...
17. Hmm, now it was time to tackle the four-link ... Wish us luck!
18. So, after a week straight...
18. So, after a week straight of solid work, we sat only three weeks before SEMA with what looked like a project that could easily take another year or two to finish. You gotta love the SEMA rush. We'll see you there!