And that’s how Justin got into diesel trucks.
“I liked the style of trucks and how aggressive they looked, along with the big cloud of black smoke that was cool as a young teenager,” Justin reflected.
“The truck was rough, full of dents, scratches, rust, missing parts… I thought it would be a fun first diesel project,” Justin said.
And he has gone all the way with his project! With the interior, he has installed black canvas carpet, Manicci diamond stitch floor mats, two 8-inch JL Audio subs and amp, and a Kenwood deck. With the exterior, he’s added a 15 percent tint, a welded roll pan, slapped on new 24×14 Fittipaldi forged wheels secured in place with spike lug nuts and wrapped in 33×13.50R24 Versatyre tires, Spyder tail lights and a third brake light, RGB rock lights, DNA Motoring headlights, a bed cover, Boost mirrors, a bullet antenna, Pro Form Fabrication traction bars, and a G2 rear differential cover—but these aren’t the most stunning highlights of the exterior.
Not only has Justin added a Moog front end that’s been powder-coated with purple mirage by Prismatic Powders, he’s also added a two-tone paint of 1G3 Toyota Gray and Chevy Black which is where his truck’s name, Two Tone Betty, comes from.
Then there’s what’s under the hood of this truck: an HSP high flow bundle kit, a Wehrli Custom Fabrication radiator pipe, a Dan’s Diesel Performance 64mm Stage 2 performance turbo, a TransGo shift kit, and a FASS 165 fuel lift pump.
And remember how Justin has all of his welding certifications? Well, he’s done a fair amount of custom work as well with the help of his friend, Kurtis Sarjeant, such as the fuse box cover and radiator shroud, battery covers, 8-inch exhaust tip, and those personality-stamped “Locally Hated” custom mud flaps!
“It wasn’t a super big show, but it was still fun,” Justin recalled.
It didn’t matter that it wasn’t a big show. Recognition is still recognition, not that Justin needed it or was even looking for it. Nevertheless, he loves his truck.
“The build means a lot to me. I’m proud of what I’ve done with the truck since I’ve gotten it. Many hours in body work, installing lights, powder coat, and performance parts, but it’s all been worth it,” Justin said.
Now, to undiscerning eyes, it may not seem like there’s much difference between classic cars and diesel trucks. But anyone who knows the difference understands that there is a bit of a leap between the two automotive passions.
No, no you can’t beat the smell or the sound. It seems as though Justin fell into the classic children’s trap of sniffing at the air to smell the fuel at the pumps. And don’t worry, Justin, we all do it too!
“I’d say my favorite mod would be the Fittipaldi forged wheels. It makes the truck more aggressive and pop!” Justin elaborated.
But he’s not done. And is any build ever truly done? Justin plans on adding a star light headliner and diamond stitch seats to match his floors. Is he going to add something else? We’ll have to wait and see. And who knows what ideas he’s going to come up with if the result of breaking his neck was getting into diesel trucks.
765-831-2830
www.boostautoparts.com
Dan’s Diesel Performance
815-457-9770
www.dansdieselperformance.com
DNA Motoring
626-965-8898
www.dnamotoring.com
FASS Diesel Fuel Systems
866-769-3747
www.fassride.com
www.fittipaldiwheels.com
G2 Axle
310-900-2687
www.g2axle.com
HSP
586-785-3110
www.hspdiesel.com
JL Audio
www.jlaudio.com
Kenwood
310-761-8802
www.kenwood.com
778-995-0676
www.manicci.com
MOOG Suspension Parts
888-406-2330
www.moog-suspension-parts.com
Powder Custom Coatings
www.facebook.com/powderedcustomcoatings
Prismatic Powders
866-774-7628
www.prismaticpowders.com
865-518-1190
www.proformfab.com
Spyder
626-934-8884
www.spyderauto.com
TransGo
626-443-5247
www.transgo.com
Versatyre Tires
888-972-4804
www.versatyre.com
Wehrli Custom Fabrication
630-277-8239
www.wcfab.com