November 13, 2007
No 'Bags But Just Right Truckin Magazine GMC Article - Cover
By Dan Ward
photographer: Dan Ward
(source: www.truckinweb.com)
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - AIt 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.
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - DPowering 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 thetruck and add some points at the shows. Meanwhile, three YellowTop Optima batteries keep things charged.
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - 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.
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - EThen, Modern Audio in La Habra stepped in and created a wild audio and video system for the truck. After lining the door panels with Dynamat, Randy Medina created custom speaker pods for the 6-1/2-inch Cutting Edge Audio speakers located in each door and rear extended cab doors. Randy also built a subwoofer enclosure in place of the rear bench seat that now houses three Thrasher 12-inch subwoofers. Powering all of this audio are three Cutting Edge Audio amps mounted inside a plexiglass enclosure on the back wall of the cab. Monitors were installed into each sunvisor, with a 15-inch screen hanging from the suede headliner. Entertainment is provided by a Pioneer AVIC D-1 and a Play Station 2.
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - CEntertaining guests is no problem, especially at sporting events or at the river, once the ARE tonneau cover is opened. A huge enclosure houses two more Cutting Edge Audio amps, two Saber 15-inch subs, three 12-inch subs, and a 32-inch LCD monitor. The enclosure was coated in Diamond Liners spray liner with a brushed graphic to match the paint scheme. Tailgaters also get to enjoy the Freedom Grill that slips into the Hidden Hitch and provides instant BBQ fun.Radi's Upholstery in Garden Grove added black ostrich inserts to the black leather seats, then also wrapped the steering wheel in black suede. Black suede was again used to cover the headliner, visors, and grab handles. The dash was smoothed, painted, and a carbon-fiber dash bezel completes the custom interior trim. The GMC now looked and performed on a whole new level, thanks to some talented folks and generous sponsors. So, what is next for this Sierra? Could a fifth version of this fullsize be in the works? Stay tuned, the future looks bright.
Now residing where the rear bench once called home are three 12-inch subs in a box, which were built by Randy Medina from Modern Audio.
On the right you can see a polished supercharger from ProCharger and a polished high-amp alternator both do their parts to keep the GMC running its best.
Here you can see a pair of Cutting Edge Audio speakers in the bed. Also, you can see the detail put into the Diamond Liner.
Opening the tonneau cover reveals an audiophiles dream-come-true: three12-inch subs, two 15-inch subs, and an awesome 32-inch LCD.
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - Cover Shot
Truckin Magazine GMC Article - On the right is Toyo Tires, with a set of KMC Wheels
This Article would not be possible without Truckin Magazine.