TO those in the know, it’s no secret that there is a specific formula for creating a solid, quality truck show. The real mystery is how to create a show with longevity.
“It took a lot of dedication, planning, and hard work,” Aaron Combs tells Street Trucks about Dropt N Destroyed’s 20th anniversary. “I’m truly honored to be able to succeed and bring this quality of show to my home state.”
That home state is Ohio, and over the years, the city and location has changed, but Aaron and his hardworking staff believe they found the final place that benefits everyone involved.
Dropt N Destroyed’s 20th was held at the very spacious Kim Tam Park at Melanie Springs in Uniontown, Ohio, where more than 300 custom vehicles and over 1,200 spectators were spread throughout the large showgrounds. In the center is a lake for swimming in the perfect weather during the show. Some of the top sponsors onboard for the anniversary were Autosport Plus, Summit Racing, Street Steel, Drivn’, Drop Em Wear, Late Knight Customs, Ashtabula Body and Fender, Outlaw Pinstriping, Sloan Product, Auto City Imports, TLN Towing, Spotlight Customs, ST Photography, Taylor Rod and Custom, Classic Collision, Ground Level, and McFadden Family.
Plenty of vendors were there for everybody’s needs, too—like Buffalo Bills Jerky that had every type of meat treat you could think of and OG Street Eatz that was supplying everyone with high-quality cheesesteaks. Bobby’s Hot Wheels was selling die-cast cars and trucks of just about every model for the kids and parents. Illusive Design & Fabrication set up a booth to answer questions about how to design and build the perfect truck. And, of course, Outlaw Pinstriping was laying down stripes on trucks all weekend long. At the afterparty, held at the host hotel Comfort Suites in Hartville, Ohio, everyone had a blast until the late hours of the night.
Aaron and his staff wish to thank everyone who attended the 20th anniversary event, including car and truck clubs Evil, Visual Concepts, Ground Level, Twisted Intentions, Low Lyfe Kustoms, Sunset, Down 2 Earth, and many more. A very-much-appreciated thanks goes to the owner of Kim Tam Park, Jeremy Caudill, for his hospitality and opening up the grounds to each and every person who attended.
Although 20 years of a successful show is a milestone in itself, Aaron has his eyes set on the next milestone, so look forward to bigger and better things to come from Dropt N Destroyed. Log on to DroptOut.com for updates on next year’s show and dates.
In many ways SEMA is the annual pulse check of the aftermarket automotive industry. Exciting new products, mind-blowing builds, and major automotive personalities can all provide insight on the state and trajectory of the industry.
Over the past few years, the converted-EV presence at the event has grown significantly. This year, in the “Future Tech” zone, more than 15 exhibitors showcased parts, tools and educational offerings that catered to this emerging technology. Additionally, over 60 electric swapped vehicles were on display, ranging from European sports cars such as a Jaguar E-Types and Porsche 911s, to American classics such as Ford F-100s and Chevy Camaros, all of which had been converted to push some serious current instead of burning gasoline.
Not only does the aftermarket EV industry now have major buy-in from event organizers (such as SEMA), tier-one manufacturers, and OEMS, but automotive media is starting to take notice as well. Over the course of the show, automotive legends such as Richard Rawlings, Chip Foose, and Ben “The Stig” Collins, could all be found in the Future Tech zone checking out the next chapter in hot-rodding. Long-time gas-powered enthusiasts are realizing the performance potential and creative opportunities that lie within electric power.
If there is one key takeaway, the electrified presence at SEMA 2023 indicated an increasingly bright future for the aftermarket EV industry. We are excited to continue to cover the emerging technologies, builds, events, and culture that will steer this huge industry disruption, and we look forward to having you along for the ride.
Photos by Solomon Lunger
Not all truck builds are quite the same. Sometimes, the desired result is an obvious full-blown custom creation; other times, the truck is designed to be a little more subtle. For the sake of sparking discussion, it’s safe to say that this 2023 Ford F-350 Super Duty rides the line of both worlds but slightly teeters toward the latter category. At first take, most onlookers might only see a brand-new truck with a big lift and a few accessories hanging off it—fair enough. Those who really do know their Ford trucks and can differentiate between Ford’s modern trim packages represent the slim segment of enthusiasts who understand that this truck, in this form, should not even exist.
To break things down, let’s focus on properties of this truck that can be easily overlooked. First, it’s a two-door standard cab F-350 with a full Platinum trim, which are two options that are never offered together from Ford. A crew cab configuration is all you’re going to get at the Platinum level, which is just fine for 98% of those looking to buy one. That estimation was left with a narrow window open for Ford fanatics like Kyle Delfel of Snohomish, Washington, who have very stringent preferences. Kyle runs his shop DelFAB where he spends a great deal of his time building trucks that meet his visions. When it came time to do something with his 2023 F-350, he wanted to create a throwback retro feel while still embracing every single modern amenity that comes with the Platinum trim package. The only hurdle that stood in his way is that he was dead set on transferring everything possible from his crew cab into a two-door configuration. It was at this point when the plot significantly thickened.
…this truck, in this form, should not even exist.
Kyle is an admitted fan of the free-wheeling-style Ford Highboy trucks of the 1970s—but honestly, who isn’t? They were great-looking trucks designed for the times. Kyle’s obsession for these trucks might shoot a few levels past “fanatic” though, which thankfully makes things much more interesting for everyone. To create the modern two-door Highboy of his dreams, he had to do some careful planning and spend a lot of money to purchase not only one new Platinum edition F-350 pickup just to have all the components included in the trim level, but also two other Ford Super Duty pickups to give him the cab, bed, and chassis, among other items he would need to pull off a successful transformation. Sure, it was a big investment to make, but the project was something Kyle just had to see come to life with his own eyes.
When it came time to do something with his 2023 F-350, he wanted to create a throwback retro feel while still embracing every single modern amenity that comes with the Platinum trim package.”
The foundation of any project is the frame, so Kyle began outfitting the factory chassis he had with an adjustable 7-to-9-inch lift kit from One Up Offroad. The kit is comprised of everything necessary to give the truck a commanding stance using components that work harmoniously together for the purpose of providing surprisingly excellent ride quality—especially for a lift of this stature.
…Kyle began outfitting the factory chassis he had with an adjustable 7-to-9-inch lift kit from One Up Offroad.
The entire front-to-rear suspension package was installed and test fit, and once Kyle was happy with how it all went together, the entire chassis, including every single bolt and bracket, was blown apart and sent to Powdercoating Inc. in Mukilteo, Washington, for a black and chrome two-tone finish. The reassembly process was smooth and satisfying, especially after the inclusion of the 20×12 American Force Ridge CC wheels wrapped in Mickey Thompson Baja Legend MTZ rubber. With a heavily upgraded chassis now ready to roll, Kyle was then able to move on to the next phase of the project, which was arguably the most important.
…the entire chassis, including every single bolt and bracket, was blown apart and sent to Powdercoating Inc.
The crew cab F-350 Platinum that Kyle purchased for the build was merely a donor truck if you can wrap your head around that! It was destined to be pulled apart well before his signature on the dealership papers even dried. Everything except for the factory rear bench seat was utilized only because it didn’t quite fit into the standard cab.
The process was painstakingly difficult to accomplish, but the overall fit and finish looks just like it should from the factory. Not only do the seats, dash, and infotainment screen look like they belong in the two-door cab, but every beep and ding function within the interior work just as they should, when they should.
The only giveaway that something is a bit out of place is on the gauge cluster. The digital readout displays an interior configuration that shows a rear seating layout, but it doesn’t seem to bug Kyle much, which is really saying a lot.
Not only do the seats, dash and infotainment screen look like they belong in the 2-door cab, but every beep and ding function within the interior work just as they should, when they should.
With the cab conversion well taken care of, it was finally time to address the F-350’s exterior. This project was a bucket-list-level build for Kyle, and he truly wanted to see what a modernized free-wheeling-packaged Ford Highboy could look like. Of course, the incorporation of free-wheeling-inspired graphics was a given. Ardor Printing, also located in Snohomish, was asked to apply the high-vis gradient 3M chromatic film to both sides of the F-350, which elevated the factory black paint dramatically. To further push the retro styling of the new truck, a newly developed lightbar from KC HiLiTES gives the front end instant throwback appeal.
A few custom touches were made by smoothing and painting the sidestep pocket, and then positioning the actual step upward and inward to make it less noticeable. The same smooth-and-paint treatment was given to the corner step on the rear bumper to blend it in as much as possible, and the running boards were shortened for the same reason. Aside from those custom accoutrements, there are plenty of high-end Platinum options present including the keyless entry handle, LED taillights, power tailgate, and all the badging that demarcates the truck from other trim levels.
This project was a bucket-list-level build for Kyle, and he truly wanted to see what a modernized free wheeling packaged Ford Highboy could look like.”
It’s hard to gauge just how much time was required to complete this build from start to finish. If Kyle wouldn’t have disclosed his actual timeframe of finishing it in just two months to make the SEMA ’23 deadline, it would have been reasonable to assume that he spent at least three to four times that amount. Tremendous disassembly work and time spent piecing things back together between three different trucks to get just this one up and running really took a toll on Kyle, but seeing it through was well worth the backaches and trouble.
Aside from those custom accoutrements, there are plenty of high-end Platinum options present including the keyless entry handle, LED taillights, power tailgate, and all the badging that demarcates the truck from other trim levels.”
At the end of the day, his F-350 sits largely in stock condition, which is a larger feat than going full custom for what it was intended to be—don’t be mistaken! Even though one could outfit a XLT trim single cab to make it look the part, it wouldn’t have the functions of a true Platinum edition truck. That’s what it all comes down to, and what truly divides Kyle’s F-350 from any other would-be pretender out there.
TRUCK SPECS
Engine/Drivetrain
Chassis & Suspension
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
Body & Paint
Interior & Stereo
Photos by Tim Cachelin
The SEMA Show in Las Vegas has always been a playground for gearheads and automotive enthusiasts, but 2023 was different. It was like walking into a sci-fi movie, but better because it was real. The Future Tech area, set in the Main Hall, was an e-revolution on display. Over 50 vehicles ranging from sleek classics to the latest models, all converted to run on electric power lined the area, making it a veritable electric avenue.
SEMA 2023’s Future Tech area was buzzing non-stop for four days, and not just from the hum of electric motors. RJ de Vera, SEMA VP of Marketing, summed it up perfectly: “People love to tinker, modify, and personalize. And what better way to do that than by turning your beloved ride into an EV?” It’s like giving your car a heart transplant, but the heart is a battery, and it beats with electric power.
For those who cherish the classics but are keen to keep pace with the times, the availability of modular EV Drive system kits has been a game changer. LegacyEV, Hypercraft, and Ampere EV are just a few of the big names who’ve jumped into the EV conversion pool. While the current price point for complete systems starting around $55,000 might seem steep, Ampere EV CEO Matthew White anticipates a decrease in costs as efficiency improves and demand grows. “It is feature-rich, and it does have a lot of stuff, but we understand the average person probably won’t consider that at the price point, so our goal is to get more efficient and get our prices down,” White explained, highlighting the balance between innovation and affordability.
The automotive world is at a crossroads, with OEMs scratching their heads. They’re juggling strategy, investments, and the hard truth of consumer interest. But in this dilemma lies a silver lining for the aftermarket industry. It’s like discovering a new continent of opportunities, especially in the EV conversions department. We discovered Tier-1suppliers, such as GKN, now offering e-motors used in current production models to the industry, which hasnever been seen before. Also, Ford came with force onto the EV area with a fully prepared F-150 Lightning, an awesome Super Van and Neil Tjin’s Mach-E off-roader.
The Central Hall at SEMA 2023 was a melting pot of ideas on EV technology, policy, and the future of automobiles. Here, the discussions weren’t just about shiny new cars; they were about shaping the industry’s trajectory. LegacyEV played a crucial role, highlighting their focus on training by announcing new EV Technician standards in collaboration with EVTEC (see sidebox), setting the rulebook for the next generation of EV wizards.
Imagine a room where Chip Foose and Richard Rawlings and his Gas Monkey crew rub shoulders with the YouTube auto vlogger brigade in the EV conversion epicenter! That was the scene at the Legacy EV RePower stand. V-8-mad content creators such as Tim ‘Shmee150’ Burton, Freddy ‘Tavarish’, Rich Benoit of Rich Rebuild, Sam Hard, and Ben ‘the Stig’ Collins all had their jaws on the floor seeing the Gas Monkey Garage Testarossa and the E-Rod build converted to electric, which generated many dedicated videos on their respective channels. This really shows a shift in perception within the automotive world. Electrification is not just a fleeting trend; it’s the new norm.
This year’s SEMA Show threw a wrench into the old belief that only gas guzzlers could deliver adrenaline-pumping performance. EVs and converted-to-EV machines flexed their muscles, showing off torque and power that would make any V-8 blush. It’s a pivotal moment, proving that sustainability can sit in the driver’s seat alongside raw power.
The vibe at SEMA 2023 was clear: the future for EV enthusiasts and the automotive industry is bright. We’re riding the crest of a revolution where electric meets classic, and the thrill of driving is being reimagined. As this edition clearly illustrated, the future for EV enthusiasts and the automotive industry is incredibly promising. We are part of a revolution where innovation meets tradition, and where electric propulsion is becoming as exciting and desirable as traditional powertrains. This transformation is opening up new horizons for creativity, performance, and environmental responsibility in the automotive world.
A Ford Model A’s Electric Rebirth
What happens when you take a 1930 Ford Model A to SEMA and give it an electric heart? LegacyEV and Fellten showed the world in a dazzling four-day transformation—they rolled in with a classic, and rolled out with the future.Their mission was to enter the show with a roaring gas engine and leave it with the hum of an electric motor. The original 348ci Big-Block ICE engine and T-5 manual transmission were shown the door. In their place, the team installed a Zonic 180 electric motor and a Torque Trends TorqueBox reduction gearbox. But the star of the show was the Fellten 55 kWh universal battery pack – a powerhouse that snugly fits under the hood of most classic cars – yet was installed here in the back of the cab.
The Zonic 180 and Fellten UBP55E: A Perfect Match
The 180 kW Zonic motor combined with the 2:1 reduction Torque Trends TorqueBox and fed by a mighty Fellten universal battery pack (UBP55E) give the Model A super burnout powers it never had before.). This four-day adventure at SEMA was more than a showcase; it was a testament to what’s possible when expertise, passion, and cutting-edge technology come together. LegacyEV and Fellten completely turned back the clock and catapulted a classic into the future.
Fellten’s UBP55E universal battery pack not only turned heads in the E-Rod, it also took home the prestigious Global Media Award. With its 55kWh capacity and built-in CCS charging, top-notch thermal management, and power delivery that’s built for speed, this pack is truly an integration wonder. It’s like the perfect puzzle piece, designed to fit seamlessly under the hood of your favorite classic—be it a muscle car like the Mustang or an off-road champion like the Land Rover Defender and Toyota Land Cruiser. After a year of rigorous development and testing, the UBP55E is now rolling off the production line at the Fellten facility in the UK. This isn’t just a UK story, though, with distribution channels including LegacyEV in the USA. Here are its key features at a glance:
EVTEC’s Grand Debut at SEMA 2023
The SEMA 2023 show wasn’t just about the glitz and glamor of electrified classic cars; it was also about the people who make these electric dreams a reality. Enter the Electric Vehicle Technician Education Council, making its grand entrance at the show.
EVTEC is establishing EV technician standards. This initiative,championed by LegacyEV’s president and co-founder Maverick Knowles, and Baily Soto, the mastermind behind the Certified Technician Program, is poised to revolutionize the industry. It’s not just about learning the ropes; it’s about raising the bar for safety, accessibility, and the adoption of EV technology. They aspire to be the lighthouse guiding the way in EV technician education bysetting unparalleled standards in EV product safety and retrofitting practices. Their vision? To create a world where EV technicians are not just trained but are masters of their craft. The 2023 Certified Electric Vehicle Technician Standards are the building blocks of EV expertise. Categorized into seven key ideas and eight essential skills, they provide a thorough framework for understanding and excelling in the world of EVs.
EVTEC’s approach to learning is hands-on, fostering innovation and problem-solving skills. This practical training covers everything from EV maintenance and diagnostics to charging infrastructure and battery management. It’s about equipping the next generation of technicians with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Visit www.evteched.org for more information and access to the 2023 standards.
In the heart of Florida, where the sun kisses the asphalt and the rumble of engines fills the air, the Daytona Turkey Run unfolded its 50th-anniversary spectacle. Diesel Trucks of various shapes and sizes, along with classic cars, lined the perimeter, waiting to get into the show field. Enthusiasts gathered, eager to celebrate this milestone event at such a great time of the year.
The anticipation was palpable, a crescendo of excitement echoing through the vibrant atmosphere. The classic cars, meticulously restored to their former glory (and some not), shared the stage with iconic trucks, lifted and lowered. Each vehicle told a story of automotive history, a testament to the passion and dedication of their owners. The crowd’s cheers resonated as the vehicles displayed their unique features and designs, creating a nostalgic symphony of revving engines.
Amidst the festivities, the 50th Daytona Turkey Run unfolded, detailing the triumphs, challenges, and the unwavering passion that fueled this diverse gathering of truck and classic car enthusiasts.
As the sun set on this historic celebration, the memories lingered, etched in the collective consciousness of all who had been part of this special 50th anniversary. The spirit of trucks, classic cars, lifted, and lowered vehicles converged in a symphony of power, precision, and automotive nostalgia, leaving an indelible mark on the Daytona landscape.
We can’t wait for another awesome year of this iconic event. We hope you enjoyed these sweet diesel trucks we found throughout the event!
Some people plan and build their trucks over a period of years; other people just come out of the gate storming. John Esteves is of the latter group, and his truck, Smokin’ Max, has been a visible part of Northern California sled pulling for at least a decade.
John had always been into sled pulling, and his 2002 Chevrolet 2500HD quickly progressed past factory form and soon was turned into a street stormer/sled puller. John got his first transmission behind the big Duramax as early as 2003, so that should show how serious he’s been about performance right from the very beginning. The latest iteration of the Smokin’ Max is by far the most serious, as a SoCal Diesel-built 6.6L Duramax producing 1,500 horsepower at the flywheel was just dropped into the GM‘s engine bay in preparation for competing in the ultra tough 3.0-inch turbo class.
“With sled pulling, it all starts with horsepower.”
With sled pulling, it all starts with horsepower, and plenty of it. John’s latest combination is based around a 6.6L Duramax block with a SoCal Diesel girdle, ARP main studs, and billet main caps. In addition to the bottom-end parts, the block was also O-ringed by SoCal Diesel for better head gasket sealing under high boost levels. For a rotating assembly, a Duramax crank swings a set of Carrillo connecting rods, dropped compression Mahle forged pistons, and a SoCal Diesel 9100-AF camshaft. Moving on up to the heads, John again stuck with his SoCal combination and went with Stage 2 heads that are ported, fitted with oversize valves, and beehive springs with titanium retainers.
A lot of thought was needed when it came to the air and fuel systems, and here again, John only went with the best. The exhaust side starts with a set of ProFab up-pipes that feed a large frame S488-based turbo that has been necked down to compete in the 3.0 class. The turbo feeds a custom weight box-mounted air-to-water intercooler that his son John Jr. fabricated; exhaust exits through a 4-inch downpipe to a 6-inch hood stack. Fueling is equally impressive on John’s truck, with twin FASS 150-gph lift pumps sending fuel to a set of 12mm stroker CP3 pumps from Exergy Engineering. From there, the #2 diesel is sprayed through a set of 250% over injectors from Exergy and into the engine via tuning from SoCal Diesel. The end result of John’s engine efforts is impressive, as the Duramax made an even 1,500 horsepower on an engine dyno at 72 psi of boost and 1,600 degrees EGT.
“The end result of John’s engine efforts is impressive, as the Duramax made an even 1,500 horsepower on an engine dyno at 72 psi of boost and 1,600 degrees EGT.”
Just like the engine, the transmission in John’s truck has seen numerous upgrades and updates. The latest Allison 1000 is the work of Inglewood Transmissions, and it is filled with custom parts. A big turbo requires a loose converter to spool, so behind the engine is an Inglewood Transmissions 3,000 rpm stall converter that is connected to a group of upgraded input, intermediate, and output shafts. The valvebody and shifting strategy of the transmission is also Inglewood’s design, as is a custom clutch pack using Raybestos clutches with Koleene steels. For ultimate reliability, the C2 hub and P2 planetary have also been upgraded to much stronger units.
Surprisingly, some of the modifications to the axles and chassis that John and John Jr. made when they first started running Smokin’ Max can still be found on the truck. The same Full Throttle Suspension 10-inch lift jacks the truck up a lot higher than a normal puller but is only set to provide 6 inches of lift to keep the frontend geometry happy. The frontend is also reinforced with tie-rod sleeves and traction bars that were owner-built and have withstood the test of time. Recently, added power has given the rear axle fits, so upgraded chromoly axles were installed in the 3.73 gears to resist breakage.
With John’s recent step up in power, he’s now looking at taking Smokin’ Max on the road, where he’ll face tougher competition farther out east. With such a recognizable and intimidating truck, we can’t wait to see how he does and wish him luck on his next decade of sled pulling.
“The latest Allison 1000 is the work of Inglewood Transmissions, and it is filled with custom parts.”
We’re happy to have you all back to see some more tech with us! This month we’re working with our friends over at Belltech Suspension to take our stock-form Ram 2500 and add a 4-inch rear shackle and hangar kit along with Belltech’s Street Performance shocks so we can get that low, aggressive stance we’re going for. From our experience with this kit, we’ll improve our driveshaft angle and the ride.
BellTech Suspension
Part #824
www.belltech.com
800-445-3767
PHOTOS BY JEROME ANDRE
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, car enthusiasts Eric and Amanda Dotson have made a mark in the automotive world with their groundbreaking project—EVzilla. As the owners of Evolved Imports and SQC Tuning, the Dotsons are known for pushing the limits of performance in the car modification scene. Now, their most recent project, EVzilla, a reimagined 1990 Nissan Skyline GTR, stands as a testament to the Dotsons’ dedication and passion for their craft.
Born out of Eric’s early foray into the automotive world, where he put himself through college working on car audio systems, the journey evolved into a deep exploration of performance enhancements. In 1999, Eric delved into tuning with his first turbocharged Honda, marking the inception of his love for pushing the boundaries of conventional automotive performance.
Since the establishment of SQC Tuning in 2007, Eric Dotson has been at the forefront of tuning, working on an array of vehicles from small, quirky builds to high-performance beasts. The transition to tuning professionally occurred in 2014 when Eric left his day job to fully immerse himself in the world of automotive performance.
EVzilla, however, represents a paradigm shift in the Dotsons’ automotive journey, although not a surprising one. After all, they’ve put a Honda V6 in the back of a VW bus, crammed a 2JZ under the hood of a 240z, and according to Amanda, they love placing motors where they don’t belong.
The decision to electrify the iconic Nissan Skyline GTR was a strategic move to be at the forefront of an industry undergoing a seismic shift towards electric power and also pays homage to Eric’s nostalgia for the imports of his childhood. The project, executed over an intensive five-month period at Evolved Imports, has garnered attention not only for its electrifying performance but for the meticulous attention to detail.
The Evolved Imports team undertook the intricate task of performing a dual motor swap using a 2018 Tesla Model S P90D dual motor system. The result—a powerhouse boasting 762 horsepower and 713 lb-ft of torque. Custom-fabricated motor and transmission mounts, courtesy of EVI, ensure optimal integration of the electric powertrain, demonstrating the team’s engineering prowess.
Sixteen 5.3 kWh Tesla modules are on battery duty, disturbed throughout the vehicle for optimal weight distribution and culminating in a total of 85kWh of battery capacity. In particular, the front battery box is a stand-out, reminiscent of the inline-six valve cover that once powered this classic ride.
Beyond the powertrain, the transformation extends to every facet of EVzilla. The chassis and suspension underwent some serious customization to accommodate the newfound electric power. Ohlins Coilovers, a custom EVI rear-cradle, and Dutchman Axles EVI spec contribute to the vehicle’s exceptional handling characteristics.
The exterior of EVzilla, painted in the captivating Toyota Voodoo Blue by Next Level Paint, reflects Eric’s discerning taste. Carbon fiber accents, a Jun body kit, Nismo N1 headlights, and custom LED tail lights further showcase a marriage of aesthetics and aerodynamics.
Inside the cabin, Recaro SP1 seats, an AEM CD-5 display, a Tesla A/C system, and a host of audio components from Jl Audio contribute to a driving experience that seamlessly blends comfort and technology.
The journey of EVzilla culminated in its debut at SEMAfest 2023, marking a pivotal moment for Eric Dotson and his team. However, this is just the beginning. The Dotsons have a roadmap for EVzilla, planning a tour around the country to showcase the potential of their electrifying creation at various events.
The decision to electrify the iconic Nissan Skyline GTR was a strategic move to be at the forefront of an industry undergoing a seismic shift towards electric power…
As EVolved Imports reflects on the challenges encountered during the EV conversion,they emphasize the importance of a supportive network and the invaluable assistance from collaborators such as ReVolt Systems and Legacy EV. Dotson’s journey goes beyond building fast cars; it’s about shaping a future where high-performance EVs become the standard, and EVzilla showcases what is achievable at the intersection of nostalgia, new technology, and the pursuit of excellence.
OWNER: Eric & Amanda Dotson
Motor/Drivetrain
Chassis/Suspension
Wheels, Tires & Brake
Body/Paint
Interior
Sponsors and Special Thanks
Words by Lindsey fisher
Photos by Mach1Media
When it comes to custom classic trucks, there are a number of different subcategories from factory-condition restorations, to more radical restomod and Pro Touring builds. One subcategory that doesn’t get nearly the attention and fandom we think it should lays somewhere in between. We’re talking about the gasser hot-rod style, and this beautiful 1957 F-100, owned by Francis Bolduc III, is everything right about the classic subculture.
The gasser era got its start in the mid-to-late 1950s, and gained popularity through the 1960s on drag strips nationwide. In some places, the style even extended into the early 1970s, before it became less popular as advancements and technology changed the drag racing industry. The look and stance of these gasoline-only drag cars are truly what makes them stand out in a crowd even today, which has maintained their iconic status as a true subcategory within the hot-rod world.
While hot rod culture has seen its ebbs and flows over the last few decades in regards to the popular way of building a classic vehicle, gassers have continued to be part its story through representation at car shows, cruises, and even nostalgic drag racing series across the country. More times than not, if you come across a gasser, it’s probably in the form of a Chevy Tri-Five model or a Ford Shoebox—not a late ‘50s pickup. But what fun is being part of the conventional crowd, anyway? Enter a truck named “Bombs Away” to shake things up!
Built as part of an ever-growing collection of impressive classic pickup trucks, Bombs Away is Francis’ nod to the gasser subculture. In true form, this meant the truck had to be a little rough around the edges, have some serious power, and of course, have that iconic stance dialed in right from the start.
When it comes to building a gasser, perfecting the recognizable stance is one of the biggest pieces of the puzzle. For his F-100, Francis achieved this look by re-arching the truck’s front springs while leaving the rear springs stock. This helped put a 6-inch suspension lift up front built off of the truck’s factory frame. Other components Francis used to create a fun and functioning gasser out of his truck include a Borgeson 525 steering box, heavy-duty wall steering components, an added steering stabilizer, and chromoly heim joints.
Raise the front suspension of any classic vehicle and you’re one step closer to having a gasser, but there’s a little more to it. To be a true gasser, there is a certain styling one has to achieve. Francis created his version by removing the front bumper, hood, and tailgate in true weight-saving form. From there, he painted the truck in brown primer with a prominent white grille and headlight surround. Hand-painted graphics by John Foster add even more flair to the truck, giving a nod to classic war-time propaganda while introducing the truck by name in bold red letters. Of course, we can’t forget about the gasser’s red window tint, which leads the eye nicely to the fully custom interior.
While the outside of the truck may seem simplistic, the interior of the truck provides plenty of eye candy—even for the most discerning. Everything from the aluminum split-bench seat to the door plates and headliner are custom, hand-tooled pieces of art that feature diamond pleating, dimpled holes, and rivet details throughout. Even the rear window surround is handcrafted.
The entire truck may be beautiful, but the interior is by far the most unique part of the truck and could stand alone at any hot-rod show in itself. There is no radio, plush interior, or unnecessary gadgets to distract Francis from the open road and the Hurst shifter in his hand, but his truck only needed one more thing to give it that true gasser status—a bigger engine, of course!
While eliminating the hood may have been a stylistic and weight-eliminating choice back in the gasser era, it also made more room for bigger engines and intake stacks, which makes for heavier competition on the drag strip. For Francis, this made easier work of fitting his Ford with a Chevy 350ci V-8 crate engine—a special nod to all those purists out there. The engine was then topped with eight stacks of a Don Garlits Street Induction intake, as well as an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold and a Holley Performance Avenger carburetor. Schoenfeld headers led into a Cherry Bomb exhaust, which exits the truck at the rear of the front fender wells, which is an another characteristic of the era.
The crate engine’s power is pushed to the truck’s rear axle by way of a turbo 350 automatic transmission featuring a B&M shift kit, heavy-duty red bell clutch, and an Allstar torque converter equipped with a 2200 stall. Axles on the truck include a Speedway gasser unit in the front, and a Ford 9-inch in the rear, which features a locker and 3.00 gears. Planting the truck to the pavement are Kumho shoes wrapped around 15-inch, 10-spoke Rocket Racing wheels. Braking responsibilities are handled by a combination of front discs and rear drums.
Truly a one-of-a-kind Ford F-100, Bombs Away pays homage to the famed gasser era in both form and function, while maintaining its relevance and driveability on the streets of today. That doesn’t mean there won’t be upgrades added to the truck in the future. As Francis told us,“[it] needs a blower!”
TRUCK SPECS
Francis Bolduc III
Chassis & Suspension
Wheels & Tires
Engine & Drivetrain
Body & Paint
Interior & Stereo
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Grand National Roadster Show, presented by Meguiar’s, recognized the country’s top roadsters, hot rods and custom vehicles during its awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 4, at the Fairplex in Pomona, Calif. The ceremony marked the culmination of the 74th annual show and included the presentation of two of the custom car world’s most coveted awards the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) award and the Al Slonaker
Memorial Award. 
The America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award, considered the ultimate recognition in the world of hot rodding, was awarded to a 1932 Ford two door Phaeton owned by Beth Myers and built by Roy Brizio Street Rods. The flamed Phaeton bested eight other roadsters, taking home the title’s $12,500 prize sponsored by ARP Fasteners.
Myers will also be immortalized on the award’s 9.5 foot tall perpetual trophy alongside a “who’s who” of hot rodding, including legendary builders like George Barris, Andy Brizio and Boyd Coddington.
The AMBR winning Phaeton started with one of 32 Brookville two door tubs. From there, Brizio Street Rods reworked every panel to give the car its signature hotrod profile, including a rear body section reshaped to resemble a 1932 Ford Tudor sedan
. The Brizio team built the custom 1932 Ford frame, complete with a Super Bell axle and Moal torsion bar suspension. The 500+ horsepower Roush 427 is backed by a Tremec five speed and a Winters V8 quick change rearend.
With its deep black paint by Vintage Color Studio, full length flames by Art Himsl and custom pinstriping by Eric Reyes, the car pays homage to old school hot rods with modern day performance. Like all of Brizio’s signature builds, this one of kind tub is low, fast and built to drive.
