5 Steps To Turn Your Stock Truck Into A Sport Truck
May 16, 2003
"SporTrucks® by Dean" Explains How
Californian Dean Sears could write a book about turning a stock pickup into a sport truck. But instead of that, here's what the master behind "SporTrucks by Dean" says are the five basic steps you can do for under 3 large:
- Start with wheels and tires. For a Chevrolet pickup with 255/70/16 stock tires and wheels, go to 285/60/18. "That only raises the vehicle a half inch," says Dean, "but it substantially fills out the fender wells, for a better look, with no need for fender well trim." For the wheel, consider an 18x8.5-inch rim, with a plus 20 on the offset, to keep the tire inside the fender well. That way, when you're turning, the tire shouldn't scrape. (Always check clearances before driving the vehicle.) Price? Figure $1800 to $2200 for a set of wheels and tires, unless you want to go for the biggest and most expensive wheels, which could up the cost.
- Billet Grill and Emblem. A billet grill is a must for a sport truck. It means pulling the stock grill and replacing it with a billet grill. Expect to pay around $260, installation included.
- Trim: "You usually remove the side moldings and factory emblems. There are no holes to fill. Only glue to remove. Do this with a heat gun if you have one; heat the glue until the moldings and emblems come off. Then use a brand name adhesive remover to take off the glue to clean it up." A shop like Dean's will do it for about $125.
- Paint: The stock paint stays, but color-keyed door handles are a must. "Stock door handles are black, and they look terrible. You remove the door panel, then remove and replace the door handle." SporTrucks by Dean sells handles pre-painted in factory colors. They'll do the job for you for $100 per door.
- Attitude: Dean is not big on radical changes in ride height, but says some trucks sit with their butts up in the air. To change that, use lowering shackles to drop the rear two inches for a level look. Expect to pay $140 for the job at a shop.
Photo courtesy SporTrucks by Dean.
For more information, contact:
SporTrucks by Dean
619 Fitch Avenue #1
Moorpark, California 93021
Phone: 805-529-3844
Email: SporTrcks@aol.com
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