Innholdsfortegnelse for OBS Builders Guide 2024 i Street Trucks

In the world of OBS trucks, Greg and Carrie Nettles’ 1991 Chevy C1500 is a ride that refuses to be forgotten. This beauty has a history as unique as its look, starting its journey in Riverside, California. Originally customized by Custom Camp Vans and Services, this truck hit the streets lowered with a Belltech 5/6 drop, Boyd Tri Fan wheels, a roll pan, sport mirrors, and a billet grille. After spending years with its original owner, the truck found its way to Georgia before the Nettles family snatched it up. The story of how Greg and Carrie got the truck is one for the books. Lying in bed, scrolling through Marketplace, they stumbled upon it randomly. A quick deposit later, Carrie was on a plane to Atlanta. She FaceTimed Greg,…

Thanks to the rising popularity of GM OBS pickups and SUVs, a much wider assortment of models are now officially classified underneath the “classic truck” umbrella. While these don’t necessarily give a nod to the old trucks that our fathers or grandfathers drove, they do hit closer to home for a large majority of enthusiasts of a certain age who may have had one (or wanted one) back when they were new to the scene. That’s the nostalgic fuel that is keeping the fire under these trucks aflame, and it’s quite contagious. The ’88-’98 Chevy/GMC trucks that were customized back then can be identified by a very specific styling cues that defined the generation. Fresh builds that were popping up at shows and on the streets in the ’90s weren’t…

If you missed Part 1 of this build, let us get you up to speed. We picked up a ’93 crew cab dually to build a replica Indy 500 pace truck. We completely stripped the interior, Mirror Image Auto Body laid down fresh paint, and we installed all new glass from LMC Truck. We put the interior back together after installing new carpet, a new dash from LMC Truck, new gauges from Dakota digital, and deep cleaned the original seats. Now that the interior is almost complete, we can move on to the exterior. The first item on the list was to paint the chassis. It would have been a lot easier to do this before the body was repainted, but sometimes projects create their own timelines. Prior to painting,…

CHRIS ECHEL OF GREENVILLE, North Carolina, bought this truck from his dad back in the year 2000. His pops had purchased the ’97 Chevy two years prior and used it to serve as a volunteer fire truck. It was even decked out with emergency light bars on the roof and a utility camper shell on the bed. The truck came in handy for a while, but once it fell out of active duty, Chris was able to get his hands on the keys and began to customize it little by little throughout the years. This Chevy has gone through many changes under Chris’ ownership. He started with a simple static drop back then and eventually upgraded to an air-ride system over time. He has also gone through lots of wheel…

Belltech became the go-to brand for truck enthusiasts seeking unparalleled performance and style. In the heart of Fresno, California, lies a powerhouse of innovation in the custom truck industry: Belltech Suspension. Since its inception in 1983, Belltech has been synonymous with pioneering lowering suspensions for Chevrolet pickups, igniting a revolution in truck customization. Recently, Street Trucks had the exclusive opportunity to delve into the behind-the-scenes operations of Belltech, uncovering the secrets behind their iconic products. At Belltech, the quest for the “best performing” suspension is not just a motto; it’s a driving force shaping their every endeavor. Recognizing the shortcomings of traditional lowering methods, Belltech’s design team engineered a groundbreaking solution: the drop spindle. This innovation not only provided the desired lowered stance but also maintained crucial front-end geometry, ensuring…

If you know me, then you know that I’m ALL about family! Passing on our passion and love for custom trucks to the next generation is a pretty big deal around these parts—especially if you consider how there are fewer kids running out and getting their driver’s license these days. At 16 years old, there was NOTHING getting in my way from getting my license and hitting the open road. Kids these days have a lot more distractions and “unimportant” things occupying their “free-time” so it is truly up to us as parents to pass the torch and show them our love and passion for the truck scene and all that it stands for.…

From climate control systems and shaved door kits to transmission upgrades and big brake kits, there have never been more products available to build a customized ’88-’98 OBS full-size pickup or SUV than there is today. Check out this hand-picked selection of aftermarket parts compiled by the editors at Motortopia.com. We’re certain you’ll find something you need for your build! WILWOOD AERO4 BIG BRAKE REAR AXLE KITS Wilwood’s AERO4 Big Brake Rear Axle Kits upgrade the factory disc brakes while retaining the OE parking brake assembly for ’88-’98 Chevy trucks. These kits feature AERO4 radial mount calipers, high-friction BP compound pads, and oversized 14-inch rotors, providing superior braking performance and durability to complement big wheel, tire, and suspension upgrades. Wilwood805-388-1188 www.wilwood.com VINTAGE AIR SUREFIT CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM Vintage Air introduces…

If you’re looking to take your 1998 Chevy Tahoe’s suspension to the next level, upgrading to QA1’ s Level 2 C1500 front coilover conversion system is a game-changer. This modern suspension kit is designed to replace old-style lowering kits, offering enhanced performance, adjustability, and a sleek stance. Whether you’re cruising the streets or hitting the track, this kit provides the perfect balance of comfort and control. The QA1 Level 2 kit integrates control arms with coilover shocks, delivering a drop of up to 4 inches with popular drop spindles or up to 2 inches without. This allows you to achieve the perfect ride height while making room for wider wheels and tires. The single adjustable QA1 Pro Coil systems let you fine-tune the valving to meet your specific driving needs,…

Upgrading the fuel system in your ’88-’98 Chevy truck can bring significant benefits, especially if you’re running a modern engine swap like this LSX powered OBS. Today, we’re looking at the ’88-’98 OBS EFI tank with an Aeromotive in-tank 340 pump—a must-have upgrade for any serious builder. This tank not only provides a cleaner, more efficient fuel system, but it also offers notable improvements in weight distribution and overall vehicle balance. The ’88-’98 OBS EFI tank from Boyd Welding is constructed from 0.125-inch 5052 aluminum, making it both lightweight and durable. It boasts a capacity of approximately 22 gallons and comes equipped with crucial features such as a 2-inch OD ribbed for hose (RFH) barb-only tank fill, dual ½-inch NPT vents, and a ⅜-inch NPT tank return. The tank also…

IN THE HEART OF A BUSTLING high school, amidst the clang of lockers and chatter of students, there is a man like no other: Mr. Mike Warren, the Career Technical Education/auto shop teacher. With his passion for all things automotive, he’s the kind of teacher who leaves a lasting impression on anyone lucky enough to be in his class. We don’t think anyone would disagree that teachers are among the most unsung heroes out there. From tons of unpaid hours to putting in their own financial resources to make sure their students don’t go without, they go the extra mile school day after school day. Because of this, free time is pretty much nonexistent during the school year. And since Mike is a car guy and teaches others about the…

… it is truly up to us as parents to pass the torch and show them our love and passion for the truck scene and all that it stands for. Enter Josh Rowan of Rowan Conceptz and his son Josh Rowan Jr. RowanConceptz was founded in 2011, but Josh senior started early on by watching his dad build hot rods in the garage. Josh has drawn cars and trucks since he can remember, and all the way through high school (even to the point of getting in trouble a few times for it haha). His mom, Fran Rowan, always told him that he’d go far with his artwork, but Josh didn’t really take it seriously until about 10 years ago. In 2015, Josh was out of work due to a…

When it comes to custom trucks, Ben Jackson from Owensboro, Kentucky, knows how to turn heads. As an autobody refinishing technician, Ben’s got the skills and vision to create something truly unique. His 1996 Chevy Silverado, an awesome orange and black OBS, is a testament to his passion for cool pickups. Ben has always been into custom rides, and this Silverado has been through three different stages before reaching its current glory. The build took two years of hard work, with Ben and his buddy Heath Hoover putting in the hours to make it happen. This Silverado sports a front grille and headlights from a 2000 Cadillac Escalade, giving it a cool, modern look. The bumpers are from a 2000 GMC Sierra 1500, which adds to the custom vibe. Ben…

Say hello to this year’s OBS BG cover truck named “Bubbles,” a 1990 Chevy C1500 owned by Tim Katz, better known around the world as Skrape. This isn’t just another OBS; it’s a trip back to childhood for Tim,who is a longtime entrepreneur and current president/CEO of Black Widow Exhaust Systems. He’s also one of the founders of a brand we all know—TapoutT. Tim’s goal with Bubbles was simple: to bring back the good old days. And after a decade of blood, sweat, and gears, he’s done just that. From the outside, Bubbles keeps things pretty stock, except for some functional mods in the bed and a wild multicolored wrap courtesy of Endless Auto Salon. It’s a look that screams fun, but Tim’s not playing around when sitting behind the…

Hey, gearheads: We’re bringing you the lowdown on the first-ever OBS Nationals. This killer event went down at the legendary Talladega Superspeedway from May 30 to June 1, 2024. As part of the famous Battle in Bama show, we saw a ton of super custom ’88-’98 Chevy and GMC trucks and SUVs. Battle in Bama has been the premier custom truck event for nine years running, and this year organizers decided to crank it up a notch by adding the OBS Nationals. With US Mags and Twin States Rod Shop backing it, this “MEGA event” was off to an amazing start. It was all about bringing together the best OBS trucks and their die-hard fans. Things kicked off on Thursday with vendors and exhibitors rolling in to set up shop.…

Attention OBS enthusiasts: Goodguys Car and Truck Shows are now accepting 1988-1998 Chevy trucks in their show fields. These events, known for showcasing the best of American automotive culture, are open to all Americanmade or powered vehicles from 1999 and older. This is a great opportunity for fans of these classic Chevy trucks to join the action and show off their rides. When you register your vehicle, you’ll get two weekend passes and a window sticker, allowing you to fully enjoy the event. The Goodguys CPP Autocross Series is also open to any Goodguys member with a vehicle from 1999 or older that meets the tech requirements. This means you can test your truck on the track, provided it passes the pre-race inspection. Check out the official 2024 rulebook online…

THERE comes a time in most truck builders’ lifetimes when picking up on a project where someone else left off is inevitable. It can be difficult sometimes to find popular older-model vehicles that haven’t been previously altered and/or butchered by another aspiring customizer. Hey, it’s just how it goes out there, especially if you’re hoping to find a deal. Every now and then, if you’re wanting to take home that specific make and model truck or SUV, you just have to take what you can get, prepare for the worst, but still hope for the best during the rehabilitation process. Brian Nelson, a proud member of Relaxed Atmosphere and a longtime fan of Chevy OBS SUVs, found himself in a similar predicament as he shopped around for the best two-door…