What began as a humble farm truck has been transformed into a meticulously engineered restomod that perfectly blends classic styling with modern performance, comfort, and drivability. Purchased in 2023, this GMC pickup was originally a well-used workhorse, retaining its factory mechanical components and utilitarian character. Through careful planning, quality craftsmanship, and attention to detail, it has evolved into a striking custom build that remains true to its heritage while embracing contemporary engineering.
The Starting Point
When the truck was purchased in 2023, it was still configured much as it had left the factory decades earlier. Under the bonnet sat the original GMC straight-six engine, paired with the stock three-speed manual gearbox. The factory front and rear suspension remained untouched, making the truck an honest representation of its working life as a dependable farm vehicle.
Rather than performing a simple restoration, the decision was made to completely strip the vehicle and build it from the ground up. Every major component would be reconsidered to create a truck capable of delivering modern reliability, improved handling, and exceptional driving enjoyment while preserving its unmistakable classic appearance.
Modern LS Power
At the heart of the build is a Chevrolet LS engine conversion, bringing a significant leap in performance over the original inline-six powerplant. Renowned worldwide for their reliability, efficiency, and impressive power potential, LS engines have become the benchmark for high-quality restomod projects.
To ensure seamless operation, the LS engine is paired with a matching transmission and factory ECU, providing dependable performance and modern engine management. The result is a powertrain that offers effortless cruising, responsive acceleration, and the reliability expected from a contemporary drivetrain.
An Unconventional Suspension Choice
While many classic truck builds utilise Jaguar independent rear suspension conversions, this project took a different direction.
Seeking improved engineering and something less commonly seen, the builder selected complete BMW E39 front and rear suspension assemblies. This unique approach not only modernises the truck's handling characteristics but also delivers improved ride quality, superior steering response, and enhanced overall drivability.
The suspension package is complemented by four-wheel disc brakes, significantly improving stopping power and safety compared to the original drum brake setup.
Adding another level of refinement is a fully integrated air suspension system. This allows the truck to sit low for an aggressive stance while retaining the ability to raise the ride height when needed for everyday driving. The combination of BMW suspension geometry and adjustable air suspension creates a truck that is equally impressive parked at a show or cruising on the open road.
Classic Looks with Modern Presence
Wheel choice plays a major role in defining the truck's appearance, and this build strikes an ideal balance between vintage styling and modern proportions.
The truck rides on 20-inch Detroit Steel Wheels, maintaining the timeless steel wheel aesthetic while filling the arches perfectly and complementing the lowered stance provided by the air suspension.
The result is a clean, understated appearance that enhances the truck's classic body lines without overpowering its original design.
Built to Sound as Good as It Looks
Performance isn't only about horsepower—it is also about character.
The exhaust system features ceramic-coated headers designed to improve both performance and durability while reducing under-bonnet temperatures. From there, the exhaust flows through a properly engineered crossover system before exiting through a free-flowing exhaust, producing the deep, aggressive tone that perfectly matches the truck's LS-powered personality.
Every aspect of the system was designed to maximise both sound quality and engine efficiency, creating what the builder describes as the "killer tone."
A Refined Interior
Inside, the truck has undergone an equally impressive transformation.
The interior work was completed by Vintage Classics, who carefully retained the original bench seat frame to preserve the truck's authentic feel. Rather than simply reupholstering the original seating, the rear seat from a Chevrolet Lumina sedan was expertly adapted to fit the factory bench frame.
The finished seat is upholstered in luxurious tan leather and Alcantara, delivering a premium appearance while dramatically improving comfort over the original seating.
Attention to detail extends throughout the cabin. The original door panels were retained, while custom inner door handles were designed and fabricated to integrate seamlessly with the factory trim, creating a refined custom appearance that looks as though it could have been factory-installed.
Premium Audio Integration
Modern comfort also extends to the entertainment system.
The complete sound system installation was carried out by CNC Audio, who integrated a high-quality JBL speaker system without compromising the truck's classic interior.
Custom kick panels were fabricated to house the JBL mid-range speakers and tweeters, ensuring excellent sound staging while maintaining a clean appearance. An 8-inch subwoofer was discreetly mounted behind the bench seat, providing impressive low-frequency performance without sacrificing valuable cabin space.
The finished installation delivers modern audio quality while remaining visually sympathetic to the truck's vintage design.
Precision Engineering Behind the Scenes
Many of the most important aspects of the build remain hidden beneath the bodywork.
Ikiaya Engineering was responsible for fabricating the numerous custom brackets required throughout the project, including the engine mounts, suspension mounting points, air suspension components, and the custom lifting floor system.
These bespoke engineering solutions ensure that every modern component integrates correctly with the classic chassis while maintaining structural integrity, reliability, and ease of maintenance.
The quality of the fabrication is evident throughout the build, allowing the truck to function as though every component was designed specifically for it.
The Finished Result
Today, this once-humble farm truck has been transformed into a beautifully executed restomod that combines timeless GMC styling with modern engineering throughout.
Its LS powertrain delivers dependable performance, the BMW suspension and four-wheel disc brakes provide exceptional road manners, and the air suspension offers both practicality and show-stopping stance. Inside, the luxurious leather and Alcantara interior, premium audio system, and carefully crafted custom details create a cabin that is as enjoyable as it is visually impressive.
Most importantly, the truck is not merely a showpiece—it runs and drives remarkably well, proving that thoughtful engineering and quality craftsmanship can transform a hardworking classic into a truly modern driving experience while preserving the character that made it special in the first place.
