For many, a totaled truck is only good for trash, but not for 21 years old Brett Young. A diesel mechanic, Brett has grown up surrounded by street rods and sport trucks. When he spotted a totaled 2005 GMC Sierra 2500HD that had crashed against a tree, he could see the potential.
That’s why he traded his functioning Dodge Ram for this wreck of a GMC Sierra. He knew that the latter was going to become the truck of his dreams, all thanks to hard work and the help of family and good pals.
The transformation
To get started, Brett checked the conditions of the frame and chassis. The original frame was too twisted so he ended up getting a ’04 GM ¾-ton chassis to replace it. He then stripped the whole frame of the GMC to paint it while also powder coating the suspension components that he intended to keep. He then replaced more of the original damaged steering and suspension with Moog steering components and Bilstein 5100 series shocks.
To ensure that the final result was like the stress-rod style sport truck he had in mind, he turned down the front torsion bars with a 4-inch reduction and added a Belltech 6-inch lowering kit at the back, allowing the truck to sit low without impacting its ability to tow.
For the body, he got his buddies to work. Their first job was to replace the totaled cab with a 2003 Sierra 2500HD cab, to then straighten every body panel to perfection. Finally, they added a touch of ‘root beer’ color by coating the truck with DuPont Black Cherry paint. The stunning finish just goes showing how hard work and patience can deliver the best results.
Up next was the powertrain, for which Brett decided to keep the truck’s original 6.6L Duramax LLY engine. For the turbo, he opted for a BorgWarner S472 SX-E .90 ’charger. Brett kept the same level of care and attention to this part of the truck as the rest, polishing and painting each component. So what’s the horsepower and torque like? Brett estimates about 767 hp and 1,220 lb-ft of torque.
The original 2005 Allison 1000 six-speed automatic transmission was then rebuilt by Brett and his friend and linked to the engine. To complete the outfitting of this truck, Brett decided to get some badass-looking and super grippy Weld Racing XT Vektor wheels wrapped by 325/40R22 Hankook Ventus ST.
Finally, it was time to work on the interiors. Brett wanted to keep the street-rod style alive even inside, that’s why he decided to go for some custom cinnamon leather upholstery all across the cabin. A great job carried out by Sew What Upholstery in Dayton, Ohio.
He, of course, couldn’t forget about the sound system and so decided to treat himself to a Kenwood double-DIN audio/visual receiver in the dash with Kicker speakers.
This transformation took a total of 2 years and the final result showed such quality and attention to detail that it granted Brett a Best GM Award in 2018.
Got big plans to transform your truck? Start by updating its protection with a badass-looking new bumper. Check out our Ultimate Bumper Guide to find out what’s your best option or give us a call on 281-404-2124 for advice.
(Original story published by trucktrend.com - http://www.trucktrend.com/features/1904-gmc-duramax-hd-sport-truck/)
