1999 Chevy Silverado

Mount Everest challenges the core of every man, bringing the realization that nature can be conquered with determination, training, and preparation. Peaks and valleys are also metaphors for life; the lows of disappointment are balanced by the joys of success. What makes a man strap on his boots and try to climb a mountain? It's the same innate desire to make what is good great and what is feature worthy, cover worthy.

Ricky Holly is no stranger to the world of custom truck highs and lows, as his '99 Chevy Silverado underwent massive reconstructive surgery. Appearing in Volume 9 in 2005, Stunner, as it was appropriately labeled, showed off an exterior coated in pearl and a super sanitary interior. Fast-forward to October '05 when we met up with him in his hometown of Houston, and the truck looked completely different. Now at the peak phase of the build, Ricky's wife Sherrie assures us, this is the last time this truck will be completely rebuilt. Perhaps not Everest, but with his brother Des by his side revamping his truck as well, the two brothers climbed the mountain of true custom truck insanity.

Requisite 22x10-inch Boyd Coddington Rodder wheels are wrapped in Nitto's latest and greatest NT-420S tires.

Mods from the original build include a drop built by Ekstensive Metal Works in Houston, consisting of Belltech drop spindles, Slam Specialties 'bags up front, and an Ekstensive two-link and Firestone 'bags in the rear. New wheels do, however, fill each corner, with each fender tucking 22x10-inch Boyd Coddington Rodder billet hoops. Nitto 420S tires keep the prized wheels protected in 265/35R22 rubber bands. Pop the hood and 5.3L motivation remains the same with an AEM Brute Force intake, Hypertech Power Programmer, and Flowmaster exhaust. Adorning the heavily painted plastics are sweet billet caps and covers supplied by Chad from Trikin' Out Truks in Houston.

It's here where the similarities end. What follows is a rundown of the insane amount of effort that took place to transform the all-white truck to a show-stopping two-tone rig with vivid graphics. Delivering the truck to trusted auto body stud Robert Mesa, owner of Alamo Customs in Alvin, Texas, Ricky allowed Robert to choose the colors and graphic scheme needed to make his truck really stand tall amongst the mountains of show trucks. Removing the '99 fenders and HD hood, Robert installed an entire 2004 SS front end, including fenders, hood, grille shell, headlights, and front bumper.

Absent from the exterior skin are the door handles, gas door, taillights, emblems, and bed caps. In place of these goods are flush-mounted Hi-Tech LED taillights, a Snug Top tonneau, and Street Scene Speed Grilles. Sheet metal nice and smooth, Robert filled his paint gun with the best of PPG maroon and pewter pigments. Separating the two colors is wicked chrome striping expertly applied by Patrick Ried of Master Creations in Houston. Now one glance at the re-sculpted truck and onlookers never know the truck was Ricky's old trophy-snagger.

The 3-D semi-floating console was built from scratch by Dante, from Bullet Customs and features full graphics, a JL Audio sub and 7-inch monitor.

The real magic takes place when the doors are opened and the talent of Bullet Customs and Concept Racing flows from top to bottom. After removing the stock dash, every panel was smoothed and painted two-tone to match the exterior. Dante from Bullet Customs built a sick semi-floating center console and subwoofer enclosure that has more smooth lines on it than any mountain ski slope. Housed in that slick work of art is a 12-inch JL Audio sub and 7-inch monitor. In the third door is a 15.4-inch monitor surrounded by matching ostrich leather. Clif Designs separates in the doors provide plenty of high-decibel tunes and the Alpine deck can play either CDs or DVDs.

Audio in order, Ricky turned to Sergio at Concept Racing, in Houston, for the leather and suede treatment. Wrapping the seats in tan leather, suede, and ostrich, the interior went from business to classy with just a little sewing. Bentley carpet looks up at the hand-sewn headliner using the same leather, suede, and ostrich material with a 10-inch flip-down monitor peering down. Covering the surfaces of the trick center console that weren't painted, the leather and ostrich just won't stop. Each door panel was appropriately painted to match and the NRC steering wheel ensures Ricky can make evasive maneuvers when the billet dash accessories blind him.

Out back, the roll pan now houses the Hi-tech LED light strip and the graphics wrap around seamlessly.

One obsessed man and one very supportive wife made this dream of recreating one very special truck a reality. Motivation now comes from the desire to build the next one even bigger and better. Who needs Mt. Everest anyway?