2001 Chevy Silverado

There is a definite sense of pride working on one's own projects. Whether in partial or in whole, a hands-on approach will make the build process so much more rewarding, and the accompanying bragging rights must surely be a plus. Russell Estes and his pal Joe Johnston know the highs of self-gratification. The pair built Russell's 2001 Chevrolet Silverado almost entirely themselves after work and on the weekends. It was a long road to hoe.

Under the truck, the job at hand called for a reduction in ride height with adjustability. A complete AirRide Technologies suspension system was laid across the floor and, one piece at a time, installed in place of the factory equipment that was being removed. A front CoolRide kit with StrongArm upper and lower A-arms hold Firestone airbags in place of the stock coils. A bit of extra drop stems from DJM 2-inch drop spindles. Instead of leaf springs out back, Russell and Joe bolted up an AirBar four-link. AirRide shocks keep each corner under bounce control. Two 5-gallon tanks, two Viair 400 compressors, and an assortment of 1/2-inch valves and air lines supply air to the system. Russell controls the whole shebang in-cab utilizing a Dakota Digital gauge. Glamorous 22-inch Dante Tease wheels covered in 265/35ZR22 Pirelli Scorpions complete the rolling hardware.

Russell ordered the truck with the healthy 5.3L V-8 but felt it could use just a tad more oomph. Breathing duties are handled with a K&N FIPK intake setup and a Flowmaster 3-inch after-cat exhaust. To compensate for the additional breathing ability, Russell and Joe turned to Hypertech for one of its tuners to redistribute the fuel curve accordingly. Knowing a jamming sound system was to be installed at a later date, the duo bolted on a 220-amp Delphi alternator and a yellow-top Optima battery. Underhood gleam and beauty is supplied by a polished upper radiator hose and fuse box cover, as well as a painted Cadillac Escalade engine cover, coolant cover, and radiator support cover.

22-inch Dante Tease wheels wrapped in 265/35ZR22 Pirelli Scorpions complete the rolling hardware.

With the rolling truck ready for some exterior modifications, a favor was called in to Moore's Bodyshop in Coker, Alabama, because, you see, Joe is the owner's son-in-law. Russell and Joe were on strict orders not to disrupt the normal daily workflow, so tedious nights and weekends were spent away from their respective families to get the Bow Tie done. And, as has been the norm thus far, the two friends went at it like they knew no bounds. They shaved just about everything sticking out, including the mirrors, taillights, antenna, door handles, fuel filler door, and tailgate handle.

On the Sportside beds the sides are composite, not metal, so shaving the fuel filler door and taillights required Russell to create his own filler panels from scratch. Continuing the smooth theme, the rear bumper was swapped for a Street Scene fiberglass roll pan, as was the wiper cowl. A Good Hood with functional ram air was installed to cover the motor, and a Gaylord's tonneau covers the bed, while a Keystone front-bumper cover and Xenon body kit cover the rest of the gap between the body and ground.

Ready for color, the truck received a few coats of Dupont Indigo Blue as a base before House of Kolor Plum Crazy and Fuchsia Hiss were spread out across the nose in a flame pattern. House of Kolor Iguana Green stripes up, surrounds, and contains the bright hot heat. Polished bits of metal are applied to certain areas to further the hot new look of the truck. Beginning at the nose, a DJ Motorsports flame grille insert was added surrounded by APC clear corner lights. Trenz was sourced for billet wiper shaft covers, bed steps, and license plate frame, with an All Sales flamed third brake light cover adding to the look. A Line of Fire LED is fit between the tailgate and roll pan for actual taillight use.