1979 GMC Sierra – Lee M.

This truck started out as just a project build for me and my stepdad. I’ve always wanted an old hot rod truck, just never had the opportunity or knew how. My stepdad was big into building old hot rods and had built several of his own over the years. So, when he found this ’79 Sierra, I knew this was the one to finally get my feet wet and tackle my first project. I purchased the truck in 2013 and immediately got to work stripping it down. The previous owner had just put a 350 crate motor in, so it was a running truck. I just added some FlowTech headers and Flowmaster exhaust to really get the sound I was looking for. Then, we started on getting the stance right. We added all Mcgaughys suspension and Belltech drop shocks to get that perfect 4/6 drop. Once suspension was where I liked it, the fun began with bodywork! I was green as they come with bodywork but was enjoying every minute of my stepdad showing me the ropes. Unfortunately, in the very beginning of the body work phase, my stepdad passed away. I was lost as could be. He was the brains of this whole project. Not only the brains, but just someone to bond with and share the experience with. After he passed, I really just lost all motivation and the truck sat and collected dust for a few years. Then, one day I went out to the shop and my 10-year-old son came out and really started showing interest in the truck. He was asking me questions left and right and at that moment the spark was lit again. It was time to finish with him what I started with my stepdad. I realized I was not a body man and wanted this truck to be as straight as possible. Luckily, I finally found someone to bless this truck with the proper body work and paint it deserved. I went with the classic two tone look and it turned out great. Then, I went with a set of 20 in Riddler wheels to finish off the look. I’m really pleased with how far this truck has come. What started as a project soon became so much more to me and my family. Now me and my son are in the process of finishing the interior and I’m just really enjoying showing him things that will hopefully light the spark in him that my stepdad lit in me.