1987 Chevy Silverado 4x4 - Black Cherry

Charlie McGann of Warsaw, Missouri, grew up around big trucks. In fact, when he was old enough to have someone give him the talk about where big trucks came from, he was shocked to learn that not all were as big as the ones that he had grown up with. Figuring that it was the right time to settle down and build a big truck, Charlie began to create a rig of his own. His vehicle of choice was an '87 Chevrolet Silverado shortbed.

Armed with the secrets of what it takes to grow a big truck, Charlie wasted no time in replacing the factory leaf springs with units from a 6-inch Superlift Suspension system. Still convinced that the truck had more growing up to do, a 3-inch Superlift body lift was put into place. To damp the blows from the roads of hard knocks, Softride shocks were placed at each wheel. Also lending a hand to absorb the blows (and give it a no-nonsense stance) are Parnelli Jones Dirt Grip 36x14.50R15 tires mounted on 15x12 Weld Racing Typhoon wheels with 3.75 inches of backspacing. Braking performance was also increased when the factory rear drum brakes were replaced with a disc brake conversion system.

With the exception of an Edelbrock Performer Series camshaft and intake manifold and a 3-inch full-bore exhaust system, the 5.7L Chevrolet TBI V-8 was left virtually stock. The same went for the four-speed GM 700-R4 automatic transmission and NP 208 transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range ratio. Mated to the transfer case and the transmission is a 10-bolt Corporate front axle with a True-Trac front locker and a 10-bolt Corporate rear axle with a Detroit Locker. Both pumpkins house 4.56:1 ring-and-pinion ratios.

Knowing that the key ingredient to the success of any buildup is a clean exterior, Charlie called upon Joe Zimmer, also of Warsaw, to apply the incredible paint scheme that consists of multiple layers of Chrysler Black Cherry Pearl paint. Coated in the Black Cherry Pearl mix was a custom fiberglass cowl-induction hood and Bushwacker's Extend-A-Fender fender flares. Also, all of the trim and moldings on the vehicle's exterior was removed for a cleaner appearance. Dressing up the front end was as easy as installing a billet grille and a custom front bumper fabricated from 3x6 tube with 0.25-inch steel plates. A similar rear unit was also installed.

For additional range on the move, a 40-gallon fuel tank from a Chevrolet Suburban replaced the factory saddle tanks. The new filler neck now takes refuge from the elements in the wheelwell opening. For the days when he needs fresh air and some sunshine, a removable RK Sports Breezer rear window was installed, which can be tilted in or out or be removed altogether.

Rounding out the package is a revamped interior complete with a Grant GT steering wheel and a Pioneer stereo. The Qualitex bucket seats were re-covered by A&A Auto Trim of Warsaw in complementing burgundy velour fabric. For additional support, a flip-down center console that blends in with the rest of the cockpit was used. Looking back on the entire buildup, Charlie learned that those big truck influences during his childhood still have a place in his heart and were the guiding force behind the creation of this big, Black Cherry.