As previously mentioned, the factory cab was one of the only remaining original components of the '96 Chevrolet. However, even that component had to be altered as a result of the radical frame and vehicle configuration. For starters, the entire floor of the cab was cut out and channeled to fit over the frame so that the original design and safety of it wouldn't be compromised. Then, the factory firewall was removed, a new one was fabricated out of 16-gauge steel and installed 4 inches back from its previous location. This was done so that the up-front weight from the motor could be distributed more evenly upon landings so as not to have the third member housing puncture the oil pan. The bed sides with the hand-rolled 3/4-inch lips are fiberglass Pro Truck Racing units that have more than hundreds of hours of labor in them. When the team of Paul James and Mark Coleman were complete with the bodywork, the team of Danny Moreno and Kane Hibbs of Classic Paint and Body in Wichita Falls began to apply the '99 Ford Ranger Jalapeno Green paint, with a PPG clearcoat to follow. After curing time was over, all of the factory glass was reinstalled including the rear smoke-colored Lexan window.
One glimpse of the Budnik GT billet aluminum steering wheel with the carbon-fiber trim ring and you begin to make the association with the interior design of the truck as a cross between an F-1 racer and a full-on SCORE Trophy Truck - thanks to the use of the carbon-fiber-faced Auto Meter gauges and shift light, which all seek refuge in the custom-built carbon-fiber panel that fits inside the tricked-out dashboard and custom-built console. Nestled comfortably between the two gray tweed Beard seats with five-point Simpson Cam-Lock harnesses is an Art Carr gated shifter. For ease of cleanup, the carpet was replaced with a Texomo Rhino Linings-applied black Rhinoliner. All interior wiring of the gauges and electrical systems was performed flawlessly by Ron Francis Wire Works, also of Wichita Falls.
Perhaps the best part of this whole project is the fact that Bryan's dream truck is 100 percent street-legal, which makes it more than possible for him to enjoy seven days a week - especially now that he is working on building a '68 Pro Street Camaro that requires many trips to the parts stores. So the next time you think you saw a flash of green, remember that it can be either one of two things: Mother Nature's green flash or Bryan Taylor's. Honestly, we'd take Bryan's any day of the week, so long as we were the ones doing the driving.
Specifications
Owner/hometown:
Bryan Taylor/Wichita Falls, Texas
Make/model:
Chevrolet/'96 Extended Cab 4x4