Page 11 - Issue 35

couple of trips to the drag strip and a few runs on the
street front. I sold it and kept the 4.8 LS motor I built
for it. So I have a fi nished bagged chassis, a bad ass cab
and turbo LS motor. What would anyone else do in this
situation?”
The truck sports a 5.5 inch chop on a fully notched
and bagged 1978 C10 chassis with a 4.8 LS from a 2003
Silverado, a GT 45 Turbo running a full standalone
mega squirt computer. The chassis took about 3
months to build and another 3 months slamming
everything together. Overall about a year and a half
total build. Daniel did all the building, brainstorming,
and tech himself, including fabrication, welding,
engine build and engine tuning. With a little help
and plenty of motivation from close family and
friends including Joel Flores, Billy Baker and Josue
Armendardiz as well as his
local car club the Black
Top Kreepers, and in loving
memory of his grandfather Joe
Vela. Seeing this ride in person will
really give you an idea of how much
attention to detail he has with every part
executed to perfection. Custom seat, door latches, interior,
fl oors, drive shaft, you name it, it has it.
You’ve all been there and had to build it
yourselves. He nailed it. Many local builders
like Daniel are really pushing the New
Mexico rat rod scene forward. With
miles of vast open space it is often
hard to fi nd exactly
what you’re looking
for. These builders
know what they’re
doing and how to fi nd
and make what they need.
As of most New Mexico
custom rods almost
every single one serves
a higher purpose than
just looks and a ride. From
heavy diesel wood haulers to
total racecars, some of the meanest pavement
shredders are coming out of New Mexico.
With heavy local inspiration such as the
lowrider culture and a huge off road
following, it is rare to see a rod that isn’t
just as happy being slammed rolling an
inch off the streets as it is out in the woods
climbing hills, doing work.

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