BRIGHT IDEA

Transforming old, decrepit vehicles into modern-day gems may not be cheaper than paying a therapist every week, but the process of fabrication does something good for the soul. Especially when it turns into a family activity. This realization dawned on Ricky Bright decades ago, and he has since invested his valuable time and money into bettering cars and trucks in need of rehabilitation, and he has placed an emphasis on getting his loved ones involved in the process as well.

“I’ve been a car guy all my life”, Ricky says. “I’ve built a ’56 Chevy Nomad when I was 14, then a ’63 Chevy II street rod, and then I raced my 1969 Camaro when I was a young adult. At 15, I quit school to work full-time with my dad at his shop, Bright’s Transmission. By 1981, I was able to buy the shop from him, carrying on the legacy he built. Cars and family have always been connected for me.”

Many of Ricky’s previous car builds revolved around high-horsepower and performance, but that all changed the second he spotted a truck that was much different that he was used to. “Sometime, life surprises you in the best way”, he adds. “In 2020, I stumbled upon a ’72 Suburban sitting in a car lot in Weatherford, Texas. I didn’t see just another vehicle though. It was a project calling my name. This one wasn’t about speed or style though. It was all about purpose and family.”

Even though Ricky’s happy place is in the garage, he had to face the fact that he would need help building this Suburban to its full potential. The transmission shop was keeping him busy, and his ideas for the project were much grander in scale than he could realistically pull off on his own. “I soon realized I was going to need help tackling this one to get to the level I wanted it”, Ricky admits. “I hired Pro Touring Texas to take on the build, and they’ve done an incredible job bringing my vision to life.”

Ricky’s goal for the Suburban was clear from the very start. He wanted something that not only looked good, but also fit his personal needs. Of course, it was big enough to haul the family around, but he also required that the Suburban had a smooth ride. “I’ve had back issues for years, so I needed this thing to drive as comfortably as possible”, Ricky states. To deliver on this important request, the PTT crew ordered a new platform for the build, a REVO chassis from Roadster Shop. It doesn’t get much better than this, especially when outfitted with Wilwood spindles, Firestone bags, Fox shocks, and an Air Lift management system. Fresh Baer Pro+ braking systems were also added to allow Ricky to slow his roll with ease. Billet Specialties wheels give the chassis timeless style, as does Nitto INVO rubber, but with a boost of additional ride quality.

Next, a 2020 GM LSX engine was put together in-house at Pro Touring Texas. To increase the mill’s performance, the PTT crew tuned a Brian Tooley Racing camshaft, set a GM LSA blower to 18% overdrive, and put together a much better breathing setup with the inclusion of Ultimate Headers, Stainless Bros exhaust, and a Magnaflow muffler. To dress the engine bay up, a set of custom wheel tubs were bolted in, the firewall was cleaned up, and a set of custom billet valve covers were fabricated to display the Suburban’s official moniker.

PTT’s next process was tightening and straightening the Suburban’s entire exterior landscape. Each panel was given the love it deserved, and when everything was ready for color, BASF Abyss Gray Pearl paint was applied. Two yellow stripes were painted along the bottom sides to break up the monotony, but other than that, this Chevy looks good in the calming, cool hue. Bolt-on accessories in the way of Holley Retrobright headlights, Ring Brothers mirrors, GSI billet door handles, and AMD factory-replacement bumpers elevate the styling without overpowering the Suburban’s unassuming demeanor.

The same level of sleekness was also incorporated inside the confines of the Suburban. Brusome Designs in Decatur, Texas stepped in to assist by upholstering the TMI bucket seats, as well as the dash, paneling, and carpet to match. Custom center consoles were also constructed, as was a multi-purpose rear hump and storage for the air system’s dual tanks. Climate control functions are provided by a Vintage Air system, and the thump is made by a network of Morel audio components and an Alpine head unit. There is never a bad time to take a ride in this well-appointed Suburban.

As you can see, absolutely zero corners were cut in the creation of this fine Texas-built ride. Thanks to the recognition and dedication of its owner, this classic Chevy now roams the street again, better and badder than ever before. “This Suburban became more than just a project vehicle. It became my therapy”, Ricky exclaims. “Over the years my wife and kids (Charlie, Allie, and Megan) have been right there with me working, whether it’s holding a flashlight, handing me tools, or just cheering me on. They have made this build special, and I want this story to highlight them because their love and support have kept me going. This Suburban is part of our family now, and I can’t wait to see where it takes us next.”