DOUBLE TROUBLE

When the truck world talks about GM OBS trucks on “da rise”, we’re always a little hesitant to join in the rally cry. Admittedly, the ‘88-98 trucks (or GMT400 for the purists) are currently enjoying a second honeymoon of sorts. After all, these trucks were the subject matter that spawned the sport truck rage which lasted from the late ‘80’s and into the new millennium. The OBS trucks were what many minitruckers set their sights on. 

“One day, I’m gonna buy an OBS, paint it with crazy tribal graphics, then body drop it so it lays rocker and tucks a set of 17” Budniks.” The statement heard round the world regarding the dream build for aspiring truck aficionados of the Kid Rock era. 

Meanwhile, on the other end of the spectrum, boomers in the 90’s were hustling their grass-stained New Balance tennies into their local Chevy dealerships to put deposits on the newest collector’s item – the bitchin’ 454SS – with it’s wanna-be-diabolical 230HP big block under the hood. “This is gonna look so sweet sitting next to my ‘78 Indy pace car Corvette in the garage. I asked them to skip the dealer prep and leave all of the protective plastic covering in place.”

Flash forward to the 2020’s, and OBS prices have shot to the moon. The boomer sold his 454SS last year and laughed all the way to the bank and back home, while Kid Rock’s worn out, tribal OBS extended cab was spotted sitting on blocks in an abandoned lot in Oklahoma and promptly posted on the “Where Are They Now” Facebook group.

The new face of OBS builders have a whole new attitude, however,  and we have been seeing a number of really cool, super trick trucks coming out of the woodwork. Over the last few years, we’ve seen the likes of Joey Gonzalez’ insane black 454SS, Justin Keith of Killer Performance’s stable of ZL1500’s and ZR1500’s, and even Arnie Gonzalez’ all-business OBS race trucks, to name but a few of the new-age contenders. It’s a fresh take on the trucks that have become the apple of a whole new generation’s eyes.

Brett Haskin of Escalon, California, has stepped up to the plate in the GMT400 ball game with his latest creation. Starting out with a full GSI chassis, Mr Haskin stuffed a built 6.0L LS with a forged Texas Speed rotating assembly between the frame rails and got down to business. A Holley intake manifold is crammed full of air by twin mirror image 60mm turbos from Nelson Racing Engines. Dual Aeromotive 340 fuel pumps in the GSI tank feed the beast, while Holley EFI’s Terminator engine management tuned by Daft Tuning controls everything. Modified FSM log headers, along with the custom 3” exhaust with Borla mufflers were all coated by Capps Coatings to keep them looking fresh. Bolted up the 6.0’s backside is a built 4L80E by A&G Transmissions and a billet triple disc 3,000 rpm stall torque converter. This combo twists a custom driveshaft that carries power to a Currie 9” rear end with 3.73 ring & pinion.

To keep the ponies to the ground, 22×8.5 and 24×15 Intro 333 billet wheels are wrapped in 265/30R22 and 405/25R24 tires by Pirelli. A full Accuair air management setup with Viair compressors lets Brett adjust ride height for whatever he wants at any given time.

The interior is loaded with custom upholstery by Daniels Custom Upholstery and is crammed full of Arc Audio’s best equipment. Outside, you’ll find numerous custom metal work touches by Brandon Myers of Myers Worx and paint by Alex Vargas.

We love seeing trucks like Brett’s. The build quality and engineering really bring this truck to a new level. Now, who is gonna be the next player to step up and keep the OBS momentum going?