For many builders, a custom vehicle is a passion project. For Aaron Stark, his 1972 2WD Blazer build dubbed “MaePearl” is something far deeper: a heartfelt tribute, a rolling memorial, and a bond shared across generations.
It all began in 2019 when Aaron came across an original 2WD Blazer in Florida. He didn’t hesitate. With a vision already forming in his mind, he brought it home and immediately tore into it with his son, Nicholas Stark, by his side. Together, they dismantled everything – engine, transmission, wiring, interior, body panels – until all that was left was the raw skeleton of what would become a rolling piece of family history.
Once the teardown was complete, the body was taken to Justin Arnold in Blanchard, Oklahoma. There, the transformation began in earnest. Justin tackled the metalwork starting at the firewall, meticulously reshaping the Blazer into a clean, tight canvas for the masterpiece Aaron envisioned.
Meanwhile, the chassis and drivetrain were handed off to Jason Vannatta at Vannatta Fabrications. Jason handled everything from suspension setup to powertrain integration, laying the mechanical foundation for a roadster that would not only look beautiful but perform flawlessly on the road.
For Aaron, this build was never just about horsepower or shine it was about “memory”. “MaePearl” was named in honor of two incredibly important women in his life: his Grandma Mae, who passed in 2011 while he was serving in Helmand Province, Afghanistan with the Marine Corps, and her twin sister, Aunt Pearl, who passed away in his arms in 2022.
That emotional connection is why Aaron put so much thought into every detail starting with the paint. He tested over a dozen color options before finally crafting two custom tones. The upper hue, a stunning and calming ocean-inspired blue, reminded him of both the tranquility of the sea and the beauty of the women it honored. The lower color, a soft, iridescent pearl, was chosen not just for its name but also because Pearl is their birthstone. It shimmered with elegance, just like the women who inspired the build.
Aaron was 38 when “MaePearl” was completed the exact same age Mae and Pearl were in 1972, the year the Blazer was built. It was a cosmic alignment that only deepened the connection he felt to the vehicle.
Because neither Grandma Mae nor Aunt Pearl had ever been to the ocean, Aaron decided to give the Blazer a coastal soul. “What better way to honor them,” he said, “than by building a beach cruiser in their name?” With the top off and the ocean breeze flowing through, the Blazer feels like a postcard from a life they never got to live, but one they now cruise along with in spirit.
The interior follows that same vibe. Aaron opted for bright, inviting tones that pop against the Mae Blue paint. It’s a mix of elegance and relaxation, refined but playful exactly the tone he wanted to set.
To bring a truly unique element into the build, Aaron wanted a custom 1956 Bel Air dash into the Blazer, a touch rarely seen in a truck. It wasn’t just a stylistic choice. The Bel Air was Grandma Mae and Aunt Pearl’s favorite car growing up in the 1950s, and coincidentally, it’s Aaron’s favorite dash design of all time. Bel Air touches were tastefully scattered throughout the build as nods to that era of charm and grace.
While “MaePearl” could easily win trophies and draw crowds at any car show, that’s not what it’s about. For Aaron and his family, it’s about connection. It’s about seeing the waves roll in while driving the coast and knowing without a doubt that Grandma Mae and Aunt Pearl are along for the ride.
“In our family,” Aaron says, “cars aren’t just machines. They’re memories. They’re emotion. And they’re our way of keeping the ones we love close mile after mile.”
From Florida roots to Oklahoma craftsmanship, “MaePearl” is more than a custom Blazer. It’s a story. A legacy. And most importantly, a reminder that love is like a great road trip never truly ends.