OBS DREAMS

When Jack Martin was in high school in the early ‘90s, the allure of GM OBS trucks was undeniable. The poster of the iconic Bell Tech Phantom Dually with its striking orange paint and bikini-clad models in the bed was a permanent fixture on his bedroom wall. He admired that truck immensely but always wished it were a true dually. Years later, Jack set out to create his version of that dream truck.

Jack’s love for the GM dually platform has led him to own four of them so far, spanning both the square body and OBS generations. However, his latest project, a 1995 short bed extended cab dually, has quickly become his favorite. It embodies the trucks that GM should have built but never did, a true testament to his vision and dedication.

To bring this vision to life, Jack needed to find the right builders. In his hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, he met Rick and Nate Burkett, a father and son team who had turned their passion for OBS trucks into a full-time business. Their shop, Rick’s Truck Shop, established in 2018, was the perfect place to realize Jack’s dream.

The build began with stripping the chassis down to bare metal, followed by blasting and powder coating. LowBoy Motorsports front components and a full Ride Tech air bag setup were added to enhance the suspension. The rear received a Ride Tech 3-link air ride kit, allowing the truck to sit lower to the ground. Converting the ½ ton chassis to a 1-ton required numerous custom brackets and aftermarket parts, a challenging but rewarding task.

Jack selected a set of 20” Eagle wheels, custom-made GM center caps, and Continental tires. For the engine, a new GM crate 5.7L motor replaced the old one, while the original GM 4L60E transmission was rebuilt and repainted by Tulsa Performance Company. The engine and transmission were then installed into the refreshed chassis.

The bodywork was equally meticulous. Custom-made rear dually fenders required relocating the gas filler by 2” for clearance. After all the modifications to fit the large wheels, the truck was sent to RJ Restorations in Mounds, Oklahoma, for a fresh white paint job. Jack requested pinstriping from Terry “Wizard” McConnell, who applied a three-color stripe, adding a final touch of personality.

Back at Rick’s shop, the interior was sound-deadened, and sun-damaged pieces were replaced. LG Billet interior pieces and a Billet Specialties steering wheel were added for a touch of class. The audio system was upgraded with a Memphis Audio head unit, JL Audio amplifiers, Morel Reference Nano speakers, and two 8” JL subs for deep bass.

Jack credits his wife, Stephanie, for her support throughout the build. He also extends his gratitude to Rick and Nate Burkett for their expertise and dedication, turning his dream into reality. In Jack’s eyes, they are true artists of their craft. This custom OBS dually is not just a truck; it’s a tribute to his teenage dreams and a showcase of exceptional craftsmanship.