When Christopher Kretas set out to build his truck, “Legacy,” he knew it had to be more than a truck. This wasn’t a weekend project to fill a garage. It was built in memory of his father, Paul, and finished for his son, Carter Paul. Legacy carries weight in name and build.
Kretas took his vision to Tre 5 Customs in Peoria, Arizona, a shop known for turning ambitious ideas into rolling machines. The goal was simple: honor the past while delivering modern performance and style.
Under the hood, a 408ci LS from Golen Engine in Hudson, New Hampshire, formed the foundation. Comp Cams custom-ground cam, Callies Compstar 4” stroke crank with H-beam rods, Mahle PowerPak pistons, and LQ9 6.0L resurfaced heads with bowl port work made sure the engine had teeth. A Holley intake and classic air cleaner feed the Holley EFI Terminator X Max system, while a GSI tank with Aeromotive 340lph in-tank pump kept it fed. Ultimate Headers ran into a 3” custom Borla XR-1 Raceline exhaust, all built in-house by Tre 5.
Power hits the ground through a Tremec T56 Magnum and a Currie Enterprises 9” rear with true-trac posi, 31-spline axles, and 3.70 gears. The fully fabricated 1959 GSI chassis, powder-coated by Pac Coast, implements Ridetech shocks, air bags, and GSI sway bars front and rear. A parallel 4-link with billet watts link controls the rear, while a Flaming River 30” floor-shift tilt column and rack-and-pinion steering keep the truck tight.
Stopping power is equally serious. Baer Pro 14” six-piston brakes front and rear, fed by a Tilton master cylinder, make sure Legacy stop on command.
Rolling on Schott Velocity wheels (20×8.5” up front and 22×12” in back) wrapped in Nitto tires, Legacy commands attention. Inside, Kretas kept it functional: Kenwood 6.8” head unit, JL Audio amp, dual 10” subs, Morel tweeters, and custom kick panels, center console, and sub box by Elevated Design. A shaved dash, custom firewall panels, and a built-for-fit trans tunnel keep the interior clean, purposeful, and driver-focused.
Paint and finish come from iKandy Paintworks, covering the engine, bay and interior.
The build itself demanded patience and problem-solving. Tre 5 guided Kretas through decisions and challenges, while John Diruzza at Motor Worx and Ghad Golen at Golen Engine made sure the engine and drivetrain were bulletproof. When it all came together.
Trucks like Legacy remind enthusiasts why we build, why we tinker, and why we take pride in doing it right. For Christopher, it’s a reminder of his roots, a gift to his future, and proof that a truck can carry a legacy without saying a word.