Living the Life and Printing the Passion

After two long years of late nights, busted knuckles, and parts runs, I finally got the chance to do what we all dream of, drive my truck. Project Rocky, my ‘79 C10, is finally done, and not just for the show floor. I loaded it up and took it out to Orange Beach Invasion in Alabama, and let me tell you… it felt good to hit the road.

This photo was taken right there on the strip. That’s me, standing proud next to Rocky—because for the first time, I wasn’t just building a truck, I was enjoying one. If you’ve been buried in your garage wrenching on a long-term project, I know the feeling. The build process can eat up years, but don’t let that truck just sit once it’s done. Drive it. Show it off. That’s what it was built for.

While I was at Orange Beach, I got to hang out with Odie Hughes, owner of this issue’s cover truck, “Genesis.” Not only is the truck insanely clean, but Odie also took home Best of Show honors. Even better than seeing his truck in person was talking trucks with him. He’s the kind of guy who reminds you why we all got into this in the first place.

Also in this issue, we’re showing some serious love to the mini-truck crowd. We’ve got a full feature on a killer husband-and-wife pair of minis, Scott Crisafi’s Mazda “Homewrecker” and Janelise Crisafi’s topless Geo “Topless 2.” These builds prove the mini-truck scene is still alive and well, and we’re here for it.

We also put together a Mini-Truck Buyers Guide packed with the latest parts to help keep those small wheelbase builds in the modern era.

And don’t miss our tech writeups, this issue we dropped a Belltech suspension in a Ford Maverick, bolted up some CVF billet hood hinges to a Squarebody, and took a closer look at a fresh wheel brand, LOCK Offroad. They’ve got some wild designs and solid options for builders looking to switch things up.

At the end of the day, we do this because we love it. Whether it’s a long-bed squarebody or a shaved-down mini, every build has a story. If you’ve got a truck worth showing off, send it our way. Email photos and info to chamilton@engaged.media. Who knows, maybe your ride will be next to grace the pages of Street Trucks.

See you on the road.

Chris Hamilton
Editor, Street Trucks Magazine