t one time, classic trucks like the 1955 Ford F-100 owned by Paul Willis were basic utilitarian vehicles. This particular example came from the factory with a 239 Y-block V-8 and a three-speed manual transmission. The windshield wipers were vacuum operated and the only option was a heater. But like most of us during the rebuilding process, Paul elected to make some updates to the pickup. He decided to add A/C, power windows, electric wipers, new instrumentation, and a stereo. Of course, all these updates would require updating the electrical system, which is simple enough to do with a new wiring harness like those available from American Autowire.

Along with the added convenience items inside the cab, Paul decided to make some changes underhood as well. His powerplant of choice is a Chevrolet Gen V direct-injected L83 V-8 backed by a 6L80 automatic transmission from a 2015 Tahoe. To control the engine and transmission’s functions a wiring harness from Howell Performance was used. This stand-alone system uses modified factory engine and transmission ECMs (electronic control modules) to control their functions and includes a check-engine light, diagnostic connector, and electric fan control.

ven though it feels a bit silly calling an OBS a classic truck, that is exactly what it is. With the first OBS models turning 37 years old, they are practically an antique. Our 1999 Suburban is one of the youngest OBS trucks, but that doesn’t mean it is still new. In fact, it has just under 200K on the clock. In classic SBC fashion, the original Vortech has let loose. That means it is time to gut the once-glorious Suburban carryall and give it the restomodification it deserves.

Our ’Burban started out as an LS-packaged 4WD unit with a 5.7l SBC and a 4L60E. We plan to swap in a Gen V LT-series 5.3 L83, keeping the 4L60E for now, freshen up the interior and exterior, and building a 2000s-era stereo system, complete with vintage equipment. This process begins inside the truck, stripping away the original carpet that has become threadbare. With a clean slate, we address the foundation by adding a healthy dose of sound deadening.

ast Tennessee is a special place for car and truck enthusiasts, as the area is packed with great trucks and talented builders. But the area is also known for bringing enthusiasts from across the country together for outstanding events. With a full schedule of shows in the tourist towns of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, the Smoky Mountains are a great destination for classic trucks. One such event is the F-100 Supernationals & All Ford Show, held at the Sevierville Convention Center in Sevierville, Tennessee. The event celebrated its 46th year in 2025 and did so with a huge turnout of trucks and spectators.

The three-day event features an indoor and outdoor show, as well as a great swap meet, new parts vendors, and even a few vendors geared for the ladies. Awards are split into a dozen classes and an additional four classes for patina trucks. The variety is always impressive, and we saw trucks as old as the Model A up to the modern generation of the F-series and Bronco. The show field certainly had a high concentration of bumpside and dentside trucks, ranging from restored stockers to full custom builds and plenty of patina’d shop trucks in-between. There was also a great mixture of two- and four-wheel-drive trucks, as well as some cool, heavy-duty trucks. After the show closes each day, there were lots of options for evening cruising, and a few hosted afterparties to keep the good times rolling throughout the three-day event.