Slideshow: Wilson & Steely's Pre-Runner Style Hot Rod
This hot rod was built for way more than just your local cruise night.
Pure Vision
Rarely is a project car the vision of one person. Most times, the finished product is the result of collaboration between multiple parties. When done right, two or more minds can put together a singular, stunning vision.
When Steve Wilson found the 32 Dodge that would eventually be built for his client Phil Cercone, it was located in the basement of a house awaiting demolition. Wilson had recently watched Max Max: Fury Road and was inspired to bring new life to the once deceased Dodge. With the blessing of Cercone, Wilson forged the vision for the Pre-Runner styled hot rod featured today. Click along to see how this vision manifested itself in sheet metal.
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From Concept to Reality
In order to bring this apocalyptic pre-runner to life, Wilson had to focus on a solid foundation. He started with custom outer frame rails which were boxed for added strength using plate steel. To ensure this hot rod was off-road worthy, the rear frame rails were modified to allow greater travel and clearance. His most genius work may be utilizing the rear cross member as a spare tire basket and as a radiator support.
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Tough as Nails
The Dodge coupe is as tough as it looks thanks to rock rails, dimple-die plate steps, and a 6-point rollcage with a roof rack. The front cross member also houses a shackle-style recovery point. Should Cercone get crossed up on the trails, he can lean on his Smittybilt X20-10K winch to pull him out of a well known S-creek.
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Built to Be Abused
Underneath the doomsday bodywork of the '32 Dodge is some serious equipment. A Dana D70HD rear end houses a 4.56 Yukon Gear and Axle ring and pinion and a Powertrax Lock-Right locker. The hubs come straight from a dually truck setup. Taking things to another level is a bomb-proof differential cover from Rokmen Off-Road. The trailing arms are made from 1/4 inch thick main plate and link up to Chromoly Heim joints. Topping things off are Fox Racing 2.0 bypass Piggyback hocks.
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Staggered Stance
To add flair and function, KMC XD300 Pulley wheels were selected as the mounting points for Nitto Trail Grappler tires. The front wheels measure 16 x 9 and are wrapped in 285/75 tires. The rear wheels are JMC XD129 Holeshot designs and they jump in size to 18 x 9. They are also wrapped in Nitto Trail Grapplers but measure a much beefier 37/12.50.
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As Much Go as Show
Wilson decided upon a Blueprint Engines 383 cubic inch General Motors V8 as the heart and soul of the '32. The GM long block features 10:1 compression and pumps out a respectable 430 horsepower. Some of the 383's features include a hydraulic roller cam, Blueprint Muscle Series aluminum cylinder heads, a Weiand Hi-Ram tunnel ram intake, and Go EFI dual-quad system with high-flow injectors and an internal MAP sensor. Backing up the trick 383 is a TCI Automotive TH350 StreetFighter transmission. Cooling is maintained via a Champion Cooling systems dual-pass radiator with twin 16-inch cooling fans. Making sure the power gets to the wheels in a custom Mitchell Drivetrain driveshaft.
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Nipped and Tucked
For a more sinister look, the Dodge's top was chopped by over 3 inches. Shaved door handles and cowl lights allow for a sleeker presence. Cercone wanted his Dodge to be as durable as it was devious. With that in mind, he and Wilson settled on a body coated in Mostaliner and then painted in Pyroclastic gray. The chassis stays true to the dark origins of the build with satin black paint.
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Technology Meet Savagery
The interior of the pre-runner features a digital gauge cluster from Dakota Digital with four programmable message centers. A FiTech digital touch screen keeps tabs on fuel injection and ignition while an sPod 8-circuit power control center is in charge of lighting and accessories. Keeping things safe is a fully sealed circuit fuse box from American Autowire.
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