Deep Burple | 2000 Chevy Silverado 

There’s nothing purer than a full custom show truck that carries its own weight to shows across the country. It takes a lot of faith to trust your painted, polished vehicle to unknown road conditions and careless motorists in the next lane over, but some guys wouldn’t have it any other way. Danny Terneus is just one such guy who has been building his ‘bagged trucks to not only get him around town, but to drive them up to hundreds of thousands of miles over the course of owning them. He’s been doing this for the better part of two solid decades, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing up. 

Over the years, Danny has owned a ’94 4-door Blazer that he built to lay frame on 18-inch wheels. It had custom bodywork and a full interior overhaul. He drove that truck for 12 years, and finally sold it with 210,000 miles on the odometer. His next ride after that was a ’99 2-door Tahoe that he built with a full paint job, and a suspension setup to lay on 22’s. He racked up 30,000 miles on that truck after it was completed, with multiple long hauls across many state lines for some of the biggest truck shows in the US. Obviously, there’s definitely a trend in the way he approaches the projects he takes on, which has carried on to his latest build Silverado build. 

“I love the custom truck scene”, Danny proudly admits. “I wanted to continue building the style of trucks that I like in hopes that I am doing my part to help keep the scene growing.” With so many extended road trips under his belt in the past, he was just itching to get his next Chevy project on the highways to spread the gospel on the road just like he always has. “I bought this Silverado 7 years ago (2013), and drove it daily for 5 years / 25,000 miles before deciding to redo it. It was a show truck when I purchased it, but was starting to show its age.” 

Wanting a more top-shelf truck to ride around in, Danny began lining up some big talent to help with the reconstruction. “I already had a painter in mind to help take the truck to another level. Victor Salas and I had kicked around some ideas on a paint color, and we landed on a standard House of Kolor basecoat (KBC13) on top of a Ford Deep Impact Blue color. “Among all the other modifications on the Silverado, the paint is the feature that gets the most attention.” The three coats of Sikkens clear on the body, and four on the hood ensure that the color is well protected and able to be polished to a deep shine with every detail job. 

Bill Bethauser of Explicit Customs in West Melbourne, FL joined the project, and played a huge role in the Silverado’s rebuild. Bill, along with Chris Kirshner, prepared a ’99 LS1 engine to be swapped in utilizing factory Silverado accessories. Bill also stepped up to improve truck’s suspension setup. Choppin’ Block upper and lower control arms, along with McGaughys drop spindles and a KP Components rear 6-link were utilized to allow Danny’s truck to be able to lay its frame over the 24-inch Intro billet wheels. “I can’t thank Bill enough for the bad ass work that he put into the truck. It was quickly exceeding all of my expectations in every single department.” 

Interior wise, Danny kept things extremely clean and plush inside of the cab. Robbie Collins participated in the build as he stitched up the King Ranch leather covered factory bucket and bench seats. Mr. Bethauser, once again, lent his assistance with the wrapping and dying the rest of the interior to match for a very dapper appearance and feel. With the amount of seat time Danny plans to put in year-in and year-out, a proper sound system was in order to keep his head nodding to the beat. He selected nothing less than JL Audio and Hertz components to help fill the cab with crystal clear, hard-hitting sound waves for the long road trips and regular commutes around town ahead. 

Even though Danny’s truck is still somewhat fresh out of the oven, he is already looking into the future with three simple plans in mind—“Drive the truck for a couple years. Add some graphics. Drive it some more.” He tends to stick with his trucks for a good amount of time, so don’t expect him to start with anything new for a while. We aren’t exactly sure just how many miles he’s racked up since the truck has been completed, but whatever the number is, it surely is only the tip of the iceberg. His Silverado already has a handful of respectable long-distance, round-trip excursions to its credit with many more already slated for the next show season. 

Even though he follows the beat of his own drum, Danny rightly admits to gaining inspiration from his family and close friends. “I’ve learned a lot from the great group of likeminded truck enthusiasts I’ve surrounded myself with. They have pushed me to chase my goals of driving hard and showing well. Guys like Mike Barcia, Brad Bosman, Jimmy Graham, John Turner, Tony Rispoli, Dave Shulman (I could go on), have proved to me with their own respective builds that show quality trucks can be dependable, road-worthy vehicles. My wife Rachel and daughter Sophia have also inspired me by allowing me more than my fair share of time in the garage and away time at shows. Their support, along with everyone who has stopped to talk to me at shows or while I’m out anywhere else with the truck means everything to me.” 

Truck Specs
Owner – Danny Terneus
2000 Chevy Silverado
Oviedo, FL
Club – Negative Camber

Engine

• Shop: Bill Bethauser @ Explicit Customs and Chris Kirshner 
• 1999 Chevy LS1 
• Engine sway using factory accessories 
• Lunati camshaft 
• Shorty headers 
• Magnaflow exhaust system 
• Flowmaster muffler 
• Engine tune by Mike Norris 

Chassis & Suspension 

• Shop: Bill Bethauser 
• Dropped body mounts on factory frame, rear step notch
• Body dropped 2 7/8 inches
• Choppin’ Block upper and lower control arms 
• McGaughys drop spindles 
• KP Components 6-link rear with Watts link
• Dual Viair 480 compressors 
• Slam Specialties RE7 ‘bags 

Wheels & Tires 

• 24×9 Intro Arctic full polish billet wheels 
• 255/30/24 Nexen N’Fera SU1 tires 

Powertrain & Brakes 

• Shop: Ken’s Performance, Orlando, FL 
• Rebuilt 2000 4L60E transmission 
• TransGo shift kit 
• Narrowed rearend w/ Moser axles 
• Baer EradiSpeed 14-inch rotors 

Exterior & Paint 

• Shop: Victor Salas @ Brennan Bodyworks 
• House Of Kolor Burple Kandy basecoat 
• 2006 Silverado HD hood 
• Weld-in roll pan 
• Shaved tailgate handle and front bumper license plate tag holes 
• Raised bed floor with Line-X Ultra by Brevard 
• Removable panel in bed to access air ride 

Interior & Sound 

• Shop: Robbie Collins and Bill Bethauser 
• Factory bucket seats and rear bench 
• Covered in authentic King Ranch leather hide 
• Billet Specialties Chicayne steering wheel 
• JVC head unit 
• JL Audio HD 600/4 amp, W1 10-inch woofer in custom enclosure 
• Hertz Mille component speaker sets in custom door panels by Explicit Customs 

Engine Pic: The freshly tuned ’99 LS1 provides the truck with everyday driving dependability and plenty of power to cut through highway traffic. 

Wheel Pic: 24-inch Intro Artic billet wheels are featured at every corner. 

Interior Pics (seat close-up and steering wheel): The interior has received quality King Rang leather upholstery, and a full helping of color matched trim and accessories. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What unique painting technique was used on the truck’s flames?

Unique Painting Technique Used on the Truck’s Flames

To achieve the truck’s distinctive flame design, a marbleizing technique was employed. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

1. Basecoat Application:
   • A charcoal basecoat was initially sprayed within the flame outlines and allowed to dry completely.
2. Texture Creation:
   • To introduce texture, a diluted solution of a metallic paint was sprayed over the dried basecoat.
   • Saran wrap was then laid over the wet metallic layer and promptly peeled off, producing a unique textured effect.
3. Highlighting:
   • The edges of the flames were carefully highlighted with a contrasting pearl paint, adding depth and dimension to the design.

Finally, to harmonize the look, the truck’s bed cover was painted to match the newly designed flames and installed over the bedrails.

This marbleizing technique, including the layering and texturing steps, ensures the flames have a striking and one-of-a-kind appearance.

How powerful is the sound system in Paul’s custom truck?

Paul’s ’00 Silverado boasts a sound system with an incredible power output nearing 10,000 watts. This beastly setup includes:

• Six 15-inch subwoofers positioned behind the seats, ensuring deep, earth-shaking bass.
• Three sets of 6.5-inch speakers strategically embedded in the doors and center console, reinforced by an additional set in the headliner for a rich, immersive sound.
• Two horn drivers located below the custom center console, expertly delivering crystal-clear high frequencies.

To maintain consistent power delivery, the system incorporates five high-output amplifiers and a massive 10-farad capacitor.

Entertainment is controlled by an installed head unit and DVD player, with visuals displayed across multiple screens scattered throughout the truck:

• Two 15-inch LCDs in the doors
• One 10-inch LCD in the dash
• Two 6.5-inch LCDs in each visor
• Two 5-inch LCDs in the pillars

This meticulously crafted system ensures that Paul’s truck is not just heard, but deeply felt, making it a mobile sound fortress.

What exterior modifications were made to Paul’s truck?

Exterior Modifications Made to Paul’s Truck

Paul made an array of significant changes to the exterior of his truck, transforming its appearance entirely. First, he had elements like door handles, the gas filler door, tailgate handle, and mirrors removed. Additionally, the original taillights were replaced with sleek Cadillac taillights.

He also installed a custom roll pan at the back and repositioned the license plate to the tailgate area, offering a cleaner look. Post these modifications, the truck was meticulously primed and painted a striking Jet Black. To add a final touch of style, intricate tribal flames were painted on the hood, tailgate, and truck sides.

Paul’s strategy effectively gave his truck a unique, polished aesthetic.

What changes were made to the truck’s lighting and grille?

The truck underwent significant upgrades to both its lighting and grille. A pair of advanced Matrix Projection headlights was installed, providing superior illumination and modern aesthetics. Additionally, the truck’s appearance was further enhanced with new upper and lower billet grilles from Trenz, giving the front end a sleek, polished look.

How is the audio and video equipment set up in Paul’s truck?

The audio and video setup in Paul’s 2000 Silverado is nothing short of extraordinary. To start, the truck’s audio system boasts an impressive 10,000 watts of power. For exceptional bass response, six 15-inch subwoofers are strategically placed behind the seats.

In addition to the subs, the truck features three sets of 6.5-inch speakers integrated into the doors and center console. There’s also an extra set of the same size built into the headliner for a surround sound experience. High-frequency sounds are managed by two horn drivers located underneath the custom center console.

Powering the entire setup are five high-output amplifiers and a 10-farad capacitor, making sure the system runs optimally at all times. The front-end interface comprises an Alpine head unit coupled with a DVD player, both housed in the meticulously crafted center console.

Visual entertainment is delivered through an array of screens: two 15-inch LCDs in the doors, a 10-inch LCD in the dashboard, and additional smaller screens—one 6.5-inch in each visor and two 5-inch displays mounted in the pillars. This comprehensive configuration ensures both sound and video are of top-notch quality, making the interior of Paul’s truck a multimedia powerhouse.

How is the video system configured in the truck’s interior?

The truck’s interior has been meticulously outfitted with a high-end video system. Installers went above and beyond, embedding multiple displays throughout the cabin. A gaming console provides the video feed, which is routed to monitors strategically placed in the pillars, doors, visors, and the dashboard. This setup ensures that no matter where you sit in the truck, you’re treated to an immersive visual experience surrounded by sleek and stylish fabric and fiberglass finishes.

What type of mirrors replaced the original side mirrors on the truck?

The original side mirrors on the truck were swapped out for a set of Pro1 motorcycle mirrors, providing a unique and stylish upgrade.

Who does Paul Martinez thank for helping him build his custom truck?

Paul Martinez expresses deep gratitude to everyone who supported him in building his custom truck. He thanks his friends for their unwavering assistance and his family for their constant encouragement. Paul also appreciates the backing from his car club and acknowledges the crucial role his girlfriend played in this journey. Furthermore, he is grateful to his sponsors, whose contributions made his dream truck a reality.

How did the installation of a sliding ragtop affect the truck’s roof?

Enhancing the Truck’s Roof with a Sliding Ragtop

To boost the truck’s appeal and functionality, a sliding ragtop was installed in place of the traditional roof. This modification not only added a stylish, vintage flair but also significantly improved ventilation within the cabin.

The sliding ragtop makes it possible to enjoy open-air driving, much like a convertible, providing a unique and enjoyable driving experience. This upgrade transforms the truck’s appearance, giving it a customized and distinct look while maintaining its practicality.

By integrating this feature, the truck’s roof became a testament to both aesthetic elegance and functional enhancement, providing an all-around superior driving experience.

What kind of equipment is installed in the interior of Paul’s truck?

“Interior wise, Danny kept things extremely clean and plush inside of the cab. Robbie Collins participated in the build as he stitched up the King Ranch leather covered factory bucket and bench seats. Mr. Bethauser, once again, lent his assistance with the wrapping and dying the rest of the interior to match for a very dapper appearance and feel.

To enhance the driving experience, Danny opted for a top-notch sound system. He selected nothing less than JL Audio and Hertz components to help fill the cab with crystal clear, hard-hitting sound waves for the long road trips and regular commutes around town ahead.

Additional High-End Additions:

• Video Equipment: Multiple screens were installed, including monitors in the pillars, doors, visors, and dash, all fed by a PlayStation 2 for on-the-go entertainment.
• Materials and Design: The interior was meticulously wrapped in a combination of premium materials, ensuring durability and style. Tweed and fiberglass were used extensively to give the cabin a unique, cohesive look.
• Controls and Accents: Billet A/C knobs, light controls, and a custom steering wheel were installed, adding to the luxurious feel.

With the amount of seat time Danny plans to put in year-in and year-out, these features ensure that every journey is as enjoyable as it is stylish.”

What was Paul Martinez’s goal in building his custom 2000 Chevy Silverado?

“I love the custom truck scene,” Danny proudly admits. “I wanted to continue building the style of trucks that I like in hopes that I am doing my part to help keep the scene growing.”

When Paul Martinez set out to build his truck, he had a very specific goal in mind. He wanted to create a custom 2000 Chevy Silverado that people would notice from miles away. The idea was to make a statement, to turn heads and spark conversations wherever he went.

By blending bold design choices with meticulous craftsmanship, Paul aimed to push the boundaries of what a custom truck could be. His approach was not just about aesthetics but about capturing the essence of the custom truck community.

Danny’s passion for the scene and Paul’s eye-catching goals exemplify the spirit of innovation and community that defines the custom truck world.