For every reason that I hear why you shouldn't buy a turnkey custom, I hear two reasons why you should! For one, the path to good times with friends is a lot sooner than it would be if you were knee deep in an all-out custom project, not to mention an already built truck is a lot lighter on the wallet. especially when it is already bagged and body dropped! Drew Daughtery of Dickson, Tennessee, knows this which is why he decided to buy a past feature truck that was in need of an overhaul.

Drew purchased this 1998 Dodge Dakota, which some of you might remember when it used to be blue and gold with some graphics. Drew knew the truck had been built by a well known shop, Silver Star Customs, which built the infamous Blazerado. This meant the canvass, upon which new paint was to be laid, was good-to-go and ready to launch! Once Drew took possession of his new toy, it was obvious the previous owner wasn't too shy about letting the truck see a little open road, but for the most part it was in good condition.

Even though, some of you might recognize the truck, Drew has definitely made it his own by redefining it. The biggest change made was with the paint scheme. Drew hired Trent Beasky and Dave Durand to smooth out the body and to make a few changes. The Caddy taillights were swapped out for a set of Chevy Colorado taillights, the street scene sport mirrors were ditched for a set of billet motorcycle mirrors, and the cowl induction hood was replaced with a stock version. All of the other modifications, molded-in bed, molded-in roll pan, shaved door handles, suicide doors, clear head lamps, clear side markers, and shaved third brake light all remained untouched. The body was then sprayed with PPG Pearl White and PPG True Blue Kandy which was a definite "A+" modification on the body. When the sun hits the paint it looks simply flawless.

The next step for the truck was to get the interior all straightened out. A combination of vinyl and ostrich skin covers the seats and door panels, while a smoothed and painted dash brings a little of the exterior color inside the cab. A Sony CD headunit wired to a set of XXX 6x9s keeps the cab full of music. A billet steering wheel, rearview mirror, and gauge cluster compliments the interior work.

Completing the look of Drew's Dakota, is a staggered wheel setup consisting of 20-inch and 22-inch Rozzi Carbon wheels which tuck deep into the wheel wells of this body dropped and bagged hauler.

Second time around is a charm for this redefined sled and we look forward to seeing it at many more shows in the future!

Shout Out: "Special thanks to Trent Beasley, Cody Dillard, Shannon Lee, Chris Bryant, Dave Durand, Brandon Lane, and most of all, God!" -Drew Daugherty