1972 GMC Black Betty

1972-gmc-hd-01
SPECS
Builder: Classic Car Studio
Transmission: Bowler 4L80E
Rear End: John’s Industries
Engine: GM LS3
Horsepower: 525 hp
Induction Holley Dominator EFI
Exhaust: Classic Car Studio custom Black Widow Venom
Ignition: Holley
Suspension: AccuAir
Brakes: Wilwood 14-inch disc
Wheels: RSV Forged
Tires: Dunlop Direzza
Bodywork: Mike Chopp, Ron’s Auto Body
Interior: Classic Car Studio
Seats: Stock bench
Sound System: Kenwood

The product of a whole family of hot rod fans, James Buckalew always felt the need to go fast. In his early days, trips out in his father’s Mustang Mach 1 led James to pursue his own dreams of a hot rod muscle car or muscle truck. When it came time for James to find his very own muscle car, his love for go-fast machines met with his need for a bigger rig and found the perfect solution with a 1972 GMC pickup to play with!

The 1972 GMC he found was in great condition to build on, with some flawless original details as well as some amazing restorations and custom modifications. With its impressive modifications, James was confident driving the GMC around for three years before he decided it was time to upgrade it from awesome to full hot-rod potential. He contacted Noah Alexander and Paul Jones at Classic Car Studios, knowing that they would be the best crew to make “Black Betty” into the best it could be.

After finding a couple of issues that made Black Betty less than perfect, CCS got started on making the 1972 GMC better than ever. They pulled out the old drivetrain and fitted Black Betty with a 6.2-liter LS3. A Bowler Performance 4L80E transmission helps that engine put down 525 horsepower, while a Holley Dominator EFI fuel system and a CCS custom ceramic-coated stainless exhaust system makes up the modified engine bay. They also made some upgrades to the interior, including Nu-Relics power windows, a custom stereo, Kenwood 10-inch subwoofer and 900-watt amp and custom speakers, and an assortment of Dakota Digital VFX gauges. At last, Black Betty is the hot rod truck James always dreamed of!

More Posts