If there was one style of vehicle that seemed to dominate the floor space at SEMA 2016, it was trucks. Specifically, the ’73 through ‘80 body styles. One of those popular haulers was a featured vehicle in the United Pacific booth, and this short bed square body still featured the original paint, but that’s about all that was original.

According to Johny Gonzalez, the truck’s builder, “It’s a 1974 that has original paint, but we tore the chassis apart and removed the inline six to make room for the 6.0-liter LS engine backed by a six-speed automatic transmission.” If there was a reoccurring theme at SEMA, it was modified patina. Everywhere you looked, there were original-looking rides with modern drivetrains hidden just under the rust and faded paint.

Johny updated this pickup with a four-link rear suspension, and added tubular control arms. No air ride on this baby, it features coilovers on each corner. If you like the rolling stock, they are a large-by-huge 22 and 24 inches. Bringing everything to a halt is a set of CPP brakes on all four corners.

Inside, the truck is fitted with just about everything that TMI has to offer, along with the Dakota Digital HDX gauges. Keeping the passengers cool is not a problem with the Vintage Air A/C.

One thing you will notice in the video is the updated lighting from United Pacific. The LED illuminators are truly a modern touch to the truck, and the soon-to-be released sequential tail lights are definitely on our must get lit. To find out more, check out uapac.com.