This was a big job, and an instant cult classic. Basically, we took an old ex-Air Force 1965 Dodge D200 and a modern Dodge Megacab 4x4, and combined them to create a daily driver with timeless styling. Then we worked with our friend Gale Banks, to get a reliable 975 lbs of torque out of the Cummins Turbo Diesel power train! We used the original Dodge D200 body shell, seat frames and door handles. Everything else, we redesigned by trying to put ourselves in the shoes of the original designer, asking: what would he have done with all of the many details if he had been allowed to pursue is vision without compromise? What you see here is the result of such lunacy, and about two years work.
We spent a long time working through the engineering plan on this project before we ever picked up a wrench or torch. It is such a unique body style and it has such presence, that every detail deserved consideration. We rendered the project, mapped out the dimensions of the modern Dodge truck donor, and designed over 28 different trim details in CAD until we felt it was just right.
The stock headlight buckets were maintained, yet we upgraded the lights to US made LED units by JW Speaker. We also redesigned the park-turn signal lights in this military black out style, all LED.
The original tailgate had, basically, gate latches with chains. Lousy design, constantly made noise. So we redesigned this interface with these stainless turn buckles. Also note the military style black out LED taillights.
Here you see a CNC'ed stainless plate replacing the stock plastic emblem. This design is that of our client's ranch brand, where the truck was to live and work.
With the rear view mirrors, we took inspiration from vintage truck mirrors, but then CNC'ed them in stainless. They fold flat when needed, and provide great visibility while keeping with the design theme of the vehicle.
As with all of the switches and knobs, we took inspiration from the stock 1965 headlight knob. Although it was plastic, it had a great shape. We used that form to make our own knobs, and then carried that language through to the design of the Diesel fuel and Methanol caps. These caps are stock, readily available caps, onto which our metal covers attach, again easing service and parts sourcing in the future.
In this shot, you can get a feel for the glass, which was also custom built using architectural glass (from skyscraper applications....) that has a great mild reflective, silver finish and tint to it. It preserves visibility from the inside, but creates a unique reflective personality on the exterior, adding privacy as well. This glass is wet-cut CNC'ed, then tempered to become automotive safety rated.
A great, full sized cab with room for six. Notice the sun visors as found in Learjets and many ICON projects, low profile under-dash A/C vents, and general design simplicity.
Stock seat frame, scultped in memory foam, then covered in Parabellum Bison hide. Behind and under the seat hides integrated speakers, amplifiers and bass.
The Bison hide is highly durable, and adds to the story. US sourced from an Indian reservation, where they have developed a sustainable business using the meat, bone and hides. We collaborated on this interior (and a few others) with our friends at Parabellum Collection, designer and makers of fine bags and the best belts on the planet!
Stock stock steering wheel was restored and modified to fit a modern tilt and collapsible column. We machined a special horn button with the client's Ranch brand integrated, then we hand wrapped and stitched the wheel in Bison hide.
Due to the complex electronics system in the modern Dodge, we kept the stock gauges. This posed a few challenges, because the design was plastic intensive and uninspired. So we redesigned the face of the panel, changing the colors, font and hash mark designs... then altered the lighting so that it had perimeter LED lights...
Here you see the Banks Power PDA Screen® integrated into the original ash tray, now on linear actuators. You hit a hidden switch, then the ash tray articulates up, allowing you to interface with this touch screen unit which allows you to refine and monitor the engine performance.
We united all of the dash knob designs, unique only in the letters that communicate the functions. Inspired by the original plastic headlight knob, but executed in stainless then enameled.
The door handles were one of the few stock trim designs that we did not alter, they are perfect. We replated them in nickel, then did a brushed surface treatment so they flowed better with the rest of the trim design.
As always, the ICON lizard found a place in the sun. On each project, he is placed in a unique postion. He is hand made in brass, by the traditional lost wax casting method.
Here you can see the interface between the modern chassis and vintage body, with the Fox Racing Nitrogen charged shocks with remote canisters packaged in.
The engine is the legendary 5.9 Cummins, which we modified with the (also) legendary Gale Banks from Banks Performance, the leaders in diesel performance for decades. We integrated their Six-Gun® Diesel Tuner, Banks iQ® Man-Machine Interface, Monster Ram® Intake Manifold, Banks Monster® Diesel Dual Exhaust, Banks Power PDA Screen® and a Banks Brake® Exhaust Braking System. We also then fabricated unique air-to-water intercoolers, and a Methanol injection system. The result is a ground shaking 975 lbs. of torque that is refined and reliable enough for daily service.
The stock rear axle is such a brute, perfectly capable of handling our increased power. Here you see the restored and powder coated chassis from the rear, showing off the rear with a Mag Tec finned rear differential cover, Kore - Fox Racing suspension, Ceramic coated Banks stainless steel exhaust...
Here you see the chassis final assembled and awaiting the body. Other than the enhanced suspension, engine performance parts and exhaust, this chassis is stock, so service is quite simple and can even be handled by the Dodge (Ram) dealer.