Rebuilding Dreams: The Transformation of a Classic Suburban

A Serendipitous Start

In 2002, a journey that would span decades began when Josh Rowan purchased a truck in Georgia. Driving it back to Miami, he found himself living in it until life allowed him to get back on his feet. This truck wasn’t just a vehicle; it became a symbol of resilience and hope during challenging times.

The First Rebuild: A Family Effort

By late 2003, life had brought him back to Georgia, and it was time to start the teardown. The truck had an Impala front clip and was originally a big block truck, a feature he was determined to preserve. After the original 454 engine blew up, his mother helped him purchase a new big block. Together, they completed the first build in 2005.

For nearly a decade, this truck was his pride and joy. he drove it until 2014, but once again, life threw a curveball. Forced to part with the interior, engine, and wheels, the truck sat in his yard, waiting for its next chapter.

The Revival: A Father-Son Project

In 2019, the spark was reignited. Josh ordered a set of 22×33-20 Mickey Thompson tires and American Torque Thrust wheels—20×8.5 for the front and 20×16 for the rear. At this time, his son Josh was old enough to share my passion for cars and began spending time with me in the shop. Together, they embarked on a new journey, building a 2×6 tube chassis and turning their vision into reality.

A Collective Effort

The transformation of this truck was not a solo endeavor. Friends, strangers, companies, his wife, and children all contributed significantly. Their support and dedication were invaluable, and Josh said “I can’t thank them enough. The goal was clear: create something extraordinary, something “nasty,” and we didn’t stop until we achieved it.”

The Beast Unleashed

The truck now boasts a 468 big block engine paired with twin 67/70 precision turbos and a Turbo 400 transmission. A Ford 9” rear end with 35 spline axles and a Detroit locker 3:90 gear ensures robust performance. The 1960 Impala dash and full custom interior add a unique flair, while a rear one-off hatch and Airlift 3P system with bags complete the transformation. Additionally, we swapped to a 1973 C10 frontend for an even more aggressive look.

This truck’s journey from Georgia to Miami and through years of transformation is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of community. It stands as a reminder that with determination and support, any vision can become a reality.