In the automotive industry, many companies realize the benefits of building a designated vehicle that showcases their products. The reason for this investment is to create a “buzz” when they go to events or trade shows. And, while having it on display, you, the end user of their wares, can see all the products they offer and actually see them on a vehicle. Such is the case with Diamond Eye Performance‘s Ford truck car hauler. I found this rig while scrolling through our social media pages. I’ve always had a secret love for old pickup trucks and I had to get a better look.
I reached out to Diamond Eye’s own Tom Terjeson for some information in regard to this rolling masterpiece. “We appreciate the love for the truck, it’s gotten a lot of attention so far,” says Terjeson. “Diamond Eye Performance owns the truck and we take it to shows and events as often as we can, but the build was specifically put together for the 2016 SEMA Show.”
This ’48 F5 body rests on a 1985 GM C30 chassis that was purchased in California. “We worked with Bennett Leffler of Performance Authority Truck & Off Road in Helena, Montana,” says Terjeson. “The original hauler bed was removed and a custom bed was designed and built by Anvil Fabworks.” The custom bed includes help from Crawl 2 Run Fabrication and includes a winch by WARN Winches and straps from Mac’s Custom Tie Downs.
Obviously, the guys at Diamond Eye wanted to make a statement and made sure the exterior of the truck was pristine and show-ready. With that being said, they credit the shine to Greg’s Custom Creations for the paint job. This beautiful black paint compliments the monster American Force wheels and Toyo Tires. With a custom rear suspension, CB Chassis Products A-arms, and Ride Rite Firestone airbag system powered by Accuair, this truck is ready for anything.
It’s readily apparent the Ford truck looks great, but what gets it down the road? Under the hood of this Ford truck is an Industrial Injection built 12-valve Cummins engine. Inside this engine is a set of Mahle pistons, Dynomite Diesel Injectors, and ARP studs and bolts through and through.
On the exterior, Diamond Eye relies on a FASS Fuel System to keep the cylinder fires burning, and the air is forced into the engine by a set of compound turbos from BD Diesel Performance. Sending the fumes out the back is a custom exhaust by the crew at Diamond Eye Performance. A truck this big, making this much power, needs to utilize a transmission that can handle the abuse. While you might expect to hear a 48REis used, you would be wrong. In probably the most unlikely unison of parts, this truck has gear changes accomplished by an ATS Diesel-built Allison transmission.
All new wiring from Ron Francis wiring was installed and the juice is developed by XS Power. The night is lit up with headlights from Vision X, and Klein Diablo Train horns scare innocent bystanders when the truck’s presence is made known. The totally custom interior does utilize second-generation Ram seats that were covered by Roadwire Leather.
“The majority of the work was done by Bennett Leffler, and he’s been a great collaborator and friend of ours for years,” says Terjeson. “He has also helped us on other projects, such as our Hummer H2Maxx Twin Turbo Duramax.”
We would like to thank Diamond Eye Performance for going out on the edge and building such a unique Ford truck to show off their imagination. Also, for more information on Diamond Eye Performance, check out their website.