Image via Autotopia LA/YouTube
You might have seen this ’78 Chevy Squarebody Dually at shows in the Southwestern US in the past year as it’s been making the rounds. If you have, this is the sort of truck you don’t forget easily. Large, lowered, and looking amazing, the turbodiesel makes its presence known wherever it goes.
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Built by Empire Fabrication, the entire body is factory original. So is the paint scheme. Some people might not believe either claim, but the guy who owns Empire says that’s the way it is. Regardless, the truck looks good.
However, the wheels are from a Kenworth semi. They’re modified to accommodate pickup truck tires and have an eight to ten lug adapter. Who would’ve thought semi wheels would look so good?
The shop used the factory frame, modifying it for the lowered stance. Also included is an airbag system which automatically levels the Chevy when the owner is towing trailers, something which definitely wasn’t offered from the factory.
Under the hood is a brand new Cummins engine with quite the turbo system, which makes around 300-horsepower and 550 lb.-ft. of torque. Instead of plastic reservoirs, everything is made of metal. The presentation is impeccable, which makes sense since the truck not only is a workhorse but is entered into shows.
Backing that engine is an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. While we love sticks, the owner of this truck didn’t want to have to worry about shifting while towing or cruising in traffic.
While this truck is plenty powerful, it wasn’t built to be ridiculously overpowered. Instead, it’s comfortable enough to take on the open road and reliable enough to not leave you stranded. That’s perfect for life in the West where things are more spread out and some stretches of highway are desolate.
Images via Autotopia LA/YouTube
