Editor’s note: Get more news from the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas by checking out our dedicated page for daily updates.
The annual SEMA Show celebrates more than just cars, as evidenced by this monstrous customized 1941 Dodge Power Wagon that was on display in the Silver Lot, just outside the Las Vegas Convention Center on Tuesday.
Builder Randy Weaver said the truck is nicknamed Full Metal Jacket, something he decided on after going with a military theme.
“It’s simple, but cool,” he said of the truck.
Weaver said he sold the truck a few months ago, but the new owners were nice enough to let him borrow it for SEMA, where it was quite popular, even in a sea of incredible vehicles. More often than not, Weaver was answering questions or shaking hands of appreciative fans.
He went with a military theme because the truck was originally made for military use. It was built on a custom chassis with a custom four-link suspension complete with Fox 2.0 shocks and rides on 20-inch wheels from Detroit Steel Wheel Company appropriately named Artillery.
Weaver built the bed, which features nearly $3,000 in Brazilian hardwood, specifically for the truck.
“I tried to keep the truck feel,” he said.
The smoothed exterior lacks the typical shine on the trim, as Weaver opted for a more satin look created by brushed nickel.
“Stainless (steel) and chrome is good on the right vehicle, but I let the car or truck do the talking,” he said.
Weaver was quite proud of the headlights, which were made by J.W. Speaker. As far as he knows, they are the only such headlights in existence. JW mailed him the bezels, which he color-matched to the paint, and then finished fabrication so things match perfectly.
Under the hood sits a rather modest single HX35 4 BT Cummins diesel engine with an upgraded turbocharger and injectors. The 300-horsepower engine is paired with a TH350 automatic 3-speed transmission.
Where the truck really shines is its interior. Weaver added Dakota Digital gauges and a Kicker sound system. Passengers sit on extra supple Hydes Leather bench made by JS Customs and their feet rest on pieces of carpet designed to cover the leather floorboards.
The idea may seem excessive, but Weaver created space for a Colt 1911 handgun in each floorboard that earned him more than a few high-fives and laughs.
“That was one of my most exciting things to build,” he said of the interior, which also has custom panels that mimic the dash design.
The Power Wagon was finished in TorC Grey with Black Axalta accents.
It was in early consideration for SEMA’s Battle of the Builders contest, but failed to get past a major round of cuts on Wednesday.
