Continuing on with our Ultimate Callout Challenge coverage, we move onto the shinier side of things over at the AMSOIL Show-N-Shine. Parked as far as the eye could see, the show side of this industry was slicked up for everyone to see. Builds of all shapes, sizes, and colors were on the property but only a few could take home the prizes for the best of the best.
We weren’t the official judges of the event but we had a good eye on all of the builds involved and we wanted to do like we do every year and chose our favorites from the show. There wasn’t any criteria we went off of, we just looked for the standout builds that we knew you would enjoy as we did. So, let’s take a look.
All Blue Everything- Lorelle Hetrick’s 1993 Ram
I got lucky and found out that this truck was owned by a girl that I had already discussed doing a story on prior to the event and didn’t even realize I picked this truck to be in this Editor’s Choice! Miss Hetrick’s ’93 Ram has obviously undergone some serious repairs because it is in immaculate condition.
“This was a complete restoration that my dad and I did about two years ago,” Hetrick said. “The body was removed from the frame and we started from scratch. This is the original sheet metal and it came out of Nevada 11 years ago.” You can tell she’s passionate about the build because it was done within the family and who doesn’t love a good father-daughter project?
“I had a really great time at the Ultimate Callout Challenge. I had the chance to meet a lot of really cool people and it went a lot better than I expected it to. I ended up winning Best Dodge which is a huge accomplishment. I am lucky to be chosen because of the number of trucks that were in attendance.”
Going through a build like this takes a team and support. Hetrick gladly recognized everyone involved and thanked them accordingly. “Throughout all of this, I want to thank those involved. This includes Diesel Mafia, all of my friends for the support, and my parents.” Nice work, girl!
Ryan Batts’ LB7 Swapped Model A
Typically when you’re walking through a show area you see all kinds of builds. At UCC, that was no different but there was something pretty unique right up front and that was Ryan Batts’ chopped-down 1929 Ford Model A. This thing was radical looking and nearly stole my attention away from everything else for a moment.
When talking with Batts, he was excited to talk to us about this build coming out of Shreveport, Louisiana. This ’29 Model A has been chopped 4-inches and rides on four-link suspension with airbags. Other than that, what you see is what you get. On the nose, you’ll notice a little something that wasn’t there back in 1929 and that is an EFILive-equipped LB7 Duramax engine.
This 6.6-Liter engine has been outfitted with a set of stock over S475 compound turbos, custom calibrations by Top Notch Garage in Van, Texas, an Air-To-Water intercooler, and a 5-speed Allison transmission. One thing to note on this unit is the factory choke switch. This original piece has been taught new tricks because it now controls the DSP 5-switch for tuning. How cool is that?
“This little project wouldn’t be possible without the help of the guys over at Top Notch Garage. I’d like to thank them for all of this.”- Ryan Batts
We are excited that Batts brought this ride out to the show because it was definitely something we haven’t seen before.
Fummins The World- Hunter Clark’s ’79 Ford
As we started our exit of the Show-N-Shine arena, we couldn’t miss Hunter Clark’s monster Ford truck. This beautiful pearl-colored Ford stood high over the rest of the field and rode a big ol’ set of wheels and tires that made this truck look super aggressive. Little did we know, our pick to have this truck featured here paid off since Clark went on to win Best Of Show in the whole thing.
Afterward, we reached out to Clark about the build, and just as we expected, it is covered in aftermarket goodies. Cranking out somewhere around 750-horsepower, this old Ford has been depowered by a 12-valve Cummins engine and backed by a built 47RH transmission. Although the body is from 1979, the front and rear differential are actually out of a 2005-2016 Super Duty.
On the outside of the axles are a set of drilled and slotted rotors that are somewhat covered by the monster 24-inch by 14-inch Fuel Forged FF75 wheels. Clark, given his relationship with Nitto Tire, trusts a set of 375 Nitto Trail Grappler tires to get him to and from the show. Riding high, Pearl utilizes a combination of Clark & Smith Fab Suspension, Air Ride, and Fox 2.0 shocks.
With a set of compound turbos under the hood from Diesel Power Source, this big truck doesn’t struggle to get up to speed. With a truck that features this much aftermarket goodies, it has to have taken a while to get here. How does it feel to win one of the biggest shows in the country?
“Winning Best In Show, 1st Place at this show means so much to me. Clark & Smith Fab and I have put countless hours into this truck. Winning the award and knowing how people see the truck, getting that special recognition felt great,” Clark said. “It was definitely unexpected because there were literally so many trucks entered into this show. I’m used to much bigger shows where there are a lot crazier builds in attendance and they seem to always get the awards.”
Well, congratulations to you on your victory, sir. You have an outstanding truck and I think I can speak for everyone when I say it’s beautiful. Clark stated, “Thank you. I’d like to thank Clark & Smith Fab, Legendary Diesel, Nitto Tire, AccuAir Suspension, FASS Fuel Systems, AFT Parts, LMC Truck, Far From Stock Store, Runge’s Auto, and AMSOIL. AMSOIL, CJ, and the UCC Staff put on one hell of a show.”
Huge shoutout to all of the UCC Show-N-Shine competitors and we look forward to seeing what all you bring out next year. For those of you who follow this space, what kind of builds would you like to see? Let us know in the comments below. For more event coverage, stay tuned right here to Diesel Army. For more information about upcoming Ultimate Callout Challenge events, check out their website here.
