96 Dually one of a kind!

1996 Chevrolet Dually

In May of 1995 Chris LeClair went to Hallman Chevrolet to order his 1996, white with blue interior, fully optioned 2 wheel drive crew cab pickup, complete with a Vortec 454 engine and automatic transmission.

Approximately two months and 400 miles later, Chris and his brother-in-law, Andrew Stephens, started cutting the cab and the bed. They stretched the truck 4 ½ feet (2 feet went to the extended cab and 2 ½ feet went to the already 8 foot bed). The truck is approximately 26 feet from front bumper to roll pan with a 217 inch wheel base. All of the parts are new GM parts.

Chris then added a power sun roof and power slider rear window. He then added Beltek drop spindles and a Beltek flip kit on the rear. The truck rides on a set of 16×6 Concept Neepers N8 wheels with raised white letter tires. To enhance performance, a Borla stainless steel exhaust was installed along with a programmable Hyperchip.

In order to keep use of the truck flexible, a fold down gooseneck hitch was countersunk in the bed, as well as a hideaway hitch behind the license plate in the roll pan.

To give the truck an even lower appearance, custom running boards were then added along with a custom front air dam which holds a pair of PIAA driving and projector lights. A complete strobe light system was concealed in the marker lights on all four corners.

The cab panels were foam filled for sound deadening and he installed an Eclipse sound processer for the tv / vcr surround sound. In the front doors, pods were built for two pair of 6 ½” Sound Stream Exact component sets. Under the front seats, pods were built for two 12” Sound Stream Exact subs. In the backs of the front seats, tweeters were installed. In the rear doors, 6 ½ “ Sound Stream Exact components replace the OEM speakers. Under the mid seat, an enclosure was built for two 12” Sound Stream Exact subs.                 

In the back of the mid-seat, tweeters were installed. Under the rear seat, an enclosure was built for two 12 inch Sound Stream exact subs. In the rear side panels, 6 ½” Sound Stream Exact component sets were placed in the factory speaker holes. Two 6 ½ Sound Stream Exact component sets are placed in the overhead console for the center channel. All of this is powered by 1000 watt amplifiers.

Then the problem started. He wanted all original GM parts, including interior pieces and cloth. 75% of all plastic interior pieces have been heated and reshaped to match the new contour of the interior. Interior carpet was re-molded as well as plastic panels. He even used original GM seats.

He custom built a center console which holds two radar detectors, mood lights, surround speakers, map lamps and a sunglass holder.

He then built a center console which houses CB, sound processor, CD game play station, TV/VCR, and mood lights and switch panel.

The windows were tinted, bed liner applied and purple cargo lamps were added to the bed. A custom tonneau cover was then added as a finishing touch.

Since the truck was anything but common, the paint had to be special too. Mark Willey was then brought in to perform his magic. Mid way through the graphics, Dupont released a new color shifting paint called Chromallusion and Chris had to have it. Once the graphics were done, the Chromallusion was applied and it all sits under 7 1’2 gallons of smooth as glass clear.

In 1999 the truck was purchased by Retired Federal Judge Robert M. Adams III, where it remained in his care for the next 21 years. Upon purchase, the odometer showed just over 14,000 miles. During his ownership, he added just 12,000 miles. I purchased it from his sons in June of 2021 with a total of 26,000 miles. Time and lack of use is never good for a vehicle. Since I purchased it, I have replaced the following: Dist. Cap, rotor, ignition wires, A/C compressor, A/C lines, receiver/dryer, 8 new fuel injectors and plenum gasket, 6 new tires, brakes, front and rear, grease seals, rear wheel cylinders, front sway bar bushings, axle gaskets, 1 new o2 sensor, new alternator, new wiper motor, blower motor.

The truck has a Viper alarm and remote start.

WHAT THE TRUCK NEEDS

Somewhere along the line, someone removed the original amplifiers and replaced them. They did not hook everything up correctly, and in my opinion, the sound system components need to be replaced with updated equipment. This is easily accomplished by any reputable stereo installer.

There is a bit of paint bubbling on the running boards as seen in the pictures, and a few dingles in the tailgate. I will include a quart of the basecoat, a quart of the Chromallusion and two quarts of clear and hardener. This paint cost me over $2,500 but I just have not had time to make the repairs. Easily handled by any competent body shop.

Please look at the photos carefully and call me Tom Limauro @ 203-915-3548 no later than 9pm Eastern time and I will answer any questions you may have. I have put approximately 6,000 miles on the truck and this past August took it on a 600 mile run and it ran flawlessly at 75 mph and gave me 12 mpg. You are welcome to come see it and drive it as I have nothing to hide and have disclosed all that I know.