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Full Size Truckin General \ My SEMA Story.My SEMA Story.
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replies 39
following 37
AON-4PumpedCL
+1y
Some quick history behind my build: I have an Armada that I tore down 3 years ago that was supposed to be nothing more than a simple bag job on some 26's. As one thing led to another, my 'simple' concept was tossed out the door as I became more fascinated with complex suspension systems and incorporating hydraulics in a way that would help set the bar for my business, Hydroholics. I'm pretty stubborn about doing everything myself and have a tendency to analyze things a little too much, often making thing way more complicated than they should be.
Anyhow, fast forward a few years and my truck is finally back on the road...taken to a few out of state shows and the bugs were all worked out of the suspension. My friend Scott Harris (Innovated Creations and Design) takes it upon himself to give me a little 'push' to wrap up my truck by getting me a SEMA space with Beckett Media (Street Trucks). Scott landed me a ton of sponsors which I am so greatful for since he is so well connected with all the manufacturers. So, with the clock ticking away I was spending my nights and weekends doing my usual time consuming detail work that noone will even notice. I smoothed and bodyworked my entire rear frame, chromed nearly anything that could unbolt and had Jimmy for Airzona Artworx come to my house to prep and spray my entire rear frame in Galaxy black to match the truck. As I added further details, and more sponsors threw product at me, my build grew more complex each day. So, come Monday, October 25th I finally dropped my truck off at Airzona Artworks to have the door handles and rear hatch shaved and the truck re-sprayed. At that same time another SEMA project was dropped off in a state even worse than mine. I had a feeling that in order for BOTH my truck and this other one to be completed by the end of the week I would have to spending my nights helping get my truck done.
So here comes the reason for this posting. As it became apparent that myself and Jimmy needed help, Keith from No Regrets out of Tucson offered to come up and lend a helping hand. I had always known Keith, but he will now be held as a close friend and I'll never forget how he stepped up just to help. Keith stayed at the shop with Jimmy and worked Monday to Friday with NO sleep, 24 hour shifts. No to mention, Kurt from Autocore took time from his own SEMA rush and made my gas door function. Come Saturday, my truck was still disassembled... bodywork done, doors sprayed, truck sprayed, but needed to be cut and buffed and put back together. I needed help, but my stubborn personality didn't allow me to ask. Keith and my wife both took it upon themselves to spread the word with our friends that if my truck was going to SEMA, I needed assistance. Keith even offered a free paintjob to anyone that would show up to help! Needless to say word traveled fast and within a few hours Nic and Ryan from Perfect Poise (both painters by trade) showed up with buffers in hand ready to offer a hand along with one of their friends (can
Anyhow, fast forward a few years and my truck is finally back on the road...taken to a few out of state shows and the bugs were all worked out of the suspension. My friend Scott Harris (Innovated Creations and Design) takes it upon himself to give me a little 'push' to wrap up my truck by getting me a SEMA space with Beckett Media (Street Trucks). Scott landed me a ton of sponsors which I am so greatful for since he is so well connected with all the manufacturers. So, with the clock ticking away I was spending my nights and weekends doing my usual time consuming detail work that noone will even notice. I smoothed and bodyworked my entire rear frame, chromed nearly anything that could unbolt and had Jimmy for Airzona Artworx come to my house to prep and spray my entire rear frame in Galaxy black to match the truck. As I added further details, and more sponsors threw product at me, my build grew more complex each day. So, come Monday, October 25th I finally dropped my truck off at Airzona Artworks to have the door handles and rear hatch shaved and the truck re-sprayed. At that same time another SEMA project was dropped off in a state even worse than mine. I had a feeling that in order for BOTH my truck and this other one to be completed by the end of the week I would have to spending my nights helping get my truck done.
So here comes the reason for this posting. As it became apparent that myself and Jimmy needed help, Keith from No Regrets out of Tucson offered to come up and lend a helping hand. I had always known Keith, but he will now be held as a close friend and I'll never forget how he stepped up just to help. Keith stayed at the shop with Jimmy and worked Monday to Friday with NO sleep, 24 hour shifts. No to mention, Kurt from Autocore took time from his own SEMA rush and made my gas door function. Come Saturday, my truck was still disassembled... bodywork done, doors sprayed, truck sprayed, but needed to be cut and buffed and put back together. I needed help, but my stubborn personality didn't allow me to ask. Keith and my wife both took it upon themselves to spread the word with our friends that if my truck was going to SEMA, I needed assistance. Keith even offered a free paintjob to anyone that would show up to help! Needless to say word traveled fast and within a few hours Nic and Ryan from Perfect Poise (both painters by trade) showed up with buffers in hand ready to offer a hand along with one of their friends (can
solefood21
+1y
Badass indeed! It's the help of the people and enthusiasts that keep us going and excited about big builds. When it comes to the camaraderie of pulling together to accomplish a seemingly impossible task like what you just mentioned, that just makes for more memories...
BTW, MORE PICS!!!
BTW, MORE PICS!!!
john trevino
+1y
AARON
YOU ARE WELCOME AND ITS ONLY BECAUSE OF MUCH YOU HAVE DONE FOR EVERYBODY ELSE AND HOW NICE OF A GUY YOU HAVE BEEN THAT MADE IT EASY TO HELP YOU. CONGRATS AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT IN PERSON IN THE SUN LIGHT.
YOU ARE WELCOME AND ITS ONLY BECAUSE OF MUCH YOU HAVE DONE FOR EVERYBODY ELSE AND HOW NICE OF A GUY YOU HAVE BEEN THAT MADE IT EASY TO HELP YOU. CONGRATS AND I CANT WAIT TO SEE IT IN PERSON IN THE SUN LIGHT.
ibdraggin
+1y
Truck looks badass. cant wait to see it in person in a couple days. And thats exactly why I love the scene/community.
Bentlay
+1y
Aaron, you are one hell of a guy, and its great to see how the Armada turned out.
Glad to hear you made it there in one piece. Now go and get some sleep and relax with the family.
And next year, lets assemble Saturday day, not night! :)
Glad to hear you made it there in one piece. Now go and get some sleep and relax with the family.
And next year, lets assemble Saturday day, not night! :)
Dejavu
+1y
great story man! very awesome to hear about awesome friends and your awesome wife. congrats on getting it done... it looks great!
Ray_Ray
+1y
Awesome story man. Congrats on having some great friends and family and congrats on the build. Looks Killer!!!