Terry & Sara Rose’s Show Stopping Squarebody GMC
By Rob Fortier & Terry Rose – Photography by John Jackson
As anyone who knows me knows, I’m quite the purveyor of the social medias … primarily the IGs. As such, I’ve been able to better immerse myself into all facets of our hobby—as well as crazy politics, human bloopers, and so forth—from the vast amounts of events across the country to the new products just hitting the market to the trucks and their builders/owners. Such was the case with Terry Rose.
Read More: Skillfully Refined: 1982 Custom K5 Blazer
I’ve watched Terry’s (@t.rose_twisted on Instagram) Squarebody GMC Jimmy come together since he first revealed the Rendered Rides digitally illustrated project back in January of 2021 (hell, I’m even using his Instagram for fact checking as I write this!). No newcomer to the classic truck hobby, Terry enlisted an A-list group of not only people but components to construct his, as he calls it, “slammed” vision of a modern/old-school build. With that, I’ll let Terry tell the tale of Twisted.
“This 1976 GMC Jimmy is rightfully name ‘TWISTED’ as the build was intended to be a twist of old-school looks with new-school chassis, powertrain, and ultra-luxury interior.
“On the exterior, Chris England Concepts perfectly worked the body to the new SPEC Series Roadster Shop chassis while reshaping the firewall, raising the trans tunnel, and raising the rear floor and wheel wells. All gaps have been fit and finished to ensure perfect body lines. We used new Auto Metal Direct panels for any rust removal and to ensure a super-flat surface. Chris laid the Axalta base color and several layers of clear and then cut and polished it to a mirror finish. The K5 top was also completely smoothed and painted to match the body. With all premium trim from Mar-K, one-off billet emblems and tailgate panel from One Ten Machining, billet mirrors from Ringbrothers, billet handles from GSI, and LED lighting throughout from United Pacific Car Parts the traditional look of the GMC Jimmy was brought up to modern standards with show-quality enhancements.
Read More: Best Of Both Worlds: LS Swapped ‘72 K5 Blazer
“In the engine bay, Chris shaped all-new sheet metal to form a one-of-a-kind look surrounding the Pace Performance Connect and Cruise LS3 crate engine. This includes a new firewall, radiator panel cover, and front wheel wells with pockets for the Ringbrothers billet hinges. Scott’s Hotrods brake fluid reservoirs reside in the upper cowl area that has been reshaped to eliminate the windshield wipers. The engine and transmission were painted a metallic charcoal and utilizes a hand-formed upper cover to tie in the engine bay lines. The engine was then dressed with a billet front runner and custom cut valve covers from Holley Performance. Lastly, we bolted on a set of show-quality headers from Ultimate Headers that flow through the Borla exhaust. All mechanical and plumbing, including wiring, brakes, fuel lines, and air ride, were all performed by Josh Wallace and Ty Lynch of Reviving Relics.
“For the interior, we wanted something unique that tied in the luxury feel and look in today’s higher-end car brands. This goal was expertly achieved and engineered by lead installer David Cruz of Mobile Toys Inc. (owned by Christerfer Pate). We took inspiration from Mercedes, Porsche, Bentley, GMC Hummer, and Rivian. The entire interior was designed in SolidWorks and then CNC cut using only composite materials. The dash is home to the Holley Performance 12.3-inch Pro Dash, the Linkswell 13.3-inch head unit, and the Vintage Air AC system, all surrounding a tilt Ididit steering column with a custom-finished Sparc Industries steering wheel. The console is perfectly positioned with the Lokar shifter, push-button start, and power window controls as well as hidden compartment for the air-ride controller, LED light switches, e-brake, and exhaust cutouts. Behind the front seats (from a Mercedes AMG) lies the power of the audio systems, with two Hybrid Audio amplifiers feeding the front three-way component speakers and the four 8-inch subwoofers, all from Hybrid Audio.
“The entire interior is finished in fine Relicate leathers in a rich dark brown and a deep red color, along with brown suede and cerakoted trims. The seat leathers feature both solid and perforated leathers in two colors to provide a unique look of texture and contrast.
Read More: Brownstone 2.0: Instagram Famous Square Body GMC Sierra
“The rear of the Jimmy features a carpeted floor that raises to have access to the AirLift system as well as the fuel cell and four XS Power batteries—all of which are mounted to the Slammed SPEC Roadster Shop chassis that rides on Forgiato wheels with NT555g2 Nitto tires, mounted over a set Pro+ 14-inch Baer brakes.”
After drooling over the progress of Twisted for nearly two years, I was finally able to see the final product in person at the 2022 SEMA Show where Terry and Sara had the stunning work of art on display in the United Pacific booth. Suffice it to say, I was not disappointed … nor were the thousands of others hoarded around it the entire week!
