Franklin Resident Builds Custom 1985 Chevrolet K20
A local automotive enthusiast transforms a vintage truck into a custom showpiece for display.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Trucks
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Franklin resident Josh Anderson has completed a frame-up transformation of a 1985 Chevrolet K20 Scottsdale. The custom-built truck is designed specifically for car show display and honors the owner's 1990s high school years.
Why it matters
Custom vehicle projects represent a significant investment of time and mechanical effort for automotive hobbyists. This build highlights the specialized engineering required to modify vintage heavy-duty trucks for aesthetic exhibition.
The truck features massive 44-inch Super Swamper Bogger tires on 15-by-15-inch steel wheels. The modification includes a 12-inch suspension lift and a 3-inch body lift, supported by a 385-cubic-inch small-block stroker V8 engine.
The players
Josh Anderson
A Franklin resident and automotive enthusiast who performed the frame-up transformation on his vintage pickup.
Chevrolet
An American automotive manufacturer known for its long history of heavy-duty trucks including the C/K series.
The details
The transformation required a comprehensive mechanical overhaul involving revised shock mounts, dual steering stabilizers, and transfer case drops to accommodate the increased ride height. Anderson completed the frame-up bodywork and suspension installation over a four-month period. Despite the high-clearance modifications, the vehicle is built as a show truck and is not driven off-road.
Timeline
1973: Production begins for the third-generation Chevrolet C/K series.
1985: Original manufacturing year of the Chevrolet K20 Scottsdale.
2026: Feature article publication detailing the vehicle's restoration.
The Home Front
The 1985 Chevrolet K20 is a notable example of the third-generation Chevrolet C/K series that has become a fixture in the enthusiast restoration market. Collectors continue to favor these models for their accessible mechanical architecture and iconic factory design aesthetics.
Owners undertaking similar frame-up restorations should ensure all suspension and steering modifications are inspected by a licensed professional to verify road safety. Regularly audit your project timeline and documentation to manage the physical and financial scope of your garage work.
The takeaway
Large-scale vehicle projects require a dedicated plan to balance aesthetic modifications with functional engineering. Keep a detailed log of all suspension and engine changes to maintain the vehicle’s long-term mechanical reliability.
Further reading
For more on local vehicle modifications, visit our section on Trucks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Autoevolution.
Live Poll
Do you prefer modified trucks for their visual style or for their original off-road utility?
