Avid readers in the custom truck scene have been picking up copies of Street Trucks Magazine since August 1999! With their focus on aftermarket modification featuring the hottest trends, vehicle upgrades and insider customizing tricks, this magazine has showcased the best of the best throughout the last 20 years!
We had a chance to get behind the scenes and interview Chris Hamilton, Street Truck Magazine’s Newest Editor-in-Chief for an exclusive look at how his journey began. Keep reading below to learn about his experiences in the world of publishing, what he thinks about the NEW VIAIR Gen. 2 compressors and upcoming projects for 2019!
How did you get started in the scene?
I started putting trucks on the ground beginning at age 16. I was in the truck club “Local Mini’s” which I created flyers for shows using Microsoft Paint. This passion, paired with the need to design and create better materials, was part of the reason I attended school for graphic design and web design. I got my first opportunity in the automotive industry starting off at Mud Life Magazine as an automotive based designer in the off road industry. Eventually, I took over as Editor in Chief and art director in charge of assembling the entire magazine for 4 years. This practice paved the way for my opportunity at Street Trucks Magazine.
What were your favorite builds growing up?
My first build was a 1985 s10 that I first lifted and then static drop lowered. After my truck phase, I explored the Honda scene with CCE hydraulics. This build included a sliding rag roof and featured the 1st set of 19” front wheel drive Boyd Coddingtons. Since then, I’ve built trucks for magazines that were bagged and huge off road and jeep vehicles for the cover of Mud Life. I am currently looking for my next SEMA 2019 project.
In your opinion, how do you compare the off road and air suspension scenes?
Although I wasn’t an off road guy to begin with, I realized these are the same guys as street truck scene. They are both gear heads, both DIY builders that enjoy comprehending how things are put together. Off road guys like to know all the details about builds – down to the grade of bolts they are putting in. Off road guys go out of their way to test products. They want to break stuff, while street truck drivers want to enjoy. Off road vehicles are mostly not made for driving on road and instead are more ‘toys’, whereas many street trucks are daily drivers.
What is your favorite part of publishing?
My favorite part of publishing would be showing the passion or story behind the build.
What are your goals for Street Trucks Magazine as the new Editor?
I want to take Street Trucks to the next level through digital content, web articles, social media, live stories from events, more web videos, and a podcast in the future that only talks about trucks. The goal is to interview manufactures, builders, owners and bring the passion into it.
What were your reactions to our New Gen. 2 compressors?
I was very impressed with the New Gen. 2 compressors! I think the improvement of the details like the sleek new head design and removable filter cap are notable. The Stealth Black compressor color is helpful for custom trunk setups and increased duty cycle improves performance.
We say VIAIR is the heart of any air suspension system, what do you think about that?
I think the new graphic you guys have released featuring “The Heart of Any Air Suspension System” is an excellent way to help people comprehend the system. It’s similar to the tech articles we feature in Street Trucks, making it easy to comprehend. This is how you take it apart; show them how the system works so they can decide how important compressor is.
Do you have any last words?
I would like to say on behalf of Street trucks, as a whole I was very impressed with VIAIR! It’s nice to see a company stick to an industry for 20 years and show the air suspension industry so well.
To kick off this special celebration, we invited two VIAIR equipped feature vehicles to be on site at our headquarters.
Edgar Hernandez, President and owner of Starlite Rod & Kustom, Inc. based out of the South Bay in Harbor City, CA is known for full-service customization and restoration of pre-1970’s, American-made cars. Edgar presented his kustom 1953 Chevy 3600 “El Durti Martini” equipped with dual VIAIR compressors to bring back the nostalgia of popular old school features. Since 2003, Starlite has been building everything from pro-touring pavement pounders to full dress tail draggers, specializing in design and installation of adjustable air ride.
Andy and Melissa Moehring of ///Relaxed Atmosphere featured “Shirley”, based out of Southern California, their daily driven 1995 Chevy Silverado tucking Mobsteel Smoothies is a smooth ride down by the beach. Featuring custom suspension by Accuair E-level running dual Stealth Black VIAIR 480’s, chassis work by Devious Customs, body work by The Rust Factory, paint by Kustoms Inc. and custom steering wheel by Concept 2 Reality. We recently noticed this classic clean trend is becoming more popular and look forward to seeing more in 2019.
Happy 20th Anniversary Street Trucks Magazine! We look forward to celebrating our two-decade milestones with our fans and customers in this upcoming issue!
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