Even with back-breaking jobs and full-time family duties, Team Billet truck guys like Ruben Tovar from Oklahoma City still find the time to build super custom street machines to enjoy during their remaining free time.
As most of you know, even when your truck is in the shop with a professional crew of metal workers, it’s still in the back of your mind pretty much all day long. In the high-stakes profession of oil-field workers, Ruben has to block all that out or big mistakes can happen really quick. Luckily, he knows the support from his wife, family and friends is always available if he ever needs it. With that in mind, Ruben had no problem dropping his project off at Innovation by Design in Yukon, Oklahoma, led by owner and operator Travis Vaughan.
Picture this: 24×15-inch polished Intro Billets and QA1 coilovers on a midnight-black ’93 Ford Lightning. Bet you never thought you would hear those specs, did you? When you make the right cuts and place the right calls, teamwork can make pretty much anything happen. With the measurements made and the parts order placed, Travis assured the proud parent that his Ford was in good hands while they waited for delivery trucks to arrive.
The companies involved were Moser for the rear axle, Belltech for the front spring, QA1 for the rear coilovers and DJM for the front Dream Beam kit. A 3-link panhard bar was also added to the rear end to keep the axle centered and solid. With an 11-inch rear backspacing, the Intro Torino Wheels look insane tucked under the 25-year-old bedsides while wrapped in 405-25-24 Pirelli Pzero Nero tires. A 24×9-inch rim fills the front fender well perfectly with no rubbing or rock chips. Custom rear tubs keep the bed clean and dimple dies give it a bit of extra flare.
Ford’s original 5.8L, 351 cubic inch Windsor engine remains in the engine bay with a few modifications to give it a little extra strength. An upgraded ignition system from Ford Performance along with a complete stainless-steel cat-back exhaust from Bassani are just a few of the motor mods. A smooth sound and a side exit tips are fine for now, but Ruben’s short-term goal is to swap out this powerplant with a newer 5.0L Coyote motor and possibly a turbo or two. Along with the engine upgrade will be a set of Wilwood brakes which should be a standard combination in every engine-swapped build.
Ruben is a hard-working family man and a hardcore truck junkie just like you and me. His extreme positivity during the build combined with a little patience and a lot of money made for a beautiful ride, and we can’t wait to see where it goes from here. Check out this truck in person at shows around the country including LST and Slamboree or follow him online for the latest updates.
