Pickup trucks have always been a staple for racers, an essential piece of equipment to haul the race car and parts to the track. We thought we'd go one step further, however, and transform a truck into the envy of any pit road. The result is the Dodge Mobile Garage.
Dodge provided Stock Car Racing with a Patriot Blue RAM 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 equipped with the trailer tow group package, a four-speed automatic transmission, anti-slip rearend, and a Magnum 5.9L V-8.
Next, it was time to customize. We decided to make the most of the truck bed by building locking storage into the outside walls and keeping the bed clear for larger items. Then the truck went to Superior Paint & Body in Charlotte, North Carolina, where it was given a checkered-flag motif. Charlotte-area airbrush wizard Mark Kerttula of Kerttula Creations added the RAM logo on the hood and tailgate. It's easy to spot us in the pit area with our graphics.
Before we knew it, the truck was finished except for packing it with key pit equipment such as a generator, welder, toolbox and spotlight. A slide-outplatform in the bed was added to help quickly get the truck ready for action.
Now, we're loaded up with gear and ready to go to the track! Let's go racing!
Tape outlined the panel area...
Tape outlined the panel area to be cut out to create lockable storage compartments on the outside of the truck bed.
Next, it was time to cut along...
Next, it was time to cut along the lines to create the opening for the storage areas.
Sheetmetal was used to box-in...
Sheetmetal was used to box-in the inside of the storage areas, and heavy-duty hinges were added for the storage doors.
The Dodge Ram 1500 sits in...
The Dodge Ram 1500 sits in the paint booth where it was given a race-ready attitude.
Mark Kerttula of Kerttula...
Mark Kerttula of Kerttula Creationsairbrushes the Dodge Ram logo on the hood. He detailed a smaller version of the logo on the tailgate, just so we can easily find our Dodge Mobile Garage in the pit area.