It’s big. It’s mean. It’s got a paint job that costs more than some cars. And it’s all a labor of love that has this customizer from Harford County imagining new ways to make his 2006 Dodge Ram stand out, even as it stands over the competition.
Dan Ricks, 28, from Abingdon, may spend his days as an emergency technician answering rescue calls in service of his community, but when it’s time to answer his own inner child, Dan never slows down, trading one set of wheels for another.
“Every kid grows up playing with Matchbox cars,” said Ricks. “I’m turning my dream into reality.”
In a class of vehicles dominated by off-road trucks and jeeps, Ricks’ show truck combines all the theory of the rough-and-tumble outdoors with the manners and refinery of the showroom floor.
Ricks is a member of Vivid Images car club from Baltimore and his current project, a 2006 Dodge Ram, is actually the third vehicle he has customized. Running side by side with fellow club member James Dark, who owns a 1999 Dodge Dakota Sport 4×4, the friendly competition helps him to fire on all cylinders when cooking up his next modification.
The Ram features a custom paint job separated by a stream of tribal pinstriping. Featuring prominently in the design is one very ghoulish figure.
“The mural is a skeleton firefighter. I am also a firefighter,” said Ricks. “I liked it for two reasons. Number one, it’s not your typical picture that comes to mind when you think of a firefighter. And secondly, something my dad used to tell me was firefighters never really die.”
Ricks has faced a few challenges during the build, which included the mural painted on the hood. At the Ram’s current ride height, the only ones who would by able to view the mural were those with portable step ladders or flying fowl. Ricks knew the only solution was a reversible hood that could prop at a 90-degree angle.
“There are a few aftermarket kits out there, but none that would work on the Ram, since the grille is attached to the hood,” said Ricks. “So a reinforced frame was built on the underside of the hood.”
Ricks said that the benefit of owning a truck is that very few people are modifying them with car show competitions in mind, although just one truck boasting sensational modifications throws off the bell curve. Instead of waiting for him to arrive, Ricks hopes to be that guy.
What do you drive?
A 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 quad cab 4×4.
And why do you drive it?
It’s different. These days everyone is hooking up Civics, Evos and Mustangs.
What makes this truck so special?
I’d have to say all the friends that I’ve made while modding it and going to shows. To me, that’s better than anything on the truck.
What is your most memorable driving experience?
Last fall … driving to the All Truck Nationals in Epping, N.H. Great drive, great time, with great friends.
What was the first car you owned?
A 1996 Geo Tracker
What’s currently in your CD player?
Linkin Park … “Minutes to Midnight”
And your first ticket? What was it for?
Speeding. It was actually on my last day of high school.
Check Out My Stats:
- Engine: 4.7-liter V-8
- Paint: Custom painted true flames
- Performance: AEM Brute Force cold air intake, Flow Master Super 40 series muffler into Gibson Super Truck side exit exhaust with 3-inch QTP electric cutout
- Interior: custom interior accents, US Speedo bezel, red/black seat covers, tinted windows
- Suspension: 3-inch body lift, 2.5-inch front leveling kit
- Wheels: ProComp 20×9.5 chrome wheels 6089 series, 36.5×12.50×20 BF Goodrich KM2 tires
