The GMC Sierra sets itself up as a bold and dominant truck in the market. It has great features and capability which is why it broke into the top performing group of trucks. We planned on improving this GMC to give it a renewed appeal, and even more command over the road.
This 2021 GMC Sierra has a fresh new exterior and interior styling being completely de-chromed among other mods and upgrades. Apart from the looks we upped its off-road game by swapping out the tires and raising its ground clearance. A blend of protection, customization, and practical accessories is what makes a solid build like this one.
| PART LIST | |
|---|---|
| 2-Inch Wheel Spacers | RC Vertex 6-Inch Lift Kit |
| Custom GMC Emblem | GM Blackout replacement Emblems |
| 3M Premium Window Tint | Genuine GM Assist Steps |
| Painted Calipers | Katzkin Leather Interior |
| Powdercoat Wheels | 20″ Hankook Dynapro XT Tires |
Quality Leather Interior
In the interior of this truck we decided to give the upholstery an upgrade. Katzkin premium leather seating is where we go for a ton of great options that fit plenty of different vehicle models. The type of leather seating we chose was full black with diamond patterning and light gray stitching to match the exterior paint.
Some people try to hide the fact that you don’t have to drop tons of cash for a higher trim level when all you want is leather seating. The custom GMC we worked on was an Elevation trim level, and to get to the SLT trim level that offers leather is a $4,000 difference. If all you wanted was leather interior then you can save money by getting it aftermarket. Doing this can also raise some of the value in your car as well.
If you decide on getting leather seats make sure you find a preferred Katzkin installer for a proper installation. We offer factory match, or custom leather seating from Katzkin and Alea, so you’re more than likely to find something to fit your ride at a shop like ours.
6-Inch Lift Kit
Lift kits are one of the main accessories people look at for improving their trucks. They create a larger look and help with off-road capability by raising the ground clearance. On this build we installed a Vertex 6-inch lift kit that we got from Rough Country. Big tie rods and the increase in space from this lift allow for larger tires which can further off-road use.
With this lift there is also a set of Vertex Reservoir shocks that create better handling in rough environments with 8 settings/modes to change between. The Vertex shocks are constructed with stainless steel to provide durability, corrosion resistance, and superior ride quality! With all that added flexibility this Sierra is going to have a much smoother ride quality and handling.
Off-Road Tires
After the lift was installed we turned our focus toward which off-road tires we wanted. Our decision was to change the base tires to some 35″ Toyo Open Country A/T III tires. These Open Country tires offer some of the best balance between fuel consumption, traction, and durability which are all important to consider. Swapping the tires then gave this custom 2021 Sierra a better look along with improved functioning in rugged terrain.
Wheel Spacers
To give this GMC Sierra more visual impact we hooked up a set of 2-inch wheel spacers from Rough Country. Wheel spacers are metal discs that push the wheels further out from the body of the truck and allow for better handling. This better handling is a result of the trucks wider stance since there is more stability with a slight cost to turn radius. Using spacers to enhance the trucks perceived size and handling is again great for appeal and practical use.
Running Boards
Once the upgrades to the wheels and lift were done the height of the truck was much taller. This meant running boards or side steps were a good accessory to add since not everyone entering and exiting your vehicle would be tall enough to do so with ease. Side steps add to the look of your vehicle, and they aid everyone’s mobility around your truck. Which is why we attached a pair of genuine GM assist steps.
You might think that’s about all side steps are good for, in which case you’d be wrong. They also provide a place to scrape off dirt, snow, and mud before entering the vehicle which helps keep your interior clean. Additionally side steps lend a hand by boosting you upward to adjust anything secured on the roof too. Certain assist steps can even act a nerf bars protecting the under side of your truck from jagged rocks or objects that are flung up while driving.
Chrome Delete Accents
To further transform the exterior we worked on a chrome delete for all the accents around the car. The chrome delete process involves removing each piece and painting them black before reinstalling. This kind of blackout trim can also be accomplished with a black vinyl wrap or replacement parts. Still paint is in the middle as far as price and good quality.
For this blackout GMC Sierra areas such as the grille, fender vents, and lettering were all painted gloss black. Having an all black chrome delete on this truck gives it a new look that makes it feel more professional and stern. Chrome delete GMC Sierras are not a very common sight, so this truck quickly becomes a standout on the road.
Custom GMC Emblems
Now that this Sierra has new blackout trim the old GMC emblems feel out of place with their chrome outline. At this point we chose to paint those edges making these custom GMC emblems & badges to erase the last bit of chrome. In most our builds we likely would have blacked out the entire emblem, but for this on we left the red since we would have a few accent pieces that could tie it in to the color scheme.
Window Tint
With the addition of all this black trim we thought we’d give this custom Sierra Elevation a touch more darkness with a window tint. Darkening your windows with a tinted film has surprising benefits like protecting your interior, your valuables, and most importantly you from the sun’s harsh rays. Of course having darker windows can also provide privacy and give the vehicle a more menacing appearance.
In our shop we use high quality 3M Premium FX tint film amongst other options. For this truck we applied a 35% tint on the front windows leaving the back windows at their factory shade. Rear windows are usually darker when they leave factory and don’t always require an additional tint.
When you go to select your tint you need to keep in mind your local laws so that you don’t get ticketed. We always recommend a professional install for this modification. Poor tint jobs will bubble and discolor over time. Make sure your window tint installer has a good warranty to protect your investment!
Powder Coated Wheels
Wheels are great spot to personalize your vehicle and good way to protect and style them is with a black powder coat finish. While you can always look into awesome new wheel designs, they can get pricey and may not be the right option for your build. Powder coat finishes are a perfect modification for both protection and appeal since wheels face a lot of attention and debris while on the road.
These finishes are fully customizable to a large variety of colors giving tons of design freedom. The other big bonus is that the coating acts as a tough protective barrier that guards the wheels during their time in use. To polish off the wheels a collection of locking black lug nuts hold them on. With the black powder coat wheels the dark accents on this chrome delete GMC Sierra are finally complete.
Painted Calipers
The red GMC emblem that we left corresponds to the final modification of painted calipers. Right behind the wheels of this decked out GMC are a set of sneaky racing red calipers. Painted calipers are a great way to improve the appearance of your ride without shelling out hundreds for upgraded calipers or even the cheaper ones that need to be swapped.
Your calipers are a part like your wheels that take a great deal of damage, so it’s necessary to go with a paint that can handle that. Heat, debris, road grime, and chemicals should be considered (benefits you won’t find with a normal rattle can job). Above all else painting the calipers helps to prevent corrosion which keeps them looking good for the long road ahead.
Looking to customize your GMC Sierra? We offer aftermarket accessories internationally and services across the contiguous U.S. to help you get your car exactly how you want it.
Reach out if you’d like a quote for your custom vehicle build!
