This F-450 Platinum From Showtime Metal Works is Clearly Above the Rest

How else would a suspension and bumper fabrication shop show off its wares than with an incredible Super Duty build?

By Brett Foote - October 23, 2017
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1. A Cut Above
1 / 7
2. Humble Beginnings
2 / 7
3. Keeping It In-House
3 / 7
4. Serious Underpinnings
4 / 7
5. Drivetrain
5 / 7
6. Creature Comforts
6 / 7
7. Looks That Aren't Deceiving
7 / 7

1. A Cut Above

When you own and operate one of the best suspension and bumper fabrication companies in the business, you don't exactly tool around in some kind of stock truck. Nope... you go big - real big. With something like this big boy approved incredible custom F-450 Super Duty. Which is exactly what the co-owners of Taylor, Texas-based Showtime Metal Works, Dustin and Brandon Naviar, chose for as a platform of showing off their work. The result is downright amazing and more than worthy of a feature in Truck Trend.

>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

2. Humble Beginnings

The Naviar brothers originally began their foray into the vehicle customization business by tinkering around on their own trucks. It wasn't long before folks began to notice and appreciate their unique work and started asking if the duo could help transform their trucks as well. Those humble beginnings have led to tremendous success, all of which culminates with this 2015 F-450 Platinum, which has received the full Naviar treatment.

>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

3. Keeping It In-House

The base for the build starts, appropriately, underneath. The stock Ford suspension is long gone, replaced by a host of custom and aftermarket components. Which, of course, showcases plenty of Showtime bits. Those include an 18-inch four link up front, a custom fabricated transmission crossmember, and a four-link adjustable air suspension and reservoir clamps out back.


>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

4. Serious Underpinnings

A number of other components join those STMW parts to form one impressive suspension. King dual-rate coilovers with 16-inches of travel sit up front, and the rears feature a full 14-inches of travel. In the front, you'll also find dual 2 1/2-inch King steering stabilizers and custom draglink and panhard bars. Out back, Firestone airbags are powered by Viair 480 compressors and a 5-gallon air tank. All of which is powder coated in either Prismatic Crushed Silver, Black Metallic, or Peeka Blue for a showstopping look.


>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

5. Drivetrain

Under the hood, you'll find an old reliable 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel. But it's been fortified with custom intake and intercooler piping fashioned by Barret Wygant and treated to a few coats of Prismatic Powders Peeka Blue. A trusty 6-speed automatic transmission handles shifts and sends power back to an equally trusty S110 rear axle stuffed with 4.30:1 gears.


>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

6. Creature Comforts

It's not like the F-450 Platinum needs any help on the inside, but you'll find a few custom touches in this luxurious hauler nonetheless. The factory leather has been replaced with soft Roadwire hide, then custom stitched in a blue diamond pattern. Grey/silver suede inserts add a splash of color and comfort, and new Wet Sounds speakers help out with the tunes.

>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

7. Looks That Aren't Deceiving

On the outside, Naviar decided to keep the rather attractive Ford Ingot Silver Metallic paint, even color matching the bed and tailgate caps. But the fender badges, tailgate emblem, and front grille are all custom milled STMW parts. The factory mirrors were then smoothed out and painted body color for a unique look. Finishing things off is a set of massive rolling stock consisting of 24x14 American Force Realm wheels wrapped in 40x15.50R24 Nitto Trail Grappler tires. The result? A truck that is, literally and figuratively, a cut above the competition.


>>Join the conversation about this Platinum F-450 Super Duty right here in Ford-trucks.com.

For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section right here in the forum.


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