SEMA Display Frame-Off Built GMC Jimmy Upgraded 5.3L EFI V8 Automatic A/C

A Squarebody Jimmy already has character baked into the sheetmetal, but this one takes that foundation and rebuilds it with intention. What started as a High Sierra has been transformed into a low-slung, fuel-injected, plaid-lined cruiser that carries real show pedigree. It appeared at the 2017 SEMA Show, earned a Golden Ticket invite to the Optima Invitational, and later showed at Dino's Get Down. The build blends period style with modern drivability, and every choice feels deliberate. It looks right, sits right, sounds right, and behaves like a truck that was built with a clear purpose.

The exterior wears PPG Buckskin Tan with multitone Desert Fox-inspired striping created by Low Sierra. The finish is clean, glossy, and uniform across the panels. The removable top is finished in tan spray-on liner that ties cleanly into the rest of the truck's color palette. Brightwork, glass, lights, and trim all present well. The static drop hits the sweet spot, low enough to look mean without crossing into parody. The 20" US Mags Scottsdale wheels keep the classic rally energy, stretched to modern size with polished lips and silver powdercoated centers. It is cohesive from every angle and looks like a factory concept that slipped through a time warp.

Power comes from a fuel-injected 5.3L Vortec V8 fitted with a Brian Tooley Stage 3 cam and matching springs. It pulls hard and gives the truck the kind of attitude you can hear even at idle. Induction runs through an ICT intake manifold, and exhaust exits through Speed Engineering long-tube headers, dual pipes, Flowmaster 40 Series mufflers, and electronic cutouts for instant decibel control. Cooling, wiring, accessories, and fans are updated to modern spec. A 4L60E 4-speed automatic with a performance shift kit handles the gears, sending power to a 12-bolt rear axle loaded with an Auburn limited-slip differential and 4.10 gears.

The chassis is far beyond the typical lowered Squarebody setup. The frame is C-notched and reinforced. Up front sit Porterbuilt control arms with Belltech springs and Ridetech shocks. Out back are Ridetech springs, a Ridetech MuscleBar, and matching shocks. Power Stop hardware handles braking at all four corners. The stance stays level, the ride is controlled, and the truck feels planted. The wheels wear Toyo Proxes STs, 275mm up front and a serious 315mm out back.

Inside, the desert theme carries straight through the cabin. The Highlander-style front buckets and rear bench wear custom orange plaid with tan vinyl that looks straight out of 1979. Door panels and carpets match the palette. A period-style center console adds storage, cupholders, and the hidden switch for the cutouts. The Dakota Digital Syndicate Series gauges preserve the factory look while giving you a modern digital brain for fuel, temp, voltage, and other functions. The radio keeps the GMC face but feeds a modern Retrosound unit tied to Kicker speakers. Air conditioning blows cold and everything inside feels tight and intentional.

This Jimmy is more than a pretty Squarebody with plaid seats. It is a proven show build with real pedigree, a modern LS drivetrain, sorted suspension, cold air conditioning, and the visual punch of a high-end retro theme that is bright, bold, and unapologetically fun. It captures the era without feeling stuck in it, and it drives like something you want to take everywhere instead of just hiding in a garage. It is style and substance in equal measure, and that balance is what makes it stand out.

Key Highlights

* Full custom restoration
* Desert Fox-inspired livery
* LS-based 5.3L Vortec V8
* 4L60E 4-speed automatic transmission
* 12-bolt rear axle with 4.10 gearing
* Auburn limited-slip differential
* Brian Tooley Stage 3 camshaft
* ICT billet intake manifold
* Electronic exhaust cuouts
* 20" US Mags Scottsdale wheels
* Toyo Proxes ST tires (275mm front, 315mm rear)
* C-notched and reinforced frame
* Porterbuilt control arms
* Ridetech shocks
* Belltech springs
* Power brakes with front discs
* Power steering
* Modern air conditioning
* Removable hardtop
* Dakota Digital gauges
* RetroSound audio (AM/FM/Aux)