For our second Monster Garage episode, we sit down with Donavan Neely from Level 10 Industries, a guy who seems to specialize in projects that make normal people ask, “Why would you do that?”
His latest build starts with a 1953 Dodge military ambulance and a 1996 Cummins donor truck. From there, he shortened the wheelbase 16 inches, moved the engine and transmission back a foot, rebuilt the rear frame, and turned the whole thing into a diesel-powered backcountry travel rig that somehow still looks like it could have rolled out of the ’50s.
We also get into Donovan’s history building everything from custom wiring harnesses and FJ40s to limousines for Paul Allen, plus the lessons he’s learned about project cars: pick the right builder, have a reason for the build, understand that you’re probably never getting your money back, and sometimes the smartest thing a shop can tell you is “no.”
Oh, and somewhere along the way we start talking about Cummins-swapping a ’63 Cadillac. Because of course we do.
As always, don't just get there. Enjoy the drive.
The Avants Podcast is brought to you by our friends at STEK USA and Carter Seattle!
Not an Avants member? https://www.avants.com/member-plans
Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts!
Leave us a voicemail or send us a text any time at 425-298-7873!
We're doing give aways! Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and we'll pick a random name every 25th review!
