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  Well, we are here, this true 1of1 as The World's First Modern-Day Single Cab Short bed Stepside that we call "The Lil' Devil" all complete. This was a project, to say the least. All starting 2 years ago with the idea to build something that had never been built before and be able to really leave a footprint in the history of building custom cars. Changing the way building cars is looked this day and age. The owner of McDormand's Hot Mods (Derek McDormand) decided to build this truck.

 

  Having been a Mopar fanatic even as a young boy, he was always keeping up with the "new" going on in the automotive industry. Having his knowledge for the industry, huge passion for building custom cars, along with the example Dodge has lead. Derek set out to build this completely custom 40th-anniversary tribute! When the idea came about, the thought of an original 1978 Dodge Midnite Express had been long forgotten about by most. Or was overshadowed by its brother the little Red. Even today if you asked someone if they know what a midnight express is, most say "no" or have no clue what that is. It has been 40 years since the original Midnight roamed the streets. Until now! 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the original 1978 Midnight Express. This iconic truck has been brought back and built as a modern-day version, represented in what is today's standards.

    

  McDormand's Hot Mods is in the early stages of a growing business and currently run by a one-man crew. Bringing this build from idea to reality is absolutely an extreme undertaking for a single person, not having any sponsoring or a bunch to invest into something of this caliber. The entire truck has been built with Derek's own 2 hands including every part & accessories. Building it into something made to be driven, rather a show car. Wanting to keep it as close to the original as possible yet giving it a modern-day twist made this build much harder than any ordinary restoration.  As your taking a very distinctive truck, modernizing it, yet keeping its key features so people will recognize what it is. Countless man-hours have gone into this build! Between designing, mock-ups, custom-designed features, customized parts, bodywork & paint.

 

The original having key features we wanted to keep true to the build. Well adding modern touches to really bring this truck back within today's standards. Not having any blueprint to go by, or references to look at. This truck had to be completely custom fabricated! It's been rebuilt with our custom front and rear lowering kit, reinforced frame, & completely customized the bed for that exact fit!

 

With key features in mind, while keeping the lines as clean as possible, most of the beds' key elements were relocated to the inside. The original hardwood was featured on the outside of the rear fenders, wood planks inside the bed floor & a signature outer tailgate accent. We completely relocated all of the wood to the inside of the bed. For a modern look, we used a whole sheet of wood on the bed floor, with a customized signature tailgate insert. That we have put our touch of color on and have fitted perfectly.

   

   Originally the ‘78 was built with chrome big rigs like stacks that were located behind the cab of the truck & driver side having an exposed filler neck and gas cap. Keeping the body lines clean, with the modern theme. The stacks have been modified in the same location but built coming up out of the bed flairs. Custom built to look sleek, built with hidden mounts and brackets. Also giving it the horn-like featured angle cut. The filler neck was also kept in its location but moved to the inside truck bed fit to the bed insert.

    

  Giving a more modern appeal with one of our custom lip kits. That has been hand sanded to have the same horn-like feature as the stacks and equipped with a set of our own aluminum adjusters. Something not like any on the market today! The wing was also handmade to fit the custom size of the bed. Along with the custom hood pin kit we wanted to keep in the best location, so we made custom relocating brackets to fit the existing core support, as well as our inducted hood. Cleaning up the running lights with customized flush mount covers!

    

Even the paint on them is a completely custom mix. Today it seems everyone has a black truck either gloss or flat. In knowing that we wanted to do something new! Our paint is based off a flat single base, yet has been custom mixed in house to create the color that we have named Black suede. Mixing a brand new color black along with certain additives. We were able to create an illusion of blushing (depending on the angle you look from) giving the same look as suede when it is rubbed back. Finishing off with the Mopar iconic rear stripe that was branded with the MHM logo!

    

   This was built with the intent of bringing back the original muscle truck. Considered the rarest truck and the fastest of its time. The OG of street performance trucks. I wanted to show as much respect and appreciation to the original as possible, well bringing this truck back in a modern version. When you are just starting out in the custom industry those are some big shoes to fill. Putting this build-out in front of the world to see, in the hope the public loves it as we do! We still have a couple tricks up our sleeve, but for the most part, have to the potential for the world to see.

   

   This is a True 1of1! A great way for McDormand's Hot Mods to bring something to the next level & stamp their name in the industry!  Being the first to bring back the rarest muscle truck, in a modern version. We greatly appreciate everyone's support and appreciation.

 

 

To stay updated on the progress of our builds, and to see the new products you can check us out on Facebook & follow us on Instagram, @mcdormandshotmods

 

Lots more to come, so be sure to check back to our site!!!

                        

Thank You from our family

McDormand Hot Mods

 

 

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