Have you ever heard of the saying that sometimes a third time is a charm? That would be the case with this particular feature. In 2004, we ran across Shaun Rievley's 1990 Chevy 454 SS and we offered him a cover feature in exchange for his time. Before we could even finish explaining the shoot (time, places, etc.), Shaun had fired up his truck and was ready to go. It was obvious to us that Shaun was "born ready." We immediately double timed our way back to our vehicle, so we could meet Shaun at a nearby park where we planned to do the feature shoot. Then the unfortunate happened. Shaun's fan clutch went out. That was the first time.

The second time and third time are actually not far apart from each other since they happened just a day apart, but regardless it took two more tries before we could get this feature shot, edited, and ready for publishing on the web! The second time, we had a miscommunication and could not get together on Saturday at Slammin' & Jammin' 2005. With much anticipation we were told that Sunday would be good-to-go. At this point we were beginning to wonder, so we came up with a nick name for Shaun. "Mr. Cover." We liked it so much we decided to let it bleed over to the feature.

When Sunday came around, sure enough Shaun came through and we shot one of our best features! I guess good things come to those who wait. Regardless, finally we have the feature we have been wanting for a while and so we introduce "Mr. Cover."

One of the first things you will notice about Shaun's ride is that it is low. real low. Sudden pounding to mother earth is accomplished with an Air Ride suspension setup consisting of 2600lb Firestone bags, GL Extreme valves, nitrogen 6 gallon air tank, and a Viair 450 air compressor connected to ½ inch lines. To make sure no sun light whatsoever could be seen coming from the underside of this wicked hauler, Shaun performed a serious in-house body drop.

The adjustable stance was good-to-go, but being a true "chop shop" enthusiast, Shaun wanted to rid the 454 SS of its former self. To accomplish this, the stock front clip was sent to the scrap heap in exchange for a 2000 Caddy Escalade front clip conversion and the stock bumper was swapped for a 2000 GMC Sierra bumper. The large stock mirrors were replaced with Street Scene mirrors and the rest of the exterior was shaved, including: door handles, tailgate handle, and taillights. A steel smoothed roll pan was molded in place of the bulky stock bumper and received LED taillights. Topping off the bed is a Checkmate tonneau topper.

Once the Chevy metal had been massaged, bent, and pounded to perfection, it was time to drop off the truck at GRS Rod Shop in Lexington, Kentucky for some aesthetically appealing paint. Shaun decided to give his truck hot rod appeal with a mixture of flames and two-tone paint that reach from the exterior to the interior. The truck was painted in an ivory on black two-tone, and then the front received a set of burgundy flames that dance over the hood and down the sides of this wickedly low hauler. On the tailgate, a custom flame and Caddy emblem was painted as a reminder that this truck isn't as one may think when viewing it from the rear.

The custom paint also made its way into the engine compartment as well with various parts painted to match the exterior. Speaking of the engine, Shaun's engine was left primarily stock, other than Billet Specialty valve covers and K&N air filter, and for good reason. it is a 454 big block! Yep, we dare you to line up with him!

Moving to the inside, the interior also received plenty of extra treatment with a combo of exterior matching paint, burgundy tweed, various billet accessories, and custom gauges. The center console was removed for a custom fiberglass box that hold three Alpine Type R 10" subs that receive tunes from a Sony CD head unit.

The last thing on Shaun's hit list was a kewl set of custom hoops. After sifting through many magazines and several websites, Shaun picked out a set of 20 inch Eagle wheels with 245/35/20 rubber laying down the traction.

Sometimes "persistence is what keeps us" as once said by Rick Pitino (former University of Kentucky basketball coach), and we have to agree that in this case our persistence has paid off and on both ends. We didn't give up on "Mr. Cover" and he didn't give up on us! In the end we were able to tell you about a wicked hauler, albeit a year later, but in the world of custom autos anytime can be a good time specifically when it is a truck like Shaun's... hence it made it to the cover... "Mr. Cover" that is.