Hot Rod Bio: Willys Pickup Trophy Truck Hybrid at SEMA 2024 Featuring CVF Racing

A Build You Cannot Overlook
Walking SEMA 2024, this Willys pickup instantly stood out. It blends classic hot rod styling with off road trophy truck influence in a way you rarely see. Dane Bremer from CVF Racing caught up with owner Aaron and builders Cody and Chris to learn how this one of a kind truck came together.

The Meaning Behind ASI 9
The truck carries the name ASI 9, which started as a nickname. Early in the build, Aaron referred to it as Frankie, short for Frankenstein, because of how many different worlds it blended. As the project evolved, the builders started calling it a sight to see, which led to ASI 9. The name stuck and perfectly fits the truck’s presence.

Built From a Cab and a Vision
This build started with little more than a Willys cab placed on the shop floor. Tire placement came first, followed by wheelbase measurements, and the frame was built entirely from scratch around that layout. Nothing was available off the shelf for what Aaron wanted, so every major component was designed and fabricated specifically for this truck.

Heavy Duty Custom Suspension
The frame and suspension were built to handle serious abuse. The front uses custom fabricated axles with 1987 F250 two wheel drive outer knuckles, dual piston brakes, and heavy duty wheel bearings to support the massive tires. Both front and rear feature a two link suspension with airbags, with a panhard bar in the rear. Everything was designed using proper geometry rather than guesswork, resulting in smooth steering without power assist.

Simple by Design and Fully Manual
One of the most impressive aspects of the truck is its simplicity. There is no power steering and no power brakes. Everything is manual. The steering geometry was carefully calculated to ensure proper movement without binding, proving that simple does not mean crude when done correctly.

Big Block Chevy Power
Power comes from a Chevy Performance 502 crate engine topped with a Brodix tunnel ram and dual carburetors. The drivetrain stays mechanical and straightforward, backed by a T56 Magnum manual transmission and a 14 bolt rear end. The engine is rated at 550 horsepower, more than enough for a truck estimated around 3200 pounds.

CVF Racing Accessory Drive
Up front, the engine is finished with a CVF Racing accessory drive system. The setup keeps the front of the engine clean and functional, using a straight alternator drive without power steering to match the truck’s minimalist approach.

Purpose Built Interior
Inside, the interior follows the same simple and functional theme. Narrow seats were chosen to allow room for audio equipment behind them. The air suspension is controlled by four toggle valves for air in and air out, eliminating complexity and potential failure points. Willwood pedals and a manual clutch complete the driver focused setup.

Unique Materials and Finishing Touches
The flooring and interior panels are finished with a soft touch rubber decking material designed to look like wood. Supplied by a company out of British Columbia, the material adds durability while maintaining a clean, custom appearance. Stock style gauges will finish the dash, with custom panels replacing the factory glove boxes.

A Custom Bed Built to Match
The bed was heavily modified using original Willys bed sides, with the upper rails reshaped and reinforced for a flatter, cleaner profile. The steps, rear valance, and hidden chase light were all custom fabricated. An original Willys tailgate emblem was carefully removed from a donor tailgate and installed into a reproduction unit, preserving authentic details.

A True Crowd Magnet
Built by Hellbound Customs in Brooks, Alberta, this Willys pickup is a perfect example of creativity meeting craftsmanship. It draws a crowd everywhere it sits and proves that blending hot rod and off road design can work when executed with purpose.

To see the full walk around and hear the complete story behind ASI 9, watch the full video on the CVF Racing YouTube channel.