1973 Chevy Crew Cab: Pre-Digital Cummins-Swapped Iron Built To Survive An EMP Attack

Kanan Gubins took a deliberate approach to building his 4×4. He says, “This 1973 Chevrolet Crew Cab Utility Long Bed was built with a clear mission: to create a rugged, EMP-resistant, mechanically simple diesel workhorse capable of long-range overland travel, real utility, and show-level presence.”

From 2WD To 4WD

This truck began life as a two-wheel-drive dualie. One of the key reasons he bought it was the existing 12-valve Cummins turbodiesel conversion, which offers simplicity, longevity, and EMP resilience. The swap relies partly on a Rob Bonney Fabrication crossmember and engine mounts. The engine, sourced from a 1993 Dodge truck, runs a Ratman Performance VE injection pump. Cooling is handled by a big-block Chevy-application radiator and fan shroud, while Trackspec Motorsports hood louvers pull heat out of the engine bay. Exhaust exits through a custom 4-inch-diameter system with a Black Widow Exhaust Big D muffler.

When Kanan bought the truck, the wiring was “horrible,” prompting a complete rewire using Painless Wiring components. Electrical upgrades also include four Odyssey batteries to ensure reliable power during extended off-grid use.

Behind the engine sits a Getrag 360 five-speed manual transmission with a South Bend Clutch kit. Power flows through a divorced NP205 two-speed transfer case and into a pair of Drivelines Inc. driveshafts.

Kingpin Dana 60 Up Front, AAM 11.5 Out Back

Kanan swapped in a GM kingpin Dana 60 and upgraded it with an Eaton Truetrac. Torq Motorsports components were used to fit 2001 to 2010 GM 2500HD-application disc brakes, and steering is handled by a WFO Concepts crossover kit. Out back is a disc brake equipped AAM 11.5-inch full-float axle sourced from a Duramax equipped GM truck. Like the front, it runs a Truetrac differential. Both axles are fit with Yukon Gear & Axle differential covers and 3.73:1 gearing.

Suspension Lift Makes Way For 37s

Up front, the suspension includes 6-inch lift Rough Country front leaf springs and V2 monotube shocks. Out back are 4-inch lift blocks, Bluetooth-controlled Rough Country air bags, and V2 shocks. The setup clears 37×13.50R20 Interco Manchester InterForce M/T tires mounted on 10-inch-wide Black Rhino Alpha wheels. The wheels are finished in blue to match the truck’s exterior paint.

Utility Body, Custom Paint, And Rhino Liner

Kanan paired the Crew Cab with a salvage yard-sourced utility body. Rubber moldings and interior pieces from LMC Truck help restore a factory-new appearance to the cab. Paint was applied by Mid Valley Auto Body. For protection, the utility bed, the lower half of the body, and the frame were Rhino Lined by Orange County O.C. Rhino.

Even More Modifications

Exterior upgrades include a Rough Country rooftop tent and 240-degree awning, plus a 13,500-pound-capacity Rough Country front winch and a 9,500-pound-capacity rear winch, both running synthetic rope. Supporting gear includes dual Rough Country air compressors, a custom Iron Bull front bumper, modified Rough Country power running boards, and custom door handles by VanNatta Fabrication.

The truck is also equipped with EMP Shield products for protection against EMP events, a Forever Sharp steering wheel, and custom EMP Cummins Edition badges by Razor Customs. BuiltRight Industries products are used throughout. Interior and utility upgrades include a custom interior by Auto Upholstery by AJ, a Rough Country refrigerator, power inverter, and tire carrier, Kelvin window glass, and Thunderbolt Locks antitheft deadbolts on the utility box doors.

Analog, No-Nonsense Approach

Kanan’s truck, which he calls Stigarado – EMP Edition, was on display at the 2025 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. He notes, “The truck stood out among modern builds for its analog, no-nonsense approach. While many vehicles rely heavily on electronics, this squarebody leans into mechanical durability and serviceability, making it equally suited for backcountry travel, emergency preparedness, or daily use.”

Photos by Kanan Gubins and Ken Brubaker