1989 GMC S-15

“Becky”

The 1989 GMC S-15: Martin Sleeper’s Minitruck Masterpiece

Martin Sleeper’s 1989 GMC S-15, lovingly named “Becky” after the song by Plies, is a sight to behold. Originally built by Joey Criswell in 2005, Sleeper bought the truck in 2010 and has been rebuilding it to perfection ever since. This latest rebuild, completed in June 2020, took him eight months and cost him upwards of $30,000. But for Sleeper, a mechanic of over 15 years, his passion for building cars and trucks runs deep.

The inspiration for Becky comes from minitruck and low rider magazines Sleeper grew up reading. He drew inspiration from trucks built by Nick McDonald, Kyle Orr, and Bob Grant, and also looked up to Gary Reese from Reese Chassis. With a Chevy 5.3-liter engine, custom-built turbo kit, and Holley Terminator X Max ECU, Becky has all the power and performance Sleeper desires. And with a custom Scion TC Concrete Gray paint job, shortened and narrowed bumpers, and a sleek GMC Typhoon/Cyclone grille, Becky is a real head-turner.

Sleeper’s attention to detail is evident throughout the truck, with modifications made to the chassis, driveline, and body. The frame has been notched and modified, with a custom-built tunnel through the frame for transmission lines to the front, custom tubular control arms, and a customer-built 4-link in the rear. The front of the frame has been Z’d and a custom-built steering shaft assembly added. The air management system is top-notch, with 2 Viar 444 and 2 Viar 380 compressors, Airlift 3P valve info, and 4 SMC 3/8″ Valves for the dump bed with a 7-gallon airtake.

The interior is also a work of art, with a custom-built S10 dash and Holley Prodash with 6 6.5″ speakers and 6 tweets, Holley Prodash and Airlift 3P gauges, and an NRG steering wheel with a quick disconnect. The console includes a ported subwoofer enclosure built by Jay Dickson at Highs & Lows in Columbus, Ohio, which holds 2 8″ woofers. The seats are Kirky Vintage Low Cut seats, and the trunk bed features a Crip Wood blue oak floor.

Sleeper plans to put in a quick change performance 9-inch rear end, Wilwood rear brakes, upholster the interior, and repaint the truck the same color for a deeper tone. But even then, Becky will never truly be “done.” Sleeper has been building cars and trucks for over 20 years, and his hand is always in some type of vehicle in his free time. He may even build another first-gen S10 after Becky is “complete.”

In conclusion, Martin Sleeper’s 1989 GMC S-15 “Becky” is a true masterpiece of minitruck design and craftsmanship. With its powerful engine, sleek design, and attention to detail, Becky is a show-stopper wherever she goes. Sleeper’s passion for building cars and trucks shines through in every inch of this truck, and we can’t wait to see what he builds next

Owned by: Martin Sleeper

Photos by: John Rish