July 2023
If you have not had the pleasure to meet Pete Dominguez, and see his 1957 Apache, you are missing out! You may also know him as “rucktified_56” on Instagram and have probably seen his nonstop, jaw dropping footage of the coolest trucks around!
Pete's love for the truck scene began as a young kid. He remembers attending car shows since about the 5th grade. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for capturing footage, he developed a deep appreciation for trucks and their unique builds. Initially, Pete started out in the world of MiniTrucks, where he enjoyed lowering vehicles and building Honda motors with turbochargers.
Pete's journey with his own Apache began when he was living in Fort Stockton, TX. He was surrounded by vintage trucks. He set his sights on finding the perfect truck for his own build, that he intended to make his daily driver to and from work. In 2019, Pete discovered a 1957 Apache in Ennis, TX. Despite its condition, lacking an interior, windows, and overall appeal, he saw the potential and was determined to transform this truck into his vision. Pete worked day and night on his truck. He laughs thinking about how much his neighbors probably enjoyed the nonstop commotion of him cutting, grinding and working early in the morning until late at night.
Pete recalls the first time he saw the GSIMFAB frame on Chucksee's truck, and how it instantly caught his attention. At the time, he was already about 90% done with his Apache. He immediately started researching GSI and their products. Pete decided he had to have GSI on his truck. He fell in love with the craftsmanship, particularly the iconic "GSI Bridge," which to him, represents “luxury and reliability”. He decided the right product for him was the GSI 55-59 Air Ride Back Half Kit. He was already in love with the product and was even more sure of his purchase when he witnessed how straightforward the installation process was, completing it in just one day. To further enhance his truck, Pete added the finishing touch of Tricky Air Bed Shocks, striking a perfect balance between style and functionality to show off his favorite feature…that “GSI Bridge”.
His truck has gained widespread recognition, being featured in 14 magazines and winning a remarkable 18 awards….and counting. In 2021, Pete received a prestigious "Dino's Coin," which further validates the quality and craftsmanship of his build. Some of his favorite shows include "The Reunion," Dino’s Git Down, LST, and C10 Nationals. Pete says another significant honor was when he was asked to park his truck at the GSI booth. Pete transitioned from being behind the lens capturing footage to having his truck photographed and not only featured in the GSI calendar, but also being on its 2023 cover.
But Pete's adventures aren’t done solo. His 14-year-old daughter, Audrina, shares his love for trucks and attends almost all the shows with him. This father-daughter duo takes any opportunity they can find to hop in the truck and go. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a road trip to the next truck show. Last year, they attended over 70 shows together, both locally and afar. They have decided they like exploring other states best and seeing all the cool sights along their road trips together.
Recently, Pete was involved in an unfortunate accident at the end of April in his truck. Thankfully, everyone involved was okay. However, the truck suffered some injuries. Pete has been in the process of rehabbing the truck and the Apache is on the road to recovery! He is eager to get back on the road and leave the role of a spectator behind. Pete’s dedication, talent and love for the truck scene can be seen through his remarkable involvement in all the shows. If you haven’t, go follow him on Instagram so you can keep up with his rebuild process and get an insider view to all the amazing footage he creates of the truck world we all love so much!
