Scraping the Seas of the Roads
Two qualities consistently carry people through adversity: inspiration and dedication. When setbacks pile up and progress feels impossible, those traits often become the difference between quitting and pushing forward. If you were told from the start that failure was inevitable, would you still chase the dream? For Steven Dalton of Warner, Oklahoma, the answer has always been clear: absolutely.
Steven’s foundation in the automotive world began early, spending countless hours in the garage alongside his father, wrenching on and restoring classic trucks. That hands-on upbringing shaped his work ethic and passion. As he reached adulthood, however, his taste evolved.
While the older-school restomod builds still held value, Steven found himself drawn toward a more modern, custom-truck aesthetic—one defined by aggressive stance and road-hugging attitude.
Like many builders, Steven’s early preferences leaned heavily toward C10s, simply because that’s what he knew. But when he began chasing an ultra-low look, his journey took a rough turn.
His first attempt came in the form of a Chevy S-10, which he trusted to a local shop for a body drop. Unfortunately, the shop butchered the job, cutting into the cab and wiring harness and leaving the truck undrivable. The project was a complete loss.
For many, that kind of experience would be enough to walk away. Steven saw it differently. Instead of quitting, he doubled down on education.
He immersed himself in truck magazines like Street Trucks, learning what separated properly executed builds from poorly planned ones. He also came to understand a hard truth in the custom world: building everything yourself isn’t always the smartest move. While buying an already-built truck carries its own stigma, it also offers clear advantages—saving time, money, and sanity.
Armed with patience and perspective, Steven made a strategic decision. Rather than starting from scratch again, he sought out something fully built, something large, refined, and proven.
His research, fueled by countless hours with Diesel World, led him to Daniel Cumby a respected name in the custom truck scene. Known for multiple magazine-featured builds and his meticulous craftsmanship, Daniel was in the middle of completing a 1999 Ford F-350 dually that showcased years of creative experience and attention to detail.
Once the truck was finished, Daniel enjoyed it briefly before offering it up for sale. A social media post sparked the connection, and Steven soon found himself traveling to Texas to see the truck in person.
What followed wasn’t a rushed transaction, but a weekend-long introduction. Steven stayed with Daniel, learning every detail of the build, understanding its quirks, and gaining confidence in its quality. By the end of the visit, the F-350 had won him over completely.
After the dually made its way to Oklahoma, it quickly became part of Steven’s daily life. The truck wasn’t just a showpiece—it was meant to be driven.
At a truck show in Pocola, Oklahoma, Steven found more than admiration for his build; he found a community. That event introduced him to the Sunset truck club, a group he now proudly calls family. “It’s such a great group of guys and girls,” Steven says. “I felt at home within minutes of meeting them.”
Steven credits much of his journey to the guidance of his father, Steve Dalton, whose lessons in dedication and perseverance laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
He also extends heartfelt thanks to his partner, Krista Dedering, for her unwavering support and patience throughout the process.
Additional appreciation goes to Gary Davis of 405 Audio in Moore, Oklahoma, for upgrading the sound system with a Sony head unit and Audio Dynamics door speakers.
Above all, Steven recognizes Daniel Cumby’s role in bringing the dream to life. Without Daniel’s craftsmanship and vision, Steven might still be battling cut corners and broken promises.
Instead, he’s piloting a purpose-built dually known simply as The Yacht—a machine designed to slice through pavement, scrape reflectors, and prove that persistence always pays off.
1999 Ford F350 Dually Specs
Owner:
- Steven Dalton
- Warner, OK
Engine & Drivetrain
- Ford 7.3L
- Sinister Diesel air intake
- Hot and cold pipes
- Upgraded alternator
- Coolant reservoir
Chassis & Suspension
- 1988–’98 front clip with Nfamus control arms
- Slam Specialties bags
- Air Lift air management with height sensors
- Rear 4-link setup
Wheels, Tires & Brakes
- 24-inch custom-cut Alcoa wheels
- 295/30 R24 Lexani tires
Body & Paint
- Corvette Zeus Bronze paint by Patrick Reid
- Grant Fab roll pan
- Shaved wiper cowl
- Custom sheetmetal front bumper
Interior & Stereo
- Custom dashboard, door panels, and shotgun handles
- Captain bucket seats front and rear
- Custom console with sub box
- Custom headliner with dome light and starlights
- Vintage Air climate control
- AutoMeter gauges
- Custom-cut steering wheel from KutWorks to match the Alcoa wheels
- Sony head unit
- Audio Dynamics door speakers
- Four 8-inch MTX marine speakers located in bed
- Two 12-inch MTX subwoofers in console
- MTX amps
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