Dees first laid eyes on the truck in 2015 — and he knew he had to have it. He made an offer on the spot, but the owner wasn’t ready to let it go. Dees waited. Five years later, in 2020, his patience finally paid off when he was able to track down the same owner and seal the deal.
It’s no surprise that Dees was drawn to it. He’s had a lifelong passion for cars — particularly four-wheel-drive trucks. As someone who has spent his career in outdoor construction, he has a deep appreciation for craftsmanship and hands on work, whether that means raising a structure from the ground up or breathing new life into a classic vehicle. His 1971 Chevrolet Cheyenne became his first full restoration project, and he poured everything into it. In 2025, he debuted it at the Magic Dragon Car Show — his first car show ever — and made quite an impression.
But Dees wasn’t done. True to form, he found his next project in the most unexpected place. On a 2024 antelope hunting trip through Wyoming with his son, he stumbled across a 1970 GMC K-25 ¾-ton truck — weathered, forgotten, and full of potential. He couldn’t walk away. Now deep into its restoration, Dees has his sights set on the 2026 Magic Dragon Car Show as the truck’s grand debut, with one crucial piece still on its way: a brand-new motor that, once installed, will bring the old GMC roaring back to life.
OWNER’S PROFILE
OWNERS: William Greg Dees
HOMETOWN: Bonne Terre, Missouri
YEARS AT THE LAKE: 31 years
VEHICLE DETAILS:
YEAR: 1971
MAKE/MODEL: Chevrolet Cheyenne K-20
ENGINE: 454 cubic inch with Holley Sniper fuel injection
TRANSMISSION: GM 700 R4 with stall
PAINT: Torch Red & Summit White two-tone (reverse of factory colors)
INTERIOR: Factory New with Minor Customizations
ABOUT THE BUILD:
The truck underwent a full frame-off restoration with powder-coated frame, nut-and-bolt restoration.
NOTABLE UPGRADES INCLUDE:
- 8-inch suspension lift
- 37” Nitto tires
- Vintage Air
- Holley Sniper fuel injection system
The build took three years and was completed at Midwest Collision & Restoration in Lebanon, Missouri, a shop owned by Chet Horman.