SEMA 2021: Roadster Shop’s New Low Pro Chassis For OBS Chevy Trucks

The SEMA Show is an event we look forward to every year. Last year was the first-ever virtual version, and it was a welcome distraction from all the craziness of 2020. Still, we were more than excited to make our way back to the Las Vegas Convention Center and return to our regularly scheduled programming – where the entirety of the automotive aftermarket convenes to showcase its wares and the world-class builds it produces alike.

This year, we caught up with a number of manufacturers, but one that really stood out to us was Roadster Shop. As always, the brand’s booth did not disappoint. We caught up with Pat Webster, the brand’s Senior Sales Associate, and got the low-down on everything new from the Roadster Shop.

We asked Pat to break down the impetus and engineering of the new chassis, from Roadster Shop. “This is our Low-Pro, made by us at Roadster Shop. OBS-style trucks run from 1988 to 1998 and they’re super hot right now, but they have their limitations. This Low Pro chassis is all re-engineered and all brand new. The big thing that we are seeing through the industry with OBS trucks is guys want that lowered stance, they want that to slam it, but they also want the big ass tires in the back.”

“To accommodate that, the Low Pro chassis is going to allow them to run a 405 series tire. They’re still going to have to do the tub kit, but what’s nice about it is this chassis requires no bed modification. We noticed with a lot of the chassis’ that are out there in the market require users to modify their bed to clear that kick rail. Well, ours doesn’t.”

We asked Pat, “So, it just bolts right on after doing the tubs?” To which he responded, “People will still have install tubs, but with the Low Pro, people won’t have to go through the hassle of raising everything, including the bed floor. When you do that – if you put a coffee cup back there and drive off, it’s going to go flying – essentially, it’s no longer a bed.

The big thing that we are seeing through the industry with OBS trucks is guys want that lowered stance, they want that to slam it, but they also want the big ass tires in the back. – Pat Webster, Roadster Shop

“It’s got an independent rear suspension system that includes a C7 Corvette spindle and hub assembly. Our Baer brakes are on this chassis, but we haven’t found a company out there that’s making the bracketry just yet. This one we brought with us has got six-piston calipers, though, and they give us awesome stopping power. You feel like you’re going to fly through the windshield with this Baer pro brake package.”

‘We haven’t figured out if we’re going to sell it with the air supply, but we wanted people to see it fully loaded. All of our engine mounts in the front are completely bolt-on as well as the crossmember. So, we can spec it out for a customer who wants to do an LS with a T56, but maybe a while later, GM comes out with the new LT8 or whatever it is, and that same customer can call us and say, ‘hey, I’m changing this and I need the engine mounts for it,’ we’ll be able to send it out to them and they can bolt it right in without having to refabricate anything.”

“We’ve got the brake line package plumbed all the way through too. Another great thing about this chassis is, guys haven’t been able to figure out how to run their air lines from the front to the back, so we made pockets in our chassis to get it from the front to the back because if you mount the air system on the bottom, you’re going to crush it, and if you mount it on the top, you’re going to run into clearance issues with the cab, so we made those pockets to accommodate everything.”

We asked if this chassis will be offered with coilovers or only air ride. Pat explained,  “We have it set up for air ride right now, and we really just wanted to focus on that stance. We’re throwing around the idea, but we don’t have a timeframe on when we will be offering something with a standard height and coilovers.”

OBS is the next big thing and we’ve got it figured out! – Pat Webster, Roadster Shop

Pat continued, “We’ve got a lot of really talented engineers who know the product and live the product, and that’s what ensures our success. OBS is the next big thing and we’ve got it figured out!”

As we drooled over Roadster Shop’s Low Pro Chassis we couldn’t help but think, all this cantilever stuff is super cool and the sway bar placement is really nice. It looks like the crew at the Roadster Shop has done their homework as usual.

So, if you’re looking to take an OBS Chevy truck build to the next level, check out Roadster Shop’s new Low-Pro Chassis.

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About the author

Vinny Costa

Fast cars, motorcycles, and loud music are what get Vinny’s blood pumping. Catch him behind the wheel of his ’68 Firebird. Chances are, Black Sabbath will be playing in the background.
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