BDS Project Ascension Build Update (#4): Down to the Wire

bds-projectascension-19The team from BDS Suspension is getting down to the wire as they overhaul the 2017 Ford Super Duty for the 2016 SEMA Show. With less than 2 days they are working around the clock to install a slew of bolt on accessories, wire up electronics and fab several custom touches. Last week we updated you on the BDS 6″ Coilover 4-Link Suspension being installed along with 38″ Nitto Trails and 20″ XD Machetes, 3M brushed metallic wrap was getting installed, Bushwacker flares bolted on, Amp Research powersteps fitted and Since the last update the truck has taken shape looking a whole lot more like the original rendering that was drawn up for a go anywhere, adventure ready overlander featuring aluminum accessories and aluminum vinyl wrap to accent the new aluminum body.

This week the truck is getting reassembled with a ton of new products inside and out. Up front the truck received a one-off set of bumpers built by Fusion Bumpers. They team at Fusion is known for building a premium low profile bumper, made to order with whatever lighting and recovery needs you request. Typically their bumpers are build from high-strength steel, but for this project they built a set from light weight, high strength aluminum, TIG welded to perfection and ready to mount up a Warn Zeon 12S winch, Factor 55 ProLink XXL and 30″ Baja Designs S8 combo lightbar.

Inside the plain jane gray cloth seats are back from the upholstery shop now featuring Roadwire premium black leather with blue stitching. They even have the Project Ascension logo embroidered into the headrests. These seats are super comfortable and a much needed addition with all the miles this truck will see on the highway and off the beaten path. To help with navigation on future expeditions the truck is outfitted with the Magellan eXplorist TRX7 GPS. It has a 7″ touch screen, 2D/3D map modes, can track your trip and is preloaded with more than 82,000 ORV trails to help you navigate your way through like a seasoned trail guide. Also added to this truck is a sPOD modular 6-switch system. For anyone that has ever had to wire up a bunch of lights and accessories the sPOD unit is a must. The system can be mounted most anywhere in your truck and already includes the switches and relays to make wiring up accessories a breeze.

Out back the team is making progress on the custom roof rack system for extra storage. An aluminum basket is being fabbed up and installed about the Bestop canvas supertop and will mount up (5) Baja Designs XL-R LED spot lights as well as a rear facing RTL lightbar. In place of the stock bumper a light weight aluminum Fusion bumper was built to match the front that houses a pair of Baja Designs S2 lights. Additional accessories include a DECKED bed storage system and SlideZilla full width slide out tray for easy access and plenty of dry storage.

With the truck expected to hit the road tomorrow the crew has a long way to go to reassemble the truck and button up loose ends before we load up and hit the road for the 30hr drive out to Las Vegas to debut this truck at the 2016 SEMA Show. Check out the video and photos below and for more updates from the trip follow along on BDS’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

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