American Guardian, owner by Dan and Gilda Galvis,  got a new driver in 2002. Rick Raab, aka "Radical Rick" has been keeping the crowds on their feet as he breaks the rules of gravity.

Excerpts from an article written by Joel Stacy of Clear Channel Entertainment, edited by John Eastwood- July 2002

...At the Toronto Skydome in Canada, when Dan took on his new driver, Rick had never driven one of these big boys in competition so it was anyone's guess how well he would do. He quickly set the record straight by beating the famous Grave Digger panel truck in his first outing! WOW. What a thrill for the whole crew. It was like winning the Daytona 500 with a rookie. Pretty cool.

AMERICAN GUARDIAN was created to reflect and honor several of Dan's close friends, of which he lost in the Vietnam war. The design of the AMERICAN GUARDIAN Monster Truck was inspired by a picture of an Eagle that Dan spotted in a Veteran's Magazine. The picture of the  Eagle was called "American Guardian". Dan liked the picture of the Eagle so much that he took it to his artist and decided to name the truck AMERICAN GUARDIAN....

Last race of the season in Richmond, Virginia 2002 the truck slid 92 feet, won the race and retired the truck to the garage for a massive re-build. The total make over occurred during the winter to make the  truck ready for the 2002-2003 season.

The following pictures show Guardian's transformation. Don't forget to also visit American Guardian's web site.

Building the frame

Frame powder coated

  Assembly

Attaching body

Finished and ready for Action

Truck Specs

Owner: Dan & Gilda Galvis
Driver: Rick Raab

EXTERIOR
Make                                     2003 Chevy Silverado
Length                                   18 feet
Width                                     12 feet
Height                                    10 feet 6 inches
Weight                                   9600 lbs.
Wheelbase                           144 inches

CHASSIS 
Frame                                   Tube Chassis
Suspension                          20" struts in front, 30" struts in rear
Steering                                Hydraulic/ Orbital Valve
Brakes                                  Driveline Disc
        Built by Raab Custom Off Road

ENGINE
Type                                      Keith Black Hemi
Aspiration                             Blown and alcohol injected
Fuel                                       Methanol

TRANSMISSION
Type                                        Power glide

Contact: RaabCustom Off Road Fabricating

Copyright © 2001, 2002, 2003 Raab Custom Off Road Fabricating
Pictures are not to be used without permission of Raab Custom Off Road Fabricating