Terry Payne’s Custom 2024 Ram 1500 Laramie Build – Project CHAOS

Terry Payne – 2024 Ram 1500 Laramie “CHAOS”

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Photographer/Story By Donnie Rochin
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A Vision Fueled by Experience and Individuality

“Dream, and then make it reality. Be different—don’t fall into the same line as everyone else.”

For anyone familiar with the Texas custom-truck scene, the name Terry Payne already carries weight. At 63, Terry isn’t just building trucks—he’s designing rolling statements. From his shop RDM Builds in Scurry, Texas, Terry and his wife have created a life that blends creativity, problem-solving, fabrication, and business into a single engine of innovation.

Alongside their automotive work, the Paynes also run companies in design, trucking, and manufacturing. Everything they do shares the same backbone: build boldly, build uniquely, and build with intention.

Where the Passion Started

Like countless enthusiasts, Terry’s journey began with Hot Wheels on the floor and drawings of wild ideas sketched in school notebooks. Unlike most, he grew up to work with two automotive icons:

• George Barris, creator of the original Batmobile

• Boyd Coddington, legendary custom hot-rod designer

Those early influences shaped Terry’s vision. Trucks, Jeeps, Mopars, muscle cars—he admired anything that had character. And over the years he built more than 41 vehicles, 40 of them Mopars. Many earned spots at SEMA, and some went on to new homes shortly after.

But when both his TRX and Gladiator builds sold at SEMA 2024, Terry stepped into the next chapter—one he would call CHAOS.

The Birth of Project CHAOS

Fresh off SEMA, Terry purchased a brand-new 2024 Ram 1500 Laramie Rocky Ridge edition with just 14 miles on the dash. He didn’t even drive it home.

“I took it straight to NTX All Terrain,” Terry says. “And we tore it apart immediately.”

Nothing was spared:

• Bumpers
• Suspension
• Grille
• Hood
• Lighting
• Wheels & tires
• Exhaust
• Interior
• Brakes

The truck was stripped with intention—soon to become a full-scale expression of craft and individuality.

Building Outside the Lines

Terry’s builds are never about fitting in. They’re about doing the unexpected with premium execution.

His network of industry partners stepped in quickly, eager to leave their mark on CHAOS. What followed was a blend of rugged utility, beautiful finishes, and functional upgrades designed for real use—not just show lights.

To bring out bold contrast and detail, nearly all suspension and frame components were powder-coated in a custom red candy blend developed with Prismatic Powders.

From Hammerhead Armour bumpers to a full Air Design USA off-road body kit and AlphaRex Nova headlights, the Ram evolved into something both aggressive and polished.

Despite its size, Terry built CHAOS to be driven daily, not trailered and polished.

CHAOS Build Breakdown

Suspension & Brakes

• Belltech 6–8" lift
• Powder coating by Precision Powder Coating in custom red candy
• R1 Concepts slotted & drilled rotors

Exterior & Armor

• Hammerhead Armour front & rear bumpers
• Air Design USA off-road body kit
• Amerihoods SRT hood
• AlphaRex Nova Series headlights
• Kuatracks IBEX full bed rack
• EGR retractable bed cover
• Rock Tamers mudflaps

Wheels & Tires

• Stance XT1 22x12 dual-bronze wheels (Tuner Goods)
• Hankook Dynapro MT 37x13.50x22

Interior

• Custom Katzkin leather interior
• Rapid Radios communication setup

Lighting & Tech

• XK Glow Alpha Series rock lights
• Diode Dynamics SS5 & SS2 auxiliary lights
• Starlink Mini satellite system

Recovery & Utility

• Three Carbon Offroad winches: 6K, 15K, and 20K
• Motion Marine Customs step covers
  
  

A Lifestyle, Not Just a Build

Terry and his wife aren’t just automotive builders—they’re active contributors to the enthusiast community. Groups like the Dallas Mopar Club, Raceway Car Club, and Camey’s Crew have become second families.

“It’s about more than trucks,” Terry says. “It’s about people, adventure, and sharing what we love.”

What’s Next for CHAOS?

Even though the truck is turning heads everywhere it goes, Terry already has the next phase in mind:

• Larger high-pressure turbo setup

• Internal engine upgrades

• More refined suspension tuning

A build like CHAOS never truly ends—it evolves.

A New Chapter: 1965 Plymouth Belvedere

For his birthday, Terry was gifted a 1965 Plymouth Belvedere 383 4-speed, a car needing a complete rebuild. For a craftsman like Terry, that’s the perfect gift: a fresh canvas and a new story waiting to be written.

Words of Advice for Builders

Terry leaves the next generation of builders with three timeless lessons:

• Dream boldly, then build the dream.

• Never create to “fit in”—create to stand out.

• Build for yourself, not the approval of others.
  
  

Call to Action

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