High School Welding Class Constructs 'Carolina Squat' Truck Only to Submerge It in the Ocean

      Scallop Cove via Facebook

      Off the coast of Port St. Joe, Florida, over 290 artificial reefs serve as habitats for numerous marine creatures. The purpose is to create a living space for aquatic life in areas where natural reefs are damaged or missing. Occasionally, old ships are sunk to provide homes for marine animals, while other artificial reefs are constructed from concrete. Students from the welding class at Port St. Joe High School came up with a creative concept to honor one of the automotive industry's most contentious trends: the Carolina Squat.

      This life-sized replica of a pickup truck closely matches the dimensions of a third-generation Toyota Tacoma but is several feet taller—particularly at the front. This height is characteristic of the Carolina Squat style, where a truck’s front is elevated while the back remains at stock height. As a result, its front end towers over the average NBA player, and its roof is even higher.

      It features a shark-shaped cutout in the windshield that would delight Jimmy Buffet, tubular bumpers at both ends, and wheels resembling those of a steamroller. Inside, there’s a single bench seat along with a three-spoke steering wheel, a tall shifter made from welded chain links, and some faux gauges. However, it lacks a floor. Perhaps this design is an homage to Rust Belt trucks, as I've certainly seen some from Michigan without floors.

      Scallop Cove via Facebook

      Students from Port St. Joe have previously constructed artificial reefs. Given that much of the Gulf of Mexico has a barren seabed without solid bottom structures, these reefs support ocean life that otherwise wouldn’t thrive there. In this way, the students contribute to environmental sustainability while honing their welding skills. Although assessing the quality of their welds online is challenging, several photos indicate these high schoolers possess impressive metal fabrication skills. While their choice of trucks might raise eyebrows, the Carolina Squat aspect may be an inside joke among them.

      The precise coordinates for the reef placement have yet to be determined. Regardless, once it’s established, it’s expected to remain in place for some time. According to one student involved in its construction, it weighs around 5,000 pounds.

      I like to imagine that when life eventually starts anew and a future post-human civilization begins exploring the ocean floor millions of years from now, they will discover this squatted reef truck and consider it an ancient, sacred artifact. In reality, it was simply some high school students having fun.

      Sign up for The Drive Daily

      Get the latest car news, reviews, and features.

      Got tips? Send them to [email protected]