Each episode begins with the crew of mechanics (known as the "Chrome Shop Mafia" in Seasons 1-3 only) playing or having fun. Their foreman and lead designer interrupt and tell them they have a truck (primarily a
tractor unit) to "trick". The foreman and lead designer also tell the crew about the truck and its owner's occupation (primarily
trucking); the crew agrees to "trick" the truck. Stories about the truck owner are told by their relatives and/or friends. The crew looks for the truck and when they find it, they surprise the owner and tell them they will "trick" their truck as requested by their relatives and/or friends. The crew takes the truck to their shop (Chrome Shop Mafia in
Joplin, Missouri in Seasons 1-3; K&L Chrome Shop in
Florence, South Carolina in Seasons 4 and 5) and the owner is given a loaner truck (from
Ryder in Seasons 1 and 2;
J. B. Hunt in Seasons 3 and 4;
Hino in Season 5) to drive in the meantime. At the shop, the truck is "tricked", or overhauled, based on the owner's occupation and/or hobbies. Modifications to the truck typically include new paint, accessories, electronics (typically a TV), and a redesigned interior. Most changes are only cosmetic and mechanical work is rarely shown. When the crew is finished with the truck, the owner goes to the shop, where the crew shows and tells them what they did to their truck. Each episode ends with the crew cheering as the owner leaves the shop in their "tricked" truck. In addition to tractor units, the crew has "tricked"
pickup trucks and various specialty trucks such as
tow trucks and an
ice cream truck. ==Cast==