op doctors agree that with the right stimulation, it’s possible for the human body to generate new brain cells as you get older. Yeah, you heard that right. More brain power for the old folks here. Maybe that’s why they say with age comes wisdom? Truth or not, we are still hoping for the best for our aging cast and crew here at Classic Truck Performance.
What Colby bought was the perfect builder truck; a ride just waiting to be infused with some of his own cranial-conceived concepts; a total blank slate. However, due to life’s ups and downs, a new house, and a freshened interest in motorcycles, the truck languished for years behind Dennis’ house without a wrench being turned on it. After a few more years of “seasoning” in the backyard, Pop took control of the situation and decided to put his son’s C10 to good use. It was pulled into the Schaffner garage to receive a full makeover, courtesy of dear old Dad.
After sourcing the correct bones for the build, the chassis was blasted and modified for Dennis’ needs. “We boxed and C-notched the rear of the frame to compensate for rear axle movement. Next, we installed a RideTech StreetGRIP suspension package consisting of Adjustable HQ-series monotube shocks, dual rate coil springs, a 1-1/4-inch front sway bar, and composite leaf springs out back. After relocating the gas tank to the rear under the bed we added Classic Performance Products (CPP) 2-1/2-inch drop spindles and one of their choice steering boxes,” Dennis says.
While the suspension was coming along the body was ready to get some much-needed love. After being stripped to bare metal, a new one-piece floorboard and rockers were installed. The firewall also received some attention and was smoothed to clean up the engine bay while all-new ’67 sheetmetal replaced the originals up front. A repop bed assembly was purchased and added to the mix to turn this pickup into the shortbed that Dennis always wanted. Once the body was prepped, it received a brand-new skin of Audi Nardo Gray in base/clear. It was complemented with Chevrolet Summit White on the lower panels and on the roofline. The two sublime hues balance each other nicely, giving this C10 a look for the ages.
To bring the engine up to snuff, he then installed an Elite Engineering PCV oil catch can system along with Holley fuel rails and valve covers. A custom cold-air intake feeds this powerplant the fresh air it needs and sends it to an LS6 intake. Up front, a March Custom serpentine system pulls everything together, joining in the A/C compressor and power steering pump in total harmony. An American Autowire Highway 22 provides the spark that makes this LS1 rock. Lastly, a Flowmaster American Thunder Exhaust kit provides the healthy rumble that lets everybody know this C10 means business out on the streets.
All the fabrics used in the build are a deep maroon color with exception of a medium gray square-weave carpet. All interior finishwork was completed by Brad Wurzbacher at Stitcht Interiors out of Forest Hill, Maryland. Lokar emergency brake, brake pedal, and gas pedal were sourced and used on the build. Custom Autosound Secretaudio SRMS with SiriusXM and Polk Audio speakers and amplifier provide the sounds that keep this C10 rockin’. A Billet Specialties Steering wheel and ididit column keeps this truck pointed in the right direction. A Ringbrothers custom billet aluminum gauge cluster with Dakota Digital VHX gauges with GPS speedo keep track of the vitals. Vintage Air’s Gen IV system keeps it cool on those hot summer nights.
Out on the corners, a quartet of Coy aluminum C33 wheels painted to match the body were added for a classic look that’s infused with modern performance. The fronts are 18×8 while the backs are massive 20×10 units. They are shod in Intertrac TC525 rubber, 245/45-18 and 275/40-20, respectively, and the wheels are topped with a set of COPO Camaro–styled dog-dish caps. Braking power up front comes from CPP as well, with power discs up front sporting 11-inch rotors and single-piston calipers. Out back, the stock Chevy drums were rebuilt for additional stopping power.
Like any good build, Dennis didn’t do it alone.“The majority of the mechanical and bodywork was done by myself and my nephew, Troy Gutshall. [Gutshall] painted the truck with the assistance of me and my good friend Bob Rothermel, all novice builders. I had some assistance with the hood and front fender alignment from the Lucky Seven Rod Shop in Stewartstown, Pennsylvania. I received additional help from a few good friends and my son, Colby, when needed. Another good friend, Kris Troutman, did a fantastic job colorsanding. Special thanks go out to my wife, Dar, for her support,” Dennis states.
For now, Dennis is just ecstatic about his most recent build. “This truck will now occupy garage space with my ’47 Chevy 3100 I restored a few years back. They are the perfect one-two Chevy punch.
Dennis’ final thought: “It’s going to be hard to decide which one to drive, but I’m not gonna’ BEAT MY BRAINS out over it!”