hen new, many of what we consider today to be classic pickups were much more rudimentary when compared to their modern equivalent. Creature comforts, like climate control or a radio, were oftentimes only available as upgraded options on what would otherwise be a bare-bones workhorse. Power accessories were unheard of and anything that didn’t actually contribute to what might be the job at hand were omitted. Today, however, these trucks are receiving a new lease on life thanks to the revived interest in their use, not so much for work but for play as well. With that comes the upgrades that many of us have come to expect, having been spoiled by the creature comforts and build quality of modern vehicles. The addition of power accessories, climate control, et al, are standard fare on many classic truck builds today, as is an expectation of improved quality.

Fit and finish were unlikely talking points of our trucks originally, with terms like “strength,” “hauling capacity,” and “workload” being the more predominant adjectives. The doors and hood fit and that was about it, they opened and shut and that was the be-all end-all, for the most part. The hood and tailgate were likely the same. Things were adjusted to the point where they operated without conflict, with aesthetics and style oftentimes being overlooked or simply not of concern. Fast-forward to today and these trucks are being rebuilt to levels never dreamt of by their original designers, with fit and finish being a serious concern. This often requires reworking much of the original equipment to a point past its capability, requiring modification or complete replacement necessary. In some cases, there was no original equipment to achieve what we might set out to accomplish today.

rucks are utility vehicles. Ask any old-timer chassis engineer from one of the original Detroit Big Three car companies and they will undoubtedly announce that back in the day trucks had one singular purpose: haulin’ stuff! That certainly was the original plan when General Motors’ C10 chassis arrived on the scene starting in 1960. Back then, only farmers really needed trucks, the rest of us were completely happy with big sedans and assorted muscle cars. But the truck market is massive today, with both regular folks who need to “haul stuff” and enthusiasts. We insist that today’s new trucks haul everything from fresh cut wheat to a team of 10-year-old soccer players with ease and comfort.

Obviously classic trucks have had a huge resurgence for a number of reasons, including their low cost; simple, modifiable drivetrains; and cool designs, just to hit the high points. Interestingly, the utilitarian aspect of these classic vehicles has taken a back seat to the fun-to-drive aspects they now deliver (pun intended). But those classic trucks still need a lot of help in the handling department. Enter Aldan American with their advanced coilover conversion system.

panning two days, November 10-11, the 2023 Dino’s Git-Down can only be aptly described as “madness.” And let’s clarify, this isn’t a negative connotation–it’s the kind of madness that ensues when thousands of people and trucks converge in one colossal celebration of automotive passion. With the specter of the pandemic gradually fading away, the event became a reunion of sorts, reuniting familiar faces not seen for a long time while welcoming a wave of newcomers into the fold.

With every passing year, this “Chevy only” affair continues to take on an unprecedented leap in growth. As we pulled into the State Farm Stadium parking lot in Glendale, Arizona, on the inaugural morning, the sheer number of vehicles eagerly waiting to roll in caught us off guard. The venue, already expansive in previous years, seemed to have expanded even further, making it abundantly clear that this edition was going to be on a grander scale.

Stepping inside, the “Top 100” section immediately seized our attention with its remarkable display of top-tier rides, each a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Surrounding this elite assembly was the vendor section, a bustling marketplace featuring the foremost parts companies in the industry. While walking through this massive section, one could not help but to stop by each booth, which were all flanked by some of the most awe-inspiring truck builds on the planet.

his year’s C10 Fall Revival, in Denton, North Carolina, was a spiritual awakening of the classic GM truck, with an attendance that rivals almost any truck show in America.

The C10 Fall Revival’s name is very much on purpose, intending to be similar to a church revival. There’s no admission fee and no awards. It’s a come-as-you-are and leave with a newfound love of the hobby. “Free is how it should be,” Kasey Harris with Harris Art Co. and one of the event’s promoters says. “It’s important, it’s part of the vibe.”

Only in its fourth year, the show has rapidly outgrown its former host and is now at the Denton Farmpark. This year, the two-day event saw over 1,704 trucks! “This is kind of the original hangout,” Harris says. “There are no awards and no ceremonies. It’s just the big hang of the East Coast.”