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Robert Colvin’s Twin States–Built 1996 Chevy
By ROB FORTIER Images by NotStock Photography
I wanted a two-tone OBS for years,” Robert Colvin told us, “but could not find one I liked enough to leave alone, so … when I finally found a one-owner [truck] I liked, I decided to just build it the way I wanted.”

Robert acquired his 1996 CK1500 back in August 2020—smack-dab in the middle of that Pandemic thing—and by November he’d begun his transformation from the custom conversion (ground affects, 15×10 Eagle alloys, and so on!) to that two-tone OBS he’d been wanting (you 1988-1998 CK experts will be quick to point out that Chevrolet only offered the lower rocker two-tone color options, not the full two-tone as such … hence the “transformation”). By October 2021, with the help of Justin and Eli Griffin at Twin States Rod Shop in Meridian, Mississippi, the mission was completed.

Front view of a silver 1994 Chevrolet C1500 with red pinstripes, parked outside an old gas station
Bed of a 1994 Chevrolet C1500 with a sprayed-in bed liner, showing a clean, rugged finish
Interior door panel of a 1994 Chevrolet C1500 featuring a combination of black and gray materials
For starters, the stock Vortech was ditched in favor of a bit more potent (like, double the horsepower) 6.2L LS3 from good ol’ Boris at Street Machinery, which is now backed by a 4L80E. The stock front and rear suspension were also scrapped, with Stone Fab tubular control arms, Wilwood Pro spindles, and Ridetech coilovers/Little Shop 16-inch disc brakes at all four corners, added for that perfect static drop and, obviously, improved ride and handling characteristics. Complementing that drop, a set of 20- and 22-inch Schott Drifts have been wrapped in Diamond Back Classic 40-series redlines.
Custom interior of a 1994 Chevrolet C1500 with diamond-stitched black leather bench seat and a classic chrome steering wheel
Custom audio setup in the rear cabin of a 1994 Chevrolet C1500, with JL Audio subwoofers
Side profile of a lowered silver 1994 Chevrolet C1500 with black wheels, red pinstripes, and chrome accents
Rear view of a silver 1994 Chevrolet C1500 with Chevrolet tailgate, black wheels, and tinted windows
Custom 1994 Chevrolet C1500 in silver with red pinstripes, featuring a cowl hood and lowered stance
To backdate the 1996, Eli Griffin handled the necessary bodywork (and adding a cowl induction hood) before applying the retro silver and charcoal gray two-tone. Other than LED lighting front and rear, the OBS’s exterior is just as GM intended nearly 30 years ago … all stock!

Finally, the interior got a good once-over, with the OE plastics (and custom audio-equipped kick panels) being dyed charcoal gray and complemented with suede headliner and inserts. The stock 60-40 seat was swapped out for a distressed gray leather Snowden bench accented with red diamond stitch and tri-color tuxedo carpet below. A Colorado Custom billet steering wheel and Dakota Digital updated instrumentation finish off the interior of the single cab nicely.

“The biggest part about this build was my wife Pamela’s support. She grew up with her father always having OBS trucks, so it brought back a lot of memories. I could not have done this without her … plus, she signed all the checks to Twin States (‘9-9:15 a.m.’ … an inside joke just for the Griffins!).”

Engine bay of a 1994 Chevrolet C1500 showcasing a Corvette LS V8 engine with red valve covers
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