Blew By You

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InTheGarageMedia.com

Paul Messman’s BBT Fab–Built 1963 Chevy C10

BY Rob Fortier

Images BY NotStock Photography

I

vaguely remember the first time I saw that title used in a feature way back in the early ’90s: it was a Pro Street car in one of the meathead muscle cars mags of the time. I automatically thought it was one of the goofiest titles ever used, but looking back through mullet-tinged wayback spectacles, it kind of made sense.

When I first laid eyes on Paul Messman’s small-window C10 and subsequently heard a short video clip from the shoot that John Jackson had sent, that title immediately popped back in my head, but more as a play on Blue Bayou but also as an appropriate nod to its 598ci big-block power! Still kinda goofy, but even though I’ve never owned a mullet, I dig it!

rear view of 1963 Chevy C10 in the garage

engine view of 1963 Chevy C10 in the garage

view of 1963 Chevy C10 trunk from above in garage

front view of the grey 1963 Chevy C10 in the garage

interior view of 1963 Chevy C10 seats and dashboard

1963 Chevy C10 steering wheel and gauges and meters

closeup view of 1963 Chevy C10 trunk floor detailing

Paul’s 1963 Chevy, which originally belonged to his late wife Susan’s family, is a three-year product from the folks at BBT Fabrications—with paintwork by Hoosier Hot Rods and interior by the impeccable Cato’s Custom Upholstery. It all began with a Roadster Shop REVO chassis (this one equipped with Afco coilovers and Wilwood spindles/brakes) that now rolls on 19/20-inch Forgeline SE3C wheels. The aforementioned rat motor (I know, it’s an “engine”!) built by Prestige Motorsports features an Eagle forged crank with H-beam rods and JE custom piston stuffed into a Dart aluminum block topped with Brodix heads and a Holley Terminator EFI. Backed by a Bowler Carbon-Edition T-56 Magnum feeding a Strange Engineering 9-inch, the big-block gets its menacing sound via Ultimate stainless headers, 3-inch custom stainless exhaust system, and Borla Pro VX mufflers.

closeup of rear tail light of 1963 Chevy C10

Beneath Hoosier’s Bentley Moroccan Blue paint (applied by Anthony Titzer) is a long list of custom modifications, including, but not limited to, shaved/filled seams, custom-built tailgate, handmade inner wheelwells and radiator cover, custom firewall, modified C30 grille, tucked 1967 rear bumper, and a custom forged-aluminum bed floor by Smokey Road Rod Shop. While inside, surrounding Phil Cato’s stunning Moore & Giles leather interior work is a modified-stock dash with a custom lower panel and center console, one-off Dakota Digital gauges, InTek OTTO machined shifter/controls (complementing the exterior door handles/mirrors), Ididit column with Sparc Industries steering wheel, Vintage Air Gen IV climate control, and a Coach Controls harness with Holley engine management.

It should go without saying—all title sarcasm aside—this one goes out to Paul’s late wife, Susan, and her family!

1963 Chevy C10 outside of a vintage gas station pump

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