1966 Chevrolet C10

Description

Restoring a vehicle to top condition is tough, but getting one to look like this 1966 Chevrolet C10 pickup borders on art. At first glance, yes, it looks like a work truck with nice patina, but that's little more than a beautifully executed illusion. With originality being a hot commodity today, this truck combines the best of that yesterday look with a fully reconstituted driveline that is powerful, reliable, and expertly finished.

Underneath that purposely patched and faded green paint job is some arrow-straight sheetmetal, and I'm guessing that this truck never really worked very hard in its life. The paint was applied, artificially aged using a variety of techniques, then covered in clear, which all give the truck a very authentic look that's easy to maintain. It's nicely assembled, too, with no sagging bed, no cranky doors, and a hood that latches easily. Even the bed was carefully crafted to disguise the newness, and instead of beautiful refinished oak, there are a few applied bumps and bruises on the planks instead. It's new, but is made to look old, dig? The only real giveaways are the new bright chrome bits, including the side trim, front bumper, grille, and headlight buckets, but I can't blame them for not having the heart to start knocking that brilliant finish off those parts. There's a handy hinged tonneau cover for storing your gear, too!

The interior continues to impress, where it is a beautifully executed full custom with a ton of upgrades. The original seat has been replaced by a pair of black leather buckets from a late model, there are new black carpets in place of the original rubber mat, although there is a bit of faux fading on the door panels. A restored dashboard houses a custom billet aluminum instrument panel full of Shark gauges perched behind the original steering column and wheel. For entertainment, you get a Kenwood AM/FM/CD/iPod touch screen head unit that powers a set of Alpine subwoofers and Kenwood speakers behind the seat. There's room there because the gas tank has been relocated under the bed, a good idea for safety as well as practicality reasons. And you'll always be comfortable with the sliding rear window, which lets in a nice breeze at any speed.

They didn't skimp on the driveline, either, and forget a wheezing inline-six under the hood. Instead, this one now packs a 350 cubic inch crate motor and 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission. A Holley 4-barrel carburetor lives under a chrome air cleaner, and handsome chrome valve covers give it a detailed look under the hood that doesn't go overboard. There's a lot of new hardware, including the alternator and big aluminum radiator up front, and it comes with both power steering and power brakes. Long-tube headers, a great-sounding dual exhaust system, and a refinished frame greet you underneath, along with a durable 12-bolt rear end hanging on the original coil spring suspension. All the mechanicals are new, so anyone who peeks underneath will find the illusion spoiled, but the upside is that this is a vintage-looking truck that drives like it just came off the showroom floor. It's been lowered with fresh coils all around so the stance is perfect, and it sits on Rally wheels and fat 275/60/15 radials that don't give much away.

This is an extremely cool truck. If you're into patina, but don't care much for keeping an old warhorse running, this is the truck for you. These types of restorations are the hottest thing in the industry right now, so we don't expect this one to last very long. Call today!