Here Comes the Boom: The Thunderous Transformation of a '65 Chevy C10 Truck

• April 19, 2024
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar
• Photos By Kevin Aguilar

From the early days of his youth, Dave Schneider's fascination with vehicles knew no bounds. While other teenagers were preoccupied with typical adolescent pursuits, Dave found himself drawn to the allure of minitrucks. It all began with a chance encounter down the street from where he grew up; a Mazda owned by older kids caught his eye, sparking a curiosity that would shape his automotive love. Dave eventually acquired a Nissan minitruck of his own, igniting a lifelong passion for cars and trucks.

The Find

Despite growing up in a household where hot rods were dismissed as frivolous pursuits by his mechanic stepfather, Dave's automotive enthusiasm remained strong. His journey took a decisive turn when he stumbled upon a golden '66 C10 with a big back window on eBay. Though his initial attempt to claim it fell short, fate smiled upon him a year later when he came across another '65 model, sporting a weathered red paint job.

Going Off the Deep End

What started as a simple quest for a daily driver soon morphed into a full-blown project as Dave's meticulous attention to detail and penchant for experimentation took hold. The truck's heart, a 283ci engine, was the first casualty, setting off a chain reaction of modifications. Salvaged from an old boat, a Hampton supercharger found new life atop a fresh small block crate motor, complemented by a daring triple deuce Stromberg 97 carburetor setup with velocity stacks. Such a powerhouse demanded visibility, leading Dave to completely remove the hood to proudly display his handiwork.

Extreme Lows

Dialing-in the truck's stance became the next challenge, prompting Dave to employ a blend of innovative solutions. A Scott's Hotrods front suspension and Slam Specialties airbags lent a distinctive profile, while a Porterbuilt back half with trailing arms and Firestone sleeve bags transformed the rear. Managing this pneumatic symphony fell to an Air Lift system, ensuring a seamless equilibrium between form and function.

Spicing it Up

Of course, every four-wheeled project encounters its share of setbacks, and Dave's journey was no exception. A catastrophic engine failure prompted a rethink, culminating in the installation of a formidable 427ci Dart small block engine, now fortified with nitrous oxide for an extra kick. Custom stainless-steel headers and dramatic 3 ½-inch exhaust tubing further accentuated the truck's bold persona.

Going the Distance

Despite his initial intent to preserve the truck's weathered patina, Dave couldn't resist adding his own custom touches. Collaborating with master painter Daniel at Smith Workx, the truck received personalized touches with trick paint on the firewall and roof, elevating its aesthetic allure.

With encouragement from Daniel and Jason Ballard, Dave seized an opportunity to showcase his creation at the prestigious SEMA show, cementing its status as a bona fide showstopper.

Key Touches

It was then time to step up the game even further. The truck's transformation continued on the inside with a blend of retro charm and modern convenience. A Speedway steering column, Billet Specialties wheel, and Speedway bomber seats injected personality into the cockpit.

Additionally, a Mooneyes tachometer and a custom flying eyeball on the glovebox complemented the appearance with a bit of hot rod flare.

Taming the Beast

Wheels and tires are a make-or-break piece of styling on any vehicle build, and on a truck like this, getting the setup correct is even more critical. Dave chose a set of 19x8 and 20x10-inch Colorado Custom Sugar City billet wheels with copper-colored centers.

These wheels have an old school salt flat look, that fits the bill perfectly for this hot rod themed truck. Paired with 245/35ZR19 and 285/30ZR20 Nitto NT555 G2 tires, this combination not only enhances the truck's visual appeal but also delivers superior performance on the road.

The Beauty of Being Bold

In its final form, Dave's classic C10 transcends mere transportation, it’s aggressive and refined and a little nutty like the model showcars we used to glue together as kids. It’s unmistakable presence and thunderous engine note captivate enthusiasts far and wide, earning respect among the tight field of custom builds in the scene. From humble beginnings as a daily driver, this remarkable truck has evolved into a true masterpiece, a testament to Dave's unwavering dedication and ingenuity.

Hard Facts