The trials and tribulations of project vehicles. How we manage to get through these hard times and difficulties is what drives us and attaches us emotionally to our trucks. When it's good, it's great; but when it's bad, it seems downright terrible-as though getting a limb sawed off would be less painful. Sean Berkey of Middleburg, Indiana, knows exactly what we're trying to say. His personal project, this '66 Chevy C10, has seen its share of problems. For example, when it was first painted, Sean went to see it. The painter pulled out the air gun to dust it off and literally blew the paint right off. Jumping from a tall building would have been less painful.
Beyond the teething problems, Sean saw fit to drop his truck off at Gerald's Auto Body in New Paris, Indiana, for suspension work. Starting up front, everything from the stock A-arms out was removed and replaced: '87 C10 control arms, tie rods, ball joints, steering, and so on. With the newer-year components in place, Sean now had a five-lug disc brake conversion. Getting the suspension nearer to the Midwestern tarmac required the use of 2-inch drop spindles and Air Ride Technologies 'bags. Out back, the same thought process was applied as an '87 C10 rearend was fitted under the old iron by way of an Air Ride Technologies four-link. Airbags were also installed to match the front adjustability. A Ride Pro kit manages the entire orchestra. For wheels befitting this old/new truck, Sean went with Boyd Coddington. On the front, 18x8-inch Stingrays are enveloped in Yokohama AVS Sport 225/40ZR18 tires. Out back, in a slightly larger size are an additional pair of Stingrays sized 20x8 inches with 245/40ZR20 Yokohamas. Sean completed the newly acquired brakes with Russel stainless lines for sure-footed stopping with his high-priced billets.
To power the '66, a 355ci small-block is in place between the framerails. For positive power, the V-8 was fitted with Hedman ceramic headers blowing out a custom, aluminized exhaust with V-force mufflers and Silverline steel tips. Lighting the fires is an Accel HEI distributor pushing voltage through Taylor wires. Keeping everything cool underhood is a Griffin aluminum radiator topped by a Billet Specialties radiator cap. Spal dual electric fans create airflow when Sean is sitting, and braided water lines move hot and cold water between the engine and the cooling system. Sean set up the engine for serious show points by having everything painted, including the block and heads. For shine, a Billet Specialties air cleaner and valve cover set was put in place as well as Tuff Stuff chromed water pump and alternator pieces.
Being an all-in-one type shop, Gerald's was entrusted not only with the suspension upgrades but also with the responsibility to remove what was left of the previous shop's original paintwork. With the truck in bare form, Sean had the team exorcise some metalwork by shaving the door handles and gas filler from the cab. For a replacement fuel filler, Sean had Gerald's install a Hagen fuel door into the rear Stepside fender. The rear bumper is the only other piece of non-factory steel on the exterior, but it is unknown where it came from. House of Kolor Majik Blue covers the truck from roof to rocker. For a small, custom touch, the Stepside steps were chromed to contrast the vast expanses of paint. Once completed, the Chevy's bed was reassembled with new clearcoated oak planks and stainless strips.
With the problems behind him, Sean was finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. All that remained was an interior and some music to finish things off. Kris Kustoms of Fort Wayne, Indiana, stitched together a super-clean interior. Starting with the newer Chevy bucket seats, Kris Kustoms sewed up some gray leather coverings. Dark-gray carpet covers the floor, while light-gray floor mats complement the color choice. Leather and tweed were chosen for the headliner, and tweed was the sole material used for the back wall and subwoofer box behind the seats. A custom center console fills in the middle ground. Steering chores are handled with a Billet Specialties Alien billet and leather steering wheel attached to an ididit polished column. Sean keeps up to the minute with Haneline gauges mounted in an engine turned panel. For cruising tunes, it was back to Gerald's. A Kenwood head unit starts it all, while an Audiobahn 10-inch subwoofer finishes it. In between, an Audiobahn 1200-watt amplifier and additional Audiobahn speakers handle the mids and the highs. The Gerald's team stashed 6-1/2-inch separates in the door panels, while 4-inch mid/highs ride in the steel dash.
Since the truck's completion, Sean has been steadily increasing his supply of trophies with wins at such venues as the Indy Truck Bash and the Indy Import and Truck Show. Sean's blend of old and new made way for better availability of components, and with Gerald's doing all the work, the C10 was finally in the right hands. Sean wishes to thank Gerald's Body Shop, Kris Kustoms, Dick's Auto Parts, D&T Automotive Specialties, and Air Ride Technologies. Sean is only 22 but is well on his way to creating a smattering of custom rides if he keeps up this pace. With this kind of attention to detail and determination, he'll only find more success in his days to come.