Custom 1968 Chevrolet C-10 Classic Truck - Lemon Drop

Raising the hood exposes an enhanced '71 406ci cast-iron block with four-bolt mains. The cylinders were bored 0.030 over, and the bottom of the block was clearanced to accommodate the longer Scat 5.7 connecting rods linking the TRW 11.1 compression-forged aluminum pistons. A pair of Air Flow Research 210 aluminum cylinder heads were bolted up to the freshly decked block surface, eliminating weight, dissipating heat, and increasing air/fuel flow rate. The engine's heartbeat is determined by a Competition camshaft, 310 degrees duration and 0.520 lift. An MSD coil and MSD billet distributor energize the ignition current through a set of Accell 9mm wire. Ceramic-coated Hedman Hedders direct the burnt exhaust gases from the exhaust ports into the 1-5/8-inch primary tubes, into two 3-inch exhaust pipes, ending into a pair of Spin Tech 2-inch mufflers. A '68 Chevy Turbo 400 automatic transmission was rebuilt with a B&M shift kit, stronger clutch discs, servo, and a modified valve body. An 11-inch B&M torque converter was also installed to handle the 500 hp.

The '68 C-10 body received some creative modifications. The cowl vent and cab seams were welded, ground, and sanded smooth. The rear bumper was removed and then replaced with a weld-in smooth roll pan. The tailgate was welded shut and also ground smooth, along with the stake bedrail holes. Cab driprails, moldings, emblems, and door handles were also shaved smooth. The front bumper was grafted to the fenders, and the lower grille looks like a wrap-around roll pan. The stock headlight eyebrows were eliminated but utilize the factory headlight bezels to house the flat crystalline headlights. The front turn indicators are neatly tucked into the lower grille opening's outer corners. To allow the wheels and tires to tuck up front, the inner fenders were removed. Lee's good buddy Mike Scott raised the bed floor 6 inches and tubbed the rear wheelwells. After all the body mods were completed, the entire skin surface was block sanded, prepped, and primed. Then Lee filled his spray gun and applied the DuPont Custom Yellow. The inner bed floor, wheel tubs, and side panels received multiple coats of Morton spray-in bedliner treatment.

Opening the doors exposes the plush interior with a filled and shaved glovebox and dash. A billet aluminum ball-milled gauge cluster houses the Auto Meter whiteface gauges that continuously transmit the engine's vital signs. The C-10's bench seat, headliner, and door panels were all purchased from Rod Doors; and the crew at Shelton and Anderson Upholstery in Hanford, California, covered everything in gray leather. A polished stainless steel ididit tilt steering column was capped with a Billet Specialties Talladega III 14-inch steering wheel.

Lee would like to thank his dad, Lewis Milinich; Kay Greenlee; Mike Scott; Bob Willhite; and the rest of the team at Milinich Body Shop.

It's a special thing when a father and son fuse their efforts and ideas into a custom, one-of-a-kind project together. The memories of the journey will be shared with Lee's best friend, his dad. You know the grandpas are proud.