We have heard the phrase, "If you want it done right, do it yourself." There is one major stipulation when building a custom show truck 100-percent by yourself: you must possess the talent and skills to pull it off. Andy Lowry from Winslow, Arizona, is one of those few. Andy decided to take on the entire buildup of his latest creation, this immaculate '72 Chevy C10. Andy did every phase of this custom build himself. The '72 was purchased for $500, and with the truck at his shop, the build was underway.
After removing the cab, fenders, hood, and bed, the frame was stripped down to just rails and crossmembers. The framerails were boxed using 1/4-inch plate. The rear framerails were then C-notched and the frame was sent out to be powdercoated. To achieve the pneumatic adjustable slammed stance, the front stock spindles were swapped out for a pair of Belltech 2-1/2-inch drop spindles. To obtain the automated adjustable athleticism, a Slammed Specialties pneumatic 'bag system was installed at all four corners. Four Gabriel gas-filled shock absorbers dampen the shock frequency at each wheel.
Factory GM 13-inch rotors and dual piston calipers control the stopping power. A set of MB 20x8-1/2-inch polished billet wheels were wrapped in a pair of Nitto NT 555 255/35R20 tires, while out back the horsepower is delivered to the asphalt with a pair of MB 22x9-1/2-inch polished billet wheels consumed in 285/35R22 Nitto NT555 rubber. The powertrain choice was a '98 Chevy 5.7L V-8 equipped with Vortec Fast Burn cylinder heads. The engine was sent out to Performance Chevy and machined and internally balanced.
Andy then carefully assembled the engine, and upgraded all of the internal components. Next, the electronic fuel-injection system was linked with a Painless Wiring system and computer. The factory HEI system was linked with 8mm Taylor ignition wires. A pair of 2-1/2-inch FlowTech shorty headers flow into a pair of 2-1/2-inch-diameter stainless exhaust and dual-chamber Flowmaster mufflers. The balanced two-piece driveshaft links the GM 4L60E transmission to the 12-bolt Chevy rear end, which was stuffed with new Richmond 3.73 gears, capped with an aluminum diff-cover.