Last month we showed you how Chassis by Aaron Iha fabricated a one-off bed from sheetmetal and a piece or two from the original '67 Chevy C10. This month, the crew at Chassis opted to scrap darn near everything from the interior and build a wild interior from scratch. Incorporating new-car styling with the classic appeal of the C10, the dash is unbelievable. No need to bolt a seat in place, Chassis by Aaron will just build an entire seat frame, mounts, and put it on actuators with multi-driver settings for the ultimate in modern convenience. This amazing project is nearing completion, but we couldn't leave this intricate detail out of the buildup, so read along as we chat with Aaron Iha on an interior that will inspire you to go crazy on your own ride.
1-2. Hey Aaron, last time we checked out the interior, you and Dale had just welded the floorpan to the firewall after the new cab went on. It looks like you've been busy. Joking with you, I said the dash looks like a new BMW and an old C10 spent too much time listening to Barry White and eating chocolate, with this dash being the end result. Can you tell us your inspiration for its design?
3. I see you welding on a small box and you just mentioned a glove box. Is that really what i think it is?
4-6. You can't be serious. With all of the crazy one-off parts on this truck and you still built a glove box? Why not just fill it in or add a monitor or something?
7. Overall, the dash sure did turn out cool. I see what looks like three A/C vents. So this C10 will have A/C, huh? What kind of vents are you going to use?
8-9. Last time I stopped by, you were fabricating a powered telescopic steering column for the truck.
With the extreme modification...
With the extreme modification of the roof swap, I did not want to do a crazy, molded custom dash that did not even resemble a C10. I also did not want to put the stock clunky-looking one in the new sleek body, so I came up with a contemporary take on the C10 dash.
The gauges, A/C vents, and...
The gauges, A/C vents, and glovebox positions and shapes all match the original dash. The recessed face of the dash is flat, just like the stock dash, but the overall shape has a broad convex arch like that of a new BMW. The truck’s body lines have large rounded arches with squared off corners, I tried to match those same characteristics with the shape of the dash.
The stock dash has a unique-looking...
The stock dash has a unique-looking glove box and the new one just would not be right without it. This truck is all about paying close attention to the details.
From the beginning, this truck...
From the beginning, this truck was built to be a driver...
...so where else are you going...
...so where else are you going to put your paperwork and iPod.
Plus, do you really need to...
Plus, do you really need to watch TV while you’re cruising this thing?
This truck has full amenities....
This truck has full amenities. With spring training in Arizona, A/C and heat are a must. The vents are made by Billet Specialties and they closely resemble the factory C10 vents.
I made the steering column...
I made the steering column telescope in and out of the dash using an actuator and linkages.
It took about three days to...
It took about three days to machine and weld up all the little pieces to make it work and steer...