Joe Greeves June 20, 2023 Buyer’s Guides
As interesting as the trucks themselves, the stories connected with the build often reveal a fascinating, behind-the-scenes view of the process. Sometimes the job is quick and easy, other times the results are unexpected. From Sanderson, Florida, Marshall Rowen shared the unique back story of his trophy-winning 1972 Chevy C10, an amazing case of a decades-long dream finally coming true.
Recently retired, Marshall’s former career revolved around his home maintenance business, but he has been an automotive enthusiast since he built his first dune buggy at age 12! With his enthusiast addiction ignited at an early age, he progressed to modified race cars, automotive restoration, and lately, trucks with each getting better than the last. How this ’72 arrived however, is a story from 40 years in the past. Continuing to recall events from his youth, Marshall, now a full two years older at the tender age of 14, saw a customized 1967 Chevy II that he believed had to be the most beautiful vehicle he had ever seen. He decided that one day he would have something just like it.
A lengthy four decades later, the dream finally began to take shape although it happened almost by accident. The ’72 Chevy C10 in the photos was initially purchased by his son, Blake. It was in bad shape, but Chevrolet got it right when they designed this era of truck, and its popularity has been on a continuous rise for decades. They are becoming increasingly rare and are sought after when restored. Unfortunately, time, money, and motivation took their toll and Blake ran out of all three. That’s when Marshall stepped in, deciding to fix it up just enough to get it sold.
Here’s the turning point in the story. Somewhere during the rejuvenation process, an unusual item piqued Marshall’s interest. The truck badly needed replacement door handles. When he discovered the popular aftermarket Kindig-It Design “Square Style” versions, they looked so good when installed that he began to rethink his plan. In fact, the handles turned out to be the catalyst that prompted an entire frame-off restoration!
Marshall is an accomplished craftsman and now with new motivation, he decided to create something like that dream vehicle he saw as a teenager. Choosing to start with a firm foundation, the Chevy frame was boxed, and all holes were filled, tubular upper and lower control arms from Brothers Trucks were added up front, and he installed one-of-a-kind trailing arms of his own design. Western Chassis 2.5-inch drop spindles helped with the static drop profile. While everything was apart, he pressed forward, adding four-wheel Wilwood disc brakes, Ridetech coilovers, and No Limits power rack-and-pinion steering.
Next on the list was the engine compartment. He knew that a smooth firewall would provide a perfect backdrop for the powerful new engine but decided to take it one step further. Just for fun, he hid the Wilwood master cylinder underneath the frame for a unique look. When people notice the clean firewall and wonder aloud whether the truck has brakes, he smiles and says, “This build was inspired by Fred Flintstone!” Both the firewall and the custom inner fender panels were painted to match the exterior.
Continuing his detail-oriented approach, Marshall selected Eddie Motorsports hinges to manage the hood, intrigued with their unique mechanical flavor. The hood itself is also unique since it is as smooth on the underside as it is on top. Marshall flexed his fabrication skills by crafting a single piece of sheetmetal to cover the underside, creating a seamless look. His handiwork was distinctive enough to attract the admiration of Chip Foose himself, during the Year One show in Atlanta. Foose was so impressed with Marshall’s creativity and fabrication skills that he signed a photograph of the hood. Quite an honor!
Once all the elements of the engine compartment were in place, the original 350 was eliminated and a Chevy 400 block that Marshall had been saving for a special occasion was bolted in, using motor mounts of his own design. Providing a heaping dose of louder, faster, and prettier, the built brute reads like a hot rodder’s dream sheet with Marshall orchestrating a long list of performance upgrades. Now bored to 406ci, the rotating assembly consists of an Eagle crank and H-Beam rods along with Wiseco pistons. Pro Comp aluminum heads along with an Edelbrock Performance 850 carb, intake, air cleaner, and cam come together to manage incoming air, MSD ignition lights the fire, and Hooker Competition headers scavenge what’s left through a custom Magnaflow exhaust. The combination was clearly designed for rapid transit! Adding sparkle to the mix, Billet Specialties accessories include radiator clamps, valve covers, and pulleys while the new PRC radiator and condenser ensure temps stay in the green.
Although it took about 40 years, he knows that the image of that beautiful
vehicle that started a teenager dreaming is finally in his garage.
Moving outside, body modifications began by creating a beautifully smooth, bumperless frontend featuring a full width chrome grille, slim LED running lights below the hidden headlights, and a smooth roll pan. Sculpted drip rails and one-piece side windows clean up the doors while filled stake pockets, smooth tailgate, and a custom rear pan dress up the rear. LED taillights from Marques Designs shine brightly at night. The bed features custom inner fender panels but was left plain to allow a functional space for lawn chairs at car shows. The tiny touch latch door in the bed floor is the filler for the repositioned gas tank. Since it was important to see the Wilwood brakes through the wheels, the final addition was American Racing rims, 20 X 9 all around on Michelin rubber.
Inside, Marshall’s craftsmanship is once again on display, beginning with the custom dash that features a second steel glovebox door, now repurposed as a mirror image to the original and holding five smaller Omega Kustom analog gauges. The larger speedometer and tachometer flank the new additions. A Lecarra wheel turns on an Ididit column and a Lokar shifter controls the Turbo 350. Driver and lucky passenger enjoy the six-way power seats from a 2004 Acura TL, complete with bolsters, head rests, and lumbar support. Vintage Air keeps everyone cool during warm Florida summers. Road trips take on a new dimension thanks to the Kenwood head unit that controls speakers behind the seats and in the kick panels. Larry’s Trim Shop installed the combination arm rest and door handles, but Marshall did the rest of the leather and vinyl upholstery, even to the Brother’s Trucks headliner and seat belts. The four-year team effort saw Marshall doing the bodywork and after the gaps were set to perfection, son Blake laid down a deep layer of the ChromaBase Marina Blue final color.
How is the finished truck to drive? At the Year One Show in Atlanta, out of 100 cars judged, Marshall was gratified to know that his talents were recognized, finishing in the top 10. Although it took about 40 years, he knows that the image of that beautiful vehicle that started a teenager dreaming is finally in his garage. Marshall sends special thanks to his wife Tanyia for her unending support and encouragement.
Marshall Rowan
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