Mike Self September 19, 2023 C10 Builders Guide
There’s a certain sense of pride that comes with other folks appreciating your ride, whether it be a thumbs up at a stoplight or someone taking the time to ask questions about it at a show. It’s even better, however, when those accolades have the potential to add to your small business’ bottom line.
Stephen Robinson has had some nice rides over the past few years, but what he really wanted was a truck that could pull double duty as a rolling advertisement for his shop. When he came across a mildly customized ’87 Chevy R10 with lots of potential, he knew he had found his new billboard. In total, he would spend the next two years making changes that would make the truck his.
Stephen Robinson has had some nice rides over the past few years, but what he really wanted was a truck that could pull double duty as a rolling advertisement for his shop.
Since the truck already had a nice two-tone paintjob and some rad mods (such as a shaved/molded tailgate and shaved hood emblem), he could focus on other parts of the truck that would benefit from some upgrades. Among the first changes were the silver and red divider stripes, which were painted on by Trey Steele of TS Paint Shack fame. With the paintwork now dialed in, Stephen began looking at other things to change up.
The dated factory TBI setup on the now detailed-out 350 engine was ditched in favor of a high-tech Holley Sniper EFI system, which was installed by Brian Vamos at KNDAlow Industries. Brian was also the guy who vastly improved the engine bay with Hart Fab inner fenderwells, as well as spraying the color-matched SEM Products bedliner in the tubbed and sheetmetal-laden bed.
The adjustable air suspension comes courtesy of tried-and-true Porterbuilt components installed by Mike Lee of Mr. Scrape Customs, including a front subframe and rear notch, with a 4-link keeping the factory rear axle in place. Each corner received a 2,600-pound Firestone airbag, and an Air Lift Performance 3P air management system was plumbed in to allow Stephen to make on-the-fly adjustments while driving, as well as lay the truck flat on the ground when parked. Making the tuckage all the more impressive is the rolling stock, which consists of 20- and 22-inch Billet Specialties Vintec wheels dipped in Diamond Back LX redline tires, which perfectly complement the paint in addition to the stance.
But what really ties everything together is the interior, which is a completely custom job by Mr. Scrape Customs. If you can believe it, that’s the factory bench seat, which was reshaped with new foam and upholstered in red leather. And then there’s the custom dash and door panels, which were fabricated from scratch—including the basket-woven leather. The gauges are from Autometer, and the steering wheel is a Chicayne from Billet Specialties, which is a pretty darned close match to the Vintec wheels. A custom center console houses the EFI screen, as well as the Air Lift Performance controller, keeping things within easy reach when needed.
In Stephen’s eyes (and ours, to be honest), the truck is now perfect and ready to enjoy. And with the added bonus of being able to drive it around to promote his business, Stephen may be looking at a few tax breaks!
With quite a few improvements now under its belt, the next thing Stephen plans to change is … nothing! In Stephen’s eyes (and ours, to be honest), the truck is now perfect and ready to enjoy. And with the added bonus of being able to drive it around to promote his business, Stephen may be looking at a few tax breaks!
TRUCK SPECS
Owner
Stephen Robinson
Lexington, SC
1987 Chevy R10
Chassis & Suspension
Wheels & Tires
Engine & Drivetrain
Body & Paint
Interior & Stereo
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