BJ the K10

There is something to be said about building a truck piece by piece on your own. It creates a level of familiarity and comfort about all the work that has been sunk into it, which makes for an undeniable sense of security. On the other hand, there is also value to investing in a build put together by a reputable source with an absolute stellar reputation. Social media has broken down major barriers that now allows online enthusiasts a firsthand look behind the curtain to all the components and fabrication work that lie beneath the surface of an ongoing project truck. This is a huge incentive for those looking to buy rather than build—having all the receipts add up can also provide just as much confidence and security as bolting a truck together with one’s own hands.

Bob Ward Jr. of Mansfield, Texas, and his wife Kelly are serious off-roaders, and they know the difference between parts and craftsmanship that are above and beyond the norm. “I watched the complete build of a 1984 Chevy K10 that was being completed and shared by Hill’s Hot Rods”, Bob says. “I watched as they put all the right components together and it was steadily becoming a truck that I would want them to build for me. Everything I saw being done to it along the way was top notch, and the positive record that I already knew of Hill’s only solidified what I witnessed for online.”

With his interest in Hill’s K10 project intensifying, Bob followed the build to completion and saw that it would be heading to the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. He immediately made plans to attend the event to get a closer look—as did a whole lot of other interested buyers. “The truck was in perfect condition, which resulted in it getting more attention at the auction”, Bob admits. “Watching all the people in the tent walk by to check it out and overhearing many times that onlookers either planned on keeping their eye on the auction or were serious about bidding with the intent to win the auction reinforced to me that buying the K10 wouldn’t be a stress-free process.”

While on display, strategically positioned mirrors on the ground allowed potential bidders to see all the chassis work Hill’s completed at their shop. Folks were able to see how the factory frame was modified to accept OffRoad Design 4-inch SoftRide leaf spring packs and hangers as well as Tejas Steelworks’ crossmember and engine mounts. The Fox 3.0 shocks, Borla exhaust system, along with the attention to detail all throughout the K5’s underside was there for all to examine before confidently placing their bids.

Also on display was the engine bay, which has been outfitted with a 2017 Chevy Gen V LT engine with all the fixings, which was finished off by an expertly crafted network of paneling and paint work from Hill’s Hot Rods. Mild Tubz from Slosh Tubz have also made an appearance to give the bay a well-rounded, show-worthy appearance. Auction goers were also treated to a restored outward façade that features restoration parts from Classic Parts of America and LMC Truck, as well as more custom additions in the form of a Fesler flush-mount windshield and rear glass. The K10’s fresh two-tone paint scheme and completely reworked bed space featuring slick metalwork and fresh BedWood flooring only added to the Chevy’s retro throwback styling.

Those on the fence of placing a bid on this K10 or not must’ve have been nudged onto the side of going for it based on its renovated interior space alone. JD Glassworks and Mario’s Trim Shop of Lubbock, Texas joined forces within the cab to wrap the Snowden bucket seats in supple Apex leather and Dixxon flannel inserts, as well as the one-off center console, dash pad and reworked door panels. The dash also features custom cut wood inserts, Dakota Digital gauges, and was topped off by an attractive steering wheel from Forever Sharp. Of course, the cab also features a full sound system and Vintage Air climate control to promote comfortable cruising year-round, which is a must-have in Bob’s part of the country.

Once the bidding for the K10 started, things got intense on the auction block for a while. With so many eyeballs on such a nice truck, it was inevitable for the price to be bid up at a steady pace. “The crowd was thick around the truck all week, and there a few other bidders that were matching all my bids, but I got the truck I wanted to buy that day”, Bob says with a sense of great accomplishment. “The Hill’s crew nicknamed the truck ‘BJ’, which just happens to be my initials—Bob Jr. Growing up, people called me BJ all the time, so I believe that owning this truck was meant to be. It is a great combination of old and new, with smooth, quiet cruising, great tunes, and throttle response that can get me where I am heading in a hurry. I wouldn’t change a thing if I would’ve ordered it from Hill’s myself.”