The first vehicle we own can sometimes stick with us long after we let it go. This doesn’t apply to everyone because, let’s be honest, some of our first rides were purebred buckets. Much luckier individuals, on the other hand, like Ismael Oliden from La Habra, California, drove around in something cool back in the day. “My first vehicle was a 1965 big window C10,” he says. “I owned that truck with pride because I had to fix it up to get it running. I spent a lot of time getting it in good enough condition to enjoy driving it but had to sell it to buy books for college.” That’s the way things go sometimes. Hey, at least Ismael had a vehicle that was worth something when he needed to raise money for a good cause.
The sacrifice Ismael made years ago has long since paid off, but there has always been a void in his life where that old C10 used to be. “I never forgot how much I loved driving around in my ’65,” he admits. “I have since spent 10 years searching for a suitable replacement that was clean enough to enjoy as-is but could also serve as a good starting point for a full custom build. I ended up finding another ’65 in Fresno, California. It was originally built at GM’s Fremont, California assembly plant in 1965, so it was nice to find out that the history of this pickup had deep roots in my home state.”
Even though the truck was nice enough to tune up and drive in found condition, Ismael figured that he owed it to himself to build it into a truck that he would’ve been shocked to see as a kid. The first thing Ismael did when he got his new-to-him ’65 back at home, was tearing it down with his son who was 4 years old at the time. The process was rewarding but Ismael soon found out there was more to building the truck back up than he realized. “The lead time waiting for parts that may or may not even be available was rough”, he admits. “Basically, I didn’t know how long a build could typically take, so I searched around and looked for a shop that could help out.”
After searching around for a competent fabricator with a stunning track record, Ismael’s C10 landed at Image Street Rods & Customs in Santa Maria, California. Image owner and operator, Keith Vander Meulen, is well-versed in all things custom, and was ready to assist in creating a ride worth Ismael’s extended wait. To start, Keith boxed in the truck’s factory frame and created one-off crossmembers to strengthen it for its next phase of reinvention. The front of the chassis was outfitted with a Total Cost Involved Pro Touring IFS setup as well as a TCI rear torque arm suspension system. Ridetech coil-overs were utilized at all four corners for superior ride quality and response. Once the new chassis components were test fit, they were disassembled for a fresh powdercoat finish. Front and rear Wilwood disc brake kits were then pieced together, and a set of 20-inch, 2-piece US Mags Bastille forged wheels were mounted to complete the C10’s rejuvenated platform. Things were looking up for the old Chevy, but Keith was only getting started!
A 2022 GM LS crate engine was sourced from BluePrint Engines, and even though it arrived in impressive condition, Keith went a step further by fabricating a custom intake tube and manifold cover, as well as a full 2.5-inch exhaust system finished off with Borla ProXS mufflers. Clayton Machine Works coil covers were also utilized to dress up the engine bay, as were custom fenders, firewall, and billet hood hinges for full effect. The LS was then backed up by a matching 4L80E transmission from B&M.
The exterior of the C10 was sprayed with a cool metallic pea-colored hue and improved upon with shiny new accessories in the way of Headwinds headlights, All American Billet taillights, LMC Truck custom chrome bumpers and door handles, and Billet Specialties mirrors. While the cab remained largely stock, the bed was altered with shaved pockets and chains on the tailgate, which is now operated by a custom hidden latch. Fresh wooden planks where then laid down to create a slick-looking bed floor to complete the C10’s exterior overhaul.
A similar streamlined approach was also rolled out inside the cab with a simple, yet sleek leather covered bench seat from Glide Engineering, as well as a matching upholstered dash and door panels. A leather-clad Billet Specialties steering wheel, Vintage Air climate control, and full audio system featuring Rockford Fosgate components came together to create a well-rounded interior landscape.
Over a 3-year period, Ismael saw his second ’65 C10 not only match the likeness of the one he owned years ago but eclipse it in every way thanks to Keith Vander Meulen of Image Street Rods & Customs. Ismael won’t be trading this truck in for books anytime soon, that’s for sure. Here’s to endless days of California cruising!