FLAMING YOUTH

In the dynamic world of professionals committed to their craft, finding the time and energy to dedicate to personal pursuits can be a rare feat. Amidst the grind of a typical 9 to 5 routine, one artist defies the norm, seamlessly blending his professional prowess with personal passion. Enter the visionary custom painter, Pat Maxwell, hailing from Maxwell Designs in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Renowned for his exceptional skills in paint and airbrush work for custom vehicles, Pat dedicated precious time to craft a masterpiece out of a 1966 Chevy C10 – a truck that would become his “shop truck,” and a rolling business card.

With a history of transforming trucks with his distinctive paintwork, Pat chose to go even further on this C10 by slamming it to the pavement. Equipped with Porterbuilt front and rear suspension systems featuring Slam Specialties airbags, and a 5.3L LS engine, 4L60E transmission, and a 12-bolt rear end for modern drivability, the truck underwent a mechanical metamorphosis.

Yet, it wasn’t just the mechanical upgrades that set this truck apart; it became a canvas for Pat’s artistic expression. The once-simple truck assumed the character of a vintage warplane, adorned with faux riveted panels, rust, and water spots. A hot rod flame-job with large flakes in the paint and fine-line pinstriping ran from front to back, while the doors boasted a flying eyeball with the words “Hired Gun” in variegated gold leaf – showcasing Pat’s unparalleled paint skills.

As a staple at Lone Star Throwdown, the truck garnered admiration from many, including Bill Watson from Horn Lake, Mississippi. Despite persistent offers, Bill couldn’t sway Pat to part with his creation. However, as time passed, the C10 encountered air ride issues, prompting Pat to turn to his longtime friend Stacey “Sketchy” Campbell of Sketchy’s Speed Shop. Stacey not only addressed the mechanical challenges but also struck a deal to acquire the truck from Pat, catching the attention of the persistent Bill, who remarked, “When the newness wears off, call me, and I’ll buy it from you.”

True to his promise, Bill swiftly seized the opportunity when Stacey decided to sell, which was just a mere 22 hours after telling his wife that he wasn’t going to buy any more cars or trucks. Shortly after, he boarded a plane with his son to deliver a Milwaukee tool bag brimming with money, clinching the ownership of this unique truck. The acquisition included a new set of 22×9 and 22×12 Raceline Scoundrel billet wheels, though curiously, no tires were present. This proved inconsequential for Bill, as the owner of a wheel and tire business known as BTW Distribution and Sales in Memphis, Tennessee, he opted for a set of Nitto NT420V tires, favored for their longevity and eye-catching tread design.

With the truck in his possession, Bill’s personal touches left an indelible mark. An engine cover, Snowden bench seat, and a sleek black finish on the custom wood bed floor reflected his commitment to enhancing both form and function. The homage to Pat Maxwell, encapsulated in the signage on the doors, remains intact, a testament to Bill’s deep appreciation for the artist’s legacy.

Several years into ownership, Bill finds himself immersed in the worry-free enjoyment of this unique setup, solidifying the belief that the wait for this extraordinary truck was undeniably worthwhile. The once-envied Chevy C10, now an integral part of Bill’s expanding collection, stands as a testament to patience, passion, and the timeless allure of a truly unique automobile.