G WHIZ

Patrick Gibellina’s 1994 Chevrolet C1500 came together in just 2 weeks, but don’t let the quick timeline fool you. This truck is a carefully crafted showcase of modern suspension tech and sharp styling wrapped in a low-mile OBS package.

The story starts like many good builds do, with a Facebook Marketplace find. A customer of Patrick’s in North Carolina spotted this C1500 online and knew exactly who to call. Patrick and his crew at Mr. G’s Classic Trucks have a reputation for working their magic on low-mileage OBS trucks, so the customer sent it straight to their shop.

Once the truck arrived, Patrick’s team got to work. The goal was to highlight Ridetech’s full coilover system while showing off Billet Specialties’ new Tec5 wheels, which were spec’d with the perfect backspacing for these trucks. With that in mind, Patrick and his crew tackled the build at a pace that would impress a Formula 1 pit crew.

The heart of the truck is still a stock 5.7L small block from GM. While some builders might chase big horsepower numbers, Patrick kept things simple under the hood. Instead of piling on power mods, they focused on making the truck ride, handle, and sound just right.

The exhaust setup is a standout feature. Patrick’s team hand-built the entire system using stainless tubing from Stainless Bros, with precision TIG welding and V-band clamps. The custom tailpipe gives it a unique look, and a Borla Pro XS muffler keeps the sound deep and refined without waking up the neighbors.

The real magic happens underneath. Ridetech’s full coilover setup gives this C1500 a firm yet comfortable ride, with improved handling that puts most stock trucks to shame. Ridetech spindles handle the front-end drop, while their rear coilover system keeps the stance just right. The Billet Specialties Tec5 wheels, finished in charcoal gray, fill out the wheel wells nicely, measuring 20×8.5 up front and 20×10 in the rear. Wrapped in Nitto 555 G2 tires, the combo delivers both style and grip.

The truck’s original Medium Blue paint still shines like it just rolled out of a dealership back in 1994. That RPO code #25 finish speaks for itself, so Patrick wisely left it alone.

Once the truck was buttoned up, Patrick took it to Dino’s Git Down, one of the biggest Chevy truck gatherings in the country. The Silverado made plenty of noise, both figuratively and literally, as Patrick and his crew turned heads and filmed content for Ridetech and their own YouTube channel. It’s safe to say this truck made its mark.

For Patrick, the build wasn’t just about showcasing new parts. It was about taking a solid, clean truck and turning it into something that stands out without losing its original charm. The result is a C1500 that blends modern performance with classic OBS style. The kind of truck that gets a thumbs-up at stoplights and leaves tire smoke when the mood is right.