HER RIDE

There’s a switch that turns on suddenly when you first get introduced to the world of custom vehicles. While some can either take it or leave it, there are others that feel nothing but excitement when it comes to spending a day at a car show or putting in long hours in the garage. Jennifer Sutton of Lebanon, Tennessee didn’t fully comprehend the intoxicating power that customizing old trucks held, but once she started hanging around her now husband Brandon and helping with his truck, she just couldn’t stop thinking of one day having a truck of her very own. 

Jennifer began stashing away parts that would eventually be enough to start piecing together a cool 1969 Chevy C10. Of course, it took a lot more than simply slapping parts together to complete her truck project, but it was a darn good start. Luckily, Brandon was able to help with what he could but to handle some of the more technical phases of the build, their good friend Greg Woods stepped in to do what he does best to get the job done. 

To kick the project off, altering the 69’s suspension was first on the list of things to tackle. Since lowered trucks are more Jennifer and Brandon’s forte, that’s the exact direction they took with her project. While there are plenty of options to go with to drop the ride height of any pickup, Jennifer didn’t opt for an air ride system and didn’t feel the need to get too crazy with a sub frame type kit. Instead, she wanted to keep things simple by performing a static drop kit that anyone out there can install without much issue. The McGaughy’s drop spindles, front springs, rear blocks, shocks and C-notch packages were all installed to drastically change the looks of Jennifer’s C10. This suspension setup is straightforward and very relatable to truck builders just starting out, but it is also very effective on the other hand in delivering a better ride performance by simply replacing old and tired chassis components. 

Factory front 11-inch disc brakes and rear drums were left alone as they functioned well and didn’t really need replacement for the task at hand. One thing that most certainly just had to go were the stock wheels and tires. Jennifer selected a staggered set of 20.×5 and 22×10 Billet Specialties SLD89 wheels to take their place and had them covered in 255/35/20 and 285/35/22 Venezia tires. The timeless wheel selection blend into the truck’s overall no-frills aesthetic perfectly, and the fitment is right on the money. 

In a time when it is all too normal to see high-dollar engine swaps under the hood of one of these classic trucks, Jennifer decided to go a different route and run with a slightly newer 1971 Chevy LS5 454 mill to power her C10. Obviously, the engine has been thoroughly gone through to ensure optimum performance, and it was even treated to a few accessories to upgrade its abilities. A Cold Case aluminum radiator, Edelbrock 650 carburetor, and a Billet Specialties air cleaner spruce up the engine’s appearance while boosting its power output. The bay is as clean and tidy as anyone could hope for and gives off a nostalgic period-correct look that is just too cool to write off. 

Next, Greg Woods stepped up to bodywork the entire C10 before painting it in PPG Sunset Bronze Mica that looks classy under any lighting situation (although it may look its best during golden hour). Aside from the new color, the exterior was largely left as-is to allow the factory charm to shine at center stage. The wood planks that now adorn the bed floor were a great addition, as it adds some depth to the highlight reel without being too overwhelming. 

The same game plan was carried out inside of the cab as well. The TMI seats in distressed saddle color pair well with matching door panels, dash pad and center console giving the interior a homey vibe. To further promote slightly elevated style and function in the cab, a Flash Power steering wheel, Dakota Digital gauges, Retro Sound head unit, as well as the Vintage Air A/C system complete with new vents have also been incorporated into the overhaul. Jennifer then threw in some fresh carpeting, along with some other dress-up parts to allow her to cruise in comfort anywhere she decides to go. 

You can bet that you’ll catch Jennifer driving her C10 alongside her husband, Brandon in his truck as much as they possibly can make it happen. That was the whole point of this build to begin with from the start, and going to their first show together with their own custom pickups has been the most memorable experience of the whole process. It only took 8 months to complete Jennifer’s ’69, but the joy she stands to gain from it will last a lifetime. While this is her first finished project, we’ll see if she pushes it even further or jumps into another project down the line. There’s no telling what can happen once the fever for building classic trucks sets in.