TAKE TWO

In most instances it’s safe to assume that once you sell something meaningful to someone else, that thing is gone for good. Why would one think any differently? Most people don’t buy an item only to selling it right back. It just doesn’t happen – for most people, that is. Not only was this ’67 C10 that now belongs to Brandon Sutton of Lebanon, Tennessee sold off by his father years ago when he owned it many years ago, but it was also stolen from the Sutton family before that, only to be recovered in decent enough condition. It’s almost like this truck did its part to find its way back to them! 

Back when Brandon’s dad owned this C10, it was mainly used it as a source of transportation as well as a work truck when things needed to get done. A stock Chevy truck like this back in the early 80’s and early 90s wasn’t thought of as much more than that, even though it was still desirable enough for someone else to want to steal it. Luckily enough, the Sutton family pickup wasn’t stripped and parted out by the thief who took it from them. Not too long after it was abducted, it was found in its entirety in pretty much the same condition before it became the center of a crime. 

The pickup was still put to regular use once it was back at home, but for one reason or another Brandon’s dad felt compelled to put it up for up sale. It soon disappeared once again. Trucks come and go, but at least with a sale unlike a theft, there is a way to keep in contact with the party that drove it away. This is pertinent information to have if/when the desire to buy it back becomes too strong to fight off. 

Brandon knew exactly where his dad’s old truck ended up. The guy who bought it never resold it, thankfully but it took 25 years and the right potential buyer for him to even consider letting it go. There’s just something about wanting and being able to own the exact truck that once belonged to your father. There’s a sense of ownership that just can’t be replicated by another truck of the same make and vintage. As it sat when Brandon made the purchase, the C10 was in average condition all those years later but that didn’t matter much to him. Even if it had been cleaned up and modified or run straight into the ground, he had very big plans for it even before he was able to reclaim the keys. 

Those plans that Brandon had in mind for his dad’s truck was to completely rebuild and customize the entire thing – inside and out from top to bottom. To get the process rolling, he first reached out to Roadster Shop for a brand-new chassis that was set up with an independent front suspension along with a rear 4-link to create a cushy, ultra-responsive ride quality. Back when the Sutton elder owned this C10, trucks were not meant to handle THIS good, but luckily things have changed for the better. To further increase the prowess of this ’67, full front and rear Baer braking systems were assembled and put into place, and to give the Chevy a much-improved appearance, Brandon selected a staggered set of 20- and 22-inch Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in Michelin performance tires. 

With a souped-up chassis for the C10 complete, Brandon then began searching for a replacement engine to plant between the fresh frame rails. What he chose was a GM ZZ6 small-block, and a Tremec 5-speed transmission to pair with it. There was no intention to go overboard with beefing up the virgin crate engine as its 405 hp and 406lb-ft of torque right out of the box was more than enough for Brandon. The additions he did make came in form of Billet Specialties valve covers, Holley fuel injection, a home-built 3-inch exhaust system, as well as a period-correct air cleaner from a ’67 Chevelle to give the powerplant a throwback aesthetic. 

The next phase of the build would require some patience to get right. To assist in getting things done correctly, Brandon approached Shane Adamson of Woodburn, Kentucky to conduct the required body and paintwork to transform the work-truck condition shell into full show-worthy form. Shane was able to smooth the sheetmetal without much problem but getting the gaps in order took some time. Once that part was successfully achieved, the guys landed on a custom mixed paint hue that borders a pale/powder blue, almost minty color that made for an ideal finish. A handful of high-end accessories in the way of VanNatta Fab grille inserts and front bumper, Ring Brothers door handles, Fessler flush-mounted glass, Mustang mirrors and a pair of Alumicraft taillights give the C10 an elevated street rod appearance. Shane also performed some of his own custom metal magic on the panel work and paint in the engine bay as well as the modified Blazer rear bumper. 

Considering the high level of execution that evolved on the truck’s outer surface, Brandon knew he had to pull off the same quality results inside of the cab. TMI seats, door panels and custom console made for a quick method of pulling off professional-grade upholstery work. Fresh carpeting was laid down, a Billet Specialties steering wheel was put into position, and Dakota Digital gauges along with Vintage Air climate control vents and panel were sunk into the dash. Mike Cornelius was recruited to wire up a full sound system complete with a custom enclosure behind the seats that houses a 10-inch JL Audio sub. Ricky Bobby’s Rod Shop was then sourced to tackle the duties of installing the American Autowire wiring and harnesses. 

In just two years of owning his dad’s ex-truck, Brandon was able to blow it completely apart and have it reassembled to an unrecognizable state. Even though the build process only spanned a mere 24-month period, the wait to get the truck back into the family’s possession required two and a half decades of waiting and wondering if it would even be worth the effort to get it back. Judging on its outcome, it would be safe to assume that every minute without his dad’s C10 was well worth it for Brandon to now enjoy it in a way like he never thought possible.