UNCLAIMED FUN

Ryan Vicklund wasn’t exactly looking for a 1967 C10 when he walked into Norcal Paint and Bodyworks in Anderson, California. But there it sat: a big-window shortbed, already laid out on a Choppin’ Block chassis, looking like it was waiting for someone to ask the right question. That someone was Ryan. The man behind the build? Jesse Lindberg, who had picked up the truck from a Navy base down in San Diego and already had it in mid-transformation when Ryan caught sight of it. One quick conversation later, the truck had a new owner and a new direction.

At first, the plan was to keep things casual. A clean, patina-style cruiser with a solid foundation. But as the build inched closer to final assembly, Ryan had a change of heart. Patina was out. Show truck was in. A rendering by Hermance Design sealed the deal, and the team reversed course to push toward a much higher level of finish.

That meant details. A lot of them. The engine bay was completely reworked starting with Hart Fab tubs and built out from there. Custom-machined valve covers and a matching brake reservoir from Greening Auto Company brought the underhood presentation up to par with the rest of the truck. Every surface was smoothed, finessed, and painted, with trim pieces sent to Ogden Chrome for nickel plating. Even the bed got the full treatment with push-button actuators and real Brazilian ziricote wood, which looks better than most living room furniture.

Power comes from a GM LS3, fitted with a Wegner front drive, Holley EFI and cast exhaust manifolds, and a pair of Borla XS mufflers. It’s backed by a 4L75E automatic and drops down over a Choppin’ Block Extreme air ride chassis managed by Accuair. Wilwood brakes sit at all four corners, 13-inch six-piston in front and 12-inch four-piston out back. The truck rolls on 22-inch Raceline Scoundrel billet wheels with Pirellis wide enough to make a LaFerrari nervous.

The paint, a custom-mixed Pewter Mist and White Gold two-tone, was sprayed by Jesse himself. Smoked cab glass and Holley Retrobright LED headlights add a modern touch without pushing the look too far from center. Ryan wanted a timeless design, not a trendy one. Mission accomplished.

Inside, it’s the same story. Buddy bucket seats upholstered by Ron Mangus set the tone, matched by custom panels, carpet, and audio work that all stay true to the truck’s subtle, high-end style. The dash hosts a RetroSound head unit, while ARC Audio amps and Morel speakers keep the tunes flowing. Vintage Air keeps the cab cool, and the raised bed floor makes room for the chassis without sacrificing any functionality.

The truck doesn’t scream for attention. It doesn’t need to. Everything from the stance to the interior flows together without trying too hard. It’s clean, cohesive, and well thought out, which is exactly what Ryan and Jesse were aiming for from the start. Sure, it took a detour from the original plan, but that’s how good builds usually happen. You start with one idea, then change it fifty times until you land on something that actually works.

For Ryan, the finished product checks all the boxes. It’s a high-level truck that looks stock-ish at a glance, but only until you start noticing the details. The smooth firewall. The nickel trim. The wood bed. It’s one of those trucks that reveals itself slowly, and always leaves you finding one more thing to appreciate.