1963 Chevrolet C10 Pickup

Although pickups came of age after World War II, they continued to evoke a postwar sensibility until Chevy introduced a groundbreaking generation of trucks in 1960. Not only were these C/K pickups - a designation that is still in unofficial use - equipped with the segment's first independent front suspension, but also a new drop-center X-shaped frame that reduced the height of the vehicle by up to seven inches.  The lower stance was emphasized by an attractive, pinched-waist body marred only by a fussy front end featuring "jet pod" eyebrows over the grille.  Over time, the hoodline was lowered and the front fascia simplified, and by the end of the model run in 1966, the pickup was an exemplar of restrained elegance.

For consignment, a consignor performed frame off build completed on a very utilitarian 1963 Chevrolet C10 pickup with about 400 miles logged since completion.  Purchased by our consignor in 2019, the overall looks of the factory design have been retained but now with a black out treatment for the chrome, some new glass, a built to the hilt big block V8 and a strengthened frame.  It sports a custom laid out dash, a Speedway 22 circuit wiring harness, and snappy interior, along with a beautiful oak lined bed.  Oh and I almost forgot to mention the calming sea of turquoise paint that is 3 coats of base and clear.  This is truly ripe for the picking fruit here at the Classic Auto Mall when it comes to the pickup trucks we have in house.

Exterior
For 1963 the "jet pod" eyebrows are now gone, and the hood now is simplified yet still upstanding with turn signals and dual intake vents.  Just below is the original restored to perfection single LED headlight equipped egg crate grille bordered below by a large and in charge bumper.  We note all of the chrome and stainless has been powder coated black, adding a menacing aura to this hauler.  Moving back, we note all straight steel for the body and bed panels that have been bathed in the deep end of the pool Sherman Williams Crystal Turquoise with 3 coats of color and 3 coats of clear to provide the mirror-like shine.  Overall the gaps are well minded, the powder coated black trimmings are nicely redone, and all new glass with the exception of the wing vents is new.  A few chips, touch ups, inclusions and slight scratches are noted in the finish, but one must really look to see them.  High above the fenders is now a custom cowl induction hood with black vent plates inserted on the tops and side.  Within the well restored bed hides a Monster Liner coated oak bed floor with more liner coating on the sides and expanded wheel tubs.  The rear of this truck remains basic and simple, just the way a truck should be with its black embossed Chevrolet tailgate, small blue dot equipped tail lights flank the sides of the gate and a custom roll pan below.  Nice 15-inch glossy black steel wheels with shiny polished dog dish caps are all around wrapped in 205/75R15 blackwall rubber up front and 29x18.5-15's in the rear.

Interior
A swing of the double hulled door and we are greeted with black painted ribbed steel housing a smooth black vinyl insert with the crank and door handle within this field.  A custom black vinyl Snowden bench seat with little to no wear stretches from door to door.  It comes to us with a diamond pleating on the inserts, smooth body hugging bolsters and integral aluminum cup holders as well as Retro-Belt 4 point safety harnesses.  An all steel black Monster Liner coated twin eyebrow designed dash is fronted by a custom billet steering wheel atop a new adjustable column and in front of the driver is the full monty of black face Dolphin gauges within a polished and ribbed bezel.   Moving down the line we see black knobs and pulls below and in the center are the original heater and temp levers, and an aftermarket AM/FM radio with 300 watt 6x9 speakers and a Vintage AC/heater unit mounted just below.  Lush black carpeting is flooding the floors all the while holding a custom made shifter on the hump and above is a really snappy ribbed metal roof in more black.  Our consignor notes that during the build the entire cab was coated in Monster Liner then covered with Dynamat to keep road noise and heat to a minimum.  Tra La La, Tra La La La La…(trivia?)

Drivetrain
Underneath the hood within the turquoise and black engine bay is a consignor-stated 496ci V8 based on a 1974 Gen 4 block that has been tapped for 4 bolt mains and was assembled by Mike Rogers Performance in Ivyland, PA using all ARP fasteners.  This mill is estimated to make 625-650hp as per our consignor and that is thanks in part to the Liberty bottom end and AFR aluminum cylinder heads which are oval port 290cc units.  The mill was then fitted with a Dennis Straub custom hydraulic roller cam with 302 degrees of duration and .600 lift.  Howards roller lifters and roller rockers were also added and MSD is in charge of ignition with a Pro-Billet distributor, Blaster 2 coil and MSD ignition box.  A 850cfm QuickFuel carburetor sends fuel and air into the engine via an Edelrbcok intake manifold and Hedman headers with 3" Black Widow exhaust and WidowMaker mufflers are on for the huge exhale.  A rebuilt by Trans Specialties in Aston, PA  3-speed TH350 automatic transmission with a Trans Specialties 2800-3200rpm stall converter sends power back to the Ford 9" 4.11 geared rear axle with 31 spline axles and Yukon bearings.  A CVF Racing serpentine belt drive system is on the front of the block and an aluminum radiator with a custom shroud and a Spahl electric puller fan keeps things nice and cool.  Just a beautifully simple but clean presentation down to the custom smoothed firewall and filler panels.  

Undercarriage
Well done underneath with a sturdy black powder coated frame that has been customized and strengthened to withstand the rigors the big block mill produces.  In front we see an all new independent coil spring suspension with new control arms, sway bar, QA1 coilovers and tie rods, and on the rear is trailing arm and coil sprung suspension.  Power Wilwood disc brakes are noted all around with new lines and a new Jegs booster and we see a 17 gallon fuel cell with an Edelbrock pump and regulator has been relocated to the rear of the bed.  All buttoned up and all looking like new.

Drive-Ability
A super quick starter and nice runner, and for a pickup it loved our test track almost as much as I loved driving it.  Very comfy ride, nice sound, good handling, and blistering acceleration.  Also, a surprisingly quick stopper with those Wilwood brakes but the truck is not without its flaws.  We noted the fuel gauge does not work, the horn did not toot and the wipers have been deleted. 

Get that monkey off your back and get down to the Hallowed Halls of the Classic Auto Mall and feast your eyes on this built to the hilt example from 1963.  Do it quickly as these well-done pickups tend to slip out of here fast.  A head turner that is definitely tops in the pickup truck inventory.

3C144N132099

3-1963
C-2wd
14-1/2 Ton Shorted
4-Pickup
N-Norwood, OH Assy Plant
132099-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.