All Too Subtle – Mark Sandfort’s 1965 C10
Mark Sandfort typed “hot rod shop” into a Google search and, fortunately for him, found South City Rod & Custom. “He walked in our door without ever having built a car or knowing us,” says shop owner Bill Ganahl. When his 1965 C10 truck rolled out, it was a show-quality stunner.
The 3/4-ton long bed was supposed to be a “budget-friendly driver” but snowballed into a top-shelf build, starting with a Roadster Shop frame to shorten the wheelbase and improve the ride and stance. Coil-over shocks, Baer brakes, and 16-inch ET five-spoke wheels completed the chassis, while a 383c.i. stroker small-block from Smeding Performance updated the power. Breathing through a custom Magnaflow exhaust and backed by a 700R4 automatic, the new drivetrain made the truck a much more comfortable driver.
Besides shortening the long bed, the South City team made many subtle metal mods, including shaved drip rails, reshaped front fender openings, lowered side trim, a recessed grille, frenched taillights, and a reshaped rear bumper. Compani Color then followed up with beautiful green Glasurit paint.
Inside, DJ Designs covered the bench seat in distressed leather and plaid cloth, while the dash received Classic Instruments, an Ididit column, Corvette wheel, and Vintage Air.
Though the 1965 C10 project might have expanded beyond Mark’s original plans, there’s little doubt the finished product – a Goodguys 2021 BASF America’s Most Beautiful Top Five finalist – far exceeded his original expectations.
Photos by Marc Gewertz & John Drummond
