Brandon Putzier’s 1968 Chevy C10
Brandon Putzier is not alone in having a project that traveled the slippery slope from “nice driver” to show-stopping standout that doesn’t belong in shopping center parking lots. He started his 1968 C10 pickup in one direction and happily ended up at a different destination.
“I always wanted a great driver,” Brandon says. “I didn’t plan for it to be this much. I wanted it clean, reliable, and understated.” With the help of the talented crew at Treasure Valley Street Rod Repair and Restoration and a supportive family, Brandon is happy with the result that went beyond his original objective.
“This is a truck I want my kids to think about when they look back at their childhood,” Brandon says, “Just like I did with my dad’s ’68 Camaro.”
The truck sits just right thanks to the Speedtech chassis equipped with Ridetech Shockwaves, which also delivers dynamic performance thanks to a contemporary IFS, C6 Corvette-style spindles, a torque arm rear suspension, and Wilwood disc brakes. The combination puts the U.S. Mags 20×10- and 20×12-inch wheels and Michelin Pilot tires in the right place, whether the truck is parked at a show or navigating a freeway cloverleaf.
Power comes from a supercharged 376c.i. Chevy LSA V8 that generates 1000-horsepower thanks in part to a Brian Tooley cam and other internal upgrades. A beefed-up 6L80E automatic transmission feeds the power to a nine-inch 9-inch rearend housing 3.70 gears. Waste gases are pushed through 2-inch Ultimate Headers to a Corsa exhaust system that includes six 3-inch resonators. Custom inner fenders and under-hood panels add to the smooth understated look.
Jeff Ross at Treasure Valley Street Rods applied the PPG black paint to the subtly massaged body. Modifications included smoothing the edges on the tailgate and relocating the handle, sectioning the inner tailgate skin, raising the bed floor 5-inches, removing the vent windows from the doors, crafting custom front and rear bumpers, and making many other sheet metal tweaks to allow for larger wheels and tires while maintaining the original body lines.
The two-tone leather interior is the result of the handiwork of the team at Modern Upholstery Solutions in Boise, Idaho. The black and grey leather seats were custom formed and recessed into the rear of the cab. The reworked dash houses gauges from Dakota Digital as well as relocated vents for the Vintage Air system. A tilt column and steering wheel from Ididit along with aftermarket pedals, handles and other trim pieces complete the inside of the cab.
In addition to thanking everyone involved in the build, as well as his family, Brandon is especially thankful for his father, Fred, for being his road-trip partner and inspiration.
Photos by Steven Bunker
