Simple is Clean – Tye Farmer’s 1985 Chevy C10
There’s something to be said about keeping things simple. Simple is clean. Simple shows restraint and appreciation for workmanship and style without pomp and circumstance getting in the way. As a case study in keeping things simple, just take a look at our Fuel Curve Pick from the 2019 Lone Star Nationals. Tye Farmer, the owner of this 1985 Chevy C10, basically set out to build a stock-appearing fleetside shortbed and lay it on the ground. Goal achieved. However, the task was far from simple.
When Tye found the Chevy, it was already a super clean rig with the paint you see on it now, but there was one big deterrent – it was four-wheel drive K10! Tye didn’t want anything to do with a 4WD pickup, but just couldn’t stop thinking about it. Plus, the seller was in a bind and needed to sell. A deal was struck and Tye took it home with a plan already in place for a two-wheel-drive chassis.
The plan was to enlist his pal Keith Stephens to start building a Porterbuilt Fabrication chassis equipped with an AccuAir e-level air management system. A Detroit Speed rack and pinion was added to help direct the 265/55/22 Toyo front tires (matched with a pair of 285/35/22s out back) along with a set of 14-inch Wilwood discs. Once complete, the new chassis was rolled under the GM blue and silver sheet metal and bolted back together. In the end, the only real external updates besides the obvious 22-inch Raceline Executive wheels is the stunning walnut Mar-K bed built by RPL Customs.
Like the exterior of the truck, the goal inside was to keep things simple and stock with just a touch of modern. USA 1 Industries was tapped for fresh carpet, door panels, the seat, trim and a new dash. A contemporary touch comes from the upgraded instrumentation from Dakota Digital.
As for the driveline, Tye was tempted to go the modern fuel-injected LS route, but that would’ve added more wires, more fuel lines, more complication, and more expense. Besides, the truck came with a brand-new GM 350 crate engine, so why would he alter his course for simplicity? In fact, when he lifts the hood, you’re greeted by a clean stock-appearing drivetrain which actually is quite refreshing.
Tye’s path to simplicity with his 1985 Chevy C10 may not have been all that simple, but Roger Lensky of RPL Customs did what he does best on the K10-turned-C10 and the end result is pure and clean. Sometimes less is so much more.
Photos by Steven Bunker
