Start with a 1968 Chevy Cab – Finish with a Top 5 America’s Most Beautiful C10
Artists usually start with a blank canvas to create their masterpieces, so why not build a custom truck the same way? That’s essentially what Robert Carpenter did when he began his latest project with just a 1968 Chevy cab. With the ever-widening array of aftermarket products available with just a keystroke and a credit card, Robert was able to assemble his stunning pickup without fighting decades of rust or scrounging junkyards for missing parts.
Robert started the process by ordering a Roadster Shop chassis outfitted with an air spring suspension front and rear and a Ford 9-inch rearend with 3.73 gears. Big Baer 14-inch disc brakes were installed behind a set of Billet Specialties wheels measuring 22×9- and 22×12-inches and wrapped in Pirelli rubber.
Another order was placed to Scoggin-Dickey Parts Center for a Chevrolet Performance LS3 V8 that generates 575 horsepower. A Borla eight-stack fuel injection system was added for extra flash, with exhaust gases flowing through Ultimate headers and a 3-inch stainless Magnaflow exhaust system. Black Wegner Automotive valve covers and accessory-drive system contrast nicely with the red paint throughout the heavily massaged engine compartment. Behind the engine is an 6L80E automatic transmission controlled by a Lokar shifter.
The body features refined and massaged aftermarket sheet metal courtesy of the crew at Sisco’s Fab in Austin, Texas. Additional bodywork was performed at International Paint and Body in Pearland. Modifications include a relocated tailgate latch, one-piece door glass, a raised bed floor, custom door handles, and aftermarket headlights and taillights. The windshield and back glass are flush-fitted, and the bumpers are trimmed and tucked. The PPG Boyd’s Red and ’55 Chevy India Ivory paint was applied at International Paint and Body.
The interior features bucket seats upholstered in brown Relicate leather by Mobile Toys in College Station, with a custom full-length console running in-between. The dash houses Dakota Digital gauges and a center-mounted touchscreen that controls the audio system, plus Vintage Air behind the scenes. A half-wrap Billet Specialties steering wheel sits on a chrome tilt steering column from Ididit, door handles are from Ringbrothers, while Lokar provided the brake and accelerator pedals. An American Autowire system connects the electrical components.
Built over four years, it’s safe to say the pieces of this 1968 Chevy came together in beautiful style. Robert says sourcing all the components was sometimes challenging, but getting to drive the finished truck made the effort worthwhile.
Photos by John Jackson and Damon Lee
