On any given weekday or Saturday at the Classic Industries' Retail Showroom parking lot, one can appreciate several vintage American muscle cars and trucks, whose owners are either loading up parts in their hobby cars. Or they're waiting inside the showroom to pickup their selection of automotive components to replace worn or missing parts on their rides.
Classic Car Affinity Began with Cadillacs
Classic Industries' customer Chris Dimitrijevic, of Tustin, CA, is a prime example of an American muscle truck owner whose 1965 Chevrolet C10 was spending some quality time reposing in the Surf City sun in the CI parking lot while Chris was picking up some parts for his pristine pickup. After finding him in the store, Chris shared that his love for vintage cars began in his childhood, inspired by his dad's Fleetwood and Coupe de Ville Cadillac vehicles.
Classic Chevy C10s Now Captivate Chris
As with many auto enthusiasts, he has developed a particular fondness for classic Chevy C10s. Over the last year, Chris has owned three of them. One met an untimely fate in an accident (that wasn't his fault). One he sold on a whim. While in Pomona, CA one day he wrote a for sale sign on a napkin that a father-son duo spied in the windshield. The next thing Chris knew, he was Uber-ing home and already plotting his next C10 hunting expedition.
The Blue Beauty
From much time surfing the interwebs on sights like OfferUp and Facebook Marketplace, Chris finally discovered this white over blue beauteous 1965 Chevy C10. She was delivered to him on August 5, 2024. Originating from a collection in a Sonoma County winery, this pickup was previously owned by a man named Glyenn, who boasts over 30 classic cars in his stable.
The C10 was created by Sonoma County Street Rodz, and built by Jeff Costa. Boasting a robust air ride system built from scratch, complete with a larger C-notch and cupped lowered A-arms, the mods to the frame are impressive. Chris has also selected an AccuAir E-Level management system with height and air pressure sensors, allowing the truck to lay frame once he installs the front fender kit from SimpleC10 and GMSS FAB.
Performance Meets Style
Revealed under the hood is an LQ4 engine sourced from a 2014 Chevy 2500. This GEN 4, 6.0-liter mill is bone stock and offers more horsepower and torque than the pickup will ever need. The C10's classic stance is further enhanced by staggered 15x8-inch and 15x9-inch wheels, which perfectly balances style, performance, and a large dosage of pickup panache.
An Interior to Admire, Be Comfortable, & Get Down to Business In
Within the cab, Chris chose an OCC black carpet kit with floor mats and a TMI bench seat, ensuring comfort and style. Currently, Shark Series gauges by Dolphin monitor the pickup's vitals. Yet, Chris is eagerly awaiting the delivery of Dakota Digital RTX gauges, expected to enhance the truck's modern feel without erasing her classic appeal.
Future Upgrades & Enjoyment
Mr. D's C10 isn't just a pickup project; she's a driver. He plans to take her to Old Anvil Speed Shop in Orange, CA for a big rear window conversion. Thereafter, Chris'll head over to Muffler Man in Placentia, CA for a melodiously righteous exhaust installation using a Borla Pro XS system. Next up, G&S Gear will assist with a Detroit Tru Trac install, which should help the pickup to perform at her best ever.
Chris is also pondering the pickup's current paint scheme. He wonders whether he should keep it as is, perform a paint correction, or opt for a fresh spray. Regardless, one thing is etched in stone - this pickup will always be a driver, and Mr. D intends to enjoy every moment behind the wheel.
A True Enthusiast
Mr. D is a true enthusiast in the classic pickup community. You can follow Chris' journey on Instagram @malibloc as he continues to share updates and photos of his ongoing projects.
As he puts it, "It's a driver, and it gets driven hard." Here's to many more miles and memories with this stunning C10!
Above and below: Here are a couple photos of the C10 at her former home in Sonoma, CA at the winery where she used to reside within the splendor of Central California. She continues to enjoy the good life in SoCal, thanks to Mr. D's careful caretaker-ship.
Classic Industries & the Chevy C10 - a Match Made in Heaven
Whether your GM truck is restored to the nines, she runs 9's at the drag strip, she's hauling nine surf groms to some bodacious beach for some frolicking in the ocean, or she's parked at the ninth hole for some relaxing at the course's watering hole after a round of golf, you may rest assured that Classic Industries has the components that are needed to keep your GM pickup pristine and performing aplomb. Do some scintillating searching on the CI website for Chevrolet trucks. Also, have a printed Chevrolet/GMC Truck Parts and Accessories Catalog mailed to your residence, and let your fingers do the walking.
