Bucks Transmission Shop - what a great name for an automotive garage. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Kris Luce’s family owned the business. How great would it be to grow up in such a nurturing environment – warm motor oil, the sweet smell of auto transmission fluid, the exotic essence of high-Octane fuel, the silkiness of gear oil, grease, grime, exhaust fumes, revving engines, perhaps a bit of explosions here and there, grunts, groans, thrown tools, cussing, giving the trusty shop dog some attention when you just can’t figure out what to try next, and that hydraulic/electric sound of the lift going up and down? How romantic and idealistic can you get?
The Buck Stops Here – 1972 Chevrolet C10
Above: The Chevy LS3 V8 and GM 4L80E automatic transmission are kept cool by a Griffin aluminum radiator. The engine was professionally tuned by Boost Anonymous Garage. Billet Specialties supplied the engine brackets. Black long tube headers with a custom stainless steel exhaust system send the engine's spent fumes merrily on their way.
For the Love of most every gearhead on the planet – this must have been a wonderful environment for a young lad to learn about life and pursuing the American Dream. That dream where you work hard with your brain, your hands, your brawn, and your hustle on something that matters like – keeping industrial art and revolution automobiles from around the globe running strong so Lone Star State families can get to where they’re going in the pursuit of their dreams. In fact, Kris contends that he has always loved classic and custom vehicles. With such a great environment to grow up in, we reckon there’s not much chance he could have any other sort of perspective.
Above: A Classic Auto Air HVAC system keeps the C10's cabin most comfortable in all of California's mostly mild and pleasant weather conditions. Pyramid Customs installed the custom stereo system and AC panel. Kris repaired/retooled/replaced the door hinges, door locks, window regulators, and window seals as necessary. TMI door panels and a TMI reupholstered bench seat give the cab's occupants comfort and offer timeless Chevy C10 style. A Dakota Digital gauge cluster monitors all the pickup's vitals.
Over the years, Kris has owned several 1990’s Chevy pickups, but he reckons the 1969-72 models are some of the most beautiful vehicles ever made. When he finally had the opportunity to purchase one himself, the search began.
Above: The US Mags are 22x10-inches in the rear and 22x8.5-inches in the front and are shod with 305/40/R22 radials and 275/40/R22 radials, respectively.
As Kris commenced the Chevy hot rod hauler hunt in Texas, he was surprised at how many pickups were available from those popular years of GM wonder trucks. However, some were rotted beyond salvageability. Others had horrendous custom modifications that showed plenty of poor taste. Some cost way too much green.
He finally found one in West Fort Worth with modifications that appealed to him, with some missing pieces, but with a good body and bed to boot.
Above: The pickup's stance is perfect, with a two-inch drop in the front and a four-inch drop in back. There are Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners now, which assures that the hot rod hauler can whoa as fast as it goes. A Drivelines Inc. driveshaft transfers the power to the pumpkin/rear axle.
Lone Star State Truck Moves to the Golden State
After some engine improvements, transmission work, electrical gremlins, upgrading the stereo system, and enhancing the interior, Kris had the Chevy shipped to his home in Southern California.
With the truck’s move to the Golden State, Kris was able to get his ’72 C10 across the finish line. Action Auto & Tire in Mission Viejo replaced and/or upgraded the brake lines, headers, and engine mounts. While a shop in Costa Mesa fabricated a custom exhaust system and installed a modern transmission crossmember.
Kris’ pickup is built to his tastes with the intention of turning heads as he cruises around on the weekends and to local shows. It’s not a trailer queen. Rather, it’s a hot rod hauler that scoots just fine that gets thumbs up and nods of appreciation everywhere he goes or shows the C10. Being a family man himself, Kris' big dream is to one-day leave his son, "a bad ass ride that he has a history with and can be proud of." Mr. Luce's 1972 Chevy C10 short bed may well be just the ticket. Time will tell.
Classic Industries - Your Source for GM Truck Parts
Regardless of whether you're renewing a short bed Stepside GMC or Chevrolet pickup, it's a fleetside long bed, or any other sort of configuration, Classic Industries has a great supply of GM pickup components. GM truck owners can shop online for Chevrolet pickups here. Your online shopping for GMC is here.
GM truck owners can supplement the online shopping experience by ordering a free printed Chevrolet/GMC Truck Parts and Accessories Catalog by clicking on the button below.
