Air suspension can be a controversial mod, since some enthusiasts love the smooth ride and versatility, while others think slamming a classic car detracts from its original purpose. No matter what your opinion is, a nicely-built classic truck on air bags has a few clear benefits. It's easier to load the bed, easier to level once there's weight over the rear axle, and rides like a dream. This '66 Chevy C10 built by Old Anvil Speed Shop is a great example, and the 500hp LS motor under the hood is just the cherry on top.
Old Anvil's '66 C10 Build
AutotopiaLA met up with the founder of Old Anvil Speed Shop, Paul Bosserman, to discuss the project. This truck started life as a 3/4-ton long-bed model, and Paul chopped, sectioned, and re-welded the bed to shorten it. Aside from the seams showing through the original patina, you'd never know this wasn't a factory short bed. A raised bed floor kit and some raw aluminum wheel tubs were used to accommodate the lowered stance while maintaining hauling functionality.
Under the hood, there's a 5.3L GM truck V8 bored out to 5.7L. This motor is equipped with an aggressive Stage 3 LS1 camshaft, custom-fabricated long-tube headers, and a free-flowing side-exit exhaust. The combination produces over 500 horsepower at the crank and has the lopey, rumbling idle that you'd expect from a muscle car.
In true "shop truck" form, it's using a 4L60e automatic transmission that was what Old Anvil had sitting around the shop at the time.
A set of 15-inch Centerline Convo Pro 2.0 wheels are wrapped in drag radials, with a meaty 325/50R15 providing ample traction in the rear. Manual Wilwood brakes offer the right amount of reliable stopping power.
As for the interior, new black carpet and satin black dash and door panels create a sleek and luxurious feel. The bench seat received new foam and a houndstooth seat cover that looks period-correct. Dakota Digital gauges and Vintage Air A/C make daily-driving the truck an easier experience. There's also a shortened steering column with a Camaro steering wheel.
Check out the full video below from AutotopiaLA for more details on this cool C10 project:
Looking for Classic GM Truck Parts?
If you own a classic 1947-2008 Chevy or GMC truck, Classic Industries can help you find all the parts you need to keep it looking great and running strong. We've even helped Old Anvil Speed Shop find parts for their C10 projects. Click the button below to get a free full-color GM truck restoration parts catalog:
