For companies in the automotive industry, one of the best ways to show off parts and services is to create a unique shop car or truck. This vehicle serves as a rolling billboard to showcase what a company can do, and draws a crowd at car shows or national events such as SEMA. Classic Industries has built quite a few shop cars over the years, including a 1969 Camaro, 1966 Nova, 1964 Impala SS, and 1953 Chevy truck.

For companies in the automotive industry, one of the best ways to show off parts and services is to create a unique shop car or truck. This vehicle serves as a rolling billboard to showcase what a...

Last week on The Parking Lot, we featured a beautiful 1969 Chevy C10 owned by Darin Smith of local restoration and performance shop DWS Classics. That truck was rescued from the desert and painstakingly rebuilt from the ground up. This week, we have another one of DWS Classics' creations: a 1964 GMC shortbed.

Like Darin's other truck, this GMC was found baking in the desert sun, and was purchased to undergo a full restoration. Fortunately, due to the low moisture of its surroundings, the truck stayed mostly rust-free. Darin stripped it down to the bare frame, and began a frame-off build.

Last week on The Parking Lot, we featured a beautiful 1969 Chevy C10 owned by Darin Smith of local restoration and performance shop DWS Classics. That truck was rescued from the desert and...

In more ways than one, this Chevy C10 isn't what it seems. Glancing at the front end, you'll see cues that indicate it might be a 1967 or '68 model: the lower-profile hood, "Chevrolet" lettering, and grille style all match these earlier model years. The lack of side markers on the fenders and bedsides would make seem to indicate a '67 model, but the cab's large rear window says it's at least a '68 model, since 1967 trucks had a small rear window.

The owner of this truck — Darin Smith, of Huntington Beach, California — tells us it's actually a 1969 Chevy C10. Darin found the truck out in the California desert, and rebuilt it with a mixture of parts to achieve the look he wanted. He liked the appearance of the '68 front end, so he purchased a replacement hood, grille, and emblems for that model year. The fenders and bedsides bear no side markers, because he liked that clean appearance only found on the '67 trucks.

In more ways than one, this Chevy C10 isn't what it seems. Glancing at the front end, you'll see cues that indicate it might be a 1967 or '68 model: the lower-profile hood, "Chevrolet" lettering,...

The term "shop truck" often evokes images of a rusty old pickup that has lived a hard life as a utility vehicle. Fortunately, that's not always the case. The owner of this 1959 Chevy Apache calls it his shop truck, but it's far from the sad state one might imagine for a work truck. In fact, it's in absolutely gorgeous condition.

This 1959 Apache pickup belongs to Bob Meredith, of Mission Viejo, California. You'd never know it from the spotless condition, but he uses the truck to carry supplies to and from work, and also considers it his daily-driver.

The term "shop truck" often evokes images of a rusty old pickup that has lived a hard life as a utility vehicle. Fortunately, that's not always the case. The owner of this 1959 Chevy Apache calls...

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. To discover a car of their childhood, a rare and highly sought after muscle car that had been stowed away in a garage (or front yard) for decades, or just a cool car that seems unloved and underappreciated.

Unfortunately, the reality is that regardless of the kind of car it is, or how rare it is, it’s still an old car. It’s been sitting in the same spot, languishing in someone’s garage or driveway, possibly for decades. So, what if you find one, and it looks good enough to drive? Muscle Car Review published an article outlining this very situation of finding a vehicle that’s been stowed away for decades, and what to do if you want to drive it.

The article really drives home the need for a plan:
“Start your path to revival by asking why the car was parked. Did it stop running or just get sidelined? Anything you can learn will help you fix the original problem. Beyond that, a host of things should be replaced before attempting to drive a barn find. Tires, fuel lines, and brakes need attention to make sure that your barn find doesn’t result in a junkyard donation.”

It’s every car enthusiast’s dream to participate in a barnfind. To discover a car of their childhood, a rare and highly sought after muscle car that had been stowed away in a garage (or front...

One dollar doesn't get you much these days. You can head down to the local fast food restaurant and buy an item off the value menu, or here in California, you can put about 1/3 gallon of gas in your car. Even at the dollar store, many items you'll find on the shelves cost more than a buck. That's why Robert Henderson, of Costa Mesa, CA, calls his 1972 Chevy Cheyenne the "best deal ever" — he bought it for just $1.

As you might imagine, there's more to the story of this purchase. This truck originally belonged to Robert's grandfather, who bought it brand new in March 1972 for $4,010. Robert's grandfather drove it almost every day for the next 40 years, racking up nearly 500,000 miles. In 2013, he finally decided to let the truck go, and generously passed it on to Robert for a measly $1.

One dollar doesn't get you much these days. You can head down to the local fast food restaurant and buy an item off the value menu, or here in California, you can put about 1/3 gallon of gas in...

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying to get a standard run-of-the-mill insurance company to protect your “investment” can be problematic, at best.  As some would say in the medical field: You need a specialist.

Classic Industries Understands Collector Car Enthusiasts

Classic Industries understands the needs of enthusiasts, and are experts in filling the gap when there’s a need for high-quality parts and accessories. So, when it comes to insurance for your classic car, who better to understand the issues associated with classic car insurance, than Classic Industries? Using their vast experience, they have developed the Classic Industries Collector Car Insurance Program.

Be it your ’57 Bel Air, or Hemi Road Runner, classic vehicles have become more than just mere transportation…they’re investments. While car insurance is protection for your transportation—trying...

The 1958 Chevrolet Apache is a striking design, and a marked departure from the 1957 truck model that preceded it. With dual headlamps, a reshaped wider grille, and an all-new fleetside bed design, the 1958 pickups looked sleeker than ever.

This 1958 Chevy Apache restomod project belongs to Troy and Kimber Barr, of Huntington Beach, California. It retains the distinctive original styling, but with several modern twists that have made it a real head-turner. Believe it or not, the couple tells us it was their first real project vehicle.

The 1958 Chevrolet Apache is a striking design, and a marked departure from the 1957 truck model that preceded it. With dual headlamps, a reshaped wider grille, and an all-new fleetside bed...

Every classic car owner we meet has a specific reason for owning and restoring his or her vehicle. Unlike a new car, you can't simply drive to your local dealership and purchase a classic with the exact options you're looking for. These timeless vehicles are chosen, built, and rebuilt with a purpose beyond going from "point A" to "point B".

John Hoisington, of Anaheim, California, built his 1955 Chevy pickup truck in memory of his mother. She passed away in 2010 as a result of cancer, and he restored his truck to honor her memory. He also uses the vehicle to spread the word about cancer awareness and early detection — certainly a noble cause.

Every classic car owner we meet has a specific reason for owning and restoring his or her vehicle. Unlike a new car, you can't simply drive to your local dealership and purchase a classic with...

We're often asked what shows and events Classic Industries attends, and in the past that list was short due to other pressing commitments. However, we're glad to announce that we'll be attending several new events in 2017! Keep an eye on our Events & Appearances section for more upcoming opportunities to meet us.

We're often asked what shows and events Classic Industries attends, and in the past that list was short due to other pressing commitments. However, we're glad to announce that we'll be attending...