When Chevrolet debuted the S10 pickup in 1982, emotions were mixed. Many were concerned if it would have a place in the automotive world. After all, what good is a half-pint pickup? As history tells us, the mid-sized truck was – and still is – very popular.
That’s why, when Bill Pewterbaugh of Montgomery, Pennsylvania, was looking for another project, (you can read about his ’68 Chevelle right here), he decided that a small pickup would be the perfect platform. According to Bill, “I found this truck in Virginia. It’s a 1984 S10, and the body is rust free.” That’s saying something for a truck from the rust belt area of the country.
Anyway, the truck project began when Bill narrowed a 12-bolt rear axle he glommed from a 1968 Chevelle. Before sliding it under the truck, he filled it with a spool that spins a set of 4.56 gears. To keep things simple, the narrowed rearend is supported by a pair of leaf springs.
Choosing a color that compliments a vehicles lines and body style, can have stellar or project-ending results. And while many people are not a fan of green vehicles, Bill tells us, “The green paint is a custom mix, which I think turned out pretty nice. Credit for the paint job goes to my good friend, Mike “Mickey” Fisher out of Milton, Pennsylvania.
While the truck was in the paint booth, Bill was putting together the small-block that would proudly power the half-sized hauler. A reliable 355 cubic-inch small-block was assembled and mounted to a Turbo 350 utilizing a manual-shift valve body. Bill tells us that a 406ci small-block is under construction, and should displace roughly 600 horsepower. Once that is assembled, this S10 will definitely haul a lot more than just stuff.
The S10 is riding on 15×4 Weld Drag Stars up front, and 15×12 Drag Stars on the rear that are wrapped with 18.50×29 M/T Sportsman Pros. Currently, the truck is in the process of receiving an updated interior, a rollcage, racing seats, and the much-needed five-point seat harnesses.
If Bill’s truck is any indication, the S10 truck was not onlyu well received when new, but might very well be something keeps the hot-rodding world cruising along.
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