Home-Built Hero: A Blown, Big-Block powered '79 C10 With A Backstory

The classic-auto community has always been a tight-knit group, and when it comes to parts, tips, or just lending a hand with a project, the first place you go to is your network of buddies. The bonds that we form while building cars and trucks together is lifelong, and this ’79 Chevy pickup is a prime example of how that bond can manifest itself.

Step-side trucks look just as cool as their fleetside brethren, but they are hardly given the kind of attention the flat-siders get. We absolutely love the look and style of this truck.

The project was started by Stan Chapple of Sequim, Washington, but he was unable to finish it for health reasons. “I had the undercarriage done, the engine was built, and everything was chromed.” Stan continued, “I did all of that, and then my friends got to the point of doing the wiring. I’m getting old, and I have Cancer now.” Stan decided to sell the truck, and that’s when his friend, Gary Stewart, stepped in.

This is an all-around good looking truck. It's hard to beat the look the blower gives an engine, and the added power is a nice plus!

Gary bought the truck and wrapped up the build. He wired it, put it all back together, cleaned up the interior, and made a few changes of his own. Powering this truck is a 454 cubic-inch big-block Chevrolet engine, and behind that is an automatic transmission.

There's nothing like the look of an engine compartment overflowing with chrome and polished aluminum. Notice the inner fender wells are also a smooth and shining chrome surface as well.

After finishing the truck, Gary took Stan for a ride through the local parade that took place right before the show where we saw the truck. Even though he wasn’t able to finish it himself, Stan was still able to get a ride. It’s that kind of friendship and sense of community that really make us love this hobby. It’s not just about nice paint, horsepower, and fat tires, it’s also about being there for one another.