Home-Built Hero: James Stewart

Home-Built Hero: James Stewart’s ’68 C10 Is One Hot Hauler

When the new C10 and K10 trucks were introduced in 1967, the model was dubbed the Action Line generation by General Motors. While the redesigned hauler carried over its drop-center ladder frame and its coil-sprung rear axle, that is where things stopped. The body was a complete departure from previous years and was reimagined so as to improve its capability as a multi-purpose vehicle. I say multi-purpose, as GM was planning to add some upgrades to move the truck away from being simply a utilitarian vehicle.

Once considered nothing more than a vehicle intended for work or farm use, the C- and K-series trucks were finally offered with optional features that were carried over from the car line. A few of these options include an automatic transmission, AM/FM radio, carpeting, and even two-tone paint. And in 1968, muscle even entered the line, as a big block was part of the offerings.

C10

Under the hood, we find 468 cubic inches of owner-built big block. With a big block under the hood, this C10 can definitely do more than just cruise around town.

Unbeknownst to the General, its once-pedestrian hauler would eventually become a hot rodders favorite. Enthusiasts are taking the previously discarded trucks and creating vehicles that any fan of the classics would enjoy. Case in point, James Stewart of Haines City, Florida. When anyone meets James, it’s readily apparent he is a fan of all things Chevrolet. In fact, we featured a few of his other cars in the past. You can check out his ’66 Chevelle and his ’68 Camaro.

From The Beginning

Like many project seekers, James found this particular ’68 C10 while perusing a swap meet. He told us it was in “okay” condition when he first laid eyes on it. But like any true enthusiast does when a new project is located, he knew he would need to make a few repairs and changes to make the truck his own.

C10

The interior is a tribute to customization. The seats were taken from a Chrysler 300 and the door panels and center console are custom pieces.

He did say the body was in good condition and only had minimal rust. He had the body shop fix what needed fixed and then had the guys cover everything with a simple coating of silver basecoat/clearcoat.

This C10 Is Utilitarian No More

When it came time to recreate the utilitarian interior, the OE remains were tossed out the window. Instead, James told us he did most of the updating himself, building a custom center console and dash bezel with a bevy of Auto Meter gauges. Cruising without tunes is not something many like to do, and James is no exception. To conquer the quiet, he installed a Kenwood head unit and coupled it with JL Audio speakers. The seats were taken from a Chrysler 300 and covered in two-tone gray leather.

C10

In 1968, standard-fare motivation was handled by either a six-cylinder engine or a small V8 (283, 307, or 350). However, a big block (396/402) was finally available. Not only did James want his C10 to look the part of a hot rod, but it also needed to be what he considers a hot rod. That is why we find a big block under the hood. James started with a 454 and opened it to 468 cubic inches. Inside are stock GM rods and crankshaft. At the end of those connecting rods are a set of forged pistons creating a street-friendly compression ratio. A set of cast-iron heads support the Edelbrock aluminum intake and an EFI system.

Underneath, the frame is basically the OE truck rails and rear suspension. James did give the front suspension the benefit of a few performance enhancements. The front has received Classic Performance Products’ (CPP) suspension components and a CPP power steering unit.

Photo gallery

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Let’s See Your Home-Built Hero

Do you want to read about more Home-Built Heroes? All you need to do is click here. I want to see those reader’s rides. If you would like to share yours, I want to hear about it. Since I’ve started this series, I have received more than a few candidates, but I still want to see more — I can never get enough. If you want to see more cars built by you the readers, send a few pictures of your car showing the engine, interior, and exterior, along with all of the pertinent information, and I’ll make you internet famous. You can send your submissions to [email protected].

About the author

Randy Bolig

Randy Bolig has been working on cars and has been involved in the hobby ever since he bought his first car when he was only 14 years old. His passion for performance got him noticed by many locals, and he began helping them modify their vehicles.
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