Network
We hear and see it so many times. Project vehicles become stagnant for one reason or another, many builders and owners run into project car burnout, or worse – broken promises from shops that stall a project. These types of issues plague many big builds, and even small ones. Browse eBay or Craigslist any day of the week and you’ll likely find project cars in various states of completion that for any number of reasons the owner lost interest and moved on. Chances are if it wasn’t money, it was probably burnout or frustration with a shop, supplier, etc. Such was the case with Tom Hodge’s 1968 C-10.
A Childhood Friend
Tom Hodge wanted to build a C-10 because he’d had one during his youth and it was the one vehicle that always brought back fond memories. “I had one growing up and always wanted to do one again,” said Hodge. We know the feeling as we’re often nostalgic ourselves about some of our first cars. So about 10 years ago Hodge set out and found this 1968 C-10 to start his build. The truck was an original factory big-block with a/c option. It was also the last year that GM offered a wooden bed in the popular model, making it that much more special. Hodge bought the truck and brought it home ready to give it a fresh rest-mod buildup.
Broken Promises
However, over the next ten years the truck would transition in and out of shops including Gary Watson’s Creations ‘N’ Chrome. CNC had painted the truck the wettest looking black we’ve ever seen. Unfortunately, Hodge had another shop on the line for completing the build and helping with the rest of the modifications, so it left CNC.
Time, money, and frustration with other builders would take it’s toll on both Hodge and his truck. It had languished in one shop or another, promises were made and broken, and the C-10 seemed doomed to never reach completion.
Back on Target
About a year ago, Hodge finally had enough of empty promises and wasted money and returned the truck back to CNC for completion. “I talked to Gary and he said, let’s get it done and let’s get it done right,” Hodge told us. Getting it done right would take Watson and his crew at CNC the next 11 months.
The black paint on the C-10 is so deep, it feels like you're staring into the PPG mixing vat.
Hodge was unhappy with the work done by another shop, so he authorized CNC to do the build the only way they know how. The CNC crew stripped the truck all the way down to the frame. They scrutinized every component and system on the truck and identified what needed to be fixed or updated in order for it to meet their standards of quality and safety. The final result is that every nut and bolt on the truck has been upgraded and nothing has been left untouched.
Chassis
The frame was completely stripped down and powdercoated. The chassis has been upgraded with a full Hotchkis TVS (Total Vehicle System). This included a change to coil springs in the rear. The rearend is now a Currie 9-inch. Wilwood six-piston calipers sit at all four corners and handle the stopping duties. The truck rides on 18-inch HRE wheels and Falken tires.
The frame was stripped and powdercoated and a complete Hotchkis TVS suspension system was installed.
Big Power
Under the hood there is still a big-block, though not the original. The truck is now powered by a Chevy Performance, Ramjet 502. If the 502 wasn’t already making scary enough power, a Vortech YSi supercharger should do the trick. With the inter-cooled boost, the 502 is now churning out 850 hp. The intercooler for this setup is also a piece from the Vortech catalog, though it was originally intended for a 2010 Camaro.
As if the Ramjet 502 alone wasn't enough, a Vortech YSi was added to really spice things up. The truck's mill now makes 850 hp.
This pressurized beast is fed by a Holley Dominator fuel system and a customized fuel tank mounted under the bed. A hobbs switch triggers the second stage in the Dominator pump to get more fuel flowing when the Vortech blower starts building boost. The pump was mounted in tank, and it’s pre-filter was modified to act as a fuel pickup.
Twin Spal fans keep things cool and the radiator had to be modified by CNC to allow for adequate clearance for the supercharger. Both necks were cut off and new ones fabricated by the shop for clearance. Gear changes come via a 4L60 automatic transmission.
Inside and Out
Inside the truck the interior is fully custom. The center console is custom-built and doubles a sub-woofer enclosure, which was built with the correct air volume to match the components while still maintaining the stealth appearance Hodge was after.
Seats are taken from a 2013 Mustang and customized to fit the truck. The seats and door panels were done in matching upholstery and look like the truck could have come this way from the factory. Most of the truck’s surfaces were covered in Dynamat prior to the interior installation. There’s also a Vintage Air A/C system under the dash to keep things comfortable in all weather conditions.
Left: The factory AC holes in the firewall were filled and smoothed since this truck is using a Vintage Air system. Right: The interior received Dynamat everywhere, as well as many other custom touches including this center console which doubles as sub-woofer enclosure.
Outside, we mentioned earlier that beautiful CNC black paint job. Some of the C-10’s chrome trim has been reinstalled, though only enough to brighten up the truck and offset that deep paint. The rest was shaved or deleted. The grille shell has been painted black as well giving the front of the truck a menacing appearance. You can seer the air-to-air intercooler waving hello from behind the custom grille.
The finished interior uses modified 2013 Mustang seats with custom covers. The door panels were also stitched to match the seat covers.
The bed has been restored with wood planks and stainless strips. The wood was finished in a dark stain to match the trucks dark appearance. The use of the Vintage Air system allowed for a smoother looking firewall and engine bay. CNC handled all the work in house as well creating their own patch panels, welding them in and smoothing the firewall. Everything on the truck’s underside is finished as well, both Hodge and Watson told us that this truck looks as good underneath as it does on the surface.
The ’68-72 C-10 has always been a popular platform with classic truck fans. It’s gained increasing popularity with customizers in recent years and has been a strong candidate for all styles of restos and customizations. CNC’s take on this classic is astounding and inspiring at the same time. Hodge finally has a truck that he can enjoy after a long ten year wait. Now, he will tell you that it was worth that wait given the finished product, “Gary’s crew did an amazing job,” he says, and we couldn’t agree more.
