C10 Nationals | Saving a 1968 Chevrolet C10 From a Field! | Classic Auto Insurance
Back in 2022, Classic Auto had the pleasure of seeing numerous iconic trucks at the Nashville Superspeedway C10 Nationals. 2022 marked the second year of the C10 Nationals in Nashville, and the event featured over 1,200 trucks, including a 1968 Chevy C10.
While there were plenty of great rides to behold at the event, one truck in particular caught our attention: a rustic and revitalized 1968 Chevy C10. We had the pleasure of speaking with the truck’s seller, Garrison. Garrison is an enthusiastic gearhead who enjoys and appreciates classic trucks. He had a great time reviving this classic, retaining the truck’s natural look while adding modern luxuries.
Discovering the 1968 Chevy C10
Garrison was lucky enough to find his C10 ‘68 Chevy in the middle of a rural field. He noticed that the old truck featured an “E.B. Smith Nashville” dealer tag. Garrison was curious about E.B. Smith Nashville and the Chevy’s history, which led him to research the dealership online.
Funnily enough, he discovered his newly acquired C10 in a dealership picture. The photo featured his C10 truck alongside a Camaro and a Corvair. He could tell that it was the same truck because the dealership opened in 1968, and it featured a single C10 unit with a blue finish that year.
Garrison didn’t let this discovery go to waste. He and his team rejuvenated this historic truck. The truck now features a comfortable interior and new drivetrain while boasting a natural aging along its surface.
Breathtaking Patina
One of the C10’s most distinct features is its impressive patina. Garrison described the truck’s patina as “nature’s artwork,” and he worked to highlight this important detail rather than applying a new finish.
While most of the paint on the C10’s exterior is untouched, Garrison added new paint to the truck bed, and the truck also features a new LMC bumper with fresh paint. Although the paint is new, Garrison worked to mimic the original paint and patina on the front to present a consistent style and character.
Garrison and his team matched the truck’s natural historic look by utilizing ripped-up cardboard while applying the paint and texture. The ripped cardboard gave natural-looking imperfections by blocking part of the paint and texture coating. The rust looks natural and consistent with the rest of the truck’s paint despite being artificial.
New Paint and Modern Comforts in the 1968 Chevy C10 Cabin
Originally, Garrison wanted to continue preserving the truck’s history within its interior, hoping to keep the truck’s natural rust. He noted that the rust on the truck’s doors and door panels was particularly nice.
He and his team eventually decided that keeping the rust would be too much trouble, as it could easily stain clothing and leave an unpleasant smell. Instead, they opted to sand down the interior and repaint it. The truck’s interior is now brand new and even features modern luxuries, including Bluetooth radio and Vintage Air A/C. The A/C is an especially good upgrade considering these trucks didn’t originally feature climate control, making them uncomfortable to drive during the summer months.
The 1968 Chevy C10’s modern interior juxtaposes its rich historic exterior, giving drivers the best of both worlds. It’s comfortable to drive while also showcasing its classic Chevrolet heritage.
Specifications
In addition to featuring modern comforts, Garrison’s C10 ‘68 Chevy also features brand-new specs. He removed the truck’s original motor and equipped it with a new Chevrolet Crate 350 with a turbo 400 transmission. The truck also features a new driveline, front suspension, and wheels.
While the Chevy’s specs underneath the hood are almost entirely new, Garrison and his team preserved a critical detail that further complements the truck’s heritage. You can see the number “23” on the truck’s hood, which comes from the truck’s manufacturing. Chevrolet marked the hood with the number “23” to match it with its firewall, which is part #22. You can still see the firewall’s number along with the hood number. This detail may seem small, but it’s an important part of the Chevrolet’s rich history.
Get the Best Insurance for Your Classic C10 Chevy Truck
Speaking to Garrison about his Chevy was incredibly rewarding, as he truly appreciates classic vehicles. He had a great time revitalizing this classic Chevy C10, and he noted that it was also a tremendous learning experience. He was sad to part ways with the truck, but he stated that he would gladly do it all again if he had the chance. His enthusiasm and love for classic trucks are a great reminder of how fulfilling collecting classic vehicles can be.
If you’re the proud owner of a Classic C10 Chevy truck or another classic ride, you need to safeguard it with the best insurance possible. With Classic Auto, you can rest assured that you’re getting top-tier protective auto insurance at an affordable price.
Classic Auto Insurance can create a custom policy for your classic Chevy 10 or another vehicle, giving you dependable insurance specifically designed for your ride. We craft our policies based on agreed-upon value, meaning we’ll work with you to determine your car’s true worth.
Our insurance policies also come with great benefits to preserve your historic ride, such as flexible mileage plans, rollover miles, inflation guard, trip interruption, and more.
Learn more about protecting your Classic C10 Chevy truck by calling 888-901-1338, or get an instant quote here.
