Go Big or Go Home!
Some may see the custom vehicle scene as just a hobby. However, most of us see it as a way of life. This is definitely the case for Jamie and Pam Hawley of West Columbia, South Carolina. Jamie, even as a young kid, has always been interested in custom vehicles.
“I have always been a car and truck enthusiast even before I was old enough to drive,” he said. “I’ve had numerous vehicles, most of which I would love to have back, as probably most car guys would agree.”
Jamie started into the mini-truck scene with his first build of a 1990 Mazda mini-truck back in the day. Although Jamie has had his fair share of vehicles, there is one truck that will always be more important than all the rest that he has owned: his 1970 Chevrolet C10 “Overkill.”
Jamie has always had an interest in older vehicles, and this series of C10s has been one of his favorites.
“My father, brother and I worked on this truck together, so this would most definitely be my favorite because these are memories I’ll cherish forever,” he said.
That is just one of the reasons the custom car and truck scene is more than just a hobby. Turning wrenches and creating memories is exactly what Jamie and his family would be doing while building the C10.
Jamie purchased the C10 about three years ago, and it was the best decision he has ever made. The truck was originally built specifically for the 2016 SEMA show.
“I have to give Shannon Hartley most of the props because the truck was near perfect when I purchased it,” Jamie said.
The frame modifications had already been completed when Jamie picked up the truck. The original builders knew they needed to stun the crowds, so the truck was stripped down to the frame. With everything removed, they started by channeling the frame. They then installed CCP front springs with a sway bar and Ridetech coilovers. For the rear, they installed G&S springs with sway bar and Ridetech coilovers. They removed and replaced the stock steering box with a Hydrolock rack and pinion set. The original builders had the same mindset as Jamie—go big or go home.
With the frame modifications complete, the original owner decided to do some upgrades to the exterior. They ultimately decided to keep the stock painted bumpers but install a stock ’67 grille for the overall timeless design of this truck. However, that was about the only thing left stock on the C10! They shaved the tailgate and fabricated a set of oversized tubs in the rear. The stock hood was replaced with a metal cowl hood. They relocated the fuel cell to the rear and installed a custom filler. HID headlights and LED taillights were then installed to finish off the modifications. The design was to be simple, clean and eye-catching.
After being blocked and smoothed, the truck was ready for paint. The blue PPG paint was the perfect fit for this C10. The racing style rear spoiler gives a hint as to what might be under the hood. Jamie and his family decided the truck needed a new set of wheels to really make it theirs. Jamie purchased a staggered set of Billet Specialties Invader wheels. The 20x10s in the front and 22x12s in the rear wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero tires give the truck the aggressive appearance that they wanted.
After purchasing the truck, Jamie and his family immediately got to work building the truck the way they wanted. The interior was first up on the list of modifications to be completed. Jamie called up Shawn Arnold at Ultimate Audio in Lexington, South Carolina, to help make his dreams a reality. The old interior was removed to make way for what Jamie had planned. All new TMI seats wrapped in red leather were bolted up in the cab. Knowing this was going to be a driver, they installed a full Vintage Air setup in the C10. The dash was painted blue to match the rest of the truck. They then designed and created a custom center console that is truly a work of art. The console flows from below the dash to the seats and up almost to the back window. The console would house the power window switches, cup holders and USB ports. The door panels were then custom built with red leather and carpet to match the rest of the interior. Billet door handles were installed to finish off the panels. With the seats and console now in place, they started on the audio system. They installed a Kenwood head unit and Focal speakers behind the seats for a premium sound system. All the gauges were updated with AutoMeter carbon fiber ultralight gauges. As the final touches were added, they installed the custom-built Billet Specialties steering wheel with GM polished column to complete the interior.
Overkill isn’t just your ordinary run of the mill C10. We asked Jamie how he came up with the name and his response didn’t disappoint!
“I have always been known to kind of overdo something,” he said. “It also fits my personality.”
Jamie called up Hawks Motorsports of Easley, South Carolina, to handle the engine swap. Pop the hood and you quickly realize why they named the truck Overkill. This C10 has a huge 2016 Chevy LS2 6.0L motor dropped in under the hood! They installed ceramic headers and a full Flowmaster exhaust system. Jamie wanted more power, so they added a Magnuson 2300 supercharger for a whopping 690 horsepower. Talk about a beast! The exhaust was routed for a side exit just in front of the rear wheel. The drivetrain had to be upgraded at this point as well. They installed a 4L60E transmission to handle the extra horses this truck would be putting down. They installed a 373 limited slip rear differential to get as much traction as possible when the pedal is to the metal. They upgraded the braking system to Wilwood 6 piston calipers in the front and 4 piston calipers in the rear. They also installed a Wilwood master cylinder and disc brakes for maximum braking power.
After many long nights in the garage building and updating the C10, it was finally finished.
“I feel like this truck is mine now since I’ve added my touch to it,” Jamie said. “It’s a keeper for me!”
The long days of frustration had been worth it as Jamie and his wife hit the open roads in Overkill.
“My wife and I really enjoy the truck shows because it allows us our own special time together,” he said. “We enjoy the time with friends and the opportunity to meet and build relationships with others that share the same interest.”
Jamie is extremely thankful for his supportive wife keeping him motivated throughout the entire build process.
“My wife and I have shared the same interest in cars and car shows for 33 years,” he said.
A huge thanks also goes out to Jamie’s father and brother who all had a helping hand in building the truck. Jamie and Pam’s worries disappear as Overkill’s throttle opens up and the smell of burning rubber fills the air.