6.2L LS3 Powered 1985 Chevy C-10 with 525 HP that was BOUGHT NOT BUILT!

Sometimes it goes both ways

One of the largest stigmas in the truck culture revolves around the phrase “built not bought.” Some people look down on those who purchase a built truck rather than build it themselves. In the long run it’s a better financial investment pulling out your checkbook rather than the grueling task of going from shop to shop to get the best deal and find the best builder only to end up getting burned (we’ve all been there). The 1985 Chevy C-10 in this story started under the tutelage truck builder Tony Phillips. Tony purchased the truck and began building it to his liking.

Some people look down on those who purchase a built truck rather than build it themselves. In the long run it’s a better financial investment pulling out your checkbook rather than the grueling task of going from shop to shop to get the best deal and find the best builder only to end up getting burned (we’ve all been there).
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Every step of the truck build was personally customized from the one-off Barbie Blue paint to the custom imported Italian leather interior. When it came time to customize under the hood, an LS3 was added for both extra horsepower and reliability. Tony left nothing uncovered as it took a solid three years to properly design and build the truck to his liking. Tony admittingly preferred the building process but wasn’t much into the show scene, so after the C-10 was completed, he ended up leaving it covered in the garage and was constantly keeping an eye out for a new build.

At that point Joe Parashis from Oswego, Illinois got word of the truck. Although he hadn’t seen the truck in person yet, he was aware of the build and kept asking Tony to see what the build looked like. After a few pictures were sent, Joe insisted he wanted to purchase the truck from him. As an influential Positive Force member, Joe always had and wanted the best trucks he could find. Once he sat down with Tony, numbers were agreed upon and Joe was able to purchase the Chevy for less than half of the cost to build.

Joe had the chance to alter the build but preferred the way it was built and wanted to keep the integrity and look that Tony had perfected originally. A Chevy C-10 that was destined to sit in the garage for the majority of its life now gets her day in the sun every weekend in Chicago and neighboring cities. Joe maintains that it’s a show winner and weekend cruiser he’s proud to get in and go. Joe knows the cost to build the truck would have exceeded what he wanted to spend so he made the best decision that made the most sense for him.

A special thanks goes to the ideas and mastermind of Tony Phillips for creating such a spectacular build that Joe couldn’t resist. With Bet it Up Kustoms handling the suspension work and engine swap and install, Joe knows the job was done perfectly and would be reliable. A special thanks to Gerardo Arredondo Jr. who was able to complete the full paint job in a one-car garage and Midwest Hotrods for turning out one perfect interior to offset the bright blue exterior. Even though Joe didn’t have a hand in the build, he certainly values the Chevy and displays it with the pride that it deserves.

BUILD SPECS

OWNER

Joe Parashis

1985 Chevy C-10
Oswego, Illinois
Club: Positive Force

Chassis

Front Suspension:

Tubular upper and lower control arms
Viking coilovers
Rear Suspension:
C-notch bridges
Viking coilovers done by Tim Bourgoine at Bet It Up Kustoms in Oswego, Illinois

Drivetrain Engine:

LS3 6.2L
525 HP
K&N Intake
done by Tim Bourgoine at Bet It Up Kustoms in Oswego, Illinois
Transmission: 4l80e transmission
Rearend: Moser 9-inch, 3:73 gears

Body/Paint:

PPG Deltron Barbie Blue and white
orange pinstripe done by Gerardo Arredondo Jr. in Aurora, Illinois

Interior

imported Italian brown and tan leather
diamond stitch
leather-wrapped GM 14 billet steering wheel
interior done by Midwest Hotrods in Plainfield, Illinois

Stereo

two JL Audio 10TW1 subwoofers
JL Audio XD 400/1 amplifier
two JL Audio XD 500/1 amplifiers
two sets of Moral 6.5-inch components

Wheels & Tires

Wheels: 24×8- & 24×15-inch Raceline Executives
Tires: 255/25R24 & 405/25R24 Pirelli P-Zero

Special Thanks

Positive Force Custom Cruisers, Tony Phillips for the great ideas and build, Bet It Up Kustoms, Gerardo Arredondo Jr, my wife Cherish and our four kids John, Anthony, Mercedes and Nick for their support through it all.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What specific customizations were made to the 1985 Chevy C-10?

Every step of the truck build was personally customized from the one-off Barbie Blue paint to the custom imported Italian leather interior. When it came time to customize under the hood, an LS3 was added for both extra horsepower and reliability. Tony left nothing uncovered as it took a solid three years to properly design and build the truck to his liking. Joe had the chance to alter the build but preferred the way it was built and wanted to keep the integrity and look that Tony had perfected originally.

Tony’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the build. He ensured that the truck not only looked stunning but performed exceptionally well. This level of dedication is what sets this 1985 Chevy C-10 apart from any other.

Chassis

Front Suspension:

Tubular upper and lower control arms
Viking coilovers

Rear Suspension:

C-notch bridges
Viking coilovers done by Tim Bourgoine at Bet It Up Kustoms in Oswego, Illinois

Drivetrain Engine

Engine:

LS3 6.2L
525 HP
K&N Intake
done by Tim Bourgoine at Bet It Up Kustoms in Oswego, Illinois

Transmission:

4l80e transmission

Rearend:

Moser 9-inch, 3:73 gears

Body/Paint

Tony’s vision for the exterior was executed flawlessly, using PPG Deltron Barbie Blue and white with an orange pinstripe, done by Gerardo Arredondo Jr. in Aurora, Illinois. This unique color combination ensures the truck stands out wherever it goes.

Interior

The interior is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring imported Italian brown and tan leather with diamond stitching. The leather-wrapped GM 14 billet steering wheel adds a touch of sophistication. The interior work was completed by Midwest Hotrods in Plainfield, Illinois, ensuring top-notch quality and attention to detail.

Stereo

No detail was overlooked, including the audio system. The truck is equipped with:

Two JL Audio 10TW1 subwoofers
JL Audio XD 400/1 amplifier
Two JL Audio XD 500/1 amplifiers
Two sets of Moral 6.5-inch components

Wheels & Tires

The truck rides on impressive wheels and tires that complement its custom build:

Wheels: 24×8- & 24×15-inch Raceline Executives
Tires: 255/25R24 & 405/25R24 Pirelli P-Zero

This level of customization and attention to detail is what makes this 1985 Chevy C-10 a true one-of-a-kind masterpiece. The combination of Tony’s vision, quality craftsmanship, and top-of-the-line components results in a truck that is not only unique but also powerful and reliable.

What was the financial benefit for Joe Parashis in buying the already built truck?

Joe knows the cost to build the truck would have exceeded what he wanted to spend, so he made the best decision that made the most sense for him. By purchasing an already built truck, Joe was able to avoid the high costs associated with custom builds. This decision allowed him to stick to his budget while still getting a reliable vehicle.

Additionally, opting for a pre-built truck meant Joe could start using it immediately, saving both time and money. This practical approach ensured he got the best value for his investment without compromising on quality.

Why did Joe Parashis decide to purchase the 1985 Chevy C-10?

Joe had always admired classic builds, and when he saw Tony’s work on the Chevy C-10, he knew it was something special. The truck, once resigned to a life of obscurity in a garage, now sees regular use. Every weekend, Joe takes it out for a spin, not just in Chicago but also in nearby towns, showing off its pristine condition and turning heads wherever he goes.

More than just a weekend joyride, the Chevy C-10 has become a symbol of Joe’s practical decision-making. Building a similar truck from scratch would have been prohibitively expensive, and Joe was keenly aware of this. By choosing to purchase Tony’s already meticulously crafted truck, Joe found a way to enjoy a high-quality build without breaking the bank. This blend of financial prudence and appreciation for skilled craftsmanship ultimately drove his decision to bring the 1985 Chevy C-10 into his life.