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Project Rocky’s Front-End Makeover Begins

Chris Hamilton . October 28, 2026 . c10 . Chris Hamilton
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AS SEEN IN OUR AUGUST 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

Front-End Transformation Begins

In the last issue, we introduced the next chapter of Project Rocky and explained why we decided to take our 1979 Chevy C10 in a completely different direction. While the lifted suspension setup looked great, the truck simply wasn’t delivering the ride quality and handling characteristics we wanted. Our goal moving forward is to create a truck that not only looks good but is genuinely enjoyable to drive.

With a complete QA1 suspension package, Wilwood brakes, Schott wheels, and Atturo performance tires waiting in the wings, it was finally time to start turning wrenches.

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To handle the installation, we once again teamed up with Nick Provost at ProBros Hotrods in Ocklawaha, Florida. The first step was removing the entire front lift suspension system and clearing the way for the new QA1 components. As expected, years of modifications meant extra disassembly work, but overall, the process went smoothly.

Once the old suspension was out of the way, the QA1 front suspension system started finding its new home. One thing we immediately noticed was how well thought out the kit is. Everything fit exactly where it was supposed to, and the installation followed the manufacturer’s guidelines without any surprises. That’s always something we appreciate when working on a project vehicle—especially one that is being transformed from one style of build into another.

The new QA1 coilovers, tubular control arms, and supporting components instantly gave Rocky a much more performance-oriented foundation. Even sitting on the lift, it was easy to see this truck was heading in a completely different direction than before.

We also got our first look at the new Schott wheels that will eventually live under the truck. Seeing them in person confirmed we made the right choice. The design fits the vision for Rocky perfectly and should pair nicely with the lower stance and improved handling characteristics we’re after.

By the end of the week, the entire front suspension conversion was completed and ready for the next phase of the project.

In the next installment, we’ll tackle the rear QA1 suspension system, install the new Wilwood brake package, mount the Schott wheels and Atturo tires, and finally get Project Rocky back on the ground to see how this new combination comes together. The transformation is officially underway.

Project Rocky
Before turning a single wrench, we snapped a few final photos of Rocky in its lifted form before the transformation began.
Project Rocky
Carefully removing the bed was the first step for Nick. He took all the necessary precautions to not scratch the paint.
Project Rocky
With the front clip supported and the suspension removed, it was time to start building Rocky’s new foundation.

Project Rocky

 

The Rough Country lift spindles come first, followed by the upper and lower control arms and the HD springs.
With all the lift components removed, we were left with a clean and bare frame rail.

With the old spring perch support removed, the difference between the previous setup and the new direction became obvious.

The new spring perch support is placed in the proper spot, and Nick marked the location on the spring perch that we need to cut to make room for the coilover.

Cutting a clean hole is important so you do not scratch the new hardware when installing.
With the hole cut and the frame clean, it’s time to install our new QA1 parts.

Project Rocky
Now Nick can bolt in the new QA1 spring perch brackets.
Project Rocky
The next parts to bolt in were the QA1 upper control arms.
Followed by the lower control arms and the QA1 coilover, which we will dial in once the truck is on the ground.
With the new QA1 spindle bolted up, Nick was beyond impressed by the engineering of this suspension.
Before mounting any of the brake parts, we laid out the new Wilwood components to get a mental inventory of everything included.
The front QA1 suspension was specifically engineered and ready to accept the new Wilwood 6-piston brakes.
Massive Wilwood rotors will provide the stopping power needed to match Rocky’s new performance goals, and the safety wire will ensure the bolts don’t back out.
The Wilwood front brake package immediately changes the appearance of the suspension while adding serious braking capability.
Bright red Wilwood calipers add a little extra attitude behind the wheels.
With the brakes installed, the front corner of Rocky finally started looking like the vision we had in mind.
A closer look at the completed front suspension shows just how much of the original setup has been upgraded.

The design fits the vision for Rocky perfectly and should pair nicely with the lower stance and improved handling characteristics we’re after.

We got our first look at the custom Schott wheels that will soon sit under Rocky and complete the truck’s new look.
Project Rocky
next issue,  we will tackle the front and reveal what wheels we chose for this project. Then it’s time to take it to the streets! See you next month!

 

 

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Chris Hamilton

Chris Hamilton is an automotive journalist, editor, and lifelong truck enthusiast with extensive experience covering custom truck builds, fabrication, performance upgrades, aftermarket products, and a ...

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