This Chevy Blends the Best of Many Worlds

Jeff Breault, an investment advisor out of Kansas, shows that he knows exactly where to spend his time and money through his ’63 Chevrolet C-10. The Chevy truck clearly shows the experience Jeff has behind him, with several vehicles modified and 15 years of skin in the game. Mixing classically clean style with modern performance, it’s impossible not to acknowledge the careful balancing act achieved by his C-10 build.

On the exterior, the Chevy still hails from humble factory beginnings with its nearly untouched body and iconic blue paint job, complete with detailing along the side and “Chevrolet” emblazoned across the tailgate. Upgrades are instead seen in smaller additions like the Detroit Steel wheels wrapped in Toyo Proxes. Even these changes clearly fit the build with their clean lines and bow tie accents. Other additions on the exterior remain superficial, limited to paint touch-ups under the hood as well as new headlights and taillights.

KEEPING TRUE TO THE ORIGINAL CAB, THE ’63 C-10 RETAINS A CLASSIC LOOK WHILE SEEING UPGRADES IN THE FULL JL AUDIO SOUND SYSTEM, CUSTOM REDLINE GAUGE WORKS GAUGES AND VINTAGE AIR SETUP.

A close look at the interior, with its original upholstery, makes it clear that Jeff has worked hard to keep true to the C-10’s iconic style. Though the cab features upgrades all its own—with a full JL Audio setup, Vintage Air system and custom Redline Gauge Works gauges gracing the dash—the true surprises start with a look under the hood.

THE DETROIT STEEL WHEELS ARE CHEVY THEMED ALL THE WAY, WITH THE UNMISTAKABLE BOW TIE LOGO OUT IN FULL FORCE.

Perhaps the centerpiece of this ’63 build, the Chevy starts off strong with an LS engine swap putting out 525 hp. A Don Hardy Race Cars camshaft works the LS3 for all it’s worth. A long list of new parts carries this level of performance throughout the build with dual 11-inch cooling fans, Be Cool radiator, Melling oil pump and Edelbrock water pump all in place to keep the C-10 running smoothly. Other additions include a Cloyes timing chain, PowerMaster 140A alternator, PAC-1218X springs, K&N universal air cleaner, Billet Specialties Chevrolet script valve covers and TruTrac black anodized accessory drive system. Even the exhaust setup has been updated with Hooker LS cast-iron exhaust manifolds, custom 3-inch stainless crossover pipe, Vibrant Streetpower muffler and Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator.

THIS CLASSIC TRUCK HIDES A POWERHOUSE OF AN ENGINE, COMPLETE WITH AN LS SWAP THAT PUMPS OUT 525 HP ALONE.

To meet that same level of modern performance in the suspension, a Roadster Shop Spec Series Chassis with Wilwood disc brakes give the ’63 a serious foundation while the TruTrac limited-slip differential ensures results where the tires meet the pavement. The Chevy features a 3.89 gear ratio, as well as a triangulated four-bar rear suspension setup and Strange S Series 8-inch rearend. As Jeff himself said, the ’63 Chevy C-10 “has the original feel that a 55-year-old truck should until you hit the gas pedal!”

With the goal of creating “a badass truck,” it’s easy to say that this Chevy is the picture of success. Impressive for how well-preserved the factory pieces remain, this truck came to Jeff with 34,000 miles already logged. At first glance, the ’63, with its original paint, body and bench, seems to have earned the name Earl—given by Jeff, no doubt, as a nod to the Chevy’s respectable age of 55 years. Yet a closer look shows that this C-10 has more kick than many new cars on the market, cementing the truck’s status as a sleeper; this powerhouse blends the best of Chevy style and performance. Though the daily driver has only racked up more miles in the years since that first measure, the changes Jeff has made ensure the C-10 still has miles left to go.

 BUILD SPECS

OWNER

Jeff Breault
1963 Chevrolet C-10
Wichita, KS

ENGINE

  • Work performed by Don Hardy Race Cars and Matt Wolfe of Devlin Rod and Customs
  • Chevrolet LS 376/525, eight-cylinder engine
  • COMP flat-top pistons
  • Melling oil pump
  • Don Hardy 226 camshaft
  • Cloyes timing chain
  • Edelbrock water pump
  • Dual 11-inch cooling fans
  • PowerMaster 140A alternator
  • Be Cool aluminum radiator
  • Polyurethane motor mounts
  • PAC-1218X springs
  • Hooker LS cast-iron exhaust manifolds
  • Custom 3-inch stainless-steel crossover pipe
  • Vibrant Streetpower muffler
  • Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator
  • Billet Specialties Chevrolet Script valve covers
  • Billet Specialties TruTrac black anodized pulleys
  • K&N Universal air cleaner
  • Stainless-steel 17-gallon gas tank
  • Delco battery
  • 4L70-E Transmission
  • Strange S Series 8-inch rearend
  • TruTrac limited-slip differential
  • 3.89 gear ratio
  • 31-spline custom axles

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

  • Roadster Shop Spec Series Chassis
  • Triangulated four-bar rear suspension
  • Single adjustable coil-overs
  • Wilwood 11-inch cross drilled rear brakes
  • Wilwood Pro spindles
  • Wilwood 13-inch cross drilled front brakes
  • Detroit Speed 1-inch cast-iron master cylinder
  • DSE 9-inch dual diaphragm power booster
  • Roadster Shop brake line package
  • ididit tilt with column shift

WHEELS & TIRES

  • 18×8 and 20×9 Detroit Steel Wheels
  • P255/50R18 & P295/45R20 Toyo Proxes ST II Tires

BODY & PAINT

  • Work performed by Devlin Rod and Customs
  • Firewall touch-up
  • Satin black paint under the hood
  • Hella E-Code headlights
  • LED taillights

INTERIOR & STEREO

  • Work by Ryan James of Devlin Rod and Customs
  • LizardSkin heat and sound
  • Modified stock mat
  • Ssnake Oyl belts
  • Vintage Air Gen IV air conditioning
  • Vintage Air vents
  • Custom Redline Gauge Works gauges
  • American Autowire Highway 22 wiring kit
  • RetroSound Long Beach Stereo with Sirius XM
  • JL Audio 400-watt amplifier
  • JL Audio C2-350X Evolution coaxial speakers
  • JL Audio C2-570X Evolution focal speakers
  • JL Audio ZR800-CW subwoofer

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