Chris Hamilton
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July 01, 2026
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c10
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Brett Macadam
If there’s one thing we know about classic trucks, it’s that building them right takes time, patience, and the right crew in your corner. That’s the exact scenario Jeth Gonzales experienced with his 1963 Chevy C10 nicknamed “Jack Fire.” The inspiration came from a buddy’s clean 1964 C10 shop truck. Once the idea was in his head, there was no turning back. Eight months and $70K later, this slick red beauty is hitting the streets—sitting low and stealing the spotlight wherever it goes.
He started by re-chroming the original 1963 grille and adding a full Deluxe trim package to keep that classic Chevy look alive.
The bed got a full overhaul with custom front and rear tubs from Hart Fab to allow for the aggressive stance, and a smooth firewall with hidden hardware gave it that seamless, no-bolt appearance.
Like any solid build, the foundation had to be right. Jeth wanted a clean, low-slung cruiser that looked just as good underneath as it did up top.
If you’re building a C10, ride height is so important to get dialed in, and Jeth made sure to get it right the first time. Airmaxx bags at all four corners paired with KYB shocks give it that perfect laid-out look while keeping the ride smooth.
A Grunion “big notch” and a 2.5-inch pancaked crossmember handle clearance duties, and a Boyd’s “in-frame” fuel tank keeps the undercarriage looking clean. Sitting on 22-inch GM Transport wheels wrapped in Lionhart 265/35ZR22 tires, Jack Fire tucks hard when aired out.
Jack Fire is proof that when you take your time and plan it out, you end up with a truck that’s built to last.
Under the hood, Jack Fire is packing a 5.3L L33 Vortec V-8 from a 2006 Chevy—but this isn’t just a basic swap. Jeth wanted a blend of old-school simplicity and modern performance, so he ditched the factory EFI in favor of a Holley carb swap setup, a Brawler 750 carb, and a Texas Speed Stage 3 low-lift cam to wake things up.
Exhaust flows through a custom mandrel-bent X-pipe with Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers, while MSD ignition and Holley’s mid-mount drive system keep things running smoothly. A GM TH350 transmission with a Hughes 2800 stall converter puts power to the ground, making sure Jack Fire has the perfect balance of streetability and punch.
For another high-performance Chevy build, check out this LS-swapped 1968 C10 that combines classic styling with modern power.
Jeth’s advice for anyone looking to build a truck like this? “Buy once, cry once. ”Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it twice.
Paco’s Upholstery delivered a custom black leather diamond-stitched bench seat, which adds a touch of class to the build. A 14-inch billet steering wheel, custom seat lowering bracket, and integrated cup holders keep the cab functional, while a JVC stereo system with custom-mounted 6x9s makes sure the ride sounds as good as it looks.
Jack Fire has already hit some major events like C10 Intervention, C10 SLO Down 2024, and Hot August Nights, but Jeth isn’t calling it done just yet. He’s got plans to upgrade to a full GSI front and rear suspension and switch to an Accuair air system to take the ride quality up another notch.
Looking for more custom truck inspiration? This custom 1968 C10 build takes a completely different approach.
Fans of early C10s will also enjoy this unique 1964 Chevy C10 feature.
Jeth Gonzales’s 1963 C10 “Jack Fire” cost approximately $70,000 over eight months. Costs break down across engine and drivetrain (approximately $15,000–$20,000 for a 5.3L L33 Vortec swap with carb conversion and cam upgrade), suspension and air ride ($8,000–$12,000 for a full Airmaxx bag setup with custom notch work), wheels and tires ($3,000–$5,000 for 22-inch GM Transport wheels with Lionhart tires), bodywork and custom fabrication ($15,000–$20,000 including Hart Fab tubs and smooth firewall), and interior ($3,000–$5,000 for custom upholstery and electronics).
Jack Fire runs a 2006 Chevy 5.3L L33 Vortec V-8, upgraded with a Texas Speed Stage 3 low-lift cam, Brawler 750 carburetor (replacing the factory EFI), Holley mid-mount drive system, and MSD ignition. Power transfers through a GM TH350 transmission with a Hughes 2800 stall converter.
Owner Jeth Gonzales chose a carburetor conversion to combine modern engine reliability with old-school simplicity and aesthetics. A carbureted setup eliminates complex fuel injection wiring, allows for a cleaner engine bay appearance, and maintains the classic look appropriate for a 1963 C10 build.
Jack Fire uses Airmaxx air bags at all four corners paired with KYB shocks. A Grunion “big notch” and 2.5-inch pancaked crossmember allow the truck to achieve maximum drop when aired out, while a Boyd Welding “in-frame” fuel tank keeps the undercarriage clean.
Jack Fire runs 22-inch GM Transport wheels wrapped in Lionhart 265/35ZR22 tires. Achieving this fitment required custom Hart Fab front and rear tubs to allow for the aggressive stance without rubbing.
Jack Fire took eight months from concept to completion. Timeline varies significantly based on scope, availability of parts, and fabrication complexity. Builds with extensive custom fabrication (custom firewall, tubs, notch work) typically take longer than bolt-on builds.
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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