LOW BLOW! Dave Schneider’s 1965 Chevy C-10

Don’t Ask Why, Ask Why Not?

“JUST BECAUSE” IS AS VALID A REASON AS ANY TO BUILD A TRUCK. As often as there’s an inspiring or otherwise touching story behind a build, it’s also just as common that the truck itself is the only reason needed. When you look at the beautiful, classic lines of a 1960-66 Chevy/GMC, for instance, you can’t help but want to dive right in. Case in point: Dave Schneider’s ’65 Chevy C-10.

Don’t like to read? We narrated it for you! Click Play!

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A SINGLE CARB IS OFTEN ENOUGH. TWO IS USUALLY PLENTY. DAVE LIKES HIS CARBS LIKE WE LIKE OUR DONUTS, A HALFDOZEN AT A TIME. SIX STROMBERG 97S SIT ON TOP OF THE POLISHED HAMPTON ROOTS-STYLE SUPERCHARGER, WHICH GETS EVEN MORE AIR VIA NITROUS OXIDE SYSTEMS’ LAUGHING-GAS SETUP.

The truck was an eBay find about a dozen years ago, and Dave’s sole intention was to have a cool daily driver to tool around town in. Things were fine and dandy for a while; that is until the engine blew one day. It’s a friggin’ terrible predicament to be in, but, boy, does it open up a bunch of options when you have to pull an engine and stare at an empty bay.

This sudden turn of events meant a lot of downtime, but it gave Dave time to come up with some pretty wild ideas. All he needed was some space in the garage and plenty of money. The first part came easy; the rest came in time.

A BUILT TURBO 350 KEEPS THINGS SIMPLE IN THE SHIFTING DEPARTMENT, ALTHOUGH WE’RE CURIOUS ABOUT HOW WELL IT’LL HOLD UP OVER TIME, ESPECIALLY WHEN DAVE HITS THE NITROUS TRIGGER.”

Dave ordered a Scott’s Hot Rods front suspension/ cross-member kit to update the front end with air ride, so it only made sense to treat the back as well. There were plenty of kits for him to choose from, but in the end, Porterbuilt won out with its Extreme Dropmember rear setup, which helped put the C-10 flat on its belly, thanks to its included Firestone airbags and step notch.

After all that, though, Dave still hadn’t dealt with the engine situation that caused him to tear the truck apart in the first place. He decided to pick up a new 350 crate engine and call it a day.

DAVE LEFT THINGS NICE AND AIRY BETWEEN THE BEDSIDES, CHOOSING TO SHOW OFF ALL OF THE WORK THAT WENT INTO GETTING THE TRUCK AS LOW AS IT IS. IT’S EASY TO SPOT THE PORTERBUILT FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, BUT EVEN MORE OBVIOUS ARE THE TWIN NOS BOTTLES THAT FEED THE BLOWN ENGINE.

If you’re wondering why the words you just read don’t quite match the photos, there’s a logical explanation. Yes, Dave just replaced the old engine with an internally strengthened 350 engine and a set of stainless headers. The induction setup, however, is a whole other story.

While Dave was already going against the grain by sticking with a classic Chevy small-block (weird, right?), it’s the Hampton supercharger topped by a half-dozen Stromberg 97 carbs that really stands out. Include a decent shot of nitrous oxide to squeeze tons more air into the engine, and you quickly understand that Dave’s mighty mouse means business. In fact, when we first saw Dave’s truck, we wondered if it was an Australian burnout that had been transplanted to U.S. soil.

A built Turbo 350 keeps things simple in the shifting department, although we’re curious about how well it’ll hold up over time, especially when Dave hits the nitrous trigger. At least he has Wilwood brakes hidden behind each Colorado Custom Sugar City wheel to slow the truck down after hitting Ludicrous Speed.

NO RADIO FOR DAVE BECAUSE HE WOULDN’T BE ABLE TO HEAR IT OVER THE SOUND OF THE SUPERCHARGER AND CARBS ANYWAY. OVERALL, WE THINK HE’S MADE SOME PRETTY SOLID—IF NOT A LITTLE CRAZY—CHOICES FOR HIS TRUCK, BUT THAT’S THE BEAUTY OF DOING IT ‘JUST BECAUSE.’”

The interior of Dave’s red Chevy definitely has some early drag-racing influence, which makes sense considering the general hot-rodiness of the Strombergs and early GMC-based blower sitting directly in front of the cab. The Speedway Motors bomber-style seats, which were made a bit comfier thanks to padding stitched by The Custom Stitching Company, really stand out as the centerpiece of the interior. The rest is pure hot rod as well, with a 14-inch steering wheel, Moon tachometer and even a vintage-style aftermarket turn signal assembly mounted on the original steering column.

And guess what? No radio for Dave because he wouldn’t be able to hear it over the sound of the supercharger and carbs anyway. Overall, we think he’s made some pretty solid—if not a little crazy—choices for his truck, but that’s the beauty of doing it “just because.”

THE BILLET SPECIALTIES FLAT OUT STEERING WHEEL IS A PERFECT MATCH WITH THE DRILLED OUT PEDALS AND SPEEDWAY MOTORS SEATS. THE ORIGINAL GAUGE CLUSTER IS STILL IN PLACE, ALTHOUGH AUXILIARY GAUGES HAVE ALSO BEEN MOUNTED IN THE DASH TO KEEP BETTER TABS ON THINGS.

[divider]TRUCK SPECS[/divider]

OWNER

Dave Schneider
1965 Chevy C-10
Mint Hill, NC
Relaxed Atmosphere

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Scott’s Hot Rods front suspension setup
Porterbuilt Dropmember rear suspension
Slam Specialties front airbags
Firestone F9000 rear sleeve airbags
VIAIR compressors
Wilwood brakes front and rear
Mooneyes spun aluminum gas tank

WHEELS & TIRES

19×8 and 20×10 Colorado Custom Sugar City billet wheels
245/35ZR19 and 285/30ZR20 Nitto NT-555 tires

ENGINE

Chevy 350 crate engine
Six Stromberg 97 carburetors
Custom Hampton intake/ blower manifolds
Hampton supercharger
Stainless-steel headers
Mallory ignition setup
Turbo 350 transmission
Lokar floor-mounted shifter

BODY & PAINT

Original paint/patina
All original body panels

INTERIOR & STEREO

Upholstery work by The Custom Stitching Company
Aluminum Speedway Motors seats with red seat pads
New red loop carpet
Billet Specialties Flat Out steering wheel
Dash repainted with Von-Dutch-style flying eyeball

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What significant changes occurred in the 1965 Chevrolet C10 model compared to the previous year?

Key Changes in the 1965 Chevrolet C10 Model

The 1965 Chevrolet C10 may have retained much of its exterior styling from the previous year due to a major redesign just prior, but it introduced several noteworthy updates that distinguished it from earlier models.

Introduction of Air Conditioning

Air Conditioning: This was the first year that air conditioning became available as an option in the C10 series, marking a significant comfort upgrade for drivers and passengers alike.

Technical and Functional Improvements

Suspension Enhancements: While the core design was carried over, refinements in suspension and handling offered a smoother driving experience.

Interior and Usability Features

Interior Upgrades: The inclusion of more ergonomic features made the 1965 model more user-friendly and comfortable for everyday use.

These updates made the 1965 Chevrolet C10 not just a carryover model, but a vehicle with enhanced driving comfort and usability features, setting a new standard for future iterations.

What are the different conditions available for the 1965 Chevrolet C10?

Conditions for the 1965 Chevrolet C10

When considering a 1965 Chevrolet C10, you’ll find the vehicles in a range of conditions, each impacting value and restoration potential. Here are the common categories:

Mint Condition
This is the pinnacle of preservation or restoration. A vehicle in mint condition is virtually flawless, showcasing a factory-fresh appearance and operation. Expect pristine paintwork, a pristine interior, and a finely-tuned engine running smoothly without any hitches.
Excellent Condition
Typically close to mint, a C10 in excellent condition may exhibit minor imperfections that are often unnoticeable without close inspection. These trucks maintain superb mechanical integrity, and the aesthetic remains top-notch, highlighting minimal signs of wear. Perfectionists may identify superficial blemishes, but they do not detract from the overall presentation.
Good Condition
Often the sweet spot for restoration enthusiasts, a good condition C10 is fully operational with some cosmetic or mechanical blemishes. These trucks frequently present a balance between affordability and the opportunity for customization or restoration. You’ll find normal wear and tear, perhaps some light rust or faded paint, but all key components remain intact and functional.

Each condition tier affects not just price, but also the extent and type of work required if you’re planning any restoration or customization projects. Consider your needs and capabilities before making a choice!

What is the price range for a 1965 Chevrolet C10?

When considering the purchase of a 1965 Chevrolet C10, the price can vary significantly based on factors such as condition, originality, and modifications. Here’s a breakdown of the typical price range you might encounter:

Lower-End Prices: You can find models starting around $15,990. These are typically in need of restoration or may not have all original parts.
Mid-Range Prices: Many options fall between $24,000 and $55,995. Trucks in this range are often well-maintained with minimal modifications, making them appealing to collectors and casual buyers alike.
Higher-End Prices: For those seeking pristine or heavily customized versions, prices can soar up to $89,900. These vehicles usually feature restored or fully original state and high-quality modifications.

This wide range offers plenty of choices, catering to both budget-conscious buyers and enthusiasts seeking top-tier models.

What are the different price categories for purchasing a 1965 Chevrolet C10?

Price Categories for Purchasing a 1965 Chevrolet C10

If you’re on the market for a 1965 Chevrolet C10, you’ll find that prices can vary significantly. Here’s a breakdown of the different price categories you might encounter:

Under $5,000: These vehicles may require significant restoration or may be sold as project cars.
$5,000 to $10,000: In this range, expect to find vehicles in fair condition that might need some work to be fully functional or restored.
$10,000 to $20,000: Typically, trucks in this category are in good condition with minor maintenance needed.
$20,000 to $50,000: These are generally well-maintained or partially restored trucks, offering better reliability and aesthetics.
Over $50,000: At this level, you’ll likely find fully restored or customized C10s, with all the bells and whistles.

Additionally, you have the flexibility to define a custom price range based on your specific budget.

Seller Options

Private Sellers: Can offer more personalized deals and potentially lower prices.
Dealers/Auction Houses: Often provide more options and may include additional benefits like warranties or financing plans.

Consider these categories to help guide your purchasing decision based on budget and preferred level of restoration.

What transmission options are available for the 1965 Chevrolet C10?

A built Turbo 350 keeps things simple in the shifting department, although we’re curious about how well it’ll hold up over time, especially when Dave hits the nitrous trigger. For those exploring transmission options, the 1965 Chevrolet C10 offers variety to suit different driving preferences.

Transmission Options for the 1965 Chevrolet C10

Automatic (9-speed): Perfect for those seeking a more relaxed driving experience.
Manual (6-speed): Ideal for drivers who enjoy a more hands-on approach to gear shifting.

These choices cater to both the purists who cherish manual control and those who prefer the ease of an automatic. The Turbo 350’s simplicity is aligned with the spirit of this classic truck, yet the durability in high-performance situations, like nitrous boosts, remains a topic of interest.

How many speeds does each type of transmission have?

The automatic transmission features 9 speeds, while the manual transmission comes with 6 speeds.

What types of transmissions are available for the vehicle?

The vehicle offers both automatic and manual transmission options.

What new features were introduced in the 1965 Chevrolet C10?

“DAVE LEFT THINGS NICE AND AIRY BETWEEN THE BEDSIDES, CHOOSING TO SHOW OFF ALL OF THE WORK THAT WENT INTO GETTING THE TRUCK AS LOW AS IT IS. IT’S EASY TO SPOT THE PORTERBUILT FRAME AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, BUT EVEN MORE OBVIOUS ARE THE TWIN NOS BOTTLES THAT FEED THE BLOWN ENGINE.”

In 1965, the Chevrolet C10 took a significant leap forward by introducing air conditioning as an option, marking a new era of comfort for drivers. This innovation was just one of the many ways the C10 was evolving to meet the demands of its enthusiasts. The combination of modern amenities with Dave’s masterful custom touches turns this classic truck into a true standout.

From its sleek, lowered stance to the powerful enhancements under the hood, every element of this C10 tells a story of both heritage and innovation. The attention to detail in the customization mirrors the same pioneering spirit that first brought air conditioning to the model, bridging past advancements with contemporary craftsmanship.

What changes or additions were made to the 1965 Chevrolet C10 compared to previous models?

The significant addition to the 1965 Chevrolet C10 was the option to include air conditioning, a feature not previously available in earlier models.

What new features were introduced in the 1965 Chevrolet C10?

The 1965 Chevrolet C10 introduced air conditioning as an available option for the first time.