An Ode to Pro Street Style

ALOT OF FOLKS today get hung up on big, flashy wheels that are only good for, well, the sake of having big flashy wheels. Of course, they look great when tucked deep into fenders, but for the most part they score very few points anywhere else except in the cosmetic department. Plus, with large-diameter wheels, you’re stuck with low-profile tires that are absolute hell to ride on when cruising down pothole-riddled roads. That just goes with the turf. One thing you don’t see too often, however, is the struggle to tuck maximum rubber. Why not? More tire means better ride quality, right? Maybe, but that really wasn’t the idea Dino Battilana was chasing.

He wasn’t trying to kick-start some hip new trend or anything like that. He just so happens to be a fan of the Pro Street look, and he wanted to incorporate the use of chunky rear meats onto a ’bagged truck. The overall appearance remains slick while giving onlookers a hint that this truck is ready to throw down at a moment’s notice. “There’s no deep meaning why I chose to stick with 15-inch wheels really, other than just digging the style of performance vehicles,” Dino says, “I’m just doing my part to help bring this style back.”

A keen eye will quickly notice the massive amount of tire that was squeezed underneath the rear bed. For those who sometimes miss the obvious, they’ll notice the immense girth when looking at the tubs in the bed. Yeah, they’re quite a bit wider than usual, and damn, do they ever make a bold statement about the overall aggressive nature of this truck’s appearance. In case you’re wondering, the rear wheels measure 15×15 inches, and the tires are Mickey Thompson 33x21x15 rubbers. Yeah, these are no joke. Well, that was the idea: to boldly go in the direction very few trucks go. That’s Dino. From what we know, he’s a regular C-10 junkie, so it’s not surprising to see the lengths he went to to take his truck to a level well beyond the norm.

If there’s one thing this truck is begging for, it’s the ability to deliver an extra helping of ass kicking and road grating.

The history behind the build goes a little something like this: While taking a cruise to California, Dino bought the truck from Delmo’s Speed & Kustom on a Thursday. The following day, the truck arrived at Dino’s place in Arizona. Saturday was a special day because the back of the truck was completely cut off. There was no time wasted. Within 48 hours the C-10 was facing a drastically different future at the hands of its new owner. There’s no point in putting off the inevitable, anyway. This truck was destined to hit the chopping block at some point, and sooner is always better than later.

A 4-link was put into place at the rear, and a PorterBuilt Dropmember is responsible for bringing the front end down to the ground. The GM Fast Burn small-block V-8 crate engine was selected to lighten up those rear tires and a healthy assortment of performance goodies was tossed underneath the hood for good measure. Before Dino knew it, he was sitting on a regular rocket ship fit for the road. Although the power plant hasn’t been given a boost just yet, we’re sure a supercharger can’t be too far off in the distant future. If there’s one thing this truck is begging for, it’s the ability to deliver an extra helping of ass kicking and road grating.

Whatever people want to call it, the truck is downright devious looking.

Other than the massive tire selection and slammed stance, the truck has taken on a somewhat streamlined appearance. A simple yet attractive patina finish has been left to grace the truck’s exterior, while the cab was filled with fresh upholstery and accessories. The resulting styling inside the C-10’s cab is nothing other than plush, clean-cut greatness. “Pro Street Modern” may be a term that could describe the style Dino was after, but whatever people want to call it, the truck is downright devious looking. Arizonians, look for it at a stoplight near you.

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BUILD SPECS

OWNER

Dino Battilana
1964 Chevy C-10
Phoenix, AZ
Chevy Only

ENGINE

• GM Fast Burn small- block V-8 crate engine
• Turbo 400 transmission
• B&M Pro ratchet shifter
• Ron Davis radiator
• Spal cooling fan
• K&N air cleaner
• Edlebrock intake manifold
• Edlebrock 650 carb
• Speedway ram horn headers
• 3-inch exhaust
• Flowmaster mufflers
• Speedway wiring, pulleys, and accessories
• Custom fuel gas tank from Jegs

SUSPENSION

• Shops: WCD Fabrication
• PorterBuilt front Dropmember
• McGaughy’s spindles and disc brakes
• McGaughy’s booster and master cylinder
• PorterBuilt control arms
• Rear 4-link setup
• Slam Specialties airbags
• Rancho shocks all around
• Narrowed rearend

WHEELS & TIRES

• 15×4 (front), 15×15 (rear) Weld Racing Pro Star wheels
• 15×185 (front) Kumho tires
• 15x33x21 (rear) Mickey Thompson Sportsman tires

BODY & PAINT

• Patina finish
• Stock GM Teal paint
• Stock GM grille and front bumper
• Custom wheel tubs and sheet metal bed

INTERIOR

• Shops: Custom Interior Fab
• 2006 Chevy bench seat
• Auto Meter gauges
• Fresh upholstery and carpet
• Custom steering wheel
• Transmission tunnel raised

SPECIAL THANKS FROM OWNER: Thank you to Willie at WCD Fab, Dominick at Custom Interior Fab, Seth at Switch Suspension, Nick at Hub Caps Fab, McGaughy’s and Kirk at Moose Mufflers.

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