A Stunning 1976 Chevy C10 Built with Family, Passion, and Patience

C10 Builder’s Guide Staff . August 05, 2026 . c10 . DUSTIN KORTH

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AS SEEN IN OUR C10 BUILDERS GUIDE SUMMER 2026 ISSUE – Buy Now!

Donny’s Head-Turning SEMA Build

Trends in the truck world seem to come and go fast. Paint colors cycle, wheel styles rotate, and folks seem to chase whatever’s hot this season. But every now and then, a build shows up that ignores the noise and sticks to something personal. That’s exactly what Donny Klassen did with his 1976 Chevy C10.

1976 Chevy C10

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For Donny, this truck wasn’t about building the wildest thing in the room. It was about patience and preference. He’s always loved C10s, but more specifically, he had his heart set on a certain factory color combination. In this scenario, that specific color combo was 2774 over 2775, better known as Medium Lime Poly with a Light Green two-tone. Unwilling to settle, finding the right truck in the right colors turned into a five-year hunt for Donny and his family. That kind of wait weeds out anyone who’s not seriously committed to a build, and Donny never wavered. When the right C10 finally surfaced, Donny scooped it up right away and got to work taking the build from a rusted survivor to a truly one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted piece of excellence.

Even the Best Build Plans Go Awry

At first, the plan was simple. Donny intended to keep the truck in patina and just enjoy it for what it was; however, years of Canadian winters had other plans in mind. Once the teardown started, it became obvious the truck needed far more work than expected, and instead of cutting corners, Donny leaned into the chaos, using this truck as an opportunity to truly bring a vision to life. If it was going to be rebuilt, it was going to be done properly.

1976 Chevy C10

The build took just over a year from start to finish, and it was far from a solo effort. Donny built the truck alongside his dad, Jake, and his brother, Michael. When you ask Donny, the most memorable moments weren’t tied to shows or trophies. Instead, they were the long nights in the garage, working through problems, figuring things out together, and turning a worn C10 into something special with his family.

Powering This Dream Machine

When it came to powering the truck, the choice was simple: LS-power. Between the rails sits a 2002 6.0L LS engine with a few goodies bolted to it. Fuel is handled by a Holley injection system, keeping drivability clean and modern. Exhaust duties are taken care of by a full stainless setup built by Lyell’s Stainless, measuring 3 inches from front to back and finished with Flowmaster mufflers. This combination leaves the 6.0L sounding great without being too loud and ensures that not only does this little squarebody look good, but it also sounds amazing.

Backing the 6.0L is a 4L60E transmission, a sensible choice for a truck that’s meant to be enjoyed, not just parked. The drivetrain setup keeps things dependable while still delivering enough punch to make the truck fun to drive.

That same philosophy carries through to the chassis. The factory frame was retained but heavily modified, including a C-notch and a front Z to get the truck sitting right. Suspension is controlled by an Air Lift 3P system, fed by dual Viair 444 compressors and a 28-inch FLO billet air tank. The truck rides on Air Lift bags, allowing it to lay out when parked and cruise comfortably when aired up.

1976 Chevy C10

All chassis plumbing, including brake, fuel, and air lines, was handled by Donny’s brother’s business, Cornerstone Auto Fab, using hard lines throughout the entire build. While hard lines don’t provide much in terms of performance value, they’re another example of the level of detail and care that went into every facet of this build.

Out back, the rearend was narrowed by cutting four inches off each side, allowing the wheels to sit exactly where they needed to. Braking is handled by Baer components, including 13-inch SS4 Plus rotors and Pro Plus four-piston calipers in the rear. Up front, the truck runs CPP spindles with a 2.5-inch drop, factory steering, and massive 14-inch Baer Pro Plus rotors paired with six-piston calipers. A Baer master cylinder and proportioning valve tie the system together, giving the truck the stopping power it needs.

Visually Striking

Wheel and tire choice plays a huge role in how any C10 presents itself, and Donny nailed it. Sitting on U.S. Mags Prescott wheels, the truck turns heads whether it’s rolling or parked. Backspacing was carefully selected to get the fitment right, and the wheels are wrapped in Lionhart LH-Five tires—255/30R22s up front and 305/30R22s in the rear. The setup fills the wheel wells perfectly and looks killer both in motion and at rest.

1976 Chevy C10

Visually, the exterior stays true to Donny’s original vision. The factory color combination that took five years to find was preserved, with paint and bodywork handled by his dad, Jake Klassen, in Aylmer, Ontario. Factory headlights keep things clean, while the body received subtle but important modifications, including a 7.5-inch raised bed floor. The hood hinges remain factory but were upgraded with WAM Rods components for improved function, and all seals and vent windows were replaced using Precision Replacement Parts to keep everything tight and weather-ready.

Taking a Look Inside

Inside the cab, the truck blends classic style with modern comfort. The factory seats were retained and reupholstered in a custom color-matched Apex Leather, a theme that continues through the door panels. Upholstery work was handled by Cornerstone Auto Fab, and the results strike a perfect balance between the original C10 look and a touch of flair from the Klassen boys.

The dash was treated to a Dakota Digital VHX gauge setup, giving Donny modern readouts without sacrificing the truck’s vintage feel. A Custom Autosound 850 head unit handles audio duties, feeding Kicker speakers up front and in the rear, along with a Kicker subwoofer for added low end. Vintage Air provides climate control, making the truck comfortable no matter the season.

The Details

There are countless small details that set this build apart. The hood braces come from NV Machine Works. The inner fenders are Slosh Tubz Extreme tubs. High-hump dash, bezels, emblems, and various metal components were all supplied by AMD. The fuel rails are Holley Street single, the intake is a Holley mid-mount, and the valve covers are AMD as well. The headlights and wiring harness were sourced from LMC Truck, while the exhaust was once again handled by Lyell’s Stainless. Donny is quick to point out that this build wouldn’t exist without the support and craftsmanship of everyone involved, and he always mentions how thankful he is for the support of all the brands he worked with.

1976 Chevy C10

At its core, this 1976 C10 is more than just a well-built truck. It’s the result of patience, family, and a clear vision carried through without compromise. Donny didn’t rush it; he waited for the right starting point, built it with the people who mattered most, and stayed true to what he loved about C10s from the beginning.

1976 Chevy C10

In a scene where it’s easy to follow trends, this truck stands as a reminder that the best builds come from personal passion. The color combo mattered. The time in the garage mattered. The people who helped Donny build it mattered. And when you see this C10 laid out in the Nevada desert, you’re not just looking at a truck. You’re looking at five years of patience and a year’s worth of family built into steel.

OWNER

Don (Donny) Klassen