Slammed 1980 Chevrolet Squarebody C10 on 22’s – Indescribable

What Builder Jason Cassidy Did with a Mixed Batch of Truck Parts

 In 1980 GM offered the V22 deluxe front appearance package on its light duty trucks. The rectangular headlights and unique bezel gave it a distinct look that was intended to smooth the transition from rounded lines to the squarebody design that would begin with the next model year.

That unique look is what tempted Todd Dryer to purchase a rolling chassis and a mixed batch of truck parts that he found for sale… 

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter

That unique look is what tempted Todd Dryer to purchase a rolling chassis and a mixed batch of truck parts that he found for sale by a friend. Jason Cassidy had planned to build the C10 project for himself, but all that changed when another opportunity distracted him. Todd quickly determined that his goal to take the build to a higher level would require more time than he could offer. He knew his buddy Jason had the skillset that was required. Together, they formulated a plan to turn Todd’s vision into the reality before you.

First, the Frame

To create a ground hugging stance, Cassidy’s crew enhanced the GM frame with a complete Porterbuilt Fabrication suspension system. They removed all the stock components from the original chassis, and then cleaned and painted the bare rails in preparation for a PB Fab Level 3 kit that they bolted on both ends. Accuair provides the air management, utilizing e-level controls on a valve in tank system. To ensure sufficient air capacity, a pair of Viair 444c compressors supply a single 5-gallon tank. This feeds the Firestone bags, front and rear, with KYB Excel G shocks added to smooth out the ride when cruising low.

Todd wanted the inside of the bed to have a highly detailed level of appearance. While the exterior of the body was being prepped for paint, David Gosnell of DG Designs in Cypress, Texas, brought in his metal fabrication skills. The inside of the box was gutted, and David designed a square tube endoskeleton that would support multifaceted bead-rolled panels.

The mid-section of tube frame is hinged at one end. A pair of Windy Nation 12v linear actuators lift the panel to offer a view of the details below. The crew left the center area open to expose the smooth-painted suspension components residing under the deck. When lowered, Mar-K exotic poplar wood floor planks are separated by smooth, polished bed strips to cover the exposed surface.

Pieces and Parts 

A set of wheel tubs were sectioned and widened to cover the massive rear wheel package. A pair of 24×12-inch Intro “Gallops” tuck nicely up inside when aired out. Those big billets are rolling on a GM 10 bolt that was narrowed 4 inches per side. Above the wheels, side molding from Outback Truck Parts in Spring Texas separates the stunning two-tone paint. Made to order Moser axles slide in to a 3.42 geared carrier. Wilwood 12-inch rotors are squeezed by 4-piston calipers to slow the forward motion.

Boyd’s Welding supplied the aluminum gas tank that stores 19 gallons of premium unleaded. An Aeromotive wet pump sends the high-octane fuel to an LS motor residing under the truck’s hood. Joe Gonzales from G & G Performance in Tomball, Texas, rebuilt the bottom end, and then topped it with a mild cam feeding a pair of LS1 heads. A CVF Racing serpentine kit drives all the external accessories.

Matching Corvette injectors squirt through polished ports to enhance air flow. Once it has completed the task of creating combustion, burnt gases exit through a set of ceramic coated Hedman headers. A free-flowing exhaust system built by COD Muffler in Conroe, Texas, runs along the frame beside a built 4L60E, and then exits in front of the rear wheels.

To ensure that the engine compartment was just as appealing as the rest of the truck, everything installed by the factory was removed. To accommodate the lowered stance a pair of Slosh Tubz were ordered from Mike Losh. That wheel tub invoice included a full set of Slosh Panelz filler panels as well. Every inch was prepped and primed before fitting the new parts in place. The firewall and inner fenders were made to match with the panels Mike provided, then the new tubs were bolted in place.

Sublime Interior

Inside the cab is a soothing combination of oyster gray shades that slightly softens the vibrant violet tones. The original bench seat was restored, then covered with vinyl by Mario at Sublime Heights in Houston. Under the custom contoured seat, a darker shade of oyster gray carpet covers the floor with matching mats.

A Dakota Digital VHX gauge cluster combines with a Retro Manufacturing receiver to fill the dash with modern amenities while retaining a vintage vibe. This combination is topped off with a Forever Sharp polished billet steering wheel that is wrapped to match the seat. The Retro Sound “Long Beach” radio sends power to a pair of Alpine Type-R 6.5-inch speakers mounted below brushed aluminum panels down low in the door. In the cab corners, a set of 6×4-inch Alpine Type-R balance out the audio package. To ensure the system is capable of producing hard hitting lows, a Bazooka bass tube fills the void behind the seat.

With the project completed, Todd ventured out to display the C10 at the Lonestar Throwdown show. Admirers were drawn the truck’s indescribable paint color—one that you have to see for yourself! Keep your eye out for this one-of-a-kind stunner!

Jason Cassidy’s Day Job

Some may recognize his name as that of the lead singer of The Jason Cassidy Band, a chart-topping contemporary country music act. When he’s not touring, Jason focuses his obsessive personality toward building custom classic trucks. Cassidy Customs is known for turning rusted relics in to show stopping, jaw dropping works of automotive art.

“Bagged Violet”

Todd is frequently complimented on his C10’s paint. The unique color of the truck, which he calls “Bagged Violet,” is difficult to accurately describe. The predominant hue covering most of the body inside and out is a Cassidy Custom blend of Vibrant Violet centrally divided by Summit White. Sir Isaac Newton’s definition of violet is the color of light at the short end of the visible spectrum, somewhere between blue and ultraviolet. When the soft light of the setting sun produces the luminescent glow on “Bagged Violet” arrow straight body panels, it is virtually indescribable.

TRUCK SPECS

 Owner 

Todd Dryer

• 1980 Chevrolet Squarebody C10
• Conroe, TX 

Chassis

• Factory frame
• Porterbuilt front and rear drop member kit
• Slosh Tubz inner fenders
• Boyd Welding fuel tank

Suspension

• Accuair E-Level systems

Engine

• GM Chevy Corvette LS1 engine
• Z06 Corvette heads
• CVF Racing serpentine kit
• G & G Performance Engines, Tomball, Texas
• Hedman headers

Transmission

• 4L60E

Exhaust

• Black Widow Venom 250
• (Installed by Joe at COD Muffler, Conroe, TX)

Wheels & Tires

• Front: Intro Gallop 66 Series
• 22×9 inches
• Rear: Intro Gallop 66 Series
• 24×12 inches
• Tires: Saffiro 245/30/22, front
• 315/30/24, rear

Brakes

• Front:
• Wilwood Brakes two piston
• Rear:
• Wilwood Brakes four piston
• Wilwood master cylinder

Paint

• Brand: PPG
• Color: Ultraviolet Purple Poly, Summit White, PPG 2021 (clear)
• Painter: Kevin Slaughter

Interior

• Bench seats/dash pad by Sublime Height (Mario), Houston
• Dakota Digital VHX

Stereo

• Retro Sound