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The year 1960 was big for pickups, as it saw the introduction of GM’s hugely successful C/K line that would continue for more than 40 years. This GMC half-ton version has taken this classic design and given it the restomod treatment, complete with a 385hp crate engine, overdrive transmission, air conditioning, updated suspension / steering / brakes, and more. The result has looks, performance, and features that far eclipse the original 1960 design.
While Chevrolet would call this truck a C10 Fleetside, GMC named it the 1000 Wide-Side. Branding aside, this pickup’s revival started ten years ago by pulling the cab and bed from the chassis. The frame was cleaned and coated with POR-15, and all the cab and bed mounts were replaced. The front suspension was converted from the old torsion bar design to a more conventional coil spring arrangement using an early 70’s front crossmember. The truck was also lowered through drop spindles, springs, and blocks.
Bodywork included replacement of the inner and outer rocker panels and visor panel. Several modifications were made including fitment of a 1963 hood along with a rear roll pan and smoothed tailgate, all of which give a cleaner look. The cab glass, seals, and door handles were all replaced, and a new fuel tank was fitted under the bed. The Grabber Blue paint was completed in 2019 and includes white accents on the roof, front bumper, and grille. The bed was redone with 80-year-old barn wood along with a tonneau cover. The Cragar 17” wheels have been powder coated black and wear Sumitomo tires (245/50 front, 265/65 rear).
The original 6-cylinder engine was replaced with a new Chevrolet Performance 350ci crate engine rated at 385hp – quite an upgrade! It has approximately 7,500 miles since installation. Features include a forged crankshaft, roller camshaft, big-valve D-port cylinder heads, and a Holley 770 CFM four-barrel carburetor. There is also a serpentine pulley system, spin-on fuel filter, re-cored radiator, and 2,500 cfm electric fan. The dual exhaust uses Sanderson ceramic coated headers and Flowmaster mufflers for a fantastic sound.
The engine is coupled to a rebuilt GM 700R4 overdrive transmission with a TCI 2,500 RPM torque converter and a B&M shift kit. Combined with the rebuilt 3.90 rear end this allows both brisk acceleration and good highway performance. The brakes were converted to CPP 4-wheel discs with a power booster for much improved stopping power. The steering was also upgraded with a new power steering box and tie rod ends. Other new equipment includes brake lines, fuel lines, ball joints, u-joints, stabilizer bar, shock absorbers, wheel bearings, and a recent alignment.
The interior was completely redone as well. The factory bench seat received new foam and was recovered in a sharp black and white vinyl with seat belts. Both doors have new window tracks and door panels. The floor received sound insulation covered by a custom-fit carpet and GMC rubber floor mats. A Lokar floor shifter was installed as well. The dash was updated with a custom polished instrument cluster housing a full set of AutoMeter gauges. There is also an Ididit tilt steering column topped by a Billet Specialties steering wheel. The cab was rewired with an American Autowire harness and all lighting was replaced. A two-speed wiper motor from New Port Engineering was also installed. There is a Pioneer stereo with speakers under the dash and in the kick panels. And finally there is a modern aftermarket air conditioning system that blows cold.
Nothing was untouched on this GMC, and the build cost far exceeds today’s price. It includes a folder of receipts as well. The result of all this work is a classic GMC pickup that you can drive anywhere and look great doing it. Just put on your favorite music, crank up the a/c, and let that engine roar.
