A Classic C10 Done Right

IF there’s one thing we know about classic trucks, it’s that building them right takes time, patience, and the right crew in your corner. That’s the exact scenario Jeth Gonzales experienced with his custom 1963 Chevy C10 nicknamed “Jack Fire.” The inspiration came from a buddy’s clean 1964 C10 shop truck. Once the idea was in his head, there was no turning back. Eight months and $70K later, this slick red beauty is hitting the streets—sitting low and stealing the spotlight wherever it goes.

Like any solid build, the foundation had to be right. Jeth wanted a clean, low-slung cruiser that looked just as good underneath as it did up top. He started by re-chroming the original 1963 grille and adding a full Deluxe trim package to keep that classic Chevy look alive. The bed got a full overhaul with custom front and rear tubs from Hart Fab to allow for the aggressive stance, and a smooth firewall with hidden hardware gave it that seamless, no-bolt appearance.

If you’re building a C10, ride height is so important to get dialed in, and Jeth made sure to get it right the first time. Airmaxx bags at all four corners paired with KYB shocks give it that perfect laid-out look while keeping the ride smooth. A Grunion “big notch” and a 2.5-inch pancaked crossmember handle clearance duties, and a Boyd’s “in-frame” fuel tank keeps the undercarriage looking clean. Sitting on 22-inch GM Transport wheels wrapped in Lionhart 265/35ZR22 tires, Jack Fire tucks hard when aired out.

Jeth’s advice for anyone looking to build a truck like this? “Buy once, cry once.” Do it right the first time, and you won’t have to do it twice.

Under the hood, Jack Fire is packing a 5.3L L33 Vortec V8 from a 2006 Chevy—but this isn’t just a basic swap. Jeth wanted a blend of old-school simplicity and modern performance, so he ditched the factory EFI in favor of a Holley carb swap setup, a Brawler 750 carb, and a Texas Speed Stage 3 low-lift cam to wake things up. Exhaust flows through a custom mandrel-bent X-pipe with Flowmaster 50 Series mufflers, while MSD ignition and Holley’s mid-mount drive system keep things running smoothly. A GM TH350 transmission with a Hughes 2800 stall converter puts power to the ground, making sure Jack Fire has the perfect balance of streetability and punch.

Paco’s Upholstery delivered a custom black leather diamond-stitched bench seat, which adds a touch of class to the build. A 14-inch billet steering wheel, custom seat lowering bracket, and integrated cup holders keep the cab functional, while a JVC stereo system with custom-mounted 6x9s makes sure the ride sounds as good as it looks.

Jack Fire is proof that when you take your time and plan it out, you end up with a truck that’s built to last.

Jack Fire has already hit some major events like C10 Intervention, C10 SLO Down 2024, and Hot August Nights, but Jeth isn’t calling it done just yet. He’s got plans to upgrade to a full GSI front and rear suspension and switch to an Accuair air system to take the ride quality up another notch.

Truck Specs

ENGINE & Drivetrain

5.3L L33 Vortec V8 from a 2006 Chevy
GM TH350 transmission with Hughes 2800 stall converter
Holley carb swap setup, Brawler 750 carb
Holley mid-mount drive system
Texas Speed Stage 3 low lift cam
MSD ignition
Custom mandrel-bent X-pipe
Flowmaster 50 Series muffler
Boyd Welding “in-frame” fuel tank

CHASSIS & SUSPENSION

Airmaxx bags
KYB shocks
Grunion “big notch”
2.5-inch pancaked cross member

WHEELS & TIRES

22-inch GM Transport wheels
Lionhart 265/35ZR22 tires

BODY & PAINT

Custom red paint
Deluxe trim package
Re-chromed 1963 factory grille
Hart Fab front and rear tubs,
Smooth firewall
Hidden hardware in the bed

INTERIOR & STEREO

Custom black leather, diamond-stitched bench seat by Paco’s Upholstery
14-inch billet steering wheel
Custom seat lowering bracket
Integrated cup holders
JVC stereo
Custom-mounted 6x9s