From Dreams to Reality: Evan Oliver’s Masterpiece, Betty

The Story of Evan Oliver and Betty, His True Love

In the realm of automotive enthusiasts, having a custom build featured in magazines might sometimes feel like an unattainable dream. The belief that such feats require exorbitant amounts of money and resources can be discouraging. However, for individuals like Evan Oliver, this dream became a reality right in his own garage. Meet Betty, a 1982 Chevy C10—a testament to Evan’s dedication, craftsmanship, and love for classic trucks.

Evan, a seasoned builder with an innate talent for transforming vehicles into rolling works of art, embarked on his journey with Betty more than two decades ago. Despite the perceived constraints of budget and resources, Evan’s determination knew no bounds. Betty, reminiscent of his father’s truck from his childhood, ignited a passion within Evan that fueled a 20-year-long garage project.

Betty’s transformation was a labor of love, with Evan sparing no effort to bring his vision to life. Collaborating with skilled craftsmen like Philip Cato of Cato’s Custom Upholstery and utilizing top-notch components from brands like Auto Metal Direct, Air Lift, and Edelbrock, Evan meticulously curated every detail of the build. From the custom bench seat and door panels to the cowl hood and factory replacement bumpers, Betty was undergoing a stunning metamorphosis.

From the custom bench seat and door panels to the cowl hood and factory replacement bumpers, Betty was undergoing a stunning metamorphosis. 

The heart of Betty’s power lies in her V-8 engine, boasting a robust displacement of 355 cubic inches meticulously crafted by Evan Oliver himself. With meticulous attention to detail, Evan ensured the engine’s performance by not only balancing it, but also blueprinting it to perfection. Fuel delivery is managed flawlessly by the FiTech fuel injection system, paired with an Edelbrock intake manifold for optimal airflow. Contributing to the engine’s prowess are Hedman headers, enhancing exhaust flow, while a Flowmaster exhaust system ensures a deep and resonant tone. With a diameter of 3 inches, the exhaust system provides efficient evacuation of gasses. Such precision extends to Betty’s drivetrain, where a Turbo 350 transmission, equipped with a B&M shift kit, ensures seamless gear changes. To complement this setup, a custom torque converter with a 2200 stall converter enhances low-end torque delivery, ensuring Betty’s power is felt across the entire rev range.

But Evan’s dedication didn’t stop at the engine bay. Betty’s chassis is a testament to both strength and adaptability, built upon a sturdy stock frame that provides a solid foundation for her performance upgrades. To achieve the perfect stance and ride quality, Evan equipped Betty with 2600 Firestone bags in both the front and rear, allowing for adjustable suspension to suit various driving conditions.

Ensuring optimal air supply, two Viar 485 compressors work in tandem to keep the air tanks fully pressurized. Speaking of tanks, Betty boasts two FLO 24-inch billet air tanks, providing ample air storage for on-the-go adjustments. Managing the entire air suspension system is the Air Lift Performance 3H management system, offering precise control over ride-height via preset height settings. Complementing this well-engineered chassis setup are the striking US Mags wheels, sized 22×9 in the front and 22×11 1/2 in the rear, adding both style and substance to Betty’s overall performance and aesthetics.

The exterior of Betty radiates with a flawless black finish, a testament to the expertise of Mendez Body Shop & Collision. Betty’s interior was meticulously curated by Cato’s Custom Upholstery to elevate the driving experience. A harmonious blend of comfort and style, Betty’s interior marries luxurious comfort with exquisite craftsmanship. The addition of an Intellitronix Analog Series instrumentation further enhances the interior’s allure, providing precise and stylish monitoring of vital vehicle functions.

One of the standout features within Betty’s cabin is the bespoke bench seat, expertly crafted by Cato, offering both support and relaxation during long journeys. Complementing this are the one-off door panels, adding a touch of uniqueness to Betty’s interior that mirrors her striking exterior design. From the moment one steps inside, it’s evident that every detail has been carefully considered, ensuring that Betty’s interior is as captivating as the road she travels.

Despite the challenges and setbacks encountered along the way, Evan’s unwavering determination and ingenuity prevailed. His advice to aspiring builders echoes his own journey: Be patient, think outside the box, and never underestimate the power of dedication and resourcefulness.

One of the standout features within Betty’s cabin is the bespoke bench seat, expertly crafted by Cato, offering both support and relaxation during long journeys.

In the end, Betty stands not just as a testament to Evan’s craftsmanship, but as a symbol of what can be achieved with passion, perseverance, and a little ingenuity. A true embodiment of the adage, “dreams do come true,” Betty serves as an inspiration to enthusiasts everywhere, proving that with determination and creativity, anything is possible, even in the confines of a garage.

Build Specs

OWNER

• Evan Oliver
• 1982 Chevy C10
• Cumming, GA
• Oliver Speed & Chassis

Body & Paint 

• Auto Metal Direct factory replacement grille for an ’85 C10
• Auto Metal Direct stock bumpers
• Front Slosh Tubz front tubs, rear4-inch wider wheel tubs
• Raised bed floor from AMD
• 4×6 LED lights
• Black ABT 4592 paint

Engine & Drivetrain 

• 355 ci V-8 by Evan Oliver
• Balanced and blueprinted
• Edelbrock Intake Manifold
• FiTech fuel injection system
• Hedman headers
• Flowmaster 3-inch exhaust system
• Turbo 350 transmission
• B&M shift kit
• 2200 stall converter

Chassis & Suspension 

• Stock frame
• 2600 Firestone bags in the front, 2600 Firestone bags in the back
• Two Viar 485 compressors
• Two 24-inch FLO billet air tanks
• Air Lift Performance 3H management system

Wheels

• US Mags 22×9 and 22 x11.5 wheels

Interior 

• Intellitronix Analog Series gauges
• Forever Sharp Billet Muscle half wrap steering wheel
• Custom one-off door panels and bench seat built by Cato’s Custom Upholstery

Photo Credit: BUILDING DREAMS IN THE GARAGE