Up next Painting Mike Finnegan’s Mini Truck Published on April 21, 2022 Author John Mata Jr. Tags blu truck, colors body shop hartselle al, lady low, low truck, lvld fabrication, melesa, something blue too hartselle al, truck low, truck magazine, Share article Facebook 0 Twitter 0 Mail 0 LADY LOW | This Ain’t Her Boyfriend’s Truck This Ain’t Her Boyfriend’s Truck How many times has Melesa Farmer heard, “Is that your boyfriend’s truck?” We’re guessing that she hears it, along with other similar comments, from people all the time. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter Sure, it probably gets annoying, but since the truck belongs to her and not her boyfriend (she’s engaged, actually), she’s learned to brush it off. It’s just one of those things—most people don’t expect a female to own a ‘bagged and bodied C-10, or any other type of customized truck for that matter. We’re not sure just how often Melesa actually takes the time to correct those who assume the truck isn’t a product of her own hard work, but we’re sure there are hints of surprise and jealousy in the reactions of those she does take the time to respond to. “I’ve always dreamed of building my own C-10,” Melesa says, when asked of how she came to own this killer classic pickup. “I also wanted to be different from most women my age.” Melesa has most certainly separated herself from most ladies out there solely on her good taste in vehicles. The decision to search out and build an old Chevy truck stemmed from her simply liking the particular squarebody model C-10s, as well as from her upbringing. She’s been raised around custom trucks. Actually, it runs in the family. THE TRUCK WAS ORIGINALLY FOUND IN HOUSTON, AND THE CONDITION OF IT WAS FAIR, BUT IT NEEDED WORK RIGHT AWAY. IT ALSO HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY\ BODYDROPPED BEFORE MELESA TOOK OWNERSHIP. “I’ve grown up around ‘bagged trucks,” she says. “My brother, Daniel Farmer, has had many ‘bagged and bodied pickups that have been featured in different magazines. Our family just likes a certain type of vehicle.” The C-10 isn’t Melesa’s first go at building her own custom truck, however. She’s had a couple others in the past that show her natural progression into the realm of creating a magazine-worthy ride. “It’s apparent that she is obviously a Chevy girl, which should earn her a few extra bonus points from the doubters out there, but she doesn’t seem too overly concerned about winning praise from anybody. ” “I’ve had an ’09 Chevy crewcab that was static dropped 5/7, and a ’00 Chevy single cab that was lowered 3/5,” Melesa says about her last projects. It’s apparent that she is obviously a Chevy girl, which should earn her a few extra bonus points from the doubters out there, but she doesn’t seem too overly concerned about winning praise from anybody. She bought and built the truck to satisfy her taste, and that’s something that everyone should be able to respect. Melesa had been on the hunt for a C-10 for a while, until one turned up to her liking in Texas. With her living in Alabama, it would require some logistical work to get the truck to her, but she was ready to make it happen. “The truck was in Houston, and the condition of it was fair, but it needed work right away. It had been previously bodydropped already,” Melesa says about the beginning phase of her new project truck. Knowing the truck was going to need some attention to get it back into better running condition, Melesa started a checklist to see what the job was specifically going to require. “First off, the truck was going to have to be rewired, and the entire cooling system was going to have to be redone to make it a more reliable driver,” she says. Once Melesa started making progress on the reliability of her truck, she could then start lining up local shops to assist with making it ride and look better. She found Stringers Paint and Body shop in Hartselle, Alabama, to hammer the body straight and spray the exterior a really cool hue—DuPont Sonic Blue. The guys there also fabricated a custom roll pan for the rear and filled the gas tank and third brake light, as well as relocated the tag and shaved the side markers for a much sleeker surface to work with. The outcome is an appearance that is clean and classic—a look that won’t be going out of style anytime soon. With the truck already stock floor bodydropped, Melesa wanted to revisit the suspension system to improve on what had previously been modified before. LVLD Fabrication of Ardmore, Alabama, was recruited to Z the front half of the frame and devise a four-link setup for the rear. “The truck lays rocker panels when the ‘bags are completely empty”, Melesa adds. “The engine and bed were both raised for clearance to make sure the truck would lay out as low as possible.” To complete the new look of low, Melesa selected a set of 22-inch U2 55 Series wheels wrapped in Lexani LX-Nine tires. The C-10’s new stance is impressive, and the fitment of the wheels is spot on. Throughout the build process, Melesa had a pretty good idea of what she wanted to see happen to make her new truck look more like a truck she could call her own. To feel more at home inside the cab, she enlisted the help of Dealer’s Choice in Mobile, Alabama, to reupholster the factory bench in fresh tweed and leather, as well as treat the door panels and dash to the same treatment. A complete Kicker audio system was also wired up to give her the luxury of creating a booming soundtrack whenever she drives the truck, since she will be doing lots of time behind the wheel. The whole idea behind building it in the first place was to cruise to as many shows as possible—without having to rely on using a trailer. In just two years’ time, Melesa now has a completed truck that she can hop in, air up and rip down the highway to wherever she pleases. The truck still has some issues that she’d like to address, but for the most part, she’s absolutely happy with the end result. “One day, I’ll get to adding a Vintage Air system, and probably upgrade to billet Intro wheels,” she says. “I’d also like to have AccuAir e-Level air management added to the air system soon, most likely in the next year or so. The motor will also be built up a bit more as well. There’s always something that needs to be done, and nothing on this truck was as easy as it seems.” MELESA DOESN’T SEEM TOO OVERLY CONCERNED ABOUT WINNING PRAISE FROM ANYBODY. SHE BOUGHT AND BUILT THE TRUCK TO SATISFY HER TASTE, AND THAT’S SOMETHING THAT EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO RESPECT. If you see Melesa out driving around in her truck, just know that she’s worked her tail off to get it to look and function the way it does now. She’s proud of what she has accomplished and has a solid plan in place to make her truck even better. So instead of throwing any shade her way or not believing that the truck belongs to her, just know that it does—and that it just might be better than your truck. BUILD SPECS OWNER Melesa Farmer 1986 Chevy C-10 Semmes, AL ENGINE Shop: Meriman’s Garage, Hartselle, AL Factory ’86 350 V-8 ’86 Turbo 350 transmission B&M shift kit PTC torque converter Champion transmission cooler Comp Cams Thumpr camshafts Edelbrock Performer intake manifold Holley Double Pumper 650 carb Hooker headers Flowmaster 2.5-inch exhaust system Accel Super Coil ignition CHASSIS & SUSPENSION Shop: LVLD Fabrication, Ardmore, AL Z’d frame front half 4-link, C-notch rear Stock-floor bodydrop with 2-inch raised center 2600 Firestone front and back Monroe shocks Dual Viair 480C air compressors 15-gallon Viair air tank WHEELS & TIRES 22-inch U2 55 Series wheels 265/35/22 Lexani LX-Nine Tire BODY & PAINT Shop: Stringers Paint and Body Shop, Hartselle, AL DuPont Sonic Blue paint Phantom billet grille Factory chrome front bumper Custom roll pan Color matched Sonic Blue trailer fenders up front Filled gas tank filler, 3rd brake light, relocated the tag, and shaved side marker lights INTERIOR & STEREO Shop: Dealer’s Choice, Mobile, AL Reupholstered factory bench seat Light grey and tan leather and tweed upholstery Custom tweed door panels Factory dash reupholstered in tan leather Color matched lower dash Billet steering wheel JVC head unit Two Kicker CVR 10-inch subwoofers and door panel speakers Special Thanks From the Owner: “Thank you to my family, Greg Farmer, Karen Farmer and Daniel Farmer, my fiancé Landon Bailey for all of the support and help with my truck.” FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Why is it important to replace seat foam before installing new upholstery in a restoration project? Replacing seat foam before installing new upholstery is crucial in any restoration project for a few key reasons: First, optimal comfort is achieved by ensuring the seat padding is new and supportive. Over time, the original foam degrades, losing its shape and firmness. This deterioration leads to a less comfortable seating experience. Second, structural integrity is vital. The seat foam acts as a foundational layer that supports the upholstery. Worn-out foam can result in a poorly-fitted, loose, or wrinkled look, undermining your restoration efforts. Third, longevity and durability of the new upholstery is significantly enhanced. Old foam can cause premature wear and tear on new fabric or leather due to its uneven surface and compromised structure. Replacing the foam ensures that your new upholstery has a smooth, even surface to adhere to, which helps in maintaining its appearance and functionality for a longer period. Moreover, from an aesthetic perspective, replacing the seat foam ensures that the overall look of your restoration project is pristine and authentic. The contours and firmness provided by fresh foam restore the original design and comfort level of the seats. Key Takeaways: Comfort and Support: New foam improves seating comfort and support. Proper Fit and Finish: Helps ensure the new upholstery fits correctly and looks polished. Enhanced Durability: Protects and extends the life of your new upholstery. Aesthetic Value: Contributes to a more authentic and visually appealing restoration. Investing in new seat foam is a small step that delivers big results in the overall quality of your vehicle restoration. What are the features of the bench seat foam for 1981-91 Chevrolet and GMC trucks? Features of Bench Seat Foam for 1981-91 Chevrolet and GMC Trucks Custom-Fit for 1981-91 Models This bench seat foam is specifically designed for Chevrolet and GMC pickup trucks from the years 1981 to 1991. Its contours precisely match the original design, ensuring a perfect fit. High-Quality Reproduction Crafted to replicate the original seat foam, this product guarantees the authenticity and comfort that classic vehicle owners seek. It’s an exact reproduction, down to the smallest details, preserving the truck’s original look and feel. Enhanced Comfort and Support Replacing old, worn-out seat foam can dramatically improve seating comfort. This foam is engineered to provide optimal support, making long drives more enjoyable and reducing driver fatigue. Made in the USA Manufactured domestically, this seat foam meets high-quality standards. Supporting local manufacturing ensures a product built with attention to detail and superior materials. Essential for Restoration When restoring a classic truck, updating the seat foam before installing new upholstery is crucial. This replacement foam provides a fresh foundation, ensuring that the new upholstery looks and feels its best. Additional Details Product Specifications: Part Number: SF203 Application: Lower bottom bench seat Compatibility: 1981-87 Chevrolet, GMC pickup trucks Price: Suggested Retail Price: $247.99 each Discounted Price: $224.99 each Invest in this high-quality bench seat foam to restore your truck’s interior to its former glory and enjoy a more comfortable ride. What headrest options are available for a 1986 Chevrolet Truck? Headrest Options for a 1986 Chevrolet Truck When it comes to finding the perfect headrest for your 1986 Chevrolet Truck, there are several options available to suit your needs and style preferences. Below are some of the most popular choices: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Headrests Authentic Look & Feel: These headrests match the original design and materials used in 1986 ChevroletTrucks, offering a seamless factory look. Reliable Fit: OEM headrests are designed to fit perfectly in your truck without any modification. Aftermarket Headrests Customizable: Aftermarket options provide a variety of designs, colors, and materials, allowing you to personalize your truck’s interior. Upgraded Features: Many aftermarket headrests come with added features such as built-in screens for rear-seat entertainment or memory foam for enhanced comfort. Leather Headrests Luxury Upgrade: Opt for leather headrests if you want to elevate the aesthetic and comfort level of your truck’s interior. Durability: Leather is known for its long-lasting qualities and ease of maintenance. Vinyl Headrests Cost-Effective: Vinyl headrests offer a similar look to leather but at a more affordable price point. Easy to Clean: Ideal for those who need an option that is simple to maintain. Cloth Headrests Comfortable: Cloth headrests provide a softer feel, which some drivers may find more comfortable during long drives. Variety: They come in numerous colors and patterns to fit the overall theme of your truck’s interior. Installation Options Direct Replacement: Many headrests are designed for straightforward installation and can be easily swapped out with the old ones. Custom Installation: Some aftermarket headrests may require specific installation kits, ensuring a secure and custom fit. Where to Purchase Online Retailers: Many online stores specialize in parts for classic vehicles, offering a wide range of headrest options. Specialty Shops: Automotive specialty stores often have a deeper selection of both OEM and aftermarket headrests. By exploring these headrest options, you can find the best fit for your 1986 Chevrolet Truck, enhancing both its look and comfort. Whether you prefer the authenticity of OEM or the customization options of aftermarket products, there’s a headrest to meet your needs. What are the features of the vinyl/cloth and vinyl/velour bucket seat upholstery sets for 1982-93 S10/S15 Pickup models in various colors? Features of Vinyl/Cloth and Vinyl/Velour Bucket Seat Upholstery Sets for 1982-93 S10/S15 Pickup Models Vinyl/Cloth Upholstery Sets The vinyl/cloth bucket seat upholstery sets for 1982-93 S10/S15 pickups combine the durability of vinyl with the comfort of cloth. These sets feature horizontal pleats, providing a classic look that complements the vintage style of these pickups. Material Composition: Heavyweight Sierra Grain Vinyl paired with Interlude Woven Cloth. Design: Horizontal pleats that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the seats. Colors Available: Black/Ebony (Product#: W1028210301): A sleek and timeless combination. Medium Blue/Royal Blue (Product#: W1028210308): A striking blue palette that adds personality. Palomino/Oak (Product#: W1028210320): Earthy tones offering a warm, vintage feel. These sets are manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring long-lasting quality and performance. Vinyl/Velour Upholstery Sets For those who prefer a touch of luxury, the vinyl/velour bucket seat upholstery sets offer a softer texture while maintaining durability. These sets also feature horizontal pleats, contributing to their classic design. Material Composition: Heavyweight Sierra Grain Vinyl combined with Regal Velour. Design: Horizontal pleats to maintain a cohesive and stylish appearance. Colors Available: Black/Silver (Product#: W1028210401): A sophisticated contrast that exudes elegance. Dark Blue/Blue (Product#: W1028210412): A deep blue tone for a rich, inviting look. Similar to the vinyl/cloth options, these sets are crafted to precise specifications, ensuring they uphold the highest quality standards in the industry. Key Benefits Both types of upholstery offer several standout benefits: Durability: Built to withstand heavy usage and the test of time. Comfort: The combination of materials provide both comfort and sturdiness. Aesthetic Appeal: Multiple color options and pleated designs allow for customization and enhancement of the vehicle’s interior. Industry Standard Compliance: All sets meet or exceed quality standards, ensuring dependable performance. In summary, whether opting for the durable vinyl/cloth combination or the luxurious vinyl/velour mix, these bucket seat upholstery sets for 1982-93 S10/S15 pickups deliver high quality, style, and comfort. What are the features of the vinyl seat upholstery sets for 1981-91 Suburban base models in various colors? Features of Vinyl Seat Upholstery Sets for 1981-91 Suburban Base Models in Various Colors For those restoring a 1981-91 Suburban base model and looking for high-quality vinyl seat upholstery sets, here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you can expect: Sandstone Vinyl Seat Upholstery Set Quality Craftsmanship: Manufactured to meet factory specifications, ensuring a perfect fit and authentic look. Material: Crafted from premium-grade velour for durability and comfort. Design: Includes correct Regal velour vertical sewn pleats coupled with unpleated Encore velour for the ultimate classic appearance. Burgundy Vinyl Seat Upholstery Set Authenticity: Designed to mirror the original seat upholstery of Suburban base models from 1981-91. Material: High-quality velour provides both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting use. Design Features: Features correct vertical sewn pleats made from Regal velour, enhanced with unpleated Encore velour, ensuring the seats look impeccably vintage. Encore Only Options There are also specific designs that focus exclusively on Encore velour, offering slight variations in the upholstery sets: Burgundy Encore Velour Set Perfect Replication: Adheres to original factory designs, ensuring historical accuracy. Material: Premium Encore velour with vertical sewn pleats. Style: The upper backrest remains unpleated, providing a sleek and sophisticated finish. Sandstone Encore Velour Set Accurate Restoration: Provides a faithful match to the original Suburban interiors of the era. Material: Utilizes the high-quality Encore velour. Design Details: Features the characteristic vertical sewn pleats, maintaining unpleated areas on the upper backrest for authenticity. Key Takeaways Factory Specifications: All sets are manufactured to meet the rigorous standards of the original factory designs, ensuring a precise fit. Material: Premium velour, both Regal and Encore, is used for crafting these sets. This offers a combination of durability and an authentic look. Color Options: Available in both Sandstone and Burgundy, catering to different preferences and historical accuracies. By choosing these vinyl seat upholstery sets, you guarantee a restoration that not only looks authentic but also stands the test of time. What are the features of the standard bench Encore/Regal velour seat upholstery sets for 1981-91 Suburban base models in various colors? Features of Standard Bench Encore/Regal Velour Seat Upholstery Sets for 1981-91 Suburban Base Models For 1981-91 Suburban base models, the standard bench seat upholstery sets crafted from Encore and Regal velour come in a variety of colors, each meticulously manufactured to factory specifications. Here are the key features you can expect: Available Colors Sandstone Burgundy Royal Blue/Blue General Features High-Quality Materials: Each set is made with the finest quality velour ensuring a plush and durable finish. Accurate Reproduction: Designed to match factory specifications for a perfect fit in 1981-91 Suburban base models. Velour Details: Encore Velour: Smooth and unpleated sections for a sleek look. Regal Velour: Features vertical sewn pleats that add texture and style. Color-Specific Highlights Sandstone Variants: These sets feature a combination of unpleated Encore velour and vertical Regal velour pleats to replicate the original design accurately. Burgundy Variants: In addition to smooth Encore velour, these sets may also incorporate Regal velour inserts, adding an extra layer of richness and detail to the upholstery. Royal Blue/Blue Variants: The blue hues in these sets highlight the same structured and aesthetically pleasing design with unpleated Encore velour complemented by vertically pleated Regal velour. These features ensure your seats not only look great but also provide comfort and longevity, maintaining the classic appeal of your Suburban’s interior. What are the features of the velour upholstery set for 1981-91 Suburban models with Silverado style upholstery in various colors? Velour Upholstery Sets for 1981-91 Suburban Models with Silverado Style If you’re looking to restore the interior of your 1981-91 Suburban to its original glory, velour upholstery sets are an excellent choice. These sets, available in various colors, offer a blend of luxury and authenticity by closely matching the original factory specifications. Here’s a breakdown of the key features and available color options: Key Features: Authentic Reproduction: Meticulously crafted to match the original factory specifications. Made from high-quality velour for a comfortable and long-lasting finish. Material Quality: Features a combination of premium Encore velour and Regal velour, ensuring a plush and durable texture. Vinyl components are included to replicate the original design accurately. Design Precision: Incorporates the correct vertical and unpleated pleats, identical to the factory upholstery. Tailored fit for Silverado and base model seats, ensuring a seamless installation. Manufacturing Excellence: Manufactured in the USA, guaranteeing high standards of production quality and material integrity. Color Options: Royal Blue / Blue: Provides a striking yet classic look, enhancing the vehicle’s vintage appeal. Sandstone: Offers a neutral, earthy tone that can complement various interior styles. Dark Charcoal: Ideal for a modern yet subtle interior upgrade, giving a sleek and sophisticated touch. Burgundy: Adds warmth and richness to the interior, perfect for those looking to incorporate a bolder color. Navy Blue / Blue: A versatile option that balances between traditional and contemporary aesthetics. Charcoal: A versatile shade that blends well with other interior colors, providing a refined look. These velour upholstery sets are not just about restoring your Suburban; they also elevate your ride’s comfort and style, preserving the vehicle’s classic charm while delivering enduring performance. Choose from the diverse range of colors to best match your personal taste and vehicle’s character. What are the features and price of the upholstery installation and padding kit for front bucket seats? Product#: AK50101 Features and Pricing of Upholstery Installation and Padding Kit for Front Bucket Seats Looking to give your car’s front bucket seats a fresh, comfortable feel? Our Upholstery Installation and Padding Kitis just what you need. Here’s a detailed rundown of this handy kit: Key Features: Comprehensive Kit: Packed with all the necessary materials to pad and insulate your seat frames before you apply the new upholstery. Universal Fit: Designed to fit a wide array of front bucket seats, ensuring versatility across many vehicle models. Dual Coverage: Includes enough materials to effectively reupholster both front bucket seats. Pricing: Market Suggested Retail Price (MSRP): $43.99 per set Current Offer: $39.99 per set Upgrade your vehicle’s interior with ease and affordability with this essential padding kit. What products are offered for foam padding and seat buns for a 1986 Chevrolet Truck? For your 1986 Chevrolet Truck, we provide a variety of foam padding and seat bun options. These products are designed to ensure comfort and longevity for your vehicle’s seats. Foam Padding and Seat Buns: High-Density Foam Padding: Ideal for long-lasting support and optimal comfort. Custom-Fit Seat Buns: These are engineered to match the original seat configuration for a perfect fit. Pre-Molded Foam Inserts: Easy to install and tailored to the exact specifications of a 1986 Chevrolet Truck. Explore these options to upgrade your truck’s interior with enhanced comfort and style. What upholstery kits are available for a 1986 Chevrolet Truck? “To feel more at home inside the cab, she enlisted the help of Dealer’s Choice in Mobile, Alabama, to reupholster the factory bench in fresh tweed and leather, as well as treat the door panels and dash to the same treatment.” Upholstery Kits for Your 1986 Chevrolet Truck To achieve a similar transformation, there are several upholstery kits available that can help you refresh your 1986 Chevrolet Truck’s interior: Rear Bench Seat Upholstery Kit Product#: AK50105 Description: Upholstery Installation and Padding Kit for Rear Bench Seat Includes: 4 rolls of foam padding Each roll measures 30″ x 72″ x 1.5″ Purpose: This kit comes with material to insulate and pad the seat frame prior to installing new upholstery, ensuring a comfortable and durable finish. Front Bucket Seats Upholstery Kit Product#: AK50101 Description: Upholstery Installation and Padding Kit for Front Bucket Seats Includes: Enough material to reupholster both front bucket seats. Purpose: Provides the necessary padding and insulation for the seat frames, making your ride more comfortable while giving your interior a fresh look. By using these specific kits, you can ensure that your 1986 Chevrolet Truck not only looks great but also feels comfortable and well-maintained. Whether you choose to go with classic materials or something more personal like tweed and leather, these upholstery kits provide a solid foundation for your project. What types of seat upholstery are available for a 1986 Chevrolet Truck? “To feel more at home inside the cab, she enlisted the help of Dealer’s Choice in Mobile, Alabama, to reupholster the factory bench in fresh tweed and leather, as well as treat the door panels and dash to the same treatment.” But reupholstering isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about options. When it comes to a 1986 Chevrolet Truck, the variety of seat upholstery available is impressive. You can choose from: Foam Padding & Seat Buns: These provide the essential support and comfort for long drives. Headrests: Customized to match your new upholstery, adding both comfort and style. Upholstery Kits: Complete kits that offer a cohesive look and feel, making the installation process smoother. With these options, transforming your truck’s interior into a personalized sanctuary becomes an achievable goal. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, vintage look or a modern, sleek design, the available upholstery components can help you get there. By combining high-quality materials like tweed and leather with essential components like foam padding and headrests, you can create an interior that’s both comfortable and visually appealing.