’97 Chevy S10 with No Regrets

 Growing up in the early 2000s around cousins who were in the mini-truck scene, it was inevitable that Brad Creasman would end up in the scene, too. 

In 2004, Brad purchased this ’97 Chevy S10 you see here from his stepdad. Brad and Jeremie Kilby immediately started getting it closer to the ground by C-notching the frame and adding a four-link in the rear with Slam Specialties’ RE8 bags. KYB shocks finish up the rear. On the front, they used Michigan Metal Works control arms with Little Shop Mfg. No-Toe kit. Slam Specialties’ RE7 bags and KYB shocks finish up the front suspension.

The entire frame is painted or powdercoated with stainless hardware used throughout. No frame is complete without a set of wheels that make you drool. Sixteen years later, Brad finally added the last piece of the frame in a set Billet Specialties’ SLG 35s in size of 22×8.5 on the front and 22×10 on the rear.

Next on the list was the body modifications, beginning with a suicide driver-side door. A full sheetmetal tailgate skin with Colorado taillights was installed. While working on the bed of the truck, Brad decided a full sheetmetal inside bed with wheel tubs was needed for a show-winning appeal. Leaving nothing left unshaved, the gas door, door handles and moldings were all removed. He finished all this work in a year and a half.

At this point, Brad decided to take a break to focus on his career while saving enough money for paint.

It wasn’t long before Brad delivered the truck to his first painter. Unfortunately, he says, “it went south really quick.” After he pulled the truck from the first shop, he sent it to the Tin Shop Paint Shop and the capable hands of Zane Stokes. Zane and his crew straightened the body to perfection and laid down the custom mix Dupont paint. Before finishing it with clear, Brian Walker of Lost Cause Kustom Paint and Graphix added the tribal-style lighter purple graphics. After the clear was laid down, Zane wet sanded and buffed Purple Rain to perfection.

Coming in with the interior magic is Chris Tisdale of Big Body Interiors. He began with a custom bench/console seat wrapped in walnut color leather, and he made custom door panels to match the seats with Clayton Machine polished billet door handles and window cranks. The dash also matches with custom stitching. To really put this interior over the top, Chris perfectly installed a one-piece matching custom headliner. Custom billet foot pedals, shifter knob and Mercedes matching carpet finish out the interior. Chris also built the custom Memphis stereo with Audio Dynamics subs.

In the engine bay, Brad refused to cut corners. It may be the stock 2.2L four-banger with a stainless-steel header detailed to the max. Everything is polished, painted or chrome—including everything under the hood. One of the major upgrades is the Wilwood brake system with a hydroboost from a 2500 HD.

Purple Rain has so many details that it’s hard to list them all. Brad added drilled and slotted rotors and a Little Shop rear disc brake conversion to go with the Wilwood brake system. Brad also did a full wire tuck and used stainless steel hardware and powdercoated pulleys.

Brad would like to thank God, wife Brittany, daughter Zadie, mom, dad and family, Jeremie Kilby, Zane Stokes, Chris Tisdale, Nathan Coker, Lance Waston, Justin Cornett, Carl Kolling, Beau and Steve Riggle, Linc Lamoureux, Allen Cothern, Brian Walker, Ben Osbourne, Josh Hood, Killer Wax and Josh Ellis.