The 26-Year Journey of a 1977 Chevrolet C10 Stepside Restoration

Crafting a Masterpiece Through Time’s Challenge

In the sprawling expanse of the Nevada desert where time carves as much history as it does the rugged landscape, there resides a symbol of perseverance: a 1977 Chevrolet C10 Stepside. It carries a tale of triumph over adversity, lovingly restored by John “Sonny” Ruckrigl Jr., a man whose resilience rivals the very metal he’s shaped. Sonny, a proud member of the SinCity C/10 Truck Club and a retired Air Force veteran, chose to build this truck as a beacon of strength after a snowstorm in 1992 left it besieged by rust. 

Little did he know that this off-frame restoration would become a 26-year odyssey, reflecting every curveball life pitched his way, including a daunting battle with cancer. But Sonny’s spirit, much like the steadfast frame of his cherished C10, refused to bend. The heart of this Chevy beats with a 1992 stock crate motor, a robust 350 cubic inch V-8 that received a meticulous balance and tune.

“Anything is possible if you put YOUR ideas into your project and   don’t let anybody change your mind. Your vision, your way.” 

An RV camshaft remains nestled within, providing that unmistakable rumble, while the Edelbrock intake manifold and 600 cfm carburetor ensure a responsive and lively throttle. Breathing life into the V-8 is an exhaust system featuring Hedman ceramic shorty headers and 2.5-inch aluminized tubing with Magnaflow mufflers, yielding a symphony that’s music to any gearhead’s ears.

At the rear, the exhaust exits through bumper cutouts, a custom touch by Hood Fabrication, which adds to the truck’s unique signature. The drivetrain remains faithful to its roots with the original TH350 transmission, albeit with a finned aluminum pan and Lokar dipstick, adding both function and a custom flair.

The transmission, rebuilt in ’92 alongside the new motor installation, keeps the C10 cruising smoothly down Nevada’s open roads. Underneath, the chassis boasts modifications like a C-notch over the rear axle, allowing for a lowered stance without sacrificing the integrity of the ride. A blend of McGaughy and Western Chassis lowering components, including drop spindles and leaf springs, contribute to the 4/6 lowering kit that gives this truck its aggressive, yet classic stance.

American Racing wheels, paired with Hankook Ventus H101 tires, sit perfectly within the arches, ensuring that Sonny’s C10 grips the tarmac with the same tenacity that he’s gripped life’s challenges. The frame and side rails, painted in Matrix Black, contrast beautifully against the Valspar Radar Blue Pearl Metallic cross members—a subtle nod to the truck’s polished aesthetics.

Inside, the cabin is a shrine to custom craftsmanship. The bucket seats, repurposed from an F-150, have been reupholstered in gray leather by Lans Auto Upholstery, offering contemporary comfort to the classic interior. The dash and door panels are wrapped to match, with custom seat rail risers featuring a Bow Tie cutout, courtesy of Hood Fabrication, adding a bespoke touch to the ensemble.

The factory original instrumentation peers back at the driver, as does the original steering wheel, a decision by Sonny to retain elements of the C10’s soul. A Custom Autosound stereo system, model USA-230, provides the soundtrack to the journey—a modern convenience in a vintage wrapper.

But what truly sets this C10 apart is the exterior, transformed by the skilled hands of Cheyenne Ruether. Known for her appearances on “Vegas Rat Rods” and her co-hosting duties on “Backyard Ballistics,” Cheyenne is a painter and fabricator of extraordinary talent. At Nefarious Kustoms, she rendered Sonny’s vision in paint and metal. The Matrix Ice Pearl over Toyota Super White basecoat is a work of art in itself, but Cheyenne didn’t stop there. Her signature is airbrushed on the tailgate, a personal touch that marks her involvement in this build. The standard Chevy Cheyenne emblems were replaced with custom pieces derived from her own signature, adding an exclusive finish to the truck’s identity.

Special Thanks

cheyenne Ruether for bodywork and paint, Randy Cooper, Josh Hood, Ryan Ordinario, and especially to Claudia Bettinelli.

Build Specs

OWNER

• John (Sonny)  Ruckrigl Jr.
• 1977 Chevrolet C10 Stepside
• North Las Vegas, Nevada
• SinCity C/10 Truck Club

Body & Paint 

• Billet Aluminum grille
• Stock headlights
• Factory original bumpers
• Rear bumper exhaust cutouts by Hood Fabrication
• Matrix Ice Pearl over Toyota 040 Super White basecoat by Cheyenne Ruether, Nefarious Kustoms

Engine & Drivetrain

• 1992 Chevrolet stock crate V8 350 ci motor
• Mill & Mag heads, cut valve seals, valve job, bore guides for bronze liner by Vegas Machine and Nevada Crankshaft
• Edelbrock manifold (model 21011 polished finish)
• Edelbrock 600 cfm carburetor
• Hedman ceramic shortys, 2.5 aluminized tubing with Magnaflow 14-inch mufflers
• HEI distributor red cap
• Edelbrock air cleaner, valve covers, water pump, timing chain cover and mechanical fuel pump, satin finished pulleys
• American Autowire Harness
• Old Air Products air and heat unit
• Factory original TH 350 transmission
• Shortened driveshaft by Dan’s Driveline

Chassis & Suspension 

• Factory original 1977 frame
• C-notch over rear axle suspension
• 4/6 lowering kit including drop spindles, shocks, and lowering leaf springs
• McGaughy’s rear shocks and SM600 Pro Shocks
• Factory original power steering
• Dual 16-gallon tanks, side-mounted

Wheels & Tires 

• American Racing Ultra Wheel-1982
• Hankook Ventus H101 tires

Interior/Stereo

• Customized F-150 bucket seats in leather upholstery by lan’s Auto Upholstery
• Factory original steering wheel
• Custom Autosound USA-230 stereo
• Custom wrapped dashpad and door panels
• Custom fabricated seat rail risers with Bow Tie cutout by Hood Fabrication

Photo Credit: C10 Staff