25 Years Young

JAMES DIXON HAS OWNED THIS ’81 CHEVROLET SILVERADO C-10 FOR 25 YEARS, AND IN THAT TIME, HE HAS ESSENTIALLY TAKEN THE TRUCK APART AND PUT IT BACK TOGETHER AGAIN. Purchased in South Carolina and driven home using 6 quarts of oil, this C-10 has more than kept James busy as he’s worked on making the build what it is today.

At its heart a 400-ci engine dishes out 350 hp, more than meeting James’ needs. An overdrive transmission and 3.70 posi rearend keep the wheels of this C-10 turning where rubber meets road. On the exterior, new doors and fenders have been taken from a rust-free ’81 Silverado; new bumpers and grille come from LMC; new BF Goodrich TA all-terrain tires and Cragar polished-aluminum wheels have also been added, breathing new life into this ’81. Bob’s Paint and Body out of Akron, Ohio, repainted the Silverado to show its classic style without the wear of years. The interior is all new and was completed by a local custom shop in Pennsylvania. The blue upholstery, siding and carpets match the C-10’s new exterior to the point of pride. Power windows, new locks, tinted windows, AC and cruise control have also been installed.

Though James has invested 25 years in this C-10, he considers the build a work in progress and is always keeping an eye out for ways to improve this already admirable truck. Driving his C-10 in fair weather is one of the things James most looks forward to during the year.