I found this sweet 1971 Chevrolet C10 in December of 2024 and immediately imagined it parked in front of IFA_Studio as a way to promote the biz and bring fun to the daily movings. As an ex-gearhead, I felt its stance and original paint with natural “patina” looked absolutely perfect. It was also pretty rare, with factory air conditioning and disc brakes, with only 75K original miles. I felt it was waiting for someone to take it to the next level mechanically, and I said “yes.” Here is its story, from rural New Mexico “rescue,” to modern-powertrain street machine. I know it’s just a material object. But then again, aren’t we all?

Jack of Jack’s Hot Rods in Sierra Vista, AZ found it in a dry field in New Mexico. As stated, it only had 75K original miles on its working odometer. As an ex body and paint guy for Boyd’s Hot Rods in LA, Jack restored its oxidized orange color, chopped and channeled the frame to lower it 6”, found these incredible Coy replica wheels and absolutely nailed the stance. I loved Jack’s aesthetic choices, but I knew it needed a lot of mechanical attention. I put an ad on Craigslist to find the perfect mechanic shop to take it on. Enter Southwest Rust Customs of Tucson, AZ.

Before showing the beginnings of the mechanical upgrades, check out this amazing interior. Look close and you can see the odometer reading from my first drive - 75,189. Jack had also changed the wheel, installed a modern stereo while keeping the factory dash intact, and recovered the original benchseat with a pattern that I felt was pretty perfect. Oh and say hi to the Styley & Lovely Ashley.

As of the time of this writing (early April, 2025), the fun stuff is about to begin at SWRC with Josh and Andy. But first, some pics of the “before” status. And these are relatively tame. See, while the outward appearance of “The Move” was baller from the first day I saw it, pretty much everything underneath this rig was t-i-r-e-d. And WORN. So the first “Phase” as I call it, was about all steering bushings, tie-rods and balljoints. Also rebuilding the power steering box. And in back, a new pinion seal, cover seal, and TrueTrac™ posi unit for the factory 3.73 gears). Starting in May, “The Move” is getting an LS-swap. The right way. Nothing crazy in the horsepower department, but everything done clean and tight.

That wraps up images from “Phase I” with Josh and Andy of Southwest Rust Customs. Below this line is the beginning of Phase II: 6.0 Liter Gen IV LS engine from totaled 2012 2500HD (see below / this phase will also include the donor truck’s 6L90e six-speed & drive by wire). Phase II will also add Vintage Air AC, 20-gal fuel-tank relocation, system computer re-program, NASCAR-level cooling & full engine bay makeover. This phase officially kicked off on April 30th, 2025. I write this on May 7th, and the pics below show a bit of the raw engine/trans removal from donor truck. Stay tuned. Thank you.

New pics below, posting progress on August 20th, 2025. Josh & Andy at SWRC have been chipping away in the holy-moly Tucson summer. From fully dismantling & sending engine-bay panels to powder coat, to mocking up the GenIV 6.0 in their 68 Suburban to determine right mounts for transmission clearance before install in The Move. From detailed body work on the firewall, to prep & application of factory Chevy Orange paint in places most people will never see. A little blood, a lot of sweat, and sure - maybe a couple tears too ;-)

With fuel tank relocated under the bed, fuel lines ran along frame, brake booster in place, inner fenders and radiator panel back from powder coat, reassembly has begun - including full Vintage Air system. OMG. Sure it’s just a material object on four wheels. But for getting around the Sonoran Desert region in style? It’ll fit the bill. Onward. Thank you for checking it out. And check out SouthWest Rust Customs.