Ridler Judges Take Notice
This year, a customized 1949 Chevy C-10 truck has Ridler Award judges taking note. Débuting at the 2017 Detroit Autorama, this gleaming pickup easily cruises into the Great 8 winner’s circle. We seize the opportunity to speak with the proud owner/builder of this fantastic truck, Robby Collvins of Collvins Collision and Customs in Mount Vernon, TX. This curvaceous pickup will leave you breathless, yes? Leave us a comment.
This Truck’s Got a Corvette Soul
With its Corvette C5 frame and LS engine, this pickup has the soul of a ’Vette. “Corvette makes a great chassis and this model has one of their best,” Robby says. “We widen the truck about five inches to make it fit.” The bed is a different story. “We wanted something with the look of the 50’s that wasn’t just a box stuck on the back.” They shape the quarter panels and bed from a 1955 Cadillac El Dorado.
Choosing the Right Paint for Easy Touch-ups
The unique color on this C-10 is called Burnt Cajun. Robby creates it with the folks from BASF. As most collectors know, show cars take a beating during transport, which is why you need a paint that is easy to fix. “This color is very forgiving and gives us the look we want,” the builder says. “Having the right paint allows you to repair a panel and have the judges not notice.”
Showing Classic Cars Team Effort
Robby knows all about the perils of transporting a show vehicle. Damage to the truck’s running board causes it to miss the 2016 event. “Everyone thinks building the cars is the hard part but there is so much more involved. From safely towing a vehicle to finding someone to cover your shop back home, participating in car shows is a team effort.” Bringing home a Great 8 Award makes the five years of tireless work well worth it for the Collvin team. Congratulations and thanks for sharing this great truck!
Coming Soon from Classic Auto – Project C-10
Once a truck fan, always a truck fan. At Classic Auto Insurance, we love all kinds of trucks and we are devoting the entire year to restoring a 1965 Chevy C-10. Stay tuned for video updates on Project C-10, powered by American Modern. It’ll be a classic! We also know accidents will happen so leave nothing to chance. Even before you finish your masterpiece, protect it during its restoration. Classic Auto Insurance offers affordable coverage for a variety of collector cars. Let our knowledgeable staff answer all your questions and customize a policy to meet your needs. Visit our website at www.classicins.com or call 888-901-1338 and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
