Restoring Soul and Steel: A Spotlight on the 1978 “Big 10” Chevy C10
At this year’s CTN Nationals in Nashville, a ’78 Chevy C10 stood out among a sea of classic builds. Brought by Jason Mode, owner of New Creations based in Lattimore, North Carolina, the truck was parked outside in full view, catching attention not with flash, but with flawless detail. It carries a story layered with personal history, craftsmanship, and time.
The truck belongs to a close friend of Jason’s. The vision was clear from the beginning: keep it simple, clean, and true to the original. Jason honored that request by retaining key stock elements while introducing a few subtle upgrades. From the hand-painted stripes to the air suspension and refreshed interior, every detail reflects a thoughtful approach.
A Clean Build With a Confident Presence
The ‘78 Chevy C10 often sits quietly behind louder and more aggressively customized builds, but this one draws your attention in an intentional way. Its strength is in the details with clean body lines, subtle enhancements, and a clear respect for the design that sets it apart. Nothing about this build feels forced. Jason remained focused on what made the truck great in the first place. The truck rides on its stock chassis and features a carefully selected combination of RideTech and AccuAir air suspension. Shockwaves and bolt-on components were installed to improve handling and ride quality without taking away from the truck’s original character, while U.S. Mags wheels give the stance a bold look.
Craftsmanship Inside and Out
The craftsmanship extends far beyond the body and suspension. Every surface was touched with intention. Inside the cab, the transformation continued with rich leather replacing the original vinyl, and fresh carpet adding a layer of character. The bed, which arrived in rough shape, became its own kind of masterpiece. Jason and his team spent months sanding, painting, water-sanding, and buffing until every inch felt finished. What had once been overlooked became one of the most carefully treated parts of the entire build. The result was a smooth, polished truck bed that reflected both the sky and the patience it took to get there.
Painted Stripes and Polished History of the ’78 Chevy C10
One of the most distinctive elements of this Chevrolet C10 1978 build is the hood striping. Originally applied at the factory using vinyl decals, the stripes were reimagined in paint by Jason. With artistic control, each line was carefully measured and laid out to preserve the truck’s original feel. The stripes now feel integrated, not applied, contributing to the truck’s identity in a quiet but intentional way.
Even under the hood, care was taken to polish factory components. The original AC lines were buffed until they shined. Factory decals and stickers were reapplied, bridging the gap between restoration and revival. Nothing flashy, just genuine craftsmanship done right.
A Big Block Built To Drive
Despite the show-ready appearance, this truck was built to be driven. It houses a factory big block under the hood and handles daily road use with ease. The modifications made never took away from its original purpose. Instead, they improved performance and dependability. Jason describes it as simple and clean, a description that holds true across every detail. It is not a truck built to chase trends or collect trophies. It is meant to be driven, and it wears its age with a quiet sense of pride.
A Legacy of Trucks and Dreams
Jason’s passion was built over time, shaped by years spent learning beside his father, who ran a Chevrolet truck business in Shelby, North Carolina, for more than thirty years. Surrounded by rows of 1947 through 1987 models, Jason grew up immersed in the world of classic trucks. By fifteen, he had already built his first car and was attending shows. When he was just ten, he told his father that one day he would make a career out of it. That childhood vision took root and became a lifelong passion. Each project he takes on reflects that early promise, carried out by every carefully restored part and every moment spent in the shop.
Why the ‘78 Chevy C10 Still Matters
The Chevy ‘78 C10 sits in a meaningful chapter of pickup history. By the late 1970s, Chevrolet had spent over a decade refining the third-generation C/K series into something both functional and iconic. This was the kind of truck found on job sites during the week and parked proudly at local meets on the weekend.
The “Big 10” variant, like the one featured at CTN, came with increased payload ratings and a factory-installed big block engine. With a higher payload capacity and a factory-installed big block engine, it offered both muscle and balance. It became a trusted choice for those who needed strength without sacrificing ease of use. That reputation continues to carry weight, thanks to builders like Jason who understand the importance of keeping these trucks alive.
Carrying the Tradition Forward
This build tells a story. It speaks to where someone comes from, what they grew up around, and the pride that comes from doing something well. Jason Mode gave new purpose to the 1978 Chevy C10, and through this build, its legacy continues in motion, shaped by the past but built to keep going.
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