LS-Powered 1971 Chevrolet C10 Custom

This 1971 Chevrolet C10 short bed was the recipient of a complete body-off custom build, incorporating an Accu-Air suspension, 20” custom wheels, a reupholstered interior, and air conditioning. It is powered by a modified 5.3-liter LS V8 paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Additional equipment includes a powder-coated boxed frame, performance headers, MSD ignition components, a custom exhaust system, and more. Finished in turquoise, this C10 is now offered with a clear Texas title in the seller’s name.

The body is finished in its original turquoise paint which shows patina consistent with age. It came originally configured as a long bed pickup but has been converted to a shortbed as part of a custom build. 1969-specific changes include the cab floor, new rockers, and cab corners, and a new roll pan at the rear. The restoration further involved the installation of replacement glass, weather stripping, and hood shocks, as well as the addition of LED exterior lighting.   

Chrome-finished 20” Riddler wheels are wrapped in Landsail tires of unknown age. The lowered stance comes from a full Accu-Air setup with slam bags, and a 4VU4 link rear with a Watts link. Suspension components consist of CPP tube upper control arms and a 2.5Z front end, all configured within a boxed frame that has been fully powder-coated. Braking is handled by a system of all stainless-steel brake lines, a CPP master cylinder and vacuum booster, and a Wilwood hydraulic clutch.

The interior is fitted with custom reupholstered seating from a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado, along with aluminum door panels and new carpet. Additional features include Dynamat sound-deadening material throughout, air conditioning Vintage Air, custom paint and pinstriping, and billet door and window cranks. The audio system is a new AM/FM/CD Bluetooth-compatible head unit, though speakers are not installed.

Instrumentation is framed by a custom Forever Sharp steering wheel and includes a series of aftermarket AutoMeter gauges. Electric controls for the Accu Air system are also fitted.

The 5.3-liter LS V8 is part of a custom powertrain build and has been upgraded with a Sniper throttle body and manifold, an MSD fuel pump, Hedman long tube headers, HP tuners, MSD coil wiring, and dual electric fans. A custom GM harness and ECU have been added, as has a 28-circuit harness, Optima red-top battery, and a performance alternator. The clutch and flywheel have been replaced, the fuel tank was relocated, and Gibson mufflers with 3” piping are fitted. Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a T56 6-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end.

Additional photos of the underside are provided in the gallery.

The bed floor has been raised for clearance and all components for the air ride system are mounted underneath, accessible from the tailgate.