How To Find and Build the Perfect Classic Truck Project

Project Trucks
Find and Build the Perfect Project Truck

It would be hard to argue that classic trucks are one of the hottest segments of modern car culture. This video from Driving Line will help those who want to know more about getting started with a classic truck project. They go in-depth with several pointers on how to find a project truck and how to plan and build one.

They start by giving you some personal experiences of how they picked up their ’62 GMC (essentially a Chevy C10) at a swap meet and were able to evaluate the truck in person.

1962 GMC Truck
1962 GMC Truck

By going this route, they could get underneath the truck and see any potential problem areas. They recommend finding a vehicle and seeing it in person, as it is more difficult to get fooled into purchasing a truck that isn’t advertised online.

Later, they built their truck as a “Shop Truck” build by upgrading some of the functions that make it drive easier. With a truck like this, you can use it every day without worrying about scratching the paint or getting minor dings or dents in the body. They also upgraded this truck with a 383ci Chevy Small Block from BluePrint Engines, backed by a 200-4R transmission that has an overdrive to cruise the highway with low engine RPMs.

After checking out their personal truck, they head out to South County Auto Salon to get some other perspectives from the crew there. They meet up with shop owner Brandon Purkiss and his ’61 Ford F100 unibody known as the ‘Slammed Uni.’

1961 Ford F100 Truck
1961 Ford F100 Truck

Tony Leal built this truck before Brandon purchased it and added his own personal touches. His style truck is a perfect example of a “Patina Truck” as the body adorns its natural weathered body but has all the functions of a modern vehicle.

They also caught up with their buddy Ruben Pina and his custom ’68 Chevy C10. His truck represents the style of what they call a “Restomod Truck,” as it looks like a restored classic with upgraded features. Ruben points out many touches on the truck as he walks us around it. One of its upgrades is a set of wheels from U.S. Mags with Nitto NT555 G2 tires for better performance capabilities.

Both Ruben and Brandon give us some insights on purchasing someone else’s project truck and the advantages of going that route. They also bring up the hot topic of “built not bought” and why they have gone the route of buying and adding personal touches. They wrap up with their experience of seeing different makes of trucks to build and the advantages and disadvantages.