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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

A book like this doesn’t get done without the help of a lot of people. That’s no exaggeration. Books like these aren’t supposed to be built around a single restoration project, and without the friends, both new and old that I worked with along the way, this wouldn’t have happened. So to everyone who helped out, whether you’re on this page or not, I thank you.

Ronnie Wetch at C10 Talk/C10 Nation is one of the most knowledgeable guys I’ve met when it comes to the C/10 world. I asked him if I could come by his house one day just to wander around and take photos of his collection, and he gladly opened his doors to me (and my daughter, who happened to be there for the adventure—and to see some chickens). Any time I had a question, I knew all I had to do was call Ronnie and he’d be there for me. He’s awesome.

Both Kyle and Cameron at Metalox Fabrication are champs. Kyle called me up when he heard I was doing this book and told me about Cameron’s next project: A 1969 C10 long-bed that needed a ton of work. I spent a little over a week with them in that shop in the middle of the Arizona summer and they busted out a full short-bed conversion, new bumpers, new trim, new wheels, a 5-lug conversion, and a ton of other things that I captured on camera. They joked that they might’ve covered the entire book for me in one go, and were they doing some bodywork, they would’ve been right. As it is, they helped me out a bunch, and I very much appreciate that.

Nick and Mike at Hubcaps Hotrod and Custom (now Phoenix Hot Rod Co.) are great guys. I remember working with them back when Nick had this tiny shop in the back of a T-shirt facility, and the new spot is a huge building with a bunch of full-time employees. Anytime I need help, I can always count on those two. And back before the ink was even wet on this book’s deal, I hung out with them and shot a bunch of the pictures in the rust repair section. I genuinely enjoy spending time with these guys, whether it’s eating BBQ or just hanging out at the shop. They’re good people.

Two people helped me out way back in 2014—the first time I gave this book a go. Mark Burdo invited me over to his home where he was in the middle of final assembly on his 1972 GMC. He did a ton to that truck and documented it all. Then he gave me the pictures and told me to do what I wanted with them. What a champ. Similarly, Lee Hurlbutt sent me photos as well. All I did was put up a post on the infamous 1967–1972 forums and the two of them were there for me. Much love goes their direction.

Then there’s Lonnie Thompson of Carolina Kustoms in Portland, Oregon. Back when I was working on the first book—How to Restore Your Chevy Truck: 1973–1987—I flew up to Oregon to hang out with Lonnie at his shop and shoot some tech. I never did, and instead took photos of two of his other projects for various magazines. I came home disappointed, but then Lonnie came through in the clutch and sent me hundreds of shots of 1973–1987 projects of his own. How’d he do this time around? He didn’t send hundreds; he sent thousands. Look for his name in this book because he was a huge help.

I met Spencer from Arizona Rod Shop late in the game, and man, do I wish I had met him sooner. He was in the middle of restoring two trucks top to bottom, and he too has a wealth of knowledge. And his collection of trucks? Nuts. I think he calls it the “C10 Ranch,” but I could be wrong. Either way, he’s got a lot of them, and he helped me out a bunch.

Andrew at Painless Performance Products helped me out on my last book by sending over a wiring kit for my personal project that I bought specifically to finish the electrical chapter. This time, though, I wasn’t buying a truck, so I figured I wouldn’t need his help. Late in the process, when I sent out a borderline panicked email to see if he had any shots I could use, he came through with everything I needed. Another awesome move from a great guy.

To anyone else I forgot to mention, or to those who may have contributed even the tiniest bit, thank you. I appreciate everything you did to assist in making this book happen. Without you, it wouldn’t have been possible. Thank you.