WHERE’S THE POWER?
July 9, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
GENUINE FORD
When Honolulu, Hawaii, nightclub owner Fred “Scruples” Piluso was growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he read an issue of Rod & Custom magazine that showed readers how to install a ’59 Ford Thunderbird front bumper onto either a ’55 or a ’56 Ford. “Man, I thought that was really a cool idea! I went right out and installed one of those setups on my ’55 Ford Crown Victoria. It really looked great with that ‘Dago Rake,’ that set of ’57 Mercury fender skirts and the ’55 Mercury station wagon taillights I had already installed.” For being built on a budget, it was definitely one of the most popular customs in the neighborhood for its time!
The Shoe Fits
In the late ’40s, car manufacturers looked for different ways to modernize their vehicles, and this strategy was evident when the Big Three introduced their ’49 line of passenger cars. For the most part, the pickups stayed the same, but many things changed for the better when the slabside approach went into a more modernized production process. Those looking for a new car said goodbye to fat fenders, slabsided doors and dated suspension that were the norm with previous models. Of those manufacturers, Ford was certainly the leader in this revolutionary new-car building technique, as it produced a stylish ’49 model range to bring in this new production process.
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Spotlighter
The Trucks of Goodguys Columbus 2026
From classic pickups to mini-trucks and high-end customs, these standout builds proved that trucks have earned their place among the best in the hot rod world.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen, Charlie Leach, & Cannin Smith
The Goodguys Summit Racing Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, has long been a gathering place for some of the finest hot rods, muscle cars, and custom builds in the country. While the event may not be dedicated specifically to trucks, the pickup presence continues to grow, and the 2026 show proved that trucks are no longer just the workhorses of the automotive world—they’re some of the most creative and meticulously crafted builds on the property.
From slammed street machines and pro-touring pickups to classic haulers reimagined with modern power and technology, the trucks on display brought the same level of craftsmanship and innovation found throughout the show field. Builders pushed the limits with custom chassis, high-horsepower drivetrains, one-off interiors, and attention-grabbing finishes that made these trucks impossible to overlook.
The following trucks represent some of the standout builds from Goodguys Columbus 2026. Each one tells a different story, showcasing the creativity, passion, and dedication that continue to drive the custom truck scene forward. Whether rooted in classic styling or built with a modern performance mindset, these pickups proved that trucks have earned their place alongside the country’s top show cars.
1965 CHEVROLET K10
Owner: Greg Lemons
This beautifully restored 1965 Chevrolet K10 represents the beginning of a legendary lineage. As one of the first GM-built four-wheel-drive pickups, the first-generation C/K series helped redefine what a capable work truck could be. Even more impressive, this example is one of just 633 short-bed, 115-inch wheelbase K10s produced, making it an exceptionally rare piece of Chevrolet truck history. After an extensive eight-year restoration, it stands as a tribute to both the rugged utility and timeless style that have made these early K10s so sought after by collectors.
Power comes from the legendary 292 cubic-inch inline-six, an engine prized for its low-end torque and durability, paired with a rugged four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel-drive drivetrain. While the truck retains its vintage character with features like the deluxe aluminum grille and classic two-tone paint, thoughtful upgrades make it even more enjoyable to drive today. Performance enhancements from Clifford Performance, including a 265 camshaft, 6=8 header with Jet-Hot ceramic coating, and a twin Weber induction system, wake up the big six without sacrificing its unmistakable personality. Modern touches such as Classic Instruments gauges, a Painless wiring harness, tilt steering, and a Classic Car Stereo blend seamlessly into the restoration, creating a K10 that’s equally at home on the show field, the back roads, or wherever adventure calls.
1968 Chevrolet C10 “Lazy Boy”
Owners: Fabian & Michelle Musuraca – Phoenix, New York
Builder: Fabian Musuraca
Built to blur the line between show truck and street machine, “Lazy Boy” is a stunning reimagining of Chevrolet’s iconic 1968 C10. Every inch of the truck reflects a carefully planned vision, from its aggressive stance on a Roadster Shop SPEC Series chassis to its striking BASF Diamont paint featuring custom black with Ultraviolet Pearl over a unique “Iodine” lower body color. Smooth body modifications, flush-mounted Fesler glass, custom airbrushed factory emblems by Peter “Gunn” Cangemi, and massive Rocket Racing wheels give the truck a refined yet unmistakably muscular presence.
Under the hood, a rebuilt 2013 LS3 delivers modern performance with forged JE pistons, a Brian Tooley Racing Stage 2 camshaft, and a custom twin-pipe stainless exhaust capped with Black Widow mufflers. Power is routed through a refreshed 6L80E automatic with a Circle D Specialties 3,200-rpm stall converter before reaching a Ford 9-inch rear axle. Inside, the craftsmanship continues with custom-modified Tahoe seats, a one-off center console, Dakota Digital instrumentation, Vintage Air, and a retro-style Bluetooth stereo, while synthetic wood-look flooring ties the cabin to the custom bed. Completed with wiring by Michael Nicoletti, “Lazy Boy” stands as a testament to the dedication of Fabian and Michelle Musuraca and the close-knit group of friends and craftsmen who helped turn their vision into reality.
1968 Chevrolet C10 “Z/10”
Owners: Wendy & Kevin Flondor
Builder: Bump & Grind Auto Body
Wendy and Kevin Flondor’s 1968 Chevrolet C10 “Z/10” is a bold fusion of muscle car styling and classic truck heritage. Built in just 18 months by Kevin’s shop, Bump & Grind Auto Body, the truck earned national attention as the only pickup selected for the Detroit Autorama Great 8, proving that a well-executed truck build can stand toe-to-toe with the country’s finest customs. Inspired by the iconic 1970 Camaro Z/28, the Z/10 features a distinctive split-bumper front end, Camaro-style turn signals, a custom grille, and a unique Z/10 hood emblem that doubles as the hood release. Finished in a custom-mixed Spies Hecker “Sand Storm” paint, the truck perfectly balances factory-inspired design with modern custom craftsmanship.
Performance matches the aggressive styling thanks to a supercharged 6.2L LS backed by a built 4L80E automatic transmission. A Roadster Shop Spec chassis equipped with Air Lift Performance suspension, Wilwood disc brakes, and a Fab 9-inch rear axle with 3.73 gears delivers modern handling and performance, while staggered Pro Billet wheels measuring 20×8 up front and 22×12 in the rear complete the truck’s commanding stance. Inside, Du Now Upholstery crafted a custom interior featuring Holley Terminator X-Max engine management and digital instrumentation, blending comfort with cutting-edge technology. The reclaimed wood bed floor, custom lighting from 396Maro Creations, and a hand-built tailgate spoiler showcase the attention to detail throughout the build, creating a one-of-a-kind C10 that continues to turn heads wherever it appears.
1969 Chevrolet C10 Suburban
Owner/Builder: Aaron Jones – Lancaster, Ohio
Aaron Jones’ 1969 Chevrolet C10 Suburban is a fresh take on Chevrolet’s iconic family hauler, combining modern performance with handcrafted details throughout. Designed by Aaron himself, the build transforms the classic Suburban into a sleek custom while preserving its unmistakable body lines. Extensive fabrication includes a HAF Fab firewall, custom fuel tubs, a one-off rear bed floor with hidden hinges, and beautifully finished woodgrain accents that add warmth and character to the cargo area. Every phase of the project—from bodywork and paint to wiring, upholstery, and engine detailing—was completed by Aaron, with CA Mods contributing the CSi back-half chassis work.
Power comes from a Chevrolet Performance LS3 producing 480 horsepower, paired with an Extreme Automatics 4L80E transmission for dependable street performance. Underneath, a Detroit Speed front suspension works alongside a CSi front crossmember and rear back-half to deliver modern handling and a confident stance. Inside, Snowden seats, Dakota Digital gauges, Vintage Air, and a Lokar shifter blend contemporary comfort with classic styling. The result is a thoughtfully engineered Suburban that showcases Aaron’s vision, craftsmanship, and attention to detail while proving that Chevrolet’s longest-running utility vehicle can be every bit as stylish as it is practical.
1971 Chevrolet C10
Owner/Builder: Brad Price
Completed in an impressive seven months, Brad Price’s 1971 Chevrolet C10 is a showcase of what can be accomplished with a clear vision, serious craftsmanship, and attention to every detail. The build earned national recognition as the 2024 C10 Nationals Truck of the Year 1970–1972 Runner-Up, cementing its place among the finest examples of the classic Chevy pickup platform. Starting with the iconic lines of a second-generation C10, Brad transformed the truck into a modern performance machine while preserving the timeless appeal that has made these trucks so popular with builders and enthusiasts.
The foundation of the build is an extensive restoration featuring all-new AMD sheet metal, including the fenders, doors, hood, and bed, along with new AMD bumpers and glass. Polished Mar-K trim adds a refined finishing touch, while custom American Racing Torque Thrust wheels—20×8 up front and 20×12 in the rear—give the truck a powerful stance. Beneath the skin, the C10 is built to perform with an all-aluminum 6.0L LS featuring JE forged pistons, a BTR Stage 4 PDS camshaft, and a Magnuson 2650 supercharger, managed by a Holley Terminator X Max ECU. A 6L90 six-speed transmission with paddle shift and Circle D billet torque converter deliver the power, while QA1 coilovers, rack-and-pinion steering, a Quick Performance 9-inch rear with 4.11 gears and Posi, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes provide the control to match. Inside, a custom white leather interior, Dakota Digital Silver HDX gauges, and Vintage Air create a comfortable, modern driving environment. Built, engineered, and finished by Brad in just seven months, this award-winning C10 is proof that exceptional results don’t always require years in the shop—just the right combination of skill, passion, and dedication.
