The Fine Dime 1969 Chevy C10 Truck from Creations N’ Chrome Scores A Perfect 10
- Jul 8, 2014
The word Dime originally denoted a one-tenth part, such as one-tenth of a U.S. dollar and most Americans picture a coin bearing the likeness of President Roosevelt. Others, particularly those in an urban setting, have their own definition for the word dime. “One Fine Dime” can be used to describe a person of extreme beauty who, on a scale of 1-10, would be referred to as “a perfect ten.” The 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup restored and modified by Creations N’ Chrome is neither a U.S. coin, or a stunning woman, however, the nickname “Fine Dime” certainly fits as this truck is the personification of classic American automotive beauty.
Creations N’ Chrome was founded in 2005 by Gary & Kristin Watson and they pride themselves in being able to make their customers’ vision a reality. The Fine Dime 1969 Chevy C10 is owned by Creations N’ Chrome customer Hugo Castillo. Hugo had seen the 1968 Chevy C10 that Creations N’ Chrome built for the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in 2012. Hugo approached Creations N’ Chrome about building a similar C10 truck that would be a dependable daily driver as well as turn some heads. For the Fine Dime, Creations N’ Chrome focused on improving drivability, ride quality, and the driver’s experience while maintaining the styling that makes the second generation C10 such a desirable classic pickup.
With a laundry list of engine, suspension, and braking modifications, Creations N’ Chrome bumped the performance level of this classic truck up to modern muscle car standards. Powering the Fine Dime is an LS1 engine from a 2002 Chevy Camaro Z28. By simply increasing the compression, adding an aftermarket camshaft, exhaust headers, and a K&N air filter this tried and true power plant put down an impressive 370 horsepower at the rear wheels. With the powertrain sorted out, Creations N’ Chrome moved on to addressing the ride quality of the Fine Dime. They swapped out the stock suspension for a Hotchkis TVS suspension system, Wilwood disc brakes, Falken tires, and HRE wheels. Suspension and brakes aren’t the only necessities for improving ride quality. Leather wrapped seats, door panels, and steering wheel, combined with power windows and a custom stereo system ensure the driver rolls along in comfort and style.
Swapping a modern V8 engine into a classic Chevrolet truck required building a custom air intake system equipped with one of K&N’s clamp-on universal high-flow air filters. “The Fine Dime is running a cone air filter, oil filter, and crankcase breathers by K&N” said Chris Matye, director of business at Creations N’ Chrome. “The vast availability of sizes and shapes, K&N’s reputation and superior filtering were the main reasons for choosing K&N. After a few minutes on the K&N website, we found an air filter in the exact size and shape that we were looking for” continued Matye. Gary Watson, owner and founder of Creations N’ Chrome, has been using K&N products since he was 17 years old on his 1984 Ford Mustang SVO. When asked why he chooses K&N, Gary replied “Besides the obvious performance benefits, I like that K&N offers (filter) applications for just about everything. Whether it’s one of my Mustangs, tow truck, motorcycles or dirtbikes, I can find air and oil filters at just about any parts store. Installing a K&N air filter is always the first modification I make to any new vehicle.” In its present state the Fine Dime is a far cry from the rusty old farm truck that first journeyed into the Creations N’ Chrome shop. Attention to details such has hidden wiring under the hood and a powdercoated frame makes this 1969 Chevy C10 a perfect ten and deserving of the name Fine Dime. Noteworthy modifications to the 1969 Chevrolet C10 pickup owned by Hugo Castillo include: LS1 engine, 370 RWHP/4L60E automatic transmission |
||||
 |
||||
|
||||
|
