Story: Evan “Evo” Yates
Photography: Theo Civitello

The second-generation Chevy C10 trucks, which were produced from 1967 to 1972, have been popular for decades, but within the last five years or so, their stock has risen considerably. This increase in appeal can be attributed to numerous factors, but most importantly, these trucks are supported by a vast aftermarket with every replacement part imaginable available, from new bumpers right down to a steering column cover seal. And although they’re revered across the country, it can be argued that custom C10 trucks get the most love in the great state of Texas.

Houston native Erasmo “Romo” Carlos purchased the ’72 C10 roughly seven years ago in modest condition, but he had grand plans for his ride. “I knew exactly how I wanted to do it when I first got it,” says Romo. The first part of the plan was to stay O.G. on the paint scheme, choosing a PPG mix that almost identically replicates the factory hue. The subsequent stage in Romo’s project was to drop the truck via air-bag suspension and tub it out for a pair of massive 24-by-15-inch steamrollers to be tucked under the bed. And even though 24-by-15s are prevalent today, five years ago it was considered quite profound. “At the time, not too many trucks had the big-lip style,” says Romo. “And it was very rare on a C10.” Building one of the first documented second-gen C10s to successfully fit super-wide billets out back, Romo contends it wasn’t easy. “It was a lot of work, and I spent some money to get them on there,” says Romo. “They had to redo the suspension, the rear end and the bed to make them fit.” For the shoes, Romo originally went with a set of Raceline wheels and eventually switched over to a set of Intros after seeing a particular model he fancied. “I just really liked that specific style,” says Romo.

Under the hood, Romo started with a standard small block but grew tired of the unreliability. “I had a 350 in there, but I was having problems with the carburetor and getting it started sometimes,” says Romo. “I went with an LS1 so I could get the computer, fuel injection and more horsepower.” To tie the new-school motor into the C10’s theme while paying homage to its GM truck heritage, Romo also added an Escalade engine cover painted to match the body.

For the suspension, there has certainly been considerable trial and error. Originally, Romo had a complete air-bag suspension setup that, although it looked amazing at car shows and in pictures, Romo admits it wasn’t exactly road worthy. “I wanted to drive it more often, but I was scared to with the bags,” he explains. “If something happened to a line or bag, I would be stuck. So I took out everything and replaced the bags with coilovers.” And even though this move may garner frowns from the trailer-queen crowd, those who respect a vehicle for its looks and its pavement prowess certainly respect the bold move.

Spec the Technique
• Performance: 5.7 LS1 Corvette engine; Comp Cams camshaft; LS6 Heads cut 30 over; 4L60e transmission by Noe Transmission; 9-inch 10 bolts differential with 4.10 gears; Flowmaster dual exhaust with Super 40 mufflers; K&N cold-air intake; custom Escalade engine cover by Chagos Performance; coil-over suspension by Jose Pena at DropRUs
• Exterior: PPG Medium green and white painted by DaShop in Baytown, Texas
• Interior: Custom black leather seats with alligator inserts and medium green trim; Dakota Digital custom gauges 
• ICE: 6-inch double-DIN Kenwood stereo; one JL Audio 500.1 amplifier, one 300.4 amplifier, behind-seat custom subwoofer enclosure with two 8-inch W6 subwoofers; four 6.5-inch Pro Audio midrange speakers               
• Wheels/Tires: Intro wheels, 22×8.5 front, 24×15 rear, 11-inch lip; Pirelli tires