When the fenders and bed were reassembled, Ganade installed a set of 20x8-inch and 22x10-inch Boyd Coddington Timeless-6 billet wheels wrapped with a set of P245/40ZR20 and P285/30ZR22 Faulken Radial Rubber. Also on board is a No Limit 19-gallon diamond plate-aluminum fuel tank residing beneath a one-piece tilt tonneau cover.
As he was redoing the interior, Michael updated the dash using McGaughy's billet dash trim and Auto Meter Ultralite gauges. Also on board is a pair of '91 Nissan 300Z bucket seats trimmed in black, an ididit billet steering column, a Billet Specialties steering wheel, and an Eclipse audio system.
"During the past four years I've met many people who've contributed their time, dedication, and friendship to the building process. I'd like to thank the following: Uncle Gary Saruwatari for helping me purchase my truck and for rebuilding my engine; Bob Bardo and Debra Suzuki for the great paint and bodywork; Dave and Stan at ECE; Derek Tanaka for all his help; my stepfather Alan for the great stainless steel fabrication; and Ed Cubacugan for help with the suspension.
The experience has been a radical and reflective ride. Through these friendships the process has been quite an education. And now I'm going to enjoy cruising the island in my '68 until the wheels fall off!"
1. Michael's uncle Gary Saruwatari rebuilt the internally stock 350ci Mouse motor. Exterior details include an Edelbrock Performer intake with a 650-cfm Edelbrock Performer carburetor, a set of Billet Specialties valve covers and K&N air cleaner, a DUI electronic ignition with an ACCEL coil and spark-plug wires, and a Jeg's 100-amp alternator. The belts wrap around Zoops engine pulleys. Sending spent gasses is a pair of Doug's Headers ceramic-coated tri-Y headers through a pair of Flow Master series 40 mufflers into 2 1/2-inch tubes.
2. Seating is provided by a pair of '91 Nissan 300Z bucket seats trimmed in black. An ididit billet steering column and Billet Specialties steering wheel takes care of directional control. Sound is courtesy of an Eclipse audio system.
3. A longbed C10 pickup looks equally as interesting as a shortbed when it has been lowered-plus it carries bigger loads.
4. All original emblems and ornamentation have been shaved--the grille has been restored and the bumper rechromed.
5. Rolling stock consists of a set of 20x8-inch (front) and 22x10-inch (rear) Boyd Coddington Timeless-6 billet wheels wrapped with a set of P245/40ZR20 and P285/30ZR22 Falken Radial Rubber.
6. The interior has a McGaughy's billet dash trim and Auto Meter Ultralite gauges.
7. Here's how the (formerly red) Chevy C10 longbed looked when Michael purchased it from a friend's uncle, who towed a fishing boat to and from the docks.