OWNER: Neil Huffines RIDE:...
OWNER: Neil Huffines
RIDE: '92 Chevy S-10
HOMETOWN: Nashville, Tennessee
CLUB: Relaxed Atmosphere
Most mini-truckers spend years working on a single vehicle only to find themselves building and rebuilding that truck several times before they're completely satisfied with it. However, this is not the whole story with the truck you're going to read about. We bring you the story of a truck that was purchased back in 1995, and we were sure it had its share of different looks over the years. But the truck you see now was actually started and finished in only twelve weeks. It is difficult to imagine someone could build such a high-quality vehicle in such a short amount of time. Added to that, this ride isn't your everyday dropped-with-a-few-mods truck. This first generation S-10 is nothing short of a full-boogie, frame-off custom with enough chrome to blind a person! The owner, Neil Huffines from Nashville, Tennessee, must have had one huge game plan to be able to organize and pull off such a feat. For his determination, attention to detail, and strategically timed construction, he gets a massive MT thumbs-up!
THE LOWDOWN
Wheels/Tires This incredible first-generation S-10 sports 18-inch KMC Unit chrome wheels with Nitto 215/35R18 tires.
Suspension After a pair of Belltech spindles was installed, Bullock's Body Werks continued to slam the truck using Firestone airbags throughout. When the Whitehouse shop finished up front, attention was focused on the rear setup. A ladder bar rear suspension was devised and installed with the rear airbags mounted to the ladder bars. Additionally, the whole undercarriage was painted and the parts chromed for even more show appeal.
Body Mods To make the S-10 as smooth as silk, N.A.D.C. in Nashville shaved the wiper cowl, fuel door, door handles, taillights, tailgate, and bodylines. Additionally, a fullsize Chevy bumper was shortened and made to fit the nose of the truck, making the need for a lower valance unnecessary. Also different than a stock truck, a 3-1/2-inch cowl-induction hood was installed for extra hood clearance, helping engine components clear with the truck's 3-1/2-inch body drop, also performed by N.A.D.C. In the rear, a license plate box was frenched into the new tailgate skin.
Interior Just about everything the cab, including the dash, was smoothed with some intuitive upholstery - bone mist tan tweed and leather. The seats, out of a Blazer, have been given further attention with added flames sewn in. If you're looking for a stereo system, stop looking; you won't find one. Neil just hasn't gotten that far yet. Both Neil and Upholstery Concepts in Nashville performed all the interior work.
Engine/Performance Under the hood of this awesome first-generation S-10, you'll find the correct-for-year 4.3L V-6 engine, with a few tricks thrown into the mix. The original throttle-body and fuel injection on the engine were removed and an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor takes its place. Plenty of chrome and paint were added to increase the truck's show appeal. Performance gains were also achieved by adding a Hedman header, a Flowmaster muffler, underdrive pulleys, an MSD ignition system, and a B&M floor shifter. Power for the truck and its systems comes from an Optima battery.
Paint After all of the bodywork on the truck had been completed, N.A.D.C went to work preparing the truck for a new paint color. After Neil had given it the go-ahead, the truck was sprayed using Chrysler/Plymouth Prowler Orange.
Special Thanks To family and friends, as well as Bullock's Body Werks.