A Dream Build from Down Under

When Todd Collins of Palmerston North, Manawatu, New Zealand, decided to build a truck, he set his standards to the highest level. This 1971 Chevy C10 is more than just a ride; it’s a 2.5-year labor of love, crafted with passion and dedication. As a flooring installer by trade, Todd has always dreamed of building a C10, and now he’s living that dream, cruising in his custom masterpiece.

The first thing that grabs your attention is the truck’s exterior. Todd opted for a new front grille from a 1969 Chevy C10 that he snagged from LMC Truck. The original factory bumpers got a little love too as they were narrowed for a tighter fit. The bodywork didn’t stop there—shaved indicator lights, a shaved scuttle panel, and smoothed-out doors without trim give this C10 a slick, clean look. Topped off with a chalk-white paintjob by Justin at Kruizin Kustoms, the truck looks sharp and mean on the street.

Under the hood, this klean kruzier roars with a 6.2L Chevy V-8 engine from a 2020 model GM. Kruizin Kustoms handled the engine build and installation, adding “Block Hugger” headers from Ultimate Headers and a custom stainless 3-inch exhaust system. The front-drive pulley system from Billet Specialties and a custom-made cold air intake box round out the engine upgrades.

Todd gave the drivetrain some love too by including a TCI 4L80 transmission with a shift kit upgrade and a Lokar “Axi Shift” shifter to ensure smooth, strong shifts. The custom two-piece driveshaft with a billet center hanger bearing connects to a 9-inch Ford rear axle with 3.25 ratios and a limited-slip differential. Stopping power comes from Wilwood six-piston 13-inch brakes up front and 12-inch discs at  the rear, all controlled by a Wilwood master cylinder with hydroboost.

Todd’s 1971 Chevy C10 is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, patience, and a lot of hard work. It’s not just a truck; it’s a rolling piece of art, a dream realized, and a true showstopper.

The chassis has been worked over by adding a Porterbuilt rear clip frame upgrade with a Heidts independent front suspension system. The front suspension includes RideTech Shockwave airbags, while the rear rides on Firestone airbags, with all four shocks from RideTech. A Flaming River power steering rack keeps handling tight. Kruizin Kustoms also crafted a custom alloy fuel tank, painted the frame green, mounted a beer cooler in the bed, and installed a scissor hinge bed lift.

Rolling on 20-inch front and 24-inch rear US Mag Rio Grande wheels wrapped in Pirelli tires (405-25-24 in the rear), this truck sits just right. Inside, the leather-wrapped bench seat from Elite Motor Trimmers in Hamilton, New Zealand, adds a touch of luxury. A Budnick steering wheel and a JVC audio system complete the interior upgrades.

This C10 has made its mark at events like Beach Hop New Zealand, even contending for “The World’s Most Beautiful Truck.” For Todd, the most unique feature is how clean it is, both inside and out. When asked about what he learned from building the truck, Todd’s response was simple and profound: “Nothing good comes easy.”

Todd’s 1971 Chevy C10 is a testament to what can be achieved with vision, patience, and a lot of hard work. It’s not just a truck; it’s a rolling piece of art, a dream realized, and a true showstopper.

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