1979 Chevy C10 – Katelyn R.
My name is Katelyn, and I’m 19 years old. I love old trucks. It all started with my grandpa’s 1985 K10 pickup. He’s had it for year and has repainted it himself. Growing up, I loved riding in it with him and asking him questions about it.
For my 16th birthday, I convinced my dad to go look at a 1979 Chevy Silverado. It belonged to a lovely lady from our church and had been sitting behind her barn for years. It hadn’t run in seven years and was in pretty rough shape, but I saw potential. Using the money I had saved up, along with it being a birthday gift, my dad bought it for me.
As soon as we got it home, I got to work. I was determined to bring it back to life. At that point, I barely knew how to use basic tools, but my love for learning new things took over and I was determined to get it refurbished. I started by removing the trim, mirrors, seals, and molding, then moved on to sanding. I spent countless hours prepping the truck for paint, removing the doors, hood, and windows to do it right. We even unbolted the bed and used a tractor to move it back so I could sand between the cab and bed.
Next, I stripped out the old carpet, interior panels, and dash so I could replace everything after the paintwork was finished. Once all the prep was complete, I was ready for paint. I spent time learning by watching professionals online and decided to go with a light blue color instead of the original two-tone brown and white. Using a spray gun, I applied the paint myself and really enjoyed the process. As an artist and mural painter, this part came naturally to me and was one of the most rewarding steps. The paint job turned out pretty good for it being done in a car port and tool shed.
After painting, it was time to put everything back together. Reassembly went much faster than disassembly, and it was exciting to see everything come together. One of my favorite additions was the American flag i wrapped around my headliner. I used many new parts from LMC Truck, and I truly wouldn’t have been able to complete this restoration without them—thank you, LMC!
Once the truck was reassembled, we turned our attention to the engine. I was nervous it might need to be replaced after sitting so long, but thanks to my grandpa, who is an incredible mechanic, we were able to get it running again. This project gave me more than just a restored truck; it gave me the opportunity to spend meaningful time with my dad and grandpa.
My favorite part about completing this project has been the time I’ve spent with them. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without their help and support. I could never sell this truck, because every time I look at it, I think of the memories I made with my dad and grandpa. I could never be grateful enough for their help. Thank you, Daddy and Papa!
When I started this project, I could barely use basic tools. Now I have the knowledge to take apart an entire truck and the ability to paint with a spray gun.
I’m not the only person in my life who has restored an old vehicle. I have an identical twin sister who has a similar story to mine (she posted her story on the LMC website just like me!). For her 16th birthday, she got a 1980 Bronco. She redid the entire interior and drives it around too! We don’t just look the same, we both love classic cars!
I’ve learned valuable skills that I will use for the rest of my life, and my love for classic cars has only grown. I’m currently a senior in high school, and I drive my truck everywhere. Every time I get behind the wheel, I’m reminded of how far it’s come, from sitting behind a barn for seven years to being something I’m proud to call my own.
