1962 GMC C1000 Pickup

HIGHLIGHTS:

• AC Delco/GM Genuine Parts Sponsored Restomod! 

• Fully documented by builder and YouTuber Saabkyle04: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJH3cZngHwg&t=336s

• Body: 1962 GMC C1000 (originally a long bed) on a 1974 Chevy C10 short bed chassis

• Drivetrain: 5.3L LM7 V8 from a 2004 Cadillac Escalade, tuned with Texas Speed Stage 2 cam

• Transmission: 4L60-E automatic, performance-tuned for firm, smooth shifts

• Paint: GM Son of A Gun Grey Metallic & Silver Ice Metallic, with custom striping

• Suspension: Lowered with drop spindles and factory-style leaf springs with air shocks

• Brakes: Hydroboost braking system, heavy-duty front disc brakes, finned rear drums

• Interior: Custom-trimmed with sound deadening, Vintage Air A/C, and modern tech

• Wheels: 22-inch Detroit Steel Wheels powder-coated to match, wrapped in Goodyear Eagles

• Audio: Boss Auto touchscreen infotainment, full custom speaker setup with subwoofer

• Fuel System: Custom Deatschwerks setup, relocated under-bed fuel tank

BODY OVERVIEW:

This build stays true to GMC’s original aesthetic while adding just the right amount of modern refinement. The custom-fabricated grille, hood, and tailgate keep it uniquely GMC, while the handcrafted mounts and bodywork bring everything together seamlessly. If you appreciate classic styling done right, you’ll love the attention to detail here. Even the firewall didn’t remain untouched!

PAINT CONDITION OVERVIEW:

The Son of A Gun Grey Metallic & Silver Ice Metallic two-tone finish is flawless—deep, smooth, and rich with contrast. The striping and accents highlight the truck’s aggressive stance without looking overdone. Whether parked or rolling down the street, it has show-stopping presence.

INTERIOR CONDITION OVERVIEW:

A blend of vintage charm and modern convenience, this truck’s interior is comfortable, functional, and stylish. The TMI bench seat is adjustable, the Vintage Air A/C keeps things cool, and the full Boss audio system turns the cab into a rolling concert hall. Every switch, knob, and component has been either replaced or custom-built for smooth, factory-like operation.

MECHANICAL OVERVIEW:

This is no old-school slouch—it drives like a modern truck with 2004 Cadillac Escalade power under the hood. The 5.3L LM7 V8 is cammed and tuned to perfection, delivering effortless torque and a healthy exhaust note through custom side-exit pipes. The hydroboost braking system and power steering setup make it as easy to drive as a new truck, while the lowered suspension ensures a confident, planted ride. As a nod to classic hot-rodding, this thing sounds great through a set of dual glasspack mufflers! 

WHAT YOU'LL LOVE ABOUT THIS TRUCK:

• Classic looks, modern reliability – No chasing rare parts or seeking a specialty mechanic, everything is designed for easy maintenance.

• Comfortable & functional – A true daily-driver restomod with A/C, power steering, and a killer stereo!

• Perfect stance & handling – Sitting just right, with 22-inch Detroit Steel wheels for the ultimate look.

• Factory-style restomod – This truck was built in partnership with AC Delco and GM Genuine Parts to retain as many GM-branded parts and pieces as possible!

WHAT YOU MIGHT HATE ABOUT THIS TRUCK:

• This truck is a far cry from an original – If you’re a numbers-matching purist, this isn’t for you.

• Single side mirror – It keeps the original aesthetic, but some may prefer a passenger-side mirror.

DOES IT NEED ANYTHING?

Nope—this truck is turn-key and ready to go! All the mechanicals, electricals, and cosmetics are fully sorted and this truck has done over 1,200 miles of testing!

WHAT BUYER IS LOOKING FOR THIS TRUCK?

This is for the enthusiast who loves classic trucks but doesn’t want to deal with carburetors, weak brakes, or stiff steering. If you want a timeless look with modern performance and reliability, this GMC restomod is the perfect fit.

MODIFICATION/REPAIR LIST: 

Rust Repair:

• Inner and outer rockers

• Floor pan sections

• Cab corners

• Lower doors

Hood Modification:

• Original GMC front section was separate, requiring custom fabrication

• Custom welded and blended for a seamless transition

• Assist springs for smoother lifting and lowering

• Custom insulation concealed by form-fitting plastic panels

Paint & Design:

• Primary Colors: GM Son of A Gun Grey Metallic & Silver Ice Metallic

• Accents: Hood, grille, tailgate, roof, and striping

Exterior Details:

• Retained single driver-side mirror for period correctness and aesthetics

• Correct GMC stamped tailgate

• Wood bed floor

Wheels & Tires:

• 22x9-inch Detroit Steel Wheels, powder-coated to match body color

• Wrapped in 275/40 Goodyear Eagle Touring all-season tires

• Baby moon center caps

Chassis & Frame:

• 1974 Chevrolet C10 chassis with numerous upgrades and modifications

• Ladder-type frame with a drop-center design for better cab mounting

• Custom cab mounting using a combination of '62 and '74 mounts

• Hand-fabricated bed mounts and front bumper mounts

• Strengthened with Tin Works Fabrication crossmembers and Holley transmission crossmember

• Additional boxed front frame brace and gusseted x-brace over the rear axle

Suspension:

• Independent front suspension with coil springs and double A-arms

• Lowered ride height with drop spindles and lowering springs

• Shock relocation perch welded on for factory-style shocks

• Rear suspension uses a flip kit to retain factory leaf springs

• AC Delco adjustable rear air shocks with a Schrader valve for suspension tuning

Brakes:

• Heavy-duty front disc brake upgrade with oversized ventilated rotors

• Single-piston calipers in the front

• 11-inch finned rear drum brakes

• Hybrid mechanical parking brake using a mix of '62 and '74 components

• Hydroboost braking system sourced from the 2004 Escalade

• ’74-style master cylinder 

Steering:

• 1974 power steering gearbox 

• Modified Escalade power steering lines with custom return lines

• Added power steering cooler for hydroboost system

• Flaming River adjustable tilt steering column

• Factory steering wheel adapted with a custom turn signal canceller

Upgraded Powertrain:

• 5.3L LM7 V8 from a 2004 2WD Escalade (295 hp, 330 lb-ft torque)

• Engine fully refreshed with AC Delco and GM Genuine Parts

• Texas Speed Stage 2 Cam Kit (+52 hp, +23 lb-ft torque, 1,200-5,800 RPM power band)

• Custom ECM tune for optimized performance

• Hooker swap manifolds coated by Jet Hot

• Custom-built exhaust with Thrush glasspacks, side-exit pipes

Transmission & Drivetrain:

• 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission

• Tuned for firmer, more positive shifts

• Controlled via traditional steering column shifter

• Custom shortened and rebuilt C10 driveshaft

• Factory C10 rear end (open differential, 3.08 gearing, semi-floating axles)

Fuel System:

• Sequential multi-port injection with 9.5:1 compression ratio

• Custom fuel system from Deatschwerks (braided PTFE hose, AN fittings, dual filters)

• C5 Corvette fuel pressure regulator

• Fuel tank relocated from the cab to a custom under-bed location

Cooling & Auxiliary Systems:

• Large aluminum radiator with a single electric fan

• Integrated transmission cooler within the radiator

• Added fluid cooler for power steering due to hydroboost brakes

• Vintage Air system for modern climate control

Engine Bay Customization:

• Fully blacked out for a stealthy look with the engine as the centerpiece

• Firewall modified and smoothed for a cleaner look

• Firewall moved forward 3 inches

• Driver’s inner fender modified to accommodate hydroboost unit

• Brake lines adapted from a square body C10

• Custom intake and AGM battery for optimal performance

Interior Upgrades & Features

• Cab insulation:

  • Sound deadening: Second Skin Spectrum liquid applied to the lower half

  • Heat insulation: Heat Wave Pro on the firewal

• Interior detailing:

  • Polished GMC step plates

  • Custom kick panels (Scarlett’s Auto Interior) housing PCM & fuse block

  • New back wall covering & corner closeouts with built-in speakers

• Weatherstripping:

  • New glass trim and weatherstripping from Steele Rubber

  • Extra foam weatherstripping added to reduce wind noise

• Door components: All new latches, locks, and regulators for smooth operation

• Electrical & Wiring:

  • Fully rewired with American Autowire classic update kit

  • Modern fuse panel for future accessory upgrades

Seating & Comfort

• New TMI bench seat

• Fuel tank removal created additional space behind the seat

• Retractable lap belts with auto-lock 

Audio & Tech Upgrades

• Boss Auto double-din touchscreen radio

  • Features: USB, AUX, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, backup camera

• Custom audio system:

  • Two 3.5-inch speakers in dash

  • Two 3.5-inch speakers in A-pillars

  • Two 4x10-inch speakers in rear closeouts

  • Amplifier under passenger seat

  • 10-inch powered subwoofer behind seat

Climate Control & Dashboard Mods

• Vintage Air system (C10 model adapted to GMC)

  • Custom lower dash vent piece made to fit

  • Electronic control panel for ease of use

• Custom glovebox:

  • Hydramatic emblem added for style

  • Shallow liner due to Vintage Air 

• Instrument cluster:

  • Classic Dash full gauges

  • Cool blue LED lighting

  • LED indicators for turn signals & high beams