Building an award-worthy custom truck is impressive at any age, but Thomas Dickerson has managed it at just 26 years old. His heavily reworked 1967 Chevrolet C10 has earned a spot as a Goodguys 2026 Truck of the Year Top 12 finalist, competing against some of the country’s finest custom pickups.
The C10 is particularly meaningful because it originally belonged to Dickerson’s grandfather, who purchased it new in Georgia. What began life as a basic six-cylinder truck with few options has since been transformed into a 650-horsepower restomod packed with modern performance hardware.
Dickerson started the project while attending Athens Technical College, where he was able to continue working on the truck while his own shop was being renovated. His background in CAD engineering also became an important part of the build, allowing him to design and manufacture numerous custom components himself.
The finished truck combines a supercharged LT4, a modern chassis, custom bodywork, a bespoke interior, and an exceptionally detailed bed. Despite the transformation, Dickerson kept a connection to the C10’s past by creating a modern interpretation of its original blue color.
Grandpa’s C10 Gets 650 HP
Under the hood sits GM’s supercharged LT4 V8 paired with a 10L90 10-speed automatic transmission. The engine produces around 650 hp, a dramatic departure from the straight-six engine that originally powered the truck.
Underneath is an Art Morrison GT Sport chassis that Dickerson smoothed for a cleaner show-car appearance. Wilwood 14-inch brakes are fitted at all four corners, giving the C10 stopping power appropriate for its substantial performance upgrade.
Forgeline GA3C wheels complete the stance, with different specifications front and rear. Their bronze finish coordinates with the chassis and interior, helping tie the truck’s various design elements together.
The Custom Blue Paint Has Ferrari Inspiration
One of the C10’s most striking features is its paint, which Dickerson developed and sprayed himself using BASF Glasurit materials. His inspiration came partly from a Ferrari SF90, but the goal was to create a modern interpretation of Chevrolet’s original blue.
That connection was important because the truck originally belonged to his grandfather. Rather than abandoning its factory identity completely, Dickerson used the original color as a starting point and gave it considerably more depth and visual impact.
Much of the original body was too deteriorated to reuse, so extensive replacement sheet metal was required. The cab was retained, while a new bed and numerous other panels helped provide the foundation for the finished bodywork.
The Bed Might Be the Best Part
For all the performance and paintwork, Dickerson considers the bed his favorite part of the entire build. It incorporates a raised floor, hidden storage compartments, concealed batteries, and a fuel filler using a pop-up Harley-Davidson gas cap.
The bed floor itself uses Brazilian ipe wood, selected partly because its density and resistance to moisture make it well suited to a show truck that may spend time outdoors. Machined metal components were designed to echo the tailgate’s styling, while a matte clear finish helps bring the materials together.
Hidden compartments provide space for items such as the truck’s cover while keeping electrical hardware out of sight. Even the compartment latches were carefully selected, borrowing their inspiration from hardware used on a modern Ford Mustang.
A custom rear spoiler gives the C10 an additional sporting touch. Dickerson admits that the wing is primarily aesthetic, intended to reinforce the performance theme established by the Camaro ZL1-derived LT4.
CAD Skills Shaped the Interior
Dickerson’s technical-college education played a major role inside the truck. He used CAD, SolidWorks, 3D modeling, machining, and 3D printing to create numerous interior pieces rather than relying entirely on off-the-shelf components.
The cabin features Dakota Digital instrumentation, Vintage Air climate control, and Apex leather upholstery. Dickerson fabricated much of the interior himself, while local specialists handled stitching and some of the more complicated upholstery work.
Custom-machined pieces and 3D-printed trim help distinguish the interior from a typical restomod. The approach demonstrates how modern design and manufacturing tools can be used to personalize a classic truck without losing sight of its original character.
From College Project to Goodguys Finalist
Dickerson deliberately chose the C10 because it represented a new challenge. He had previously built a 1967 Shelby that appeared at SEMA, but moving from a unibody performance car to a heavily customized pickup forced him to develop a different set of skills.
That effort has now put his grandfather’s Chevrolet among the Top 12 finalists for the Goodguys 2026 Truck of the Year Late award. Entries are judged on craftsmanship, design, paint and bodywork, stance, functionality, and creativity.
Regardless of where it ultimately places, the C10 already makes an impressive statement about its young builder’s abilities. A once-basic family pickup has become a 650-hp showpiece while retaining the personal history that made it worth building in the first place.