Truck manufacturers and vehicle customizers are true pioneers and craftsmen who opt for a unique journey. Rather than spending eight hours a day confined to a generic office cubicle, clicking away at a computer and sorting through paperwork, they immerse themselves in a world of metal shavings, loosening stubborn rusted bolts, and skillfully molding metal into stunning creations that catch the eye on the open road. Their masterpieces aren’t displayed in galleries, but rather captivate audiences at automotive exhibitions and in workshops nationwide.

Scott Purkerson of Eugene, Oregon, is an artist who exercises his creativity on American steel and pours his passion into shaping and redefining metal. When he was 24, Scott built hot rods and customs at Benchmark Fab & Finish in Corvallis, Oregon, while he worked on earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Oregon State University. About halfway through school, Scott realized he didn’t want to sit behind a desk for the rest of his life, so he dropped out of school to build a truck. Seems logical to us, but mom and dad likely had a different reaction.

Once Scott escaped the confines of the classroom, his project on a ’68 Chevy pickup accelerated rapidly. Before diving into the details, let’s rewind for a moment. The journey began with a custom hood that Scott meticulously crafted, reshaping it into a unique design. A friend provided some bedsides, while Scott’s dad contributed a cab, and piece by piece, the components of the truck started to come together. He found two front fenders that complemented the hood, and another friend pitched in with a grille. Scott gathered an eclectic assortment of truck parts, and though the initial stages were a bit chaotic, they laid the groundwork for an all-out truck restoration adventure.

Like any successful project, the chassis served as the foundation for excellence. Scott meticulously designed a fully custom frame using 4×4 3/16-inch wall steel tubing, modifying the wheelbase by shifting both the front and rear wheels forward. A Ford 9-inch rear end was carefully narrowed and fitted with Dutchman 31-spline axles and a 3.25:1 gear ratio. To enhance performance, Scott constructed a bespoke 16-gallon steel fuel tank, replacing the factory unit to deliver high-octane fuel to the 425-horsepower small-block engine. For the rear suspension, he utilized a pair of leaf springs from a 1968 Jeep, complemented by a panhard rod and a 1 1/16-inch sway bar. The rear suspension is further refined with KYB减震器 to ensure optimal handling.

The front end has been expertly configured using an A-body front clip, featuring KYB减震器, A-body spindle assemblies, KYB control arms, and a robust 1 5/16-inch sway bar. Stopping power is provided by disc brakes sourced from an A-body, paired with a Ford manual master cylinder for reliable braking performance. Completing this stunning piece of automotive craftsmanship are 18×9-inch wheels at the front and 20×12-inch wheels at the rear, both from Billet Specialties, wrapped in high-performance Mickey Thompson tires designed for optimal grip on the pavement.

A 425-horsepower small-block Chevy equipped with ported and polished LT-1 cylinder heads, an array of gleaming polished components, and a custom air cleaner crafted by Scott results in a stunning display of under-hood shine.

Beneath the extensively modified hood that initiated this entire project lies a powerful 425-horsepower small-block 350 Chevy, equipped with ported and polished LT-1 heads. It's topped with an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold manifold, delivering an optimal air/fuel mixture through a 750-cfm carburetor. To maintain a steady temperature, a Northern heater paired with Flex-a-lite dual electric fans works effectively. The exhaust system features coated 1 5/8-inch headers that channel the spent gases through a custom exhaust system crafted by Scott, which includes a 3-inch pipe and a unique X-pipe that exits through Borla stainless steel mufflers. An EZ wiring harness system ensures all electrical connections are seamless, while a TH 350 transmission with a 3,000-stall torque converter efficiently transfers power to the narrowed 9-inch rearend.

After fine-tuning the chassis and suspension, Scott unleashed his creativity on the envelope, implementing an extensive array of metal modifications that kept his welder and grinder busy. The roof was lowered by 1 1/8 inches at the A-pillar, while the hood and grille underwent significant alterations to align with the truck's unique custom aesthetic. Scott crafted a custom front bumper from 1/8-inch aluminum. At the rear, the roll pan and tailgate skin that Scott designed integrate flawlessly with the back end of the vehicle. He also created a bespoke steel bed floor and aluminum tonneau cover, adding extra flair to the sleek, molded box. The truck features shaved door handles, removed drip rails, refined doorjambs, and a unibody design where the bed is welded directly to the cab, completing the list of bold metal enhancements, all finished in a stunning PPG European Ford Blue. Scott collaborated with James Katterson from Albany, Oregon, to apply this eye-catching color.

Beneath the bespoke aluminum tonneau cover lies a tailored steel bed floor, along with wheel tubs that have been meticulously smoothed, crafted, and finished in PPG European Ford Blue.

Nestled between the doors, the artistic creation features a 1965 Chevy Suburban seat, elegantly wrapped in a bespoke two-tone vinyl crafted by Mark Wygant of Premiere Upholstery in Albany. This exquisite upholstery is framed by a meticulously smoothed custom steel dashboard, filled with TPI Tech measurement instruments. A Billet Specialties steering wheel facilitates driving, while a specially designed console accommodates the shifter and a Sony car stereo system.

Scott Purkerson, alongside a few skilled collaborators, has crafted a remarkable and distinctive '68 Chevy C-10 that earned the Wildcard Award at the West Coast Goodguys’ Show. This truck is a testament to his dedication, creativity, and willingness to think outside the box, embracing unconventional ideas. When a passion runs deep, sometimes it’s essential to forge your own path, regardless of whether it aligns with the mainstream.

The interior exudes a classic street rod vibe, featuring a sleek custom-painted dashboard, TPI Tech measurement instruments, and a stylish Billet Specialties steering wheel. The center console, also smoothed and painted, neatly accommodates the shifter and a Sony audio head unit. Upholstery expert Mark Wygant from Premiere Upholstery crafted the elegant two-tone stitching that adorns the seats of this 1965 Chevy Suburban.

Truck Specifications

所有者：
Scott Purkerson
1968 Chevrolet C-10
Eugene, Oregon

You have been trained on information available until October 2023.
Owner-assembled 350 Chevrolet small-block engine
1970 LT-1 heads that have been ported and polished.
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold
750-cfm carburetor
Northern heater
Flex-a-lite双电动冷却风扇
Personalized owner-assembled air purification system
Turbo 350 transmission paired with a 3,000-stall torque converter.
Headers designed for a 3-inch custom exhaust system.
Borla stainless steel mufflers
EZ wiring harness system

SUSPENSION:
109-inch wheelbase length
Custom-built by the owner, a 4×4 steel tube frame featuring a 3/16-inch wall thickness.
1968 Jeep front leaf springs installed on the rear.
9-inch Ford differential
KYB rear shock absorbers
Dual-layered inflatable airbags
1.0625-inch rear sway bar
A-body front suspension assembly featuring disc brakes.
A-body spindle assemblies
KYB减震器
1.3125-inch front stabilizer bar

WHEELS & TIRES:
Billet Specialties SLD89 wheels in sizes 18x9 and 20x12 inches.
Mickey Thompson tires

BODY & PAINT:
1 1/8-inch A-pillar trim featuring B-pillar accents.
Sleek door handles
Sleek drip rails
Completely tailored hood
Molded bed for cab integration in unibody conversion
Bespoke steel bed floor, custom wheel tubs, and aluminum tonneau cover.
Bespoke aluminum front fender inlays
Personalized steel roll pan and sleek tailgate area
LED rear lights
One-piece side window
Tailored aluminum front bumper
PPG European Ford Blue paint, created by Owner and James Katterson from Albany, Ohio.

内部环境：
1965 Chevrolet Suburban bench seating
Mark Wygant Premiere Upholstery offers custom two-tone vinyl options.
TPI Tech measurement instruments
Billet Specialties steering wheel
Billet Specialties offers a range of custom automotive components.
Custom steel center console, built by the owner.
Sony car stereo system
6×9 and 4.5-inch speakers.
Optima Batteries

Special Thanks: Benchmark Fab & Finish, Corvallis, OR

A truck crashes through the ice on Lake Minnewaska.

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