1970 Chevy C10 Build: 1,000+ HP, QA1 Suspension, Garage-Built
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Some of the best builds do not start with a blank check or a high-end shop. They start in a garage. Late nights. Tools scattered across the floor. A vision that refuses to fade.
That is exactly how this 1970 Chevrolet C10 shortbed, known today as the NorCal C10, came to life. What began as a clean truck quickly turned into a full teardown, all done by owner and builder Randall Thurston, largely in his home garage. What followed, in his own words, was a build that “took off like a hurricane.”
Rather than starting from scratch with an aftermarket chassis, Randall chose to stick with the stock frame for practical and budget reasons. The result is a truck that feels authentic to its roots but reimagined with modern performance and drivability. At its core, this is a hands-on, do-it-yourself build powered by passion, perseverance, and long nights turning wrenches.
A Father, a Son, and a Shared Vision
This build carries more weight than horsepower numbers alone would suggest. Randall did not build this truck by himself. He built it with his son.
Every welded joint, every bolted component, and every decision became part of a shared experience. It is the kind of project that creates lifelong memories and a story that lives far beyond the garage walls.
Randall did not just build a C10. He built something meaningful alongside his son, one late night at a time.
Power with Purpose
Under the hood sits a Wegner LS3 Gen V, topped with a 3.0L Whipple supercharger and capable of producing 1,000+ horsepower. It is a combination chosen for reliability, response, and real-world performance, not just shock value.
Randall still remembers the day the engine arrived. After work, he pulled into the driveway to find the crate sitting there waiting.
“The best feeling ever,” he said.
Fuel delivery is handled by a complete Aeromotive system, including a 5.0 brushless pump, PTFE fuel lines, and VP C85 ethanol. Engine management comes from a Holley Dominator ECU, paired with a12-inch Holley Pro Dash for real-time control and data. Cooling is managed by a Mishimoto ice box and an Aeromotive universal coolant pump, ensuring stability when the boost comes in hard.
Backing it all is a fully built American Powertrain T56 Magnum 6-speed, connected through a QA1 carbon fiber driveshaft that reduces rotating mass while maintaining strength at high power levels.
QA1 Suspension: Confidence Built from the Ground Up
With this level of power, suspension and chassis integrity are non-negotiable.
The NorCal C10 runs a complete QA1 front and rear suspension kit, anchored by QA1 MOD Series shocks at all four corners. Combined with QA1 sway bars, the truck delivers a level of control and balance that feels entirely removed from its 1970 origins.
The stock frame has been boxed for stiffness and reinforced using a Tinworks truss kit, giving the suspension a solid foundation to work from. Out back, a Quick Performance full-floater 9-inch rear end with a Truetrac differential and Strange axles ensures strength and reliability under load.
The result is a truck that drives modern, responds instantly, and remains composed no matter how aggressively it is driven.
Grip, Braking, and Real-World Performance
Rolling stock consists of BC Forged wheels, sized 19x11 up front and 20x12 in the rear, wrapped in Michelin Cup 2 tires measuring 295/35-19 front and 345/30-20 rear. The setup provides massive grip without sacrificing feedback or road feel.
Stopping power comes from Wilwood big rotor kits, with 6-piston calipers up front and 4-piston calipers in the rear, ensuring confidence whether cruising or coming down hard from speed.
Built, Struggled, and Earned
Some of the most impressive aspects of this build are not the parts on a spec sheet, but the challenges Randall and his son faced by DIYing the build.
The custom exhaust system was one of the toughest tasks. The Black Widow Angry Housewife exhaust, paired with Randall’s own proprietary layout, took nearly a month to complete. The side-exit teardrop tips alone required ten attempts.
He calls it a nightmare. It is also one of his favorite details today.
Inside the cab, the custom roll cage stands out as another major accomplishment. Randall bent, measured, and welded it himself, a task he describes as one of the hardest parts of the entire build.
The interior blends performance and comfort, featuring Sparco QRT-R bucket seats with 6-point harnesses, TMI door panels and dash, and Vintage Air Gen 5 climate control to keep the truck enjoyable on the street.
Paint, Pressure, and Learning Along the Way
The truck is finished in Fiat Passion Red 176A, a color that commands attention but comes with its own anxieties. Randall admits he was nervous about maintaining the paint at first.
With guidance from local detailing friends and the help of the team at 3D Car Care, he learned how to properly care for the finish. Like many builders, he started with the wrong technique and improved through trial, error, and advice from those willing to help.
That learning process became another chapter in the build.
Fresh Miles and First Drives
Despite looking like a seasoned show truck, the NorCal C10 has just 118 miles on the odometer. It essentially went from jack stands to Hot August Nights and straight to the SEMA Show.
Even the clutch break-in became part of the story.
When Randall finally put real miles on the truck, the payoff was immediate. He describes the throttle response as explosive yet controllable, and the driving experience as truly modern. Heads turn everywhere it goes, but the real reward is how confidently it performs.
Built to Drive, Engineered to Perform
The NorCal C10 is the result of two years of dedication, problem-solving, and relentless attention to detail. It is a garage-built truck with world-class execution, powered by modern engineering and grounded in personal meaning.
At QA1, great builds start with the suspension and chassis. This C10 proves exactly why. When control, adjustability, and confidence matter as much as horsepower, QA1 provides the foundation that brings everything together.
FAQs
What QA1 components are featured on this truck?
This build features QA1 MOD Series coilovers front and rear, QA1 sway bars, and a QA1 carbon fiber driveshaft. Together, these components provide adjustability, control, and modern road manners. Browse all QA1 Suspension for C10 trucks
How does the NorCal C10 drive compared to a stock 1970 truck?
According to Randall, the truck drives modern. Throttle response is explosive yet controllable, and the QA1 suspension delivers confidence, stability, and composure that feel far removed from its original 1970 behavior.
What was the most challenging part of the build?
Randall cites the custom exhaust and roll cage as two of the toughest parts. The exhaust took nearly a month to complete, and the side-exit teardrop tips required ten attempts before getting them right.
Does the NorCal C10 still use the stock frame?
Yes. The truck retains the original stock frame, which was boxed for rigidity and reinforced with a Tinworks truss kit.
How much horsepower does the NorCal C10 make?
The supercharged Wegner LS3 Gen V produces over 1,000 horsepower using a 3.0L Whipple and VP C85 ethanol.
