TRUCKED UP SPOTLIGHT: Introducing Monarch Orange “Betsy”: A C10 Restoration Journey!

Let’s give a huge shoutout to TRUCKED UP customer, Barry, for the incredible work he’s done on restoring his 1972 Chevy C10. We’re beyond excited to share the story of how Barry brought his Betsy back to life – and trust us, it’s a journey worth celebrating!

Barry’s first encounter with Betsy, his 1972 Chevy C10, was in July of 2018. The connection? A setup arranged by his brother on Facebook – because sometimes, the best things in life are just one click away. Since then, Barry and Betsy have been through a lot together, and their bond is stronger than ever.

The Love for Chevy C10’s: A Passion That Started Early

The Chevy C10 has been a staple in Barry’s life from a young age. At just 19 years old, while working at Malcome’s Sunoco Auto in Pennsylvania, Barry got his first taste of truck love. As Mr. Dependable in the shop, working 10-hour days, six days a week, he quickly became attached to the shop truck – a sweet red and white C10 Chevy that he had the pleasure of driving. To top it off, Barry’s stepdad had a copper-colored C10 that he’d take out for fun Friday night drives or even run errands. It’s no wonder that these trucks captured his heart, and now, his very own C10 is a masterpiece.

The Vision: Six Years, $35,000, and a Dream Come True

Restoring Betsy wasn’t a quick fix; it was a labor of love. Over six years and a budget of $35,000, Barry brought his dream truck to life. This journey had its challenges, especially during the COVID years when parts were hard to find, and supply chains were strained. But Barry’s determination never wavered. Some parts even had to be tweaked and adjusted – there was even a moment when a come-along was used to make a part fit perfectly!  Here’s a breakdown of Barry’s incredible restoration journey: which includes “All the Way Around” stainless steel bed rail caps provided by TRUCKED UP!

2018: The Design Work

Barry put his heart and soul into designing every aspect of Betsy’s transformation. After purchasing her for $6,000 in July 2018, he dove right into planning the upgrades. The vision for this sweet C10 was set in motion.

2019 – 2022: Bodywork

The bodywork was a massive undertaking. While Betsy looked good at first glance, the rust was lurking beneath the surface. The bodywork costs quickly grew, almost doubling the initial estimate. Here are the highlights:

• Cab Corners: The cab corners were shot, held up with nothing more than a piece of angle iron. What followed was a real “peeling the onion” moment – as each layer of rust was removed, more had to be replaced. In the end, nearly all the original metal was replaced (except for the rocker panels and interior).
• Truck Bed: The bed sides were rusted out from the inside, so they had to be completely replaced. Barry went the extra mile by adding a spray-on bedliner and even carpeting the back of the bed himself.
• Suspension: Betsy’s suspension got a major upgrade with a two-inch drop in the front and three in the back.

2022: The Engine

With the bodywork wrapped up, Barry teamed up with a friend to rebuild Betsy’s 350 engine. They added a Holly 610 carburetor, an Edelbrock manifold, and a four-cell radiator to keep things running cool. And just in time for Barry’s birthday in December, the engine was ready to drop in.

2023: Interior Work

Barry took on the entire interior overhaul himself, with just one exception – the seat, which was recently added. From new carpet to a custom stereo that looks original but features Bluetooth and other updates, Barry put his personal touch on every detail. And for an extra dash of style, he added a gorgeous houndstooth inlay to the doors. New speakers were also tucked under the dashboard for great sound on the road.

2024: Exterior Work

Betsy’s custom paint job was the icing on the cake. The striking Monarch Copper color – a Nissan shade chosen by Barry – gives her a unique look that stands out from the crowd. 

 But that’s not all. Barry designed custom artwork for Betsy, and Hot Rod Jenn was commissioned to hand-paint it in just four hours. Talk about a true work of art!

TRUCKED UP Finishing Touches

To top it off, Barry added TRUCKED UP stainless steel bed rail caps, giving Betsy the final touches that make her the Monarch of C10s.

A Masterpiece on Wheels

Barry’s 1972 Chevy C10 is nothing short of stunning. Everywhere he goes, he gets a thumbs up – and we can’t help but throw one his way too! We’re proud to have been a part of Barry’s journey, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this beautiful truck.

Barry and Betsy love hitting up truck shows, so if you spot them around town, be sure to stop by and say hello. And if you’re inspired by Barry’s restoration story, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at TRUCKED UP – we’d love to help you bring your dream truck to life.

Got your own restoration journey to share? Reach out to us at TRUCKED UP and let’s tell your story!