Custom 1971 Chevy Truck Is a Son’s Thank You to His Father
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When Kevin Webb wanted to express gratitude to his father, Jimmy, on his 80th birthday, he couldn’t think of a better gift than a restored 1971 Chevrolet truck. After all, that truck was the year, make and model that Jimmy bought new for his carpentry business all those years ago.
Back in the day, Jimmy would do essential maintenance with Kevin at his side, showing him the ropes.
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The truck, showcased at the SEMA Show this month, was entered into the Battle of the Builders competition.
A Dad’s Encouragement
Jimmy wanted his son to become a carpenter. While Kevin admired his dad’s workmanship, automobiles were his true love.
Kevin said:
Dad always encouraged me to do what I wanted. Besides, you can’t cut and weld back together 2X4s.
Kevin Webb is the proprietor of Hot Rod Custom Garage in Belleville, Ill.
At 18, Kevin entered the automotive field. He became a GM Master Technician and then a manager for GM dealerships. Later, he became an ASE Master Technician and National Street Rod Association (NSRA) inspector and taught vocational classes.
He enjoyed working on cars and, occasionally, would help a friend work on a hot rod. So in 2019, he launched Hot Rod Custom Garage - opens in new window or tab. in Belleville, Ill. These days, the ultra-popular shop has a six-month waiting list.
1971 Chevy Truck Build
There's a surprise hiding behind the side marker light.
Kevin wanted to surprise his dad on his 80th birthday. So six months before the big day, he started scouring the region for the perfect truck, covering thousands of miles. When his search failed to surface the ‘71 Chevrolet, he took matters into his own hands. It helped that he owns a shop that repairs classic vehicles.
Kevin bought two trucks—one for the foundation and another for donated parts. The first truck was originally a long bed, and he cut the chassis down to become a short bed. Rather than cut the sheet metal for the box, he replaced it with short bed pieces. It took him three months to pre-fab the truck and get the basics squared away.
He surprised his dad on his birthday with the truck in pre-fab status and told him to choose paint, accessories, and options. Jimmy selected a dark olive, just like his original truck. It took Kevin 18 months to finish the project.
It's the little things that matter most.
Jimmy mentioned that he didn’t want to open the tailgate to add fuel. A common restoration is to move the fuel tank from behind the driver’s seat to between the frame rails under the truck bed. Kevin pondered the request and finally figured out a solution. He moved the gas filler neck next to the left side clearance reflector. That way, his dad could swivel the reflector out of the way to expose the gas cap.
Built to Dad’s Specs
The engine bay is neat and tidy.
An L98 engine - opens in new window or tab. from a 1990 Corvette, paired with a 700 R4 automatic transmission - opens in new window or tab. powers the truck. Jimmy opted for Vintage Air Conditioning - opens in new window or tab., Dakota gauges - opens in new window or tab., and a lowered suspension with Ridler wheels - opens in new window or tab.. Kevin included a bed cover to keep Dad’s carpentry works out of the weather. The engine seals, gaskets, front-end suspension pieces, and radiator came from eBay. The stance and glossy dark paint of this C-10 - opens in new window or tab. caught many an eye during the SEMA Show.
Kevin was thrilled to enter the gifted truck into classic car shows.
He said:
Nothing duplicates that feeling of driving the car in for the first time and having admirers check out the car.
The Chevrolet tailgate is a nod to the Corvette engine under the hood.
The father and son have taken the truck to numerous shows. They told attendees that Jimmy uses his custom work truck to haul lumber and sheetrock for carpentry projects. He put 6,000 miles on the truck and plans to add more. Every mile is special because he knows that his talented son built the truck just for him.
The truck, showcased at the SEMA Show this month, was entered into the Battle of the Builders competition. While it might not have won any awards, it certainly won Dad’s stamp of approval and deep appreciation.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.