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When Clay Kirksey first laid eyes on his 1966 Chevy C10 pickup truck, it was far from the automotive masterpiece it is today. Purchased by his father at a construction rental auction in Montana for just $800, the truck had a humble 283 V8 engine with "four in the floor" transmission, a bench seat, and a gun rack. Little did Clay know, this truck would become the ultimate canvas for his automotive ambitions—a true testament to grit, determination, and relentless passion for the craft.
A Journey of Growth and Transformation
Growing up in Southern California, Clay was raised in a competitive, hands-on environment. Inspired by his father's love for anything with wheels, he cut his teeth on dirt bikes, jet skis, and later, on ambitious automotive builds. His early experience taught him the value of hard work, meticulous preparation, and a deep understanding of mechanics. Over time, these skills evolved into a deep-rooted passion for building and racing that led to some incredible achievements, like being part of the team that built the class-winning Radford P-62 race car at the 101st Pikes Peak Hill Climb.
But the Chevy C10, lovingly named "Gerald," has always held a special place in Clay’s heart. His first car, this truck was a gift from his father—a symbol of their shared love for cars and hands-on projects. “What began as a simple brake and suspension upgrade quickly spiraled into a major project,” Clay shares. “After six years of working to fund parts, the truck has evolved into a full Pro Touring fusion build."
Breathing New Life into 'Gerald'
Clay's vision was clear: he wanted to take a truck that had once been broken down and beaten and give it more than just a new life but a new personality. The transformation began with an LS2 iron block, bored to 408 cubic inches, producing a remarkable 585 horsepower at the crank. The engine features top-of-the-line components, including a TSP billet steel crankshaft, Compstar H beam connecting rods, Carrillo low silicon billet pistons, a TSP Stage 4 Tsunami Camshaft, and heavily ported and polished 243 Cathedral cylinder heads with titanium valves. Every detail of the build has been meticulously planned and executed by Clay himself, from the Holley Hi-Ram intake with a 95mm Sniper throttle body to the custom stepped exhaust headers and Accel ignition components.
To handle all that power, Clay equipped "Gerald" with a Tremec TR6060 transmission, known for its strength and reliability, and a Yukon limited-slip differential with 3.43 gearing. A set of Detroit Steel Ambassador wheels wrapped in Nitto NT555 tires provides the perfect balance of style and performance, while a Classic Performance Products (CPP) disc brake conversion kit ensures that the truck stops just as well as it goes.
Engineering Excellence from the Ground Up
The suspension and steering systems are equally impressive, featuring a complete front and rear CPP 3-inch drop kit, sway bars, and a custom steering yoke and column. A frame C-notch and rear axle riser create a balanced stance that gives the truck a mean, aggressive look while improving handling.
Inside the cab, Clay has left no stone unturned. The entire interior has been reimagined with a flat floor, a custom center console, and a high-end JL Audio sound system. The roll cage, made of 2 1/4" double-wall steel, has been integrated into the truck’s structure, providing safety and rigidity. Custom Cobra Evolution Pro seats fitted with Schroth 4-point safety harnesses offer comfort and support during high-speed runs and long road trips alike.
The dash has been smoothed and modernized with digital gauges and a Switch Pro for all accessories, while a JEGS main switch panel controls ignition functions. The result is an interior that feels as purposeful as it is polished, seamlessly blending vintage charm with modern convenience.
Honoring the Past, Driving into the Future
On the exterior, Clay has preserved the truck's classic lines while adding unique touches, like side cutouts for his Boom Tubes and a 3/8-inch thick aluminum spoiler mounted to the rear tailgate. The bed has been redone with cherry wood coated in seven layers of lacquer, and the battery box, made from a WWII bomb crate, adds a touch of rustic authenticity to this one-of-a-kind build.
Reflecting on the journey, Clay says, "These photos quite frankly made me emotional because never in my wildest dreams did I believe my vehicle would amount to this. I had all odds stacked against me, and to see these, I simply just broke down. So everyone, please feast your eyes on Gerald in his finest form…"
The Road Ahead
Now, at 24 years old, Clay is eager to build on this momentum. "My dream is to own a restoration and race prep shop where I can manage a variety of automotive projects while helping clients achieve their goals," he shares. "Whether it’s a family restoration or a full-frame competition build, I want to be a resource for the car-fanatics and dreamers like myself."
This Chevy C10 build represents more than just a truck; it's a testament to Clay's journey, his love for the craft, and his desire to inspire the next generation of automotive enthusiasts. As Clay continues to push the boundaries of what's possible, we can't wait to see where his passion for building and innovation will take him next.
Celebrating a Milestone
For Clay, this build is more than a project; it's a milestone, a labor of love, and a symbol of his growth as a builder. "Cheers to the JEGS family as this marks truly a valuable moment in my own life, and I promise the journey is only up from here!" he exclaims. And with that, Clay Kirksey’s 1966 Chevy C10 roars to life, a beautifully crafted machine ready for the next chapter on the road ahead.
Join Clay's Journey
Stay tuned for more updates on Clay's builds, and follow along as he continues to make his mark in the automotive world on Instagram @Clay_Kirksey, one extraordinary vehicle at a time as well as JEGS @jegsperformance that highlights this and other great stories.
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