Today’s truck is a 1966 Chevrolet C10 Pickup Truck that is owned by Richard Velasco. Richard built this truck as memorial to the Velasco family’s 19 year old son. LCpl Reben Velasco. He was lost 5 years ago, on August 5th, 2021, when the Osprey he was aboard went down off the coast of Australia. I saw this truck at the Honoring Our Fallen Car Show held at the Lions Automobilia Foundation and Museum located at 2790 E Del Amo Blvd, Rancho Dominguez, CA 90221. Entrance on Santa Fe Ave. This car show is to help benefit the solders families like Ruben who have fallen during their service to our country. Richard’s efforts on this memorial build show the love he has for son Ruben.
As a tribute to Ruben, Richard wanted to bring something back to life and to keep himself busy. The truck was all rusty and in pieces when he started. The truck is finished in a two tone combination of Danube Blue and Slate Gray, both colors are 1966 Chevrolet Impala colors, with Red wheels and pin striping. It has a 1959 Impala Blue Interior pattern with a matching carseat that compliments the exterior of the truck masterfully. It is powered by 295 hp, 325 cu in, 5.3 liter, Vortex engine with sequential fuel injection. Transferring that power to a GM 4L60-E 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Helping slow it down are power assisted disc brakes in the front and drum brakes in the rear. It also has Vintage Air conditioning and power steering, The suspension in the front is independent with air bags and a stabilizer bar and in the rear are coil springs with heavy duty shocks all around.
Richard produced a fitting memorial for his son. This is a great truck that will do great at truck shows, Chevrolet shows, and GM shows, local Cars and Coffee events, or just a trip to the beach for a family picnic. Thanks for riding along. Frank
