1982 Chevy S10 Rat Rod

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Issue

March 2024

Owner

Justin Haas

Ride

Shell Shock
(1982 Chevy S10)

Meaning Behind the Name

"The name 'Shell Shock' has personal meaning. It started when my dog got scared in the shop as my neighbor startled him while hunting. A friend compared his behavior to that of a soldier after a shell explosion. This inspired me to name the truck 'Shell Shock' as a tribute to the bond between humans and animals."

Photographer

Chris Gosda

Ride Details

Original Cost

300

Build Cost

$$$

What was the inspiration?

I've always had this burning desire to build a rat rod, something unique and eye-catching. And there it was, sitting right in front of me - an S10 with no bed and no plans. It was like the perfect canvas waiting to be transformed. But what really got me excited was the fact that, at that time, no one had ever built a rat rod out of an S10. It was a chance to make something truly one-of-a-kind. That's when I knew I had to take on this project.

How long did it take you to build?

Year and a half

How long have you been building?

I’ve been working on and building vehicles for 18yrs

Club Affiliations

Relaxed Atmosphere

Your future plans?

Only plans I have for the truck is a motor swap

Thanks to

My mom and dad for always being there to support me, my friends and family for being there to always lend a hand, and my Relaxed Atmosphere family for allowing me to join the family.

Previous Rides

Only ride I've had and enjoyed for the past 16yrs but there is more coming soon

Engine Details

Make

Chevy 1977

Cylinders

Displacement

350

Engine Mods

Herbert Thumper Cam

Engine Add Ons

Custom Lake headers, Vintage 3 Deuce Intake and Carbs, Keg Fuel Tank

Chrome or polish

Nothing Shiny just Powder Coat and Rust

Driveline Details

Axle

12 Bolt Chevy from C10

Builder Shop

Haas Designs and Classic Auto Body

Chassis Details

Chassis

Custom one off from 2x4 tubing

Frame Builder

Haas Designs and Classic Auto Body

Front Shocks

Harley Davidson Rear Coil-overs

Rear Shocks

Stock C10

Spindles

1960 Ford Ton truck front ibeam axle

Springs

Old School Single Spring Traverse Front Setup

Four Link

Rear Triangulated 4link

Compressor Info

Dual Viair 380

Valve Info

2 Manual Ball Valves

Airbag Info

Slam Specialties SS7

Other Mods

Right hand drive, 5 speed manual with shot gun shifter, brake boost/master cylinder and clutch reservoir are mounted under the dash,

Wheels Details

Front Wheel Type

Chevy Steel wheels

Rear Wheel Type

Chevy Steel wheels

Front Wheel Size

15x7

Rear Wheel Size

15x7

Front Tire Size

235/70/15 Custom made white walls

Rear Tire Size

235/70/15 Custom made white walls

Paint Details

Color

OD Green over Red oxide with satin clear

Paint Type

PPG

Graphics Description

Patina, Shop Logo, Army theme Graphics

Painted By

Classic Auto Body

Graphics By

Haas Designs

Body Details

Channeled

4 inches

Hood

What Hood

Grille

70 Jeep CJ5 modified to hold a 55 Chevy Belair Radiator

Bumpers

You Need These

Wing

It doesn't fly

Addon Accessories

Radio Flyer with HornBlaster Train horns, Vintage Cooler and Ammo Crate/Boxes

Body Mods

Shaved Hood, Fenders, Cowl, Firewall, Door Handles. Open Roof. 68 Chevy C10 Stepside Bed with Barn wood floor. 29 Ford A-model taillights with Harley Davidson turn signals. Harley Davidson Mirrors. Driveshaft Tunnel and lower firewall made from 55-gallon barrel

Body Mods by

Classic Auto Body and Haas Designs

Interior Details

Dashboard

Rusted Metal

Gauges

Dolphin Gauges

Steering Wheel

68 Chevy C10

Console

55-Gal Barrel

Amps

Kenwood 4-Channel Bluetooth Amplifier

Speakers

Kenwood 6x9 and 6.5

Stereo Installed by

Haas Designs

Shifter

12 gauge Shot Gun

Seats

Rusted Metal Bomber Seats

Tint Percent

You have to have window to have tint

Upholstery Description

Rusted Metal for a Hardass not a Candyass lol

Upholstery Description

Custom Metal Door Panels with Barn wood trim

Upholstery By

Haas Designs

“Shell Shock”

Owned by: Justin Haas

Photos by: Chris Gosdas

Unleashing the Unprecedented: The Story Behind the S10 Rat Rod Transformation

What ignited the spark?

The idea had been simmering for years—an insatiable desire to create something truly unique and attention-grabbing. Then, it happened. An S10, devoid of its bed and any concrete plans, presented itself as the perfect canvas for transformation. What set my heart racing was the realization that no one had ventured into the realm of rat rod creations using an S10 before. It was an opportunity to carve out something truly unprecedented—a chance I couldn’t let slip away.

How long did the transformation take?

With unwavering determination and countless hours of hard work, the metamorphosis from a standard S10 to a jaw-dropping rat rod was completed over the course of a year and a half.

How extensive is the builder’s experience?

With an impressive 18-year journey of working on and building vehicles, the builder’s expertise and passion shine through in every aspect of this extraordinary project.

Affiliations and Future Aspirations

Proudly affiliated with the esteemed Relaxed Atmosphere, this rat rod project has garnered support from friends, family, and the extended automotive community. Looking ahead, plans are underway for a motor swap, ensuring that this rat rod remains at the forefront of innovation and creativity.

A Peek into the Vehicle’s Past

Acquired from a single owner in the fall of 2019, the S10 served as the starting point for an ambitious journey of transformation and reinvention.

A heartfelt shoutout to the builder’s parents, friends, family, and the Relaxed Atmosphere family for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout the project.

From Past to Present: Previous Rides

While this rat rod project has been the sole focus for the past 16 years, the builder hints at exciting ventures on the horizon.

Unveiling the Heart of the Machine: Engine Specs

Powered by a potent Chevy 350 V8 engine, enhanced with Herbert Thumper Cam and custom upgrades, this rat rod packs a punch both in performance and aesthetics.

Featuring a 12 Bolt Chevy axle from a C10 and a custom-built chassis, this rat rod offers a thrilling ride with its Harley Davidson rear coil-overs and unique suspension setup.

Rolling with Style: Wheel and Paint Preferences

Sporting classic Chevy steel wheels with custom-made white walls, and finished in OD Green over Red oxide with a satin clear coat, this rat rod exudes vintage charm and rugged appeal.

Elevating Aesthetics: Body and Interior Customization

From the 11-inch chop and 4-inch channel to the meticulously crafted interior adorned with rusted metal and vintage accessories, every detail reflects the builder’s dedication to authenticity and creativity.

In conclusion, this S10 rat rod stands as a testament to innovation, craftsmanship, and the unyielding pursuit of automotive artistry. With its unparalleled blend of vintage aesthetics and modern ingenuity, it captivates onlookers and enthusiasts alike, leaving an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.