1998 Chevrolet S-10

“Blue Collar”

Owned by: Dave Weakley

Photos by: Jason Carroll

In the world of custom automotive builds, few vehicles capture the spirit of dedication and craftsmanship like the 1998 Chevrolet S-10 owned by Dave Weakley. Known as “Blue Collar,” this ride started as a humble work truck but has been transformed into a stunning showcase of automotive engineering and design. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this build unique and why it deserves a place among the greats.

The Inspiration Behind “Blue Collar”

Dave Weakley has owned this 1998 Chevrolet S-10 since new, a true testament to his passion and dedication to keeping the truck fresh and relevant. The truck started life as a base model with a 2.2L engine, 5-speed manual transmission, vinyl flooring, and crank windows—everything you’d expect from a blue-collar work truck. But over the years, Dave felt the need to give his beloved S-10 a new look that wouldn’t go stale. After five months of intense labor, followed by a four-month wait for its debut, “Blue Collar” emerged, blending nostalgia with modern upgrades.

Build Overview

• Make/Model/Year: 1998 Chevrolet S-10
• Original Cost: $11,000
• Engine: Chevrolet LS1/Gen III 5.3L V8
• Horsepower: 450 HP
• Torque: 420 lb-ft
• Color: Apex Blue Pearl (PPG Deltron)

Engine & Performance

Under the hood, “Blue Collar” features a Chevrolet LS1/Gen III 5.3L V8 engine, capable of producing 450 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine has undergone several modifications, including #799 cylinder heads, a custom cam with specs of 222/231 @0.50″ .545″/.545″ 112 LSA, and hypereutectic pistons with 10.0:1 compression. The engine was built by Inge Autoworks, ensuring top-notch performance while maintaining a street-friendly disposition.

Chassis & Suspension

To handle the power and provide a comfortable ride, the chassis received significant modifications. The truck features a six-inch step notch with a Thor Bros three-link suspension system. The front suspension includes Bell Tech 2″ drop spindles, while Slam Specialties airbags and a Viair 480C compressor handle the air ride system. The painted black chassis complements the truck’s exterior, adding to its sleek appearance.

Exterior Design

The exterior of “Blue Collar” is where the artistry truly shines. The truck is finished in Apex Blue Pearl, a PPG Deltron paint, applied by Eric Foelber. The body modifications are subtle yet impactful, including the use of two front bumpers grafted together to remove the center step-up, paired with a ’94-’97 valance. The rear bumper has been shaved, cut down by 3.5 inches, and tucked close to the bed. Additional modifications include a raised bed floor with a custom filler panel behind the tailgate, shaved antenna, and windshield washer sprayers.

Wheels & Tires

The truck rolls on custom, one-off Bonspeed wheels, with 18×8 wheels up front wrapped in 225/40-R18 tires, and 20×10 wheels in the rear paired with 275/35-R20 tires. These wheels not only enhance the truck’s stance but also provide a clean, aggressive look that complements its performance upgrades.

Interior & Audio

The interior of “Blue Collar” is as detailed as the exterior. Matt Reynolds of Charm City Upholstery worked his magic on the fully wrapped dash, doors, and interior plastics. The German square weave carpet, along with the custom-foamed seats wrapped in distressed vinyl, alcantara, and woven leather inserts, elevates the cabin to luxury status.

For entertainment, Dave installed a Kenwood Double Din head unit with CarPlay, powered by Alpine amplifiers driving Infinity and Alpine speakers, creating an immersive audio experience. The truck’s bed features Gator Step EVA Foam Boat Decking, tying the design together.

Future Plans

As with any enthusiast, Dave’s journey with “Blue Collar” is far from over. While he’s poured his heart into this build, there are always more tweaks and updates on the horizon to keep the truck evolving.

Club Affiliation

Dave is a proud member of Negative Camber, a respected custom truck and car club known for its high-caliber builds. Being part of this community has further fueled his passion for the automotive scene.

Acknowledgments

No build happens in isolation, and Dave is quick to credit those who helped bring his vision to life. Special thanks go to:

• Lindsay Weakley: For her constant support.
• Eric Foelber: For prepping and painting the truck.
• Matt Reynolds of Charm City Upholstery: For the interior work.
• Paul Davis: For PDR work.
• Fred, April, and Ryan Hebron: For their contributions to the bodywork, laser etching, and assembly.
• Jason Wolfgang and Nick Daily: For metal work.
• Wake Cumberland Watersports: For the Gator Step material in the bed.
• Jody Smith: For the Wilwood caliper detailing.

Conclusion

“Blue Collar” is more than just a truck; it’s a symbol of dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Dave Weakley’s commitment to continuously upgrading and refining his S-10 ensures that this once-basic work truck will always remain a head-turner. Whether at shows or on the street, “Blue Collar” is a testament to the beauty of custom automotive craftsmanship.