The Baddest 1993 Chevy Indy Pace Truck

• July 17, 2024
• Story By
  Kevin Aguilar

Many vehicle models have rare variations that collectors prize. Limited editions and special packages stand out from the standard models, attracting devoted enthusiasts who eagerly track them down.

The Find of a Lifetime

In this case, Jeff Volker wasn't after a specific trim level when he began searching for a clean Chevy OBS truck years ago. He simply needed a solid foundation, a rust-free truck in good condition for a modest customization project. What he stumbled upon, however, was far more extraordinary.

Those familiar with the limited-edition 1993 C1500 Indy 500 Pace Truck know that only 1,534 were ever produced. This rarity, coupled with the recent surge in OBS truck popularity, has made them highly sought-after. While some collectors actively hunt for these trucks, Jeff's discovery was pure luck. "It was a clean, Southern truck with no rust – that's all that initially attracted me," he said.

Revolutionary New Lows

Originally, he envisioned outfitting it with large wheels, an LS1 engine with a supercharger and upgraded brakes. The plan was straightforward, with a clear list of parts needed. But, Jeff's vision for his truck took an unexpected turn when he learned about a soon-to-be-released aftermarket product. "When I heard about Roadster Shop's LowPro chassis designed specifically for OBS trucks, I knew I had to have one," he says. "I put everything else on hold to wait for this ultimate chassis system for my truck."

Keeping it Planted

Jeff's eagerness to secure the LowPro chassis was evident as he snagged the second one ever produced. With some time before his Chevy's frame would be ready, he sourced a set of staggered Billet Specialties Blvd 83 wheels — a split-spoke design that complemented the truck's overall sporty aesthetic. Big 265/35R22 and 295/35R24 Nitto NT420V tires were added for their high performance and stylish qualities, along with the fact they are great for both dry and wet conditions. Jeff also upgraded the braking system with 16-inch kits from Little Shop MFG.

Boosted Beast

Texas Speed & Performance was tasked with stroking the 6.0L LS engine to 408ci, adding a Wipple supercharger and a Wegner accessory drive system. Importantly, Jeff secured the talents of Josh Hart from Hart Fabrication to perform a comprehensive list of impressive body modifications, including crafting one-off sheetmetal panels to house the enhanced LS engine. The work in the engine bay was just one aspect of the extensive contributions Hart Fab would make to the project.

Smooth Moves

Although Jeff owns an auto body and paint shop, he entrusted the body modifications on his OBS project to Josh Hart. Hart Fab's work included shaving the tailgate handle, filling the stake pocket holes, and modifying the rear bumper for a sleeker look. The truck bed received custom details with panels along the inner walls and wheel wells, along with three access panels in the floor for easy access to the chassis system below. Jeff readily acknowledges Hart's contributions, "this truck wouldn't be what it is without the skilled hands of Josh Hart."

Once the fabrication work was complete, Jeff meticulously prepped and aligned all the body panels before painting the entire truck and applying the Indy Pace Truck reproduction decals from Phoenix Graphics on both sides. He further refined the truck's exterior by smoothing and clearing the OEM headlights and taillights for a clean, subtle detail appreciated by those with a keen eye for detail.

Staying True

The goal for the interior was to maintain a mostly original look with some custom touches. Jeff sourced a set of maroon 454SS seats, which were reupholstered in OEM gray cloth. Joel Shusta joined the team to refresh the interior by recovering the door panels and installing fresh square weave carpeting. All plastic pieces were dyed to restore their luster.

Modern Features

To add a touch of intrigue, Chad and Allen at CC Tek fabricated a special billet insert for the center console, providing a convenient yet unobtrusive location for the AccuAir controller. Custom pedals were crafted for the interior, and a Sparc Industries steering wheel was installed to give Jeff a stylish command center for his performance-oriented truck. JL Audio speakers and amplifiers were incorporated to deliver a dynamic sound system, while a Restomod Air climate control system with Bluetooth connectivity was added for year-round comfort.

Going All In

Jeff embarked on this project without a clear vision of the ultimate outcome, yet he wouldn't change a thing about the journey. The final product took considerably longer than initially planned, but that was a welcome consequence of the decision to elevate this project.

Hard Facts

 ***Owner IG @lethalcx

***Hart Fab IG @hart_fab