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BendPak UAEValor C10: A Hero's Rebuild
Meet the Builder: Dustin Hacker of Nostalgia Hot Rods
May 21, 2025
To bring the Valor C10 to life, we turned to someone who doesn’t just build trucks - he crafts rolling art. Dustin Hacker, founder of Nostalgia Hot Rods, has built a reputation for bold, expressive craftsmanship—and his work has been featured in more than one of our SEMA displays.
Now working out of a new, state-of-the-art facility in Cedar City, Utah, Dustin and his team are helping shape a truck that reflects both their signature fabrication style and our shared vision for modern American muscle.
"This truck isn't a restoration. It's a full transformation. From workhorse to war machine."
Dustin HackerThe Vision Behind Valor
May 24, 2025
A custom-built C10 that reflects BendPak’s heritage, values, and deep appreciation for those who serve.
The design blends modern performance with subtle, military-inspired details. From the rear, the exposed Speedtech independent suspension highlights the engineering underneath.
When complete, Valor will travel with us to SEMA, car shows, and community events—built to be a showpiece and a tribute.
"One dream I've always carried was to build our own custom vehicle—something that reflected both who we are as a company and what we stand for."
Jeff Kritzer
Speedtech Chassis Sets the Foundation
May 27, 2025
The Speedtech Performance ExtReme chassis just arrived—a major upgrade from the factory leaf springs to a full independent rear suspension built for modern handling. With the four-way adjustable QA1 MOD coilovers installed, we’re now dialing in ride height and mocking up the driveline before final paint and assembly.
"Leaf springs are out. Independent rear suspension is in. Valor’s got the bones of a road course bruiser. Agile, balanced, and ready to grip."
Dustin HackerBodywork Begins
May 29, 2025
The cab was in decent shape for its age, but years of wear left rust in the floorboards, tired door pillars, and uneven panel alignment. We pulled it off the frame, set it on a rotisserie, and started cutting out damaged areas—replacing everything with clean, solid steel. The bed needed more work. After separating it from the frame, we found areas beyond basic cleanup. Inner fenders are being modified to clear the new suspension, wheel tubs widened, and the tailgate smoothed for a cleaner overall look.
Under The Hood..
June 2, 2025
Powering Valor is a 6.2L aluminum LS block topped with a Whipple 2.9L twin-screw supercharger, cranking out 650 horsepower to the wheels. More details to come...
Mock-Up in Motion
June 3, 2025
Right now, Valor is down to its essentials. The chassis is exposed, the cab is being squared away, and the bed floor is out—giving a full view of the custom work underneath. GUNIWHEELs are bolted on to keep the truck mobile as fabrication ramps up. The crew is also widening the rear tubs to clear the massive meats that are going in next!
Custom Bed Floor Fabrication
June 6, 2025
With the rear suspension exposed, the bed floor had to match in both quality and intent. Every panel started as raw sheet metal—measured, cut, and bead rolled by hand using traditional fabrication methods.
The bead lines add more than just style—they provide structure and rigidity without extra weight. Each line was laid out to align with the chassis and suspension geometry beneath.
Now that the floor is mocked into place, the team is moving into full body alignment and final metalwork.
Drip Rail Delete
June 10, 2025
Action shot: the crew is shaving the drip rail off the cab for a cleaner, streamlined look. More metalwork underway—stay tuned!
Welding in Progress
July 3, 2025
Bodywork is full steam ahead. The team is welding in panels, refining the bed, and dialing in panel gaps for a clean, consistent fit. Every seam, line, and surface is getting attention as we lock in the final metalwork before moving to the next phase.
TIG Welding Final Touches
July 8, 2025
The crew is laying down the final TIG welds on the bed—clean passes, tight joints, and attention to detail all the way through.
Tailgate + Cab Cleanup
July 16, 2025
The factory drip rail seam at the top of the cab has been shaved for a cleaner, more streamlined look. Out back, the tailgate is getting the same treatment. To lay down the tribute mural properly, the entire tailgate needs to be completely smoothed
More Custom Work in Progress..
July 30, 2025
Getting started on the transmission tunnel and smoothing out the firewall!
Setting the Stage for Power
August 5, 2025
Mock-up motor’s in! Getting exhaust and accessories lined up, front end gapped, engine bay coming together, and fabbing the trans tunnel.
Progress Never Looked so Good
August 19, 2025
Wrapping up the last of the bed fabrication so we can move into bodywork. Panel gaps are getting fine-tuned, and the whole truck is starting to take shape. Walk-around progress update.
Fabrication Wrapped, Primer Ahead
September 4, 2025
This week’s progress included hand-forming the transmission tunnel, fitting custom hood hinges, and smoothing the modified firewall. A mock-up engine was set in to check clearances, the steering rack and dash are taking shape, and all panel gaps have been dialed. Step by step, this truck is getting closer to primer.
Valor C10 Meets the Octa-Flex.
December 15, 2025
The Valor is up on BendPak’s Octa-Flex 8-arm lift as we prep for the next big step—cab removal. This milestone opens the door for chassis work, drivetrain mock-ups, and the real transformation ahead.
Valor C10 Gets Primer
September 30, 2025
We didn't expect the Valor C10 to look this good in primer, but the lines, stance, and details already tell the story. Even before paint, this build shows how much work and intent went into doing it right.
Dialing in the Details Before Paint
January 26, 2026
Before the Valor C10 heads into paint, everything gets assembled one last time to make sure it's right. In this phase of the build, the entire truck is reinstalled from front to back to verify fitment, alignment, and panel gaps. Doors, hood, bumpers, tailgate, lights, and glass are all test-fitted so every line flows exactly as intended.
Blocking, Bodywork, and Perfecting Panel Gaps
February 26, 2026
In this Valor C10 build update, the team focuses on fine bodywork, blocking, and refining panel gaps to get the truck laser-straight before paint. Using guide coat techniques and careful hand blocking, every surface is checked, corrected, and brought into alignment. This phase is all about patience and accuracy. Small adjustments now prevent big problems later. Tight gaps. Straight panels. Clean lines.