Valor C10

A Tribute to American Heroes

Why We're Building Valor C10

After more than forty years watching BendPak grow from a humble startup to a global brand, I’ve been fortunate to witness many incredible things in the automotive world. From revolutionary innovations in car lift technology to unforgettable SEMA moments, the passion and creativity in this industry never cease to inspire me.

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. This year, that dream is becoming a reality.

"This isn’t just a truck. It’s a tribute to the generations of men and women who wear the uniform, defend our freedom, and sacrifice more than many of us will ever know."

— Jeff Kritzer, President and CEO

Growing up, I was captivated by classic war films like The Longest Day, Full Metal Jacket, The Dirty Dozen, Apocalypse Now, Sands of Iwo Jima, and Tora! Tora! Tora! Some were fictional, some based in truth, but all gave me a window into the bravery, brotherhood, and grit that defined the Greatest Generation and still defines our armed forces today.

Like so many of you, I’ve walked the halls of SEMA and marveled at the incredible custom builds that showcase craftsmanship, power, and vision.

But for us, this isn’t about following a trend. This project is driven by two deeply personal reasons:

To honor the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, especially those who gave their lives in defense of our nation, and those who devoted their lives to service.
To tell the story of our groundbreaking Octa-Flex lift, a one-of-a-kind innovation that deserves to be showcased beneath a one-of-a-kind vehicle.

We’re calling the build Valor C10, and every nut, bolt, weld, and brushstroke will be a tribute to American courage, sacrifice, and patriotism.

A Deeply Personal Mission

This build hits close to home.

As a former C-130 Loadmaster in the Air National Guard, and the proud son of a Senior Master Sergeant, also a Loadmaster, whose entire life was devoted to military service, the military has always been part of my life. My father also helped protect communities here in California, flying dangerous fire missions from the back of a C-130, dropping fire retardant to help fight wildfires throughout the state.

Our son Devin also served with distinction in the U.S. Army. After a brief assignment at Schofield Barracks in Hawaii as part of the 8th Military Police Brigade, he was deployed to both Iraq and Bangladesh. His service brings deep pride and an even greater sense of purpose to this project.

This isn’t just a truck. It’s a tribute to the generations of men and women who wear the uniform, defend our freedom, and sacrifice more than many of us will ever know.

Meet the Builder

To bring a build like the Valor C10 to life, we knew we needed a partner with not only world-class skills but also a deep respect for tradition, craftsmanship, and American muscle. That’s why we turned to Dustin Hacker, founder of Nostalgia Hot Rods in Henderson, Nevada.

Dustin is no stranger to custom car excellence. Renowned for his hand-built, one-of-a-kind hot rods, his work has consistently turned heads and earned widespread respect throughout the industry.

His website captures the spirit perfectly: “Imagine your dream truck, then multiply its cool factor by a million (at least).”

Currently, Dustin and his team are expanding operations with a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility in Cedar City, Utah. It’s a testament to their continued commitment to innovation and automotive artistry.

We couldn’t be happier to team up with Dustin and his amazing team for this very special project. With his vision and craftsmanship, combined with our technology and mission, the Valor C10 is set to be something truly unforgettable.

“This build isn’t just about horsepower and paint. It’s about legacy, sacrifice, and pride.”
– Dustin Hacker, Founder of Nostalgia Hot Rods

About the Build

We’ve chosen a Second-Generation Chevy C10 as our foundation, a classic American icon. But this will be no ordinary restoration. The Valor C10 will be loaded with modern performance upgrades, cutting-edge fabrication, and patriotic design elements that reflect our country’s fighting spirit.

Speedtech Performance EXTREME Chassis (’67–’72 C10 Independent Suspension)
Supercharged LS Engine Package with a 6L80E from Gear Star Transmission
More epic upgrades to come

It’ll sit proudly on our Octa-Flex lift, a product built for serious technicians and heavy-duty repairs, especially suited for the kind of work you’d expect from military-grade equipment.

This is a full ground-up transformation of a 1967–1972 Chevy C10, combining old-school character with modern performance and technology. It may look vintage on the outside, but under the skin, it’ll be engineered for serious power, precision, and comfort.

Follow the Journey

Valor C10: A Hero's Rebuild

This page is your behind-the-scenes pass. Watch the build unfold with weekly updates, exclusive photos, videos, and stories from the shop floor. From teardown to paint, from fabrication to final assembly, you’ll be with us every step of the way.

We invite you to follow along and share in something that’s more than just a build. It’s a salute. A rolling tribute to valor, liberty, and the unbreakable American spirit.