The slick custom PPG purple metallic paint subtly flip-flops when you least expect it. When he finished with the main body, Jimmy Campbell laid down the cool-vibe Harlequin tribal flames.
Every part she used and change she made is a functional addition. Though it was originally a GMC, Katherine customized the grille with a Bow-Tie emblem, cutting out only what was necessary, and keeping the strength and the light weight of the plastic, which led to more airflow through the larger opening to service the radiator. Twin 12-inch electric fans and a custom aluminum shroud ensure cool running on the most miserable of days. If that front bumper fits snug to the fender metal, it's because she removed an inch-and-half from the center of it. To maximize front/rear weight distribution--and increase cruising range--she installed twin 10-gallon fuel cells behind the rear tires and positioned a large battery (and aluminum tray) between the tanks. Not all that difficult when you build with the attitude that anything is possible.
To cheat the wind a little, the flip-and-pull door handles were sacked in favor of these simple, clean, and effective custom beauties.
As to this ballast installation, Katherine says, "Because I have the cells at the rear of the bed, I didn't want to pull the filler hose over the bedside and risk spilling gas all over as I aimed for the opening in the fuel cell. I wanted comfort and ease with this. One day at the pump, a motorcycle pulled in, and as soon as I saw the cap on top of the tank, a light went on in my head. Two weeks later I'd incorporated it into my design. I also wanted to fill from the driver side, again for ease and comfort. Of course, the one-side fill feeds both tanks. Cool huh?"
The key to it all is apparent here. All that's left of the original S-10 is the skin. The undercarriage was formed from mild-steel tubing and the floor was raised 2 inches.
Katherine's S-10 is most likely the best-handling Pro Streeter ever built. Pro Street and handling are terms rarely associated with one another, so what gives here? "I wanted wide tires in the front. I wanted to be able to make a U-turn without having to back up five times to get going again, and I wanted the front and rear track dimensions to be the same. No one made anything that fit my specs. They all said it couldn't be ¼ inch off the ends of Art Morrison upper control arms and installed them with rubber bushings--the comfort, reliable, safe thing again. Heim joints are great on the racetrack but not on the road.
Katherine is tall and long-legged. She fits perfectly inside with Honda del Sol seats and tilt-column steering out of an '85 Camaro. Leesburg Upholsterer finished the buckets, headliner, and door panels.
The length of the rack-and-pinion has been changed so that the joints pivot in the correct arc to avoid bumpsteer. So yeah, I didn't want to make it all, but I didn't want to change my requirements for the front tires or steering performance. But it works really well. Just ask the guys at Summit Point [road course].