The Journey of Ole’ Blue:
A Truck, A Legacy, and God's Timing
In 1969, my great-grandfather bought a truck we affectionately call Ole’ Blue—a Chevrolet C-10 with an inline 6-cylinder 250 engine and a 3-speed on the column. It was his daily driver and workhorse for his business, Odom’s Woodworking.
As a kid, I can still remember riding through town beside him. He was a tall, lanky man—gentle, quiet, and steady. He passed away in 1995 at the age of 89. I was just 15.
When he passed, Ole’ Blue was handed down to his oldest son—my grandfather, Papa. But Papa couldn’t drive a 3-on-the-tree to save his life. He’d grind the gears like nobody’s business, and I was constantly under the dash realigning the column. The truck mostly sat in his yard, except for the occasional trip to the landfill—oddly enough, those trips became some of my fondest memories.
Later that same year, I got my driver’s license, and Papa let me take Ole’ Blue to high school. The paint was faded, the wood bed had rotted, and by any “cool” standard, the truck was anything but. Still, it had soul. After a while, I bought a newer truck and returned Ole’ Blue to Papa.
Fast-forward a few years—I got a call from him one day. “C.W., come get this truck!” he said, frustrated after tearing up the column again. But I knew there was more to it than that. He recognized how much the truck meant to me. Deep down, he hoped I’d be the one to restore her someday.
So Ole’ Blue sat quietly in my barn for over 20 years. I’d talk about restoring her now and then, but the cost was always beyond what made sense for a truck like that. Life rolled on—I got married, raised three children, and like most people, was consumed by life.
Every now and then, one of my sons would ask, “Dad, why haven’t you fixed up Ole’ Blue?”
My answer was always the same:
“Because you’re expensive!”
But something changed when I began writing my book. In the introduction, I tell the story of Ole’ Blue—it sets the tone for the entire message and ties into the title, You Are The Man! Not long after writing that piece, a friend from church referred me to a guy named Luis to help with some paint repair on my son’s Jeep.
While we were talking, Luis said something unexpected:
“You know… I’d love to do a restoration project.”
Right then, I knew this wasn’t just coincidence—God was in this. The timing, the story, the connection—it was too perfect. I had just written about this truck, and here was someone, completely out of the blue (pun intended), ready to help bring her back to life.
Even better? Luis made it affordable. That part felt like a blessing straight from God.
So now, after more than two decades of waiting, Ole’ Blue is finally getting the love she deserves. I’m beyond excited. To my delight, her restoration was completed just after the release of my book. Today, I am blessed to drive her and share her with so many others—not just for nostalgia, but as a way to share my story, my faith, and God’s faithfulness.
Thanks for following along on this journey. Ole’ Blue isn’t just a truck—she’s a symbol of legacy, restoration, and God’s perfect timing.
-Chuckie
Where it started...sitting in my barn for 20 years.
Where it started...grill removed.
Where it started...engine out.
Where it all started - A little rust!
Where it all started - Interior
Where it all started - The wood bed is long gone.
Where it all started - The wood bed is long gone.
Where it all started - lights removed.
Where it all started - Ripped seats.
Where it all started - ugly sliding glass window.
Where it all started - full shot
Getting it read to move...tires that will hold air!
Getting it read to move...tires that will hold air!
A little Rusty
Interior shot with old gas tank still in place.
Putting my boys to work. Investing together.
Cutting out the old bed.
Removed the old ugly sliding glass aftermarket window my grandfather put in.
The wheels need an upgrade.
Body is in solid shape.
Gotta love a step-side.
Good view of the rear-end.
Drum brakes anyone?
Yikes, I'll be recovering this.
1/9/23 Loaded up and ready for sandblasting.
Drop off at sand blaster.
2/4/23 Sandblasting complete and now ready for body work.
Front view after sandblasting
Side view after sandblasting
Side view after sandblasting
Rear view after sandblasting
Rear view after sandblasting
05/05/23 Luis has the frame looking great!
08/12/23 Patching holes and and replacing metal. Also filling in the old gas tank hole.
Luis putting in a lot of hours
Gonna fill this in. No More behind the seat gas tank.
Bought a 2003 Avalanche 5.3L for LS Swap. Parted out the remainder of the Avalanche. 08/23/23 New Motor Painted to match original Chevy Orange and ready for install.
Chevy Orange!!!
Looking good.
08/23/23 Was asked to go and pick out a color blue. There was no way I could do this by looking at a book. Luckily Carolina Trunk Shop had a truck on the lot with the perfect blue on the firewall.
Yikes!
I love this blue. It think that's the color!
10/04/23 - Sold Original Inline 6 250 w/3 speed transmission and sliding back glass. Going back with original back glass.
Selling on Marketplace.
Selling on marketplace.
Need an upgrade.
Yep, sold it too!
10/3/23 Got my first glimpse of Blue on the truck. Steering column parts and both doors. Getting excited!!!
A garage with a newly painted blue car hood and fender on stands, with protective tape on the edges, and an unfinished interior with insulation on the walls and various tools hanging.
10/6/23 Interior of the cab is painted...looking great!
10/23/23 Today I was able to pick up the cab. Body and Paint are finished. It was a good day and I thankful for this man right here! He has blessed my life.
...also thankful for Kyle!
Blue vintage car body on a trailer with missing front parts, next to a silver pickup truck and a person standing outside.
A partially painted vintage truck cab on a flatbed trailer parked outside a garage under a blue sky.
Delivered to Carolina Truck Shop and ready for motor, suspension, brakes, and more!
A vintage pickup truck body painted in blue and white in a garage or workshop setting.
Two white car bumpers placed on a concrete and carpeted floor. One bumper has a mounting bracket attached; the other is plain. There is a blue tool and part of a metal chair nearby.
An empty vintage pickup truck inside a workshop with tools, posters, and a wooden wall on the sides, and additional vehicles outside.
An unfinished light blue vintage car without a front bumper, parked inside a garage with open doors and trees visible outside.
A vintage small truck with a blue body and white roof inside a store, showing the interior with a steering wheel, a gray box, and a wire basket.
11/09/23 Motor is going in!!!
Inside a car hood, an orange engine block is visible, with some wiring and metallic parts surrounding it. The vehicle appears to be in the process of repair or assembly.
A partially restored vintage blue station wagon with an orange engine in a garage or workshop.
The Bed is painted and ready to put back on the truck. 11/21/23
Blue Adirondack-style plastic sled with footrests, placed on wooden sawhorses inside a garage.
Close-up of a vintage blue vehicle body, likely a truck or car, in a garage, with the exterior surroundings of trees and autumn foliage visible through the open garage door.
New Disc Brakes and Front & Rear Suspension 12/6/23
Close-up of a car's front wheel hub assembly with brake disc and lug nuts, without the wheel attached.
How about them new wheels and white walls!!! 12/6/23
A partially assembled blue vintage pickup truck in a workshop, with one front wheel and no headlights.
A vintage blue pickup truck with a white roof in a garage or workshop, with another vehicle in the background.
The image shows the frame of a vehicle chassis with front and rear wheels attached, in a workshop setting. The chassis includes suspension components, a fuel tank, and various tools and parts around it.
View of a vehicle chassis with large tires, a fuel tank, and various mechanical components inside a workshop or garage.
12/15/23 Adding some details to the truck. Lettering, Pin Stripe, and Custom Tag! Jeremy Kemp is an artist!
A man working on a classic car in a garage or workshop. He is painting or detailing a blue car part, with a partially assembled blue car in the background. Several other cars and tools are visible in the workshop.
A person working on a blue plastic item in a workshop or hardware store.
A blue Chevrolet sign with white cut-out letters spelling "CHEVROLET" on a work table surrounded by tools and workshop items.
Close-up view of a blue plastic vending machine or container with a white top section.
Close-up of a blue and white object, possibly a toy or appliance, with a glossy surface.
Pin Stripe the break the White and Blue
Custom Tag
White license plate with blue cursive text that reads 'Olee Blue'.
12/18/23 The final piece (the hood) on the way from the body shop to the truck shop took a tumble. Heartbreaking but fixable. Luis will work his magic and have it back in no time.
A person is peeling off a sheet of light blue vinyl wrap from a large cabinet or piece of furniture.
12/22/23 For the first time in 10+ years, Ole Blue is Alive. The first start up!
12/26/23 Stopped by Carolina Truck to check out progress. Suspension is complete and it sits perfect. Looks incredible with all 4 wheels and tires finally set.
A blue vintage pickup truck being restored in a garage, with the hood removed, exposing the engine, and the interior not yet finished.
Blue vintage car with its hood open, showing a detailed engine, in a garage with other classic cars in the background.
The image shows the bed of a restored vintage pickup truck with a bright blue exterior, missing the truck bed's wooden panel, exposing the black metal frame and mechanical parts underneath.
1/10/23 Stop by the shop to pick up the bedwood. Couple of updates... Bedwood placed and holes drilled. Ready to be finished.
Rear view of a restored vintage pickup truck with a blue painted metal body and a wooden bed in a workshop.
Also, noticed some marker lights have been installed.
Inside a garage with vintage cars, a blue pickup truck is in the foreground, and an older brown car with its hood open is in the background. Workbenches and shelves with tools are visible.
A blue vintage pickup truck inside a warehouse or garage. The truck features a rounded body style typical of older models. Surrounding the truck are tools, shelves, and other equipment, indicating a workshop setting.
1/17/24 Bedwood finished and ready to go in!
Emblems on!
Gauge Cluster, steering column, dash pad on.
1/26/24 Busy Week at Carolina Truck Shop Bedwood is in! Partially ;)
Grill, Front Bumper, Cowl are all on! Check out that Tag!
Back Window
Vent Windows too!
A vintage blue pickup truck with an open hood showing the engine, parked inside a garage or workshop with various automotive parts and tools around.
Light blue vintage pickup truck in a garage, with its hood open revealing the engine. The truck has whitewall tires and a white front bumper, with a license plate that reads 'Ole Blue.'
2/10/24 Headlights are in!
Jeremy Kemp added a little flare to my LS motor cap!
A little Carolina Truck Shop promoting with the custom badge.
A vintage blue Chevrolet C10 pickup truck with its hood open, showing a bright orange engine in a garage or workshop setting.
Delivered the replacement piece of bedwood to be installed. Pictures do not do it justice!
Seat and Carpet are in. Plus kick-panel speakers.
Interior of a vintage car with a black bench seat, a blue dashboard, and a steering wheel missing its center, showing wires. There are two cup holders and a small compartment on the center armrest. The door panel is blue with a manual window crank. A paper mat is on the floor.
2/14/24 Tailgate and back bumper installed!
All bedwood installed and bed buckled down.
The image shows the bed of a vintage pickup truck with a blue painted metal frame and wooden planks secured with metal strips and screws.
Just waiting on the hood hinges to get the hood installed. Next week exhaust and new steering column (old one is giving trouble).
A vintage blue pickup truck with its hood open, display in an indoor warehouse or showroom, surrounded by shelves of tools and other vehicles.
Hood is on!
A vintage blue Chevrolet pickup truck displayed indoors, with whitewall tires and a compact cab, surrounded by other vehicles and storage shelves.
New Steering Column and Steering Wheel installed. Exhaust, Tune, and Touch-up is all that is left!
Blue vintage Chevrolet pickup truck with a white roof in a garage.
3/7/23 Getting Exhaust thanks to Steve's Muffler. Magnaflows with dual chrome rolled tips.
Close-up of the rear of a classic blue vehicle with a white bumper, being worked on by a mechanic underneath it, showing the exhaust pipe and rear wheels.
A vintage light blue pickup truck with a white roof on a flatbed trailer, showing the rear and side view, under a partly cloudy sky.
Click to hear sound!!!
3/29/24 Good Friday indeed! Very First Test Drive!
Friend and Family riding along.
A vintage blue Chevrolet pickup truck parked in an empty parking lot in front of a modern building.
3/31/24 Easter Sunday...Drove my wife to Church to worship our Risen Savior!
My World!
A man in a pink shirt and black pants standing next to a vintage blue Chevrolet truck with a custom license plate that reads 'Oll Blue' in a driveway with a brick house in the background.
Informational poster about a restored 1969 Chevrolet C10 truck called 'Ole' Blue,' owned by Chuckie Stevens. The poster includes a picture of the blue pickup truck and a photo of Chuckie Stevens and an older man, both smiling. The poster features the truck's details, history, restoration process, and dedication to Chuckie's father, Hubert Odom.
A vintage blue pickup truck with a Chevrolet emblem on the front grille driving on a road, with a red vintage pickup truck behind it and blurred trees and utility poles in the background.
A vintage blue pickup truck with white wheels and a white roof parked on a street.