When Chevrolet introduced its 1967–1972 C10 pickups, the trucks were built with durability in mind. The factory C10 chassis was rugged, but they were never designed for the kind of performance enthusiasts expect today. After more than 50 years on the road, many of these frames also suffer from fatigue and limitations that make spirited driving a challenge. For builders who want their classic Chevy truck to drive like a modern sports car, a different approach is required.

The AME GT Sport Chassis with an LT5 sitting comfortably in place. Photo Credit: MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration

That is where Art Morrison Enterprises (AME) comes in. The company meticulously designed a new chassis for the 1967–1972 Chevy and GMC trucks. Company president Matthew Jones explained, “The new chassis design stems from our basic philosophy of making a modern, highly engineered frame. We don’t want the ill effects of reusing stock suspension mounting points. Our goal was to eliminate chassis flex as much as possible, use front and rear suspensions that work together, provide modern steering feel and feedback, and deliver a clean cosmetic appearance.” By starting fresh instead of adapting old designs, AME created a platform that addresses every weak point of the stock frame.

We don’t just focus on the ride… – Matthew Jones, AME President

Ride Quality That Rivals A Corvette

Truck owners who upgrade to the AME C10 chassis quickly notice more than just a smoother ride. Jones emphasized that ride comfort is part of the package, but the real benefit is how the entire system works together. “Although the ride quality has significantly enhanced compared to stock, one must experience the full system to truly believe,” he stated. “We don’t just focus on the ride; we combine European-derived steering valving, stable roll centers, matching spring and sway bar rates, and modern geometry, just to name a few. The combination of these factors creates a driving experience unparalleled by simple bolt-on kits. It’s just like driving a C6 or C7 Corvette but in a pickup.”

This comparison to a Corvette underscores the level of refinement AME was aiming for. Classic trucks were never designed to carve corners, but with this chassis, the steering feel, suspension control, and balance come together to deliver sports car performance. For builders who want their truck to handle like a performance vehicle while still offering comfort for everyday use, the AME chassis delivers a transformation that bolt-on upgrades cannot match.

Performance Engineering At Its Core

Behind the improved ride and handling is an engineering approach focused on geometry and tire control. Jones explained that the team started with one simple principle: keeping the tire patch firmly planted on the ground. “In all situations, steering, cornering, throttling up, throttling down, and braking, the tire’s contact patch on the ground must be optimal at all times,” he said. By starting with a clean-sheet design, the engineers had the freedom to create ideal suspension geometry that could meet this goal without compromise.

One of the key areas they addressed was roll center management. “We ensure the roll centers move vertically with chassis height but move minimally side to side, in the correct direction, of course,” Jones said. This provides consistency and predictability, no matter how the truck is set up. Steering geometry was also carefully refined. “Steering geometry is optimized by having toe changes that help with vehicle turn-in, but also keep the tires toed-in with heavy throttle and braking. And of course, we utilize counter-steer Ackermann geometry that reduces the tire’s slip angle while countersteering.” Together, these details create a chassis that feels confident and controlled at any speed.

Built For LS And LT Swaps

Modern drivetrains are the heart of many truck builds today, and AME designed their C10 chassis to make engine swaps simple. Jones explained, “The chassis will arrive with mounts to fit any engine, whether it’s a small-block, big-block, LS, or LT. The transmission crossmember is custom-made for whichever transmission the customer wishes to use. To help out with the FEAD, we work with most major pulley system manufacturers to make sure they will fit our frame rails and steering shaft. Headers are also available, and we can guide the customer to which oil pan to use.”

Photo Credit: MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration

This level of preparation saves time and frustration for builders. Instead of fabricating mounts or struggling with clearance issues, they receive a chassis that is ready for whatever powertrain combination they plan to run. Whether the goal is a reliable cruiser with a small-block or a high-horsepower LS or LT build, the AME chassis can accommodate it with ease.

Braking Power And Wheel Options

Stopping power is just as important as going fast, and AME designed its C10 chassis to support a wide range of brake and wheel combinations. Jones explained, “Our systems can use most Wilwood and Baer brake kits, from 12-inch rotors to 15. The rear end uses the familiar Torino-style housing end, for which there are dozens of kits available. If somebody opts for the high-end IRS, Wilwood, and Baer can handle those too.”

Photo Credit: MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration

This flexibility means that builders can tailor their braking system to match their performance goals. A street-driven cruiser can use smaller, more cost-effective brakes, while a track-focused build can step up to massive 15-inch rotors with multi-piston calipers. The chassis also provides ample room for modern wheel and tire setups, ensuring that performance rubber can be fitted without clearance issues.

Off-Road Capability

Although the chassis is designed primarily for street and track use, AME did not ignore the potential for off-road applications. Jones noted that the frame is robust enough to handle extreme situations. “Our extreme duty 8-lug axles can easily handle 40-plus-inch tall tires. However, the customer should ask for the available hydro-assist steering if a front locker is chosen. As big as the steering box is, it will have a difficult time turning big tires with the brakes and air locker engaged.”

He also explained that most limitations come not from the chassis itself but from the body and sheet metal. “The chassis is well equipped and can easily handle the entire weight of the vehicle on one of the lower links while hung up on a rock,” Jones said. With proper planning, the chassis can provide the travel and articulation needed for light trail use or overlanding, making it a versatile option for enthusiasts who want to mix highway comfort with off-road adventure.

Customization Possibilities

Because every AME chassis is handmade, customization is an option. Builders with unique visions can request changes to meet their project goals. “Since every chassis is handmade, almost anything is possible,” Jones said. “Modifications that require out-of-jig work, such as wheelbases, will incur time and material charges. Air ride versus coilover is easy; the tooling is already set up for that.”

This approach allows each customer to build a truck that matches their vision. Whether they want a slammed stance on airbags for shows or a coilover-equipped setup for road racing, the AME chassis can be configured to suit. That flexibility is a major advantage over off-the-shelf solutions that may only fit one style of build.

Customer Builds In Action

Real-world results are the best proof of performance. Jones pointed to a customer’s C10 that has been featured online as a fantastic example of what their chassis can do. “This is a fantastic one here,” he said, referencing the MetalWorks LT5-swapped C10. “He is a super nice guy; he loves the truck!” Seeing how customers use the C10 chassis in different environments highlights the versatility of the platform and reinforces the pride owners feel when driving something built on a solid foundation.

Why Bolt-On Isn’t Enough

In closing, Jones shared one of the most important points for potential buyers to understand. While bolt-on suspension upgrades can improve a stock frame, they come with inherent compromises. “When installing bolt-on suspension components, people often underestimate or overlook the inherent compromises involved,” he explained. “If you want a suspension that does everything right, you must start from scratch. There is no way around it. Toe steer, camber, SVSA, roll centers, and motion ratios; it all has to be well-designed, and you just can’t get there with a stock frame.”

Photo Credit: MetalWorks Classic Auto Restoration

He added that when you total the expense of bolt-on upgrades, coatings, and fabrication work, the cost often ends up near what you would spend on a complete AME chassis, yet without the same performance benefits. “This isn’t about bashing other products. What we’re offering is a chassis that’s designed to do everything the right way from the start.” For serious builders who want the best foundation possible, that difference is what makes an AME chassis stand apart.