In 2010, Dino Battilana, a lifelong Chevy enthusiast based in Phoenix, invited a few friends to his backyard truck party. It was a casual get-together where fellow Bowtie fans could geek out over their GM trucks. Fast-forward to 2022. The event, Dino’s Git Down, has grown into the largest gathering of GM truck owners in the United States.
The 2022 version of the free event was held on November 11 and 12 at the State Farm Stadium parking lot in Glendale, Ariz. More than 5,000 Chevy and GMC trucks converged for the show. Participants came from across the country—sometimes in a caravan with sponsoring truck clubs. Owners came from as far away as Canada and Mexico. Some fans flew in from Europe.
While any GM truck was allowed at the event, most were Chevrolet C-10s.
Three Generations of Awesomeness
Chevy used the “C” designation for rear-wheel drive trucks, and the “10” stands for half-ton haulers. The factory designated the four-wheel drive units as “K” trucks, with “20” reserved for the three-quarter ton versions and “30” for the one-ton trucks. But to many collectors, the Chevy C-10 is the most popular. The C-10 half-ton truck, produced by Chevrolet from 1960 to 1987, consists of three generations.
First Generation: 1960-1966
The truck cab was lowered seven inches on a new frame, compared to Chevy’s earlier “Task Force” 1955-1959 trucks, allowing easier access. In addition, an independent front suspension contributed to a softer ride with a coil spring rear axle. The independent front suspension was a first for any manufacturer and was a turning point in making trucks more popular with consumers.
Second Generation: 1967-1972
The second gen truck’s styling was smoother and focused more on looks and comfort. Chevys offered more comfort and convenience options than Ford trucks, a prime factor in their popularity. The hood and front grille were streamlined for a “car-like” look. The tailgate now used latches and concealed supports instead of chains. Most had coil spring rear suspensions. Front disc brakes were standard as well.
Third Generation: 1973-1987
This generation is referred to as the “squarebody.” These trucks were no longer designed solely for use on the farm. Instead, the body style featured rounded corners and a wider, boxier look with longer wheelbases. Chevrolet tested the trucks in wind tunnels for fuel-efficiency and aerodynamics.
The Ultimate C-10 Enthusiast
Battilana is the driving force behind Dino’s Git Down. His fascination with the C-10 started at age 13, when he saved enough money working at a gas station to buy a 1963 Chevy short-bed truck. Battilana worked on his trucks for decades in a small garage behind his house. He would post photos of his creations—earning thousands of new friends with the same love of C-10s.
A decade ago, he invited a few fellow truck enthusiasts over for a backyard barbeque. A friend made a t-shirt for the event, dubbed “Dino’s Git Down.” The name stuck, and folks soon asked, “When are you going to hold the next one?”
As the crowds grew year over year, Battilana—who owns a household appliance repair business in Phoenix—used the shop’s parking lot for the gathering. The event, which attracted more than 600 trucks, soon outgrew that location.
Free and Fun
Today, Battilana owns 13 Chevy trucks, seven of which were displayed at the event this year. (He’s also into Volkswagen Bugs.) He relies on profits from t-shirt sales and vendor fees to cover expenses. Over 140 vendors, organized into 28 rows, offer engines, suspension pieces, lighting, audio systems, and other gear. There is no registration fee for truck owners to participate. There are no awards or trophies, so the show has a relaxed vibe, according to Battilana.
He said:
m not a corporate guy. This thing grew organicall
When GM offered a new LT4 engine for the event, Battliana gave away a raffle ticket to every Dino’s Git Down attendee with a truck at the show. One lucky winner went home with a new engine.
Dino’s Git Down Show Highlights
It is amazing to see so many Chevy trucks in one spot.
This dropped crew cab, with dual rear wheels and an awesome paint job, fits in a standard parking space.
This C-10 sports a vintage look with giant white rims, a shiny chrome bumper, and tasteful pinstriping.
This stepside roadster truck is dropped to the asphalt. It combines an outrageous color scheme and powerful engine.
You rarely see flames on a purple truck. The owner shaved the door handles and removed the side markers.
This yellow-and-white beauty shows what subtle changes can do for a C-10.
