BITCHIN’

Building a truck can be an exciting endeavor, filled with dreams of customization and roaring engines. However, during the process, it can be a real struggle to stay on a budget as many get lost in the endless possibilities at hand. Some people can resist the urge to splurge while others can’t help giving into temptation as momentum can increase along the way. The term “snowball” is one that is often used to describe truck builds that have gone off the rails with mods and budgets.

Bernard Steimann, a seasoned gearhead knows this all too well as he’s experienced how simple projects can easily amplify into something much grander than anticipated. Though, a little while back Bernard and his friend Chris Kreidel from Cumar Motors had an idea of building a vehicle together as a simple project that they could flip. United by their shared passion for cars, racing, and hot rods, they stumbled upon a 1963 Chevy C10 in Los Angeles and believed it would be the perfect canvas for their creativity.

Their intentions were modest at first – a patina exterior, a big motor, and perhaps some suspension mods. But as is often the case with such projects, one thing led to another, and the project grew in both scope and ambition. Bernard couldn’t help but follow his instinct for more horsepower and an even greater sense of ridiculousness, mirroring the over-the-top nature of his trophy trucks and other hot rods.

To bring their vision to life, they enlisted the help of Scott’s Hot Rods, a renowned builder known for their expertise in frames and metalwork. The project was gaining momentum as the truck got a new chassis and air bagged suspension along with a few other mods, but life had other plans. Chris’s hot rod shop was flourishing, demanding his full attention, while Bernard found himself engrossed in building his cannabis farms and expanding his business under the name People’s. As a result, the Chevy C10 project was temporarily shelved.

Years passed, and Bernard realized it was finally time to revisit the dormant project. The desire to see it through to completion burned brightly within him. Though it was a long shot, he reached out to Dave Kindig of Kindig-it Design, hoping to secure their expertise and craftsmanship. To Bernard’s astonishment, Dave and his team were eager to take on the challenge.

The opportunity to work on a truck of this particular year, which the Kindig team had never done before, excited them. The project had found its new home, and Bernard felt honored that Kindig-it Design would bring his dream to life with the level of detail and quality it deserved. Because their creativity knows no bounds, and their dedication to their craft is unparalleled, Bernard knew the truck was in good hands.

While there, the team got busy breaking the truck down and even knocked off some surface rust to start with a clean base. Since Dave is a visionary who likes to utilize classic lines for timeless build, he had some ideas to improve on this trucks’ original design. Knowing that these trucks have a lot of lines, he set out to eliminate some by joining the fenders with the end caps of the cowl and the sides of the clamshell hood.

Continuing this theme, the hood was cut to make a center opening section in lieu of the original design. While doing so, a hole was cut to let the Hilborn 8-stack injection on top of the 572ci big block peek out. To ensure that the hole flowed with the design of the truck, the Kindig team created a die to stamp a custom body line that flows around the hole. Then, the parking lights were moved inward to attach to the new hood design.

For extra flair, the grille was flipped with the Chevrolet logo mounted on the bottom as the sides were modified to support a set of enlarged headlights. The original bumpers were then modified to flow better and tucked into the body. The cab was shaved of the rain gutters as the doors received a custom set of Kindig-it handles. Once the rest of the body was cleaned up, it was painted in Modern Clasikk Black Ice paint to show how clean the body was finished.

Finishing off the looks of this truck, custom side trim was made from aluminum and chromed before getting attached to the freshly painted body. Then, the truck was set on a custom set of 21×9 and 22×12 Evod Industries wheels designed by Dave. Topping it all off is the completely custom interior that was created and upholstered in Chili Red leather by JS Custom Interiors.

As the years rolled on, the project transformed into a remarkable reality. The ‘63 Chevy C10 became more than just a truck – it became a symbol of the collective effort and dedication poured into its creation. Bernard’s excitement reached its peak; knowing that the finished truck not only reflected his and Chris’s vision but also represented the passion and commitment of all the individuals involved.

With the project finally complete, Bernard eagerly anticipates doing smoky burnouts and the opportunity to use is as a shop truck for his trophy truck race team. It would serve as a proud emblem of their company and brand, embodying the spirit of their shared love for these types of trucks. Moreover, he looks forward to cruising the streets and showcasing the Chevy C10 at shows, where enthusiasts will be able to appreciate the meticulous craftsmanship and relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

As Bernard prepared to embark on this new chapter with the ‘63 Chevy C10, he couldn’t help but reflect on the journey. He realized that what started as a seemingly straightforward project had grown into an extraordinary adventure, fueled by friendship, passion, and the pursuit of automotive perfection. And as the engine roared to life, Bernard knew he was about to embark on countless exhilarating drives, leaving a trail of admiration and awe in the wake of this extraordinary creation.