CST/Storm – Kevin and Wendy Flondor’s Twin-Turbo 1970 C10
If a 1969 Camaro SS/RS ever had a big brother from Chevrolet, there’s a very good chance would’ve looked like Kevin and Wendy Flondor’s Twin-Turbo 1970 C10 Pickup christened “CST/Storm.” At least this is what the modern custom version might have looked like. Built at Bump and Grind Auto Body out of Illinois, this truck made a big splash when it showed up at the Goodguys 31st Speedway Motors Heartland Nationals. The truck was not only a labor of love for the guys that put it together, but also a nice gift from Kevin to his wife Wendy.
Kevin, Bump and Grind’s owner, was lured out of retirement by his crew so they could bond and take on a project together. They found a stock, 30k-original-mile ’70 C10 and embarked on a build that would “creep” into the showstopper you see here.
Running a modified factory frame and RideTech suspension, the rolling stock consists of Wilwood disc brakes, staggered 20- and 22-inch U.S. Mags wheels, and sticky Sentury tires. Underneath the custom hood (with ’67 Chevelle hood louvers,) is a twin-turbo 427c.i. big block pumping out a robust 900hp. The big Bow Tie sends a whole lotta twist to the rear wheels via a TH400 automatic transmission and Truetrac differential with 3.73:1 gearing.
The body appears mostly stock, but upon further inspection there are some very nice custom nudges to the original design. The Camaro-style grille with hideaway LED lights is the brainchild of Hot Rod Innovation, but the bodywork, custom wing, badging, and olive green paint are all Bump and Grind. Be sure and check out the custom firewall and engine bay panels, plus the “fractal” woodwork design on the inserts in the bed. Those bed inserts were created by etching the wood with a 20,000-volt laser combined with water, of all things.
Inside, the cabin is an exercise in subdued colors and tasteful appointments. The interior features reworked factory gauges, an upgraded OEM steering wheel, and custom stitching by Du-Now upholstery. Additional goodies include a custom console, a killer stereo system, Vintage Air, and carbon fiber accents.
The best part of this truck is it will never go out of style. The guys sprinkled just a smidgen of automotive MSG on the build, adding an extra dash of cool without overpowering the time-tested flavor of the original C10. Congrats to Kevin, Wendy, restoration shop manager Marty Amoroso, and the team from Bump and Grind on earning a Goodguys 2022 LMC Truck of the Year Late finalist nod with CST/Storm.
Photos by John Jackson, Damon Lee & Jason Lubken