From Patina to Perfection – Bump and Grind Auto Body Go All in to Create a 1968 ‘Z10’ Chevy Pickup
Many a project takes on a life of its own, growing from a basic driver to a full-blown trophy hunter. For Kevin and Wendy Flondor, the plan to build a patina shop truck for their business – Bump and Grind Auto Body – made a sharp turn that resulted in an impressive rolling example of the work the shop can produce.
Starting with a ’68 Chevy C10, the basic-patina plan was moving along when one of the guys in the shop suggested putting a Roadster Shop chassis underneath. Kevin’s response was pretty straightforward. “If I didn’t have to wait a year, I would do it,” he said. Less than three months later, a new Roadster Shop Slammed Spec chassis rolled into the shop and changed the build’s course.
The new chassis features an adjustable-height air suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, Wilwood six-piston disc brakes (14-inch in front, 13-inch in the rear), and Pro Billet wheels (20×8 in front and 22×12 in the rear) wrapped in Michelin Pilot tires.
A supercharged 408c.i. LS Chevy V8 provides 850 horsepower and 800 lb-ft of torque with help from JE pistons, a FiTech throttle body, Aeromotive fuel pump, and a custom-grind LSA camshaft. Aluminum heads are topped by Billet Specialties valve covers painted with the shop logo. Sanderson headers guide exhaust waste through 3-inch pipes and SpinTech mufflers. Power is transferred to the 9-inch rearend through a Chevy 4L80E automatic controlled by a Powertrain Control Solutions push-button shifter.
The extensive body modifications included custom fitting the bed to the body, fabricating custom drip rails, flush mounting the glass, and smoothing body seams. A modified hood tops an engine compartment filled with custom metalwork, plus a custom grille, headlights, split bumper setup, and front spoiler. The well-massaged bed features a wood floor from a 1921 rail car, a tasteful tailgate-top spoiler, a custom rear pan and taillights, and exhaust outlets in the lower bed sides. Custom-mix Spies Hecker sandstone pearl paint was used to cover the body and complemented with matte bronze trim.
Bump and Grind collaborated with DuNow Upholstery to create the interior. The custom dash includes Holley digital instruments and a video screen to control the Skar Audio sound system. A custom console contains cupholders and slots for cell phones. The modified bench seat was fitted with custom foam and covered with terra cotta vinyl. An American Autowire system connects the electrical devices, and Vintage Air keeps things cool.
The truck is a far cry from the originally planned patina cruiser, and that’s just fine. In fact, Kevin and Wendy are already floating the idea of a second truck so they can have a his-and-hers pair, which sounds like a perfect plan to us!
Congratulations to Kevin and Wendy Flondor for scoring a Finalist position for the Goodguys 2026 Dakota Digital Truck of the Year (Late) with their 1968 “Z10” Chevy built by Bump and Grind Auto Body!
Photos: John Jackson
