Much like the economy, the aftermarket too took a drastic turn into a recession recently. Even the new builds seemed old, outdated and mundane. Unfortunately for the aftermarket hot rod truck guys, this meant regurgitating the same styles including large wheels, patina paint and requiring a tetanus shot before you could even think about getting behind the wheel. However, as of recently, it’s back and biting with full force. With some coaxing from the folks at Delmo’s Speed & Kustom shop, this ’70 C-10 truck build is proof that this industry is still alive and kicking, thanks in part to the pioneering spirit of shop owner, Del Ushenko.

Believe it or not, it’s getting more difficult to find a two-door muscle car let alone an early pre- or post-war business coupe to begin as a project vehicle. If you aren’t in the right place at the right time, they’re gone. If you’re currently waiting it out for the perfect Bel Air on eBay, good luck. Luckily though, the bright minded crew at Delmo’s Speed & Kustom is familiar with raising the bar and breaking barriers when it comes to custom builds.

Sure, building a sled is sure to get some attention but finding a decent body and frame comes few and far between. Challenged with something fresh, the Delmo crew located a straight-bodied ’70 C10 in of all places, Tijuana, Mexico.

Like a band of cowboys, the Delmo crew headed South for the border to retrieve their new set of wheels. Back in the states, Delmo’s Speed & Kustom entered the cage, squared up, clenched fists and began a full assault on the truck. Delmo’s played the role of a southpaw, confusing the truck from unfamiliar angles. Applying a choke hold; the C-1os full guard was useless against Delmo’s ground and pound technique. Eventually, the C-10 submitted and was taken to the ground, literally.

Owner Del Ushenko is no stranger to hot rodding and even began his career at Hollywood Hot Rods, Burbank, California. Ushenko set his sights on something new; flying the coup and eventually opened up his own little piece of hot rodding heaven – Delmo’s Speed & Kustom. We’re glad he did, too, considering this Delmo-built C-10 truck is probably the best representation of muscle, fabrication and ingenuity we’ve ever seen.

It’s soaking in pure hot rod. Of course, taking the truck for a spin is a whole different story. With driveability remaining one of the truck’s key features, licking the pavement laid out is only feasible when the roads are smooth. However, with the help of AccuAir Suspension auto adjusting ride height, violent street dips and freeway transitions  are as smooth and safe as any late-model vehicle or lifted truck.

Utilizing some bolt-on components as well as some seasoned fabricating, the C-10’s powdercoated frame was fitted with Porterbuilt goods and of course the e-Level AccuAir Suspension kit. Not stopping there, the factory steel floor and bed were all raised in order to suck up a set of larger wheels and rubber.

In the hot rodding game, sometimes less is more. Not saying Delmo’s didn’t do enough, it’s what they didn’t touch that brings out the full scope of this project. Aside from a full body drop and raised floors, the exterior is generally left as it was. This means no new paint, no new chrome and the interior, well, it’s still sporting the bench seat for the you and your two best copilots for a road trip.

All in all, we can’t say enough about this ’70 C-10. Honestly, we wish it was ours. However, not to get confused the C-10’s “Nacho” (not yours) truck nickname was aptly appointed. Seriously, could you find a better name for this truck?

What’s more, the truck still maintains much of its utilitarian focus; doing much of what is was designed to do. While the bed isn’t as deep as before the fabrication work started, it still performs just like a truck; even hauling a car trailer to get your next project to Delmo’s. All said and done, the Nacho truck embodies the perfect blend of stance and driveability. It’s clearly the best of both worlds. In the meantime, we’ll let the video do most of the talking. Sit back, relax and enjoy this video production from AccuAir Suspension.