Custom 1985 Chevrolet S-10 - The Pudge And Old Man Project

With all of the miles we travel throughout the years covering shows and shooting the hottest minitrucks on the planet, many friendships have been forged. Such was the case with Keith Bell, his wife Amy, and Keith's dad, who together run one of the East Coast's top custom bike and automotive websites, www.p-omgarage.com. Keith also owns one of the cleanest minis you will ever lay eyes on. It started out as a small project for Keith and his dad to spend some quality time together. You know how it goes, that small project snowballed out of control and ended up going through several changes to its current state.

When it came time to shoot my first feature for Mini Truckin', I didn't even have to think twice about which truck I wanted to shoot. After making a 10-hour trip to sunny Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, sleeping for two hours in the mall parking lot, and enduring a brisk 20- degree day, we were able to capture the pictures you see here. But, the results were well worth the trouble because this truck is absolutely amazing. And even though the build took some time, Keith is happy to have spent those long nights in the garage side by side with his dad. When asked what he would do differently, Keith simply stated: "Nothing... There are always ups and downs in a project. As long as the finished project is what you wanted, that's all that matters."

This mini is an ever-evolving project, and every time we see the truck there's been a subtle change. Meanwhile, Keith and his dad are back at redoing some things on the truck, so be sure to look out for it at a show near you soon.

The Lowdown

Rolling Attire
Wheels: 18-inch Boze Stingers
Tires: 215/40R18 Hankooks

Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Air
Front suspension: 2-inch drop spindles, lower control arms moved up 2 inches with 2,600lb 'bags
Rear suspension: KP Components four-link, and 2,500lb 'bags
Valves: MIC manual valves
Air line: 1/4-inch
Compressors: Two Ride Rite compressors
Air accessories: 10-gallon tank
Frame mods: Step notch
Detail work: Frame was painted gray with green accents to match the truck
Performed by: "The Old Man and me"

Body Modifications
Shaved: Emblems, squirters, antennae, and firewall
Front end: '93 GMC Grille
Back end: Blazer tailgate skin and Blazer rear bumper
Misc.: Custom notch cover in the bed, flipped tailgate handle, '93 Blazer mirrors, 30x30 sliding ragtop done by Dresslers upholstery
Performed by: J.W. Smith Autobody

Paint
Brand and colors: PPG Green over Gold
Pinstriping: Dark green pinstripe
Performed by: J.W. Smith Autobody

Interior
Seats: Acura Integra buckets cut down 1-inch
Material: Tweed and tan leather
Dash: Tweed with billet dash kit
Door panels: Custom-made
Center console: Custom-built by owner and his pops
Flooring: Tweed and leather
Headliner: Tweed and ragtop
Misc.: Power windows, Flex-A-Lite heater, billet mirror, and a Billet Specialties steering wheel
Performed by: Dressler's Upholstery

Stereo
Head unit: Alpine
Mids and highs: Alpine 4x6s in the dash, 6-inch in the door, 6x9 in the Extended Cab
Subwoofers: Soundstream 10-inch
Amplifier for subwoofers: Alpine
Performed by: Owner Keith "Pudge" Bell and his Old Man

Engine/Performance
Header/exhaust: Borla Muffler and a custom-bent exhaust
Inner fenders: Custom fab
Detail work: A lot of chrome
Misc.: Chrome alternator, custom heater hoses, and a billet reservoir tank
Performed by: Owner Keith "Pudge" Bell and his Old Man

Special Thanks (from owner)
The Old Man of course, Boze Wheels, Jay and Andy at J.W. Smith Autobody, all of my friends who have helped out, and my wife Amy for her support.