This Sonoma belongs to another generation. Its essence oozes of simpler times. A random twist of fate has paired this truck together with its destined owner—a Mr. Andy Berg. Over the course of a decade, the truck has seen multiple physical changes to its appearance and mechanical composition, and has only recently evolved into its present-day form—the shape of throwback nirvana.
Keen eyes will pick up on vintage odds and ends that have been peppered throughout the landscape of this swingin’ S-series. From the ’57 side mirrors to the ’60s Impala steering wheel, right down the Hot Rod Flatz ’57 Chevy Teal and Vanilla Shake paint combo, Andy wasn’t about to miss a beat in his march back into the past. “I’ve always loved hot rods but could never afford one,” he says, “and ever since my friend in high school ’bagged his first gen Dime, I knew I had to do it with mine.”
" This Sonoma belongs to another generation. Its essence oozes of simpler times.
"
Being that Andy has owned the GMC since he was 16, he experienced the typical phases of trial and error that go along with any first build. “I learned things the hard way. I had it ’bagged three times to get it right, and it went through a couple transformations until I got it to where it sits today. Over the years, I learned not to be afraid of being original, and when others replicate that originality, take it as a compliment.”
Half the enjoyment of staring at Andy’s truck is sharing in the satisfaction of how surprisingly well the classic styling cues have been blended together to make sense on a late-’90s pickup. It’s a task not easily executed—or cheaply for that matter. “I know I spent too damn much on this truck for it being a Sonoma. When I was younger, my dad who was never really into cars, didn’t understand why I was ‘wasting’ all my money on it. He now sees that my club and this scene are my passion, and he has become genuinely interested in hearing about shows and even shares pictures of my truck with his friends and colleagues. This experience has been a great bonding opportunity for us.” After hearing an account as personal and inspirational as Andy’s, it’s apparent that these little trucks become more than just tokens of achievement and praise. They can serve as nods to the past, glimpses into the future, as well as methods of strengthening ties between generations.
Andy Berg • St. Paul, MN • Twisted Koncepts
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels: 20 x 8 Center Line Smoothies with bullet caps
Tires: 245/35/20 Dunlop
Chassis Modifications
Suspension (front): Air Lift 2600 ’bags
Suspension (rear): Suicide Doors three-link with wishbone, Air Lift 2600 ’bags, Suicide Doors gas tank crossmember
Control Arms: Crazy Talk Customs tubular control arms
Compressor(s): Two Viair 480s
Air/Hydro Accessories: 8-gallon tank and 8 SMC valves mounted underbed floor
Frame Mods: Front notched for tie rods, rear C-notch
Brakes: Stock
Misc.: Battery tray on side of frame
Performed By: Rusty Townsend at Igloo Customs
Body Modifications
Shaved: Antenna, handles, mirrors, gas door, third brakelight, tailgate handle, taillights
Bodydrop: Traditional
Body Mods: Smoothed inner bed walls and custom Birdseye maple bed floor by Union Speed and Sound, Uni-tub notch cover, big ass hole in the roof with removable tuck and roll roof section, ’57 side mirrors, ’50 Pontiac taillights, customs front grille made from a Peterbilt grille, stock S-10 rear bumper with pads painted, searched all over to find clear glass to fishbowl it out, cowl hood
Performed By: Rusty at Igloo Customs, Jordan at Union Speed and Sound, Nic at Crazy Talk Customs
Paint
Brand & Colors: Hot Rod Flatz ’57 Chevy Teal and Vanilla Shake
Performed By: Rusty at Igloo Customs
Interior
Seats: Aftermarket bench seat with tuck and roll
Dash: Smoothed and painted
Gauges: Dolphin
Misc.: ’60s Impala steering wheel and a big ass shifter, upholstered door panels
Performed By: Big Sean’s Custom Upholstery and Igloo Customs
Engine/Performance
Engine: Bone stock ’58 Chevy 283 with two-barrel and stock air cleaner
Header/Exhaust: Custom manifolds
Transmission: 350 turbo
Rearend Type: Stock
Misc.: Custom inner fenders, smoothed firewall, bodydropped air cleaner
Performed By: Rusty Igloo Customs and Ron Townsend at Townsend Import Service
Special Thanks From Owner
“Most of all to my father Dan and my mother Carol for being supportive over all these years, my future minitruckin’ son Hudson for helping out with what he could, and last but not least, all of the Twisted Koncepts chapters—we are a family in the truest sense of the word. And I have to give some love to my East Coast Nomad Brothers and the Pebble Pushers.”