By Rob Fortier – Images by Tim Sutton
“Delmo 4×4 is where rugged off-road capability meets timeless style.”
Back when I was briefly in-between magazine gigs (2012-ish), through some mutual friends (Tim Sutton being one of them), I met Del Uschenko, aka Delmo, when he was working alongside some rather well-known hot rod builders in L.A. It had been some years since I was editor of Classic Trucks magazine, so when I was introduced to his “style” of truck building (I’ll call it modern-vintage with a twist!), I quickly identified what was to become the next wave of classic trucks with a whole new generation of enthusiasts—and little did I know then, Del and Sutton would be the two key figures who helped launch this latest venture: Classic Truck Performance!
It was during my trip to Del’s current location in Prescott, Arizona, with Sutton back in March 2020 to shoot CTP’s very first cover with Dylan White’s 1963 C10 that I became aware of Del’s latest venture: Delmo 4×4, which at the time, was before this recent wave of classic off-road trucks had even begun to swell. Del showed me a brochure that Eric Black (e. Black Design Co.) had created and I was blown away … couldn’t wait to see the first Delmo 4×4 roll out of his shop.
That first Delmo 4×4 would ultimately be the 1959 Chevrolet Apache, a stunning Napco-inspired build that many of you have undoubtedly seen on the socials and/or another publication—it’s what I expected … and more. A couple-few “standard” Delmo (low) trucks would follow before Del produced Jeff Eckberg’s 1969 F-250, and while Sutton was sent back out to Prescott on assignment to shoot the pair for this issue’s cover and subsequent feature, I sat down with Del and threw a few questions his way regarding his “elevated” situation:
- When (and where) did you first start building trucks professionally?
I was building prewar hot rods in Burbank (California) when I built a truck for myself in 2010. My style of building took off on the 1967-72 forums and ever since I’ve been in this truck gig. Love it; love the people.
- By the time I met you, you’d already achieved that “Delmo” style, and shortly thereafter began a product line to reflect that style so others could emulate. What was it that eventually led you to move away from that and gravitate toward the Delmo 4×4?
The Delmo brand was from the demand for this vintage styling, and the truck scene was growing fast. It is still thriving in the background, but we thought we would try our luck with the 4×4 scene. Nice change of pace, I suppose.
- Delmo 4×4 launched right on the cusp of this latest “classic off-road” movement. What are your thoughts on the timing of everything, and where do you see your portion of it going moving forward?
The timing was great for the 4x4s, the problem is because we are a small outfit there were plenty of big-money shops right behind that could really push the production. As always, we stay in our lane and focus on quality.
- In the last year or so, I’ve seen you refocus on the “traditional Delmo” builds. Are you going to try to balance both, or focus more on one or the other?
My main focus moving forward will be on product development for the website. We will always have cool stuff on the go but will be very picky on the ones we choose to do. Mostly past clients and good friends.
- Best experience with Tim Sutton?!
Every time I get to hang with [Sutton] it’s a great experience. Eating tacos or scouting a spot, as long as that ass crack is out, we good!
In case you were wondering about specifics, both the Apache and the Bumpside ride on custom “mid-length” (one of Del’s signature styling cues for the off-road design) Roadster Shop RS4 chassis with back-dated, Holley-fed LS3s—the Chevy using Delmo Speed adapters for a 283 inspiration while the Ford uses Delmo Speed adapters to achieve a 351W presence—and Hughes 4L80s with Atlas transfer cases and Dana 60/44 differentals. Wheels are custom steelie-look billets milled by Leading Edge Machine and Design (who also whittled the bitchin steering wheels in both trucks!) with Toyo Open Country 275/65s and Delmo-edition Baer disc brakes. Lewis Millinich handled the ’63 Corvette gold on the Apache, which is complemented by a retro Trail Cap aluminum camper shell; he refinished Eckberg’s F-250 in Boxwood Green and Wimbledon White two-tone, which is also outlandered-out with a Trail Cap rig. Also (now) local to Prescott, my good old friend from Austin via L.A. (or vice-versa), Sean “Fat Lucky” Johnstun crafted the beautiful interiors in both, which also feature Dakota Digital instrumentation, Vintage Air, and custom sound systems utilizing rearview mirror backup cams.
To me, these are the ultimate “classic” play toys—they just don’t get much better than this!
Check out this story in our digital edition here.
