Words & photos: Gary Rosier
The “FINKSTER” name first came to be because of Joe Terman’s Sr. (Ormond Beach, Fla.) love of the many characters created by Ed Roth (aka “Big Daddy”) in the early ’60’s. Ed Roth was a custom car builder, designer, cartoonist, pin-striper and illustrator. He’s probably best known for his grotesque characters, such as the hotrod icon Rat Fink and, of course, the legendary Beatnik Bandit of the ’60’s.
There’s so much more to this story, though, and it’s a very personal story too. Joe’s best friend, Bob Rogers Sr., owned this C10 up until his passing in May of 2017. They always talked about cars, hotrods, their likes and dislikes. Bob and Joe started the build together in Fort Lauderdale; Bob had the chassis and Joe the body. Joe moved from Fort Lauderdale to Ormond Beach, Fla. with his family and the build came to a halt. Soon after, Bob brought HIS family up to near Joe and brought along the truck, ready to start the build once more.
Joe was a master tech, a body-man all his life. He knew something about building cars and motorcycles, having owned a shop in Fort Lauderdale for 30 years. He turned out many a feature custom car or truck. Joe’s son (Joey “T”) is a master tech too and opened his own shop just south of his dad called B&D Customs, Inc.
Unfortunately, the pickup wasn’t finished before Bob’s passing. He did get the chassis finished while Joe had his shop in Fort Lauderdale all those years, but the body was another thing altogether (parts were everywhere, it seemed). A move north to Ormond Beach, Fla. by Joe and son Joey’s opening of his own shop in Edgewater kept them busy.
The truck had taken a back seat to work, life and Bob not feeling well. The family decided to sell the truck after Bob’s passing, at the Daytona Turkey Run. Joe’s son knew what the truck meant to his dad – so Joey Jr. surprised him by buying the truck and giving it to his dad for Christmas! It was an emotional moment, to say the least.
The build, or “tribute to Bob,” as they like to call it – was on! The full frame restoration began almost immediately at B&D Customs, Inc. as Joey Jr. took full control of this two year build. The “C” notched frame was finished previously and features a Ride Tech bag system, all installed by Wicked Customs of Fort Lauderdale. It rolls on a set of American Racing Legend Series 18-inch wheels (235/45ZR fronts, 255/45ZR 18’s rear).
This short bed ’71 C-10 is now powered by a warmed-over 350 (built by Tim of B&D) with Eldebrock manifold, 650 carb, Crane rockers, gear drive and cam. MSD ignition lights it up and exhaust gasses from the aluminum heads (70cc) are exited through the Headman Headers and 2.5 inch dual Magnaflow exhaust. The three-speed column shifted trans has now been relocated to the floor and helps transfer the now approximately 390 HP to the 10 bolt posi-rear. It’s cooled by a custom Aluminum Champions radiator, flex fan and vented cowl induction hood.
Body-men and master techs by trade, father AND son, the body was next! Joe’s son handled most of this as he has become a master painter, pin-striper and interior man too! Ecklers provided almost all the parts, so a big shout-out goes to them. Body mods include shaved side markers and bed post holes. A molded rear pan, shaved tail gate handle and the added louvers round out the rest. The all black leather seats and headliner were handled by Joey. A 66 GTO rear-view mirror and chrome ’40 Willys side mirrors let you watch whoever you just passed quickly fade away!
It was painted a very custom color, one that was used exclusively for the program GEARS and a car that was featured on that program. Through a contact of Joe’s, they got permission from PPG (thanks Ron!) to re-create the custom mix and Joey painted everything the Green Candy color with Pearl overlay (Bens Paint Supply). He also laid out the shadow flames and painted them a grey pearl blend that faded to purple tips with many coats of PPG Clear. Pin-striping again sets it all off beautifully and was handled by son Joey.
A true labor of love – but mostly, Joe would give anything to see his best buddy back by his side, admiring the finished truck. He believes Bob would love it! This C-10, the “FINKSTER,” as they often call it, is dedicated to his best friend, buddy – in memory – Bob Rogers Sr.!
