2001 Chevrolet S10

“Lo Noma”

Owned by: Ronnie Heston

Photos by: John Mumaw

Built during the stillness of the 2020 COVID lockdown, Lo Noma is far more than just another bagged mini truck — it’s a tribute to friendship, craftsmanship, and a lifelong passion for custom builds. Owned by Ronnie Heston of Indianapolis, Indiana, this 2001 Chevy S10 blends Sonoma styling, creative touches, and proven drivability into one seriously clean and low-slung street cruiser.

The Meaning Behind Lo Noma

The name Lo Noma is a clever nod to its stance and styling. It’s low — thanks to a full air ride setup — and wears a Sonoma front clip, giving it a unique identity within the sea of S10s. As Ronnie puts it, “It’s low, with a Sonoma front clip… Lo Noma just fit.”

Built During a Pandemic, Bonded by Brotherhood

The roots of Lo Noma trace back to Texas, where two friends, Ryan Benedict and Cisco Lopez, built the truck with the goal of driving it from Texas to Mini Nats in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. From there, it passed hands to a Louisiana owner who added upgrades like a raised bed floor before eventually making its way through Tennessee and Illinois, where Ronnie gave it a fresh life.

“I redid some of the air ride, added a switch box and gauges, and gave it my own flavor,” says Ronnie. “It was built on YouTube, and now it keeps evolving.”

Suspension & Stance

Lo Noma rides 10 inches lower on a fully bagged setup built for style and function:

• 2″ drop spindles

• 2,500 Dominator airbags up front, 2,600 in the rear

• 2 Viair 480 compressors

• Knockoff VU4-style manifold

• Large C-notch for axle clearance

• Custom blower box allowing the truck to lay frame on 22-inch US Mag Desperados

The stance is sleek, functional, and ready to cruise — or park hard at a show.

Wheels & Tires

Tucked neatly under the fenders are US Mag Desperado wheels, sized 22×8.5 and wrapped in 235/30/22 tires at all four corners. The wheel and tire combo complements the truck’s smooth body lines and brings out the best of its slammed silhouette.

Exterior & Paintwork

Finished in factory Light Pewter Metallic, the body features a host of upgrades that elevate its appearance without going overboard:

• Sonoma hood and grille with billet insert

• Envoy bumper with billet insert

• Step shavers for a cleaner profile

• Custom airbrushed graphics in blue and purple, outlined in pinstriping and accented with brushed gray marks designed to look like wood grain

All paint and bodywork was completed by Patrick Reid at Madd Concepts, known for show-quality finishes and high-end airbrush work.

Interior: Custom Yet Classic

Inside, Ronnie kept things clean with a touch of luxury. The seats, door panels, and even the rear jump seat are wrapped in leather with diamond stitching, offering a refined, coordinated look. Additional highlights include:

• Paint-matched gauge bezel and console

• Colorado Custom steering wheel with matching painted ring

• Three air gauges mounted for quick status checks

• Billet window cranks and shifter

• Boss double-DIN head unit

Everything was installed and fine-tuned by Ronnie himself, proving that passion fuels precision.

Engine & Drivetrain

Power comes from the original 4.3L V6 mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. It features a cold air intake, custom engine cover, and enough personality to keep things simple and reliable.

Built for the Love of the Scene

Ronnie’s no stranger to building custom rides. From bagged Blazers to bodied OBS duallys, his past rides list reads like a mini truck hall of fame. But Lo Noma holds a special place in his garage — and in his heart.

“No club affiliation,” he says, “just Indiana chapter. I’ve been doing this my whole life. My dad and I rebuilt a ’70 Monte Carlo in our two-car garage, and now I’m teaching my son to do the same. We’re getting ready to build him an OBS for his first truck.”

Thanks and Future Plans

Ronnie gives credit where it’s due — especially to Ryan Benedict and Cisco Lopez, for building a reliable truck “that’ll drive anywhere.” Looking forward, Ronnie plans to keep evolving the truck and the craft: more projects, more time in the garage with his son, and more memories to make.