Classic of the Month: El Presidente Cruises With His Prom Queen

When Jon Oro, also known as El Presidente, and his Prom Queen roll into town for a truck show, the red ‘71 Blazer is sure to turn heads.

“Back when I got it, a lot of my buddies would come up, oh they wanted it. They loved it. Good to look at,” Oro said. “But me knowing, put a bunch of miles on it, knowing what was underneath, “ said, ‘It’s just like the prom queen man. She’s beautiful to look at, you want her, but deep down inside she’s got issues.”
The first iteration of the truck is a 5/7 drop with rally wheels and c-notched. Later it would be air bagged. The latest iteration added a railing to draw your eyes to the peanut butter interior. Oro added 16-inch brakes. There’s also some lighting on the railing that turns on at night.

“I drive it around everywhere,” Oro said. “That’s probably what I’m known for is driving it.”

Oro isn’t afraid to drive it. Recently, he drove it over 600 miles with his grandson from Long Beach, California to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the C10 Nationals.

“She loves to roll,” he said. “She likes to cruise, 80-85 (mph),” Oro said.

Oro enjoys the community surrounding C10 trucks the most. While the C10 Club doesn’t have rules, dues, or ranks, those who know Oro and his Blazer affectionately call him “El Presidente.” He enjoys the hospitality and acceptance of other C10 owners, noting that it doesn’t matter if you’re working on a patina truck, or going all out to make it a show stopper.

“A truck is basically blue jeans and a white t-shirt, man. It’s just us,” Oro said. “You can meet a guy out at a show or swap meet or event it, chop it up, and next thing you know, next weekend, you’re helping him break down his frontend, trying to save him some time and show him what you’ve learned. That’s the C10 community. We don’t seem to be in competition with each other.”

Both of Oro’s sons have trucks as well. His youngest has a ‘71 Cheyenne and his other son owns a GMC. His step-grandson also has a K10.

“We all love trucks and what it brings to us,” he said. “We can sit back and wrench on the weekends, or cruise.”

For those starting out on a truck, Oro suggests putting your own personality into the truck and taking your time. Part of the appeal for Oro is the community, which is why he also suggests finding a local C10 Club. He added that the club is low commitment with no rules, dues or mandatory meetings.

“Enjoy the journey,” he said. “I know I have.”