This month’s cool creation was built for Steve Baudino of Kinsman, Illinois. If the name sounds familiar, it should. Over the past several years, Clint has featured two other members of the Baudino family – Nick (May 2012) and Eric (May 2009) – two of Steve’s nephews. Although much of the Baudino family is into both farming and trucking, Steve has always just been into trucking. Steve has always felt that it easier to work in a nice and clean environment, so his new truck, seen here, fits right in. And when it comes to trucks, Steve likes them to be done right. Out there truckin’ hard, Steve says not a day goes by that someone doesn’t compliment his rig or give him a big “thumbs up” – and he loves it.
Steve (44) grew up on the family farm. His parents, Jack and Mary Jane Baudino, are now relaxing and enjoying their retirement. Steve, the youngest of four boys, married his high school sweetheart Michelle 20 years ago this month, and they have three children – Brant (16), Brody (13) and Paige (9). All of the kids not only play sports, but they are also into 4H and show cattle. Michelle, Steve’s wife, has an art degree and does some advertising work – she also likes to take pictures.
Like many of our trucking friends, Steve got the bug early. He started driving during Easter break of his senior year in high school and couldn’t wait until he graduated a few months later so he could start working full-time. He drove for the farm for a few years, and then in 1990 bought his first new Peterbilt – a grey 378 day cab. In 1995 he upgraded to a red 379 day cab; in 2000 he swapped that one out for another red 379 day cab; in 2004 he moved on to another red 379 day cab; and then in 2009 he got a 389 Peterbilt with a 48” flattop bunk, going this time with black cherry paint. When it came time for the next new Peterbilt, Steve’s nephew Nick talked him into giving Clint a call.
Wanting something a little different but not obnoxious, Steve drove over to the dealership to go over paint and stripe designs – he knew that he wanted black with white stripes, but other than that, he was open. Playing around on the computer, Clint threw some red in the mix, and Steve liked it. The 2014 Peterbilt 389 was ordered with a 48” flattop, a Cummins ISX 525, an 18-speed transmission, a 270” wheelbase, Low-Air suspension with an air-ride front axle and Dura-Bright wheels. The grey-colored Platinum interior was also ordered with all of the extra gauges and goodies available.
When the truck showed up, Clint and his crew installed one of Clint’s visors, chop-top door pieces, body skirts, and flush cab lights on the roof. Next, they added some WTI “bicycle” fenders over the drive tires and then trimmed the edges, painted the fuel tanks, chopped the breathers, and mounted a smooth deck plate. Rick in the paint shop laid out the white stripes, and then outlined them with red. Steve is a simple guy, and he likes his trucks that way, too. After picking the truck up and taking it home, Steve added a black urea tank cover.
Steve’s wife Michelle came out with him when he picked the truck up, and she had lots of fun (you can tell they get along real well). Pulling an end-dump and flatbed around central Illinois, Steve tries to leave work early to spend time with the family, especially on the days when the kids are playing ball, so he can go to their games. The custom dash plaque on this one says “Done Right” – and we would have to agree!