It's not like show-quality mini-trucks can be seen running rampant through the streets of Artesia, New Mexico, every day, since few enthusiasts there really know what it's like to rail the chassis of a mini-truck.
It seems that most people there are into dirt-based motorsports, but there's at least one ride we know of that has been seen constantly on the streets of Artesia, and it gathers plenty of stares. This lower-than-most vehicle belongs to 18-year-old Cody Taylor, a resident of Artesia. Cody always has more than one thing going at any given time, and his recent obsession with slammed and custom mini-trucks is another pastime that keeps him more than busy.
When Cody's not racing his dragster, riding his dirt bike, or playing the part of weekend warrior when he is paintballing, you will find him cruising his 2000 GMC Sonoma. When he wanted a ride that was customized, but completely useful, he contacted Bryan "Moonie" Moon and crew at Third World Customs in Hobbs, New Mexico, to build him a ride that would be tasteful, but still stand out.
The truck was originally the shop and show display vehicle for Third World Customs, but as the owner of TWC soon found out, the shop ride was about to be sold, revamped, and leave the stable for good. Not long after Moonie finished working on the truck, Cody Taylor decided that this was the truck he wanted to drive and own. Since Cody was busy most days running his store selling paintball paraphernalia, buying the truck from Moonie would be a perfect fit.
With the paperwork signed and the change of ownership made legal, Cody was soon changing a few of the things about the truck to make it a little more suited to him, and he found himself joining mini-truckin' enthusiasts who enjoy driving custom mini-trucks all over the nation.
Besides the Sonoma's signature black and red two-tone paintjob, upon closer inspection, you'll notice that there's a clean separation flame graphic that keeps the two colors from touching that's painted using yellow, orange, green, and silver. No matter where the truck sits, it always manages to gather a crowd around it, and that's when the stereo system gets cranked up and all those standing nearby get to hear the incredible system in the truck built for pure sound quality.
Whether Cody is cruisin' the streets, showing off his ride, or just sitting in a parking lot, this Sonoma has a lot going for it. We only hope that he finds time away from all of his hobbies this summer to get the Sonoma out to a few Midwestern shows so more enthusiasts can check out his ride.
Wheels/Tires:
The truck's rollers consist of 18x8-inch and 20x8-inch American Racing Torque Thrust wheels with P235/35R18 and P255/35R20 Pirelli P-Zero tires.
Suspension:
The Sonoma was lowered by bolting up a pair of Belltech drop spindles and then lowered further by installing Firestone 225 air springs with 3/8-inch air line running from two 6-gallon air tanks fed by a pair of Thomas compressors. The S-10 has Doetsch Tech shocks installed at each corner. In the rear, the leaf springs were reduced to a single leaf for each side and 'bagged for adjustability.
Bodywork:
The body of the Sonoma looks smooth because the door handles and the tailgate handle were shaved, and then a Trenz billet grille insert was installed. Toward the rear, an Alter Images steel roll pan was welded on and molded into the bed. The inner fenderwells of the bed were tubbed by replacing them with prefabricated steel tubs, and the bed was sprayed with a healthy coating of Line-X bedliner. Since the factory taillights of the truck have been shaved, LEDs from Hi-Tech serve as brake lights and were installed and smoothed into the truck's roll pan before paint.
Paint:
Two-tone Black and Red PPG paint was applied as the base for the truck with Yellow, Orange, Green, and Silver PPG paint used for the flames and the pinstriping. The owner of Third World Customs, Bryan "Moonie" Moon, did all the paintwork on the truck.
Interior:
A LeCarra steering wheel sets the stage for the interior of the Sonoma. Further, the seats have been chopped and reupholstered using beige tweed, and the headliner and the door panels of the truck sport flames that mimic the outer image of the truck. Reupholstery work on the truck was done partially at Third World Customs and at Dad's Upholstery in Denver City, Texas.
Stereo System:
This truck sports a Clarion 85752 head unit and an Orion DEQ30 equalizer that receives its signal from a pair of Orion amplifiers, an HCCA 250 G-4 and an Orion HCCA 275 G-4. Speakers in the cab of the truck include more Orion components in the form of Orion HCCA 5-1/4 separates and 12-inch HCCA subwoofers mounted in a custom-built fiberglass enclosure by Third World Customs. The installation of the stereo system was performed by Third World Customs using Wired by Orion materials for professional results.
Miscellaneous:
Other custom items installed on the Sonoma include a CGS Motorsports exhaust system, an Optima Yellow Top battery, and a PowerAid intake. Thanks Special thanks to Cody's Mom and Dad, Moonie and Third World Customs, and Zach Luke at Orion Industries for his assistance with the truck's stereo system and components.