OWNER: Jason Torp RIDE: '96...
OWNER: Jason Torp
RIDE: '96 Nissan Hardbody XE
HOMETOWN: Mobile, Alabama
CLUB: Relaxed Atmosphere
If ever there was a mini-trucker who was caught in the stranglehold of the custom vehicle disease, it has to be Jason Torp. Jason has built a plethora of custom vehicles, but that's not what really sets him apart from most other mini-truckers that have the disease coursing through their veins. Jason had actually built full show vehicles in several different genres before he tried his hand at building a mini-truck.Prior to purchasing this '96 Nissan Hardbody, which he dubbed "Split Personality," Jason built several Euro-styled Volkswagens, a lowrider '84 Chevy Blazer, and a '97 Honda Accord. The VWs had all the speed equipment and European styling to pull trophies at uber events. The Blazer was laced with a crushed velvet interior and hydros. Every single one of his rides competed at shows and took home trophies. In early 2000, Jason's shop partner in Group Therapy Custom convinced him to build a mini-truck; Jason hasn't looked back since. Working into the night, Joey and Jason completed this mini after working all day long at their full-time jobs. The plan called for an in-the-weeds stance and eyeball-searing paintjob. Joey came through with a paintjob that is totally different when viewed from one side or the other. Shortly after completing "Split Personality," Jason was so engrossed in building mini-trucks that he purchased an '87 Nissan Hardbody and an '84 Toyota, both of which are destined to become full show trucks. Most of us are lucky to finish one or two trucks during our involvement in any scene, but there seems to be no stopping Jason when it comes to building badness. Obviously if he has the skillz to pull trophies in several different arenas of customization, then he has the knowledge to apply it to his mini. Check it out.
The Low Down
Chassis/Suspension Group Therapy Custom of Mobile, Alabama, laid out this Nissan. It began the process by installing Chassis Tech 2-inch drop spindles. After removing the torsion bars, it installed a pair of 2500 Firestone airbags. Sideline Customs, also out of Mobile, Alabama, C-notched the rear of the framerails and built a custom bridge to accommodate another pair of 'bags. The 'bags work off of a mono-leaf rear suspension. A 5-gallon reserve tank is kept pressurized by a single Thomas 317 air compressor.
Wheels/Tires Jason chose 17x7-inch Centerline Corona wheels and 205/40R17 Nankang tires as his rolling stock.
Body Mods Group Therapy Custom paid much attention to the front end of Jason's mini. Four-wheel-drive front fenders were bolted up after having openings for the corner marker lights shaved shut. Also, the front bumper was shaved smooth and a Trenz phantom billet grille replaced the stock grille. Behind the phantom grille lie H4 headlights that are capable of illuminating the darkest dragging destinations. Working toward the rear of the truck, the hood squirters, door handles, key locks, cowl, third brake light, and tailgate were shaved. A fresh tailgate skin with the factory body line and a frenched-in license plate box was welded in place, and so was a smooth roll pan. Topping off the bed is a Checkmate bed cover and APC Euro taillights.
Custom Paint Eastern Shore Paint Supply provided the 13 colors of PPG paints that Joey from Group Therapy Custom used to create his colorful canvas.
Interior The multitalented crew at Group Therapy Custom also stitched up this awesome interior. Gray and silver tweed was skillfully wrapped in two-tone fashion with painted bezels providing contrast. The door panels were sculpted and received billet window cranks that matched the Colorado Customs Hancock steering wheel.
Audio Jason wanted to keep things clean and simple. And because his truck is a standard cab, there wasn't a ton of room for an audio system. With this in mind, he had Group Therapy Custom install a Kenwood CD head unit and Alpine 6.5-inch component speakers in the doors of his mini.
Engine/Drivetrain The Z24 four-cylinder engine is bone stock, save for the air intake and custom-painted valve cover. An Optima Yellow Top battery powers the electrical system and billet accessories provide the bling.
Owner's Quote "The toughest part of building this truck was making the final decision on how I wanted it to look. I went through two different front ends and four tailgates before I got it right. I'd like to thank everyone who helped me along the way, especially Joey at Group Therapy Custom and Jonathan at Sideline Customs."