Mini-truckers work hard for their money because our sport can be so damn expensive. True, dedication can go a long way toward building a kickass mini-truck, but in the end, we need money to make things happen. This can put a damper on the amount of modifications we can do when just starting out in life. Most teenagers we know line their pockets with cash by working at the local grocery store, fast food joint, or the mall, and because these aren't the best paying jobs in the world, most young people can't afford to fund a full-blown project truck. And then you have Mr. Oliver Porter of Phoenix.
At just 18 years old, Oliver turned out this extremely clean '02 Toyota Tacoma by saving every single penny he earned working as a DJ. The DJ business in Phoenix must be booming because there are no shortcuts taken on this mini. Oliver's rolling business card covers all of the custom bases. It's been 'bagged, flamed, tweeded, and has a killer system. If you happen to see this beautiful mini at a show, say hello to Oliver and he'll be sure to clue you in on his plan for success. He's proud to say that none of the parts or work done to his mini were sponsored and that he worked hard for what he has.
Owner: Oliver Porter
Ride: '02 Toyota Tacoma
Hometown: Phoenix
The Low Down
Chassis/Suspension Drew Brother's Customs 'bagged Oliver's mini using Firestone airbags. The front suspension received 2500 'bags, 2-inch drop spindles, and relocated Toxic shock absorbers. The rear framerails were step-notched. Then a three-link with 2600 'bags and another set of Toxic shocks were installed.
Wheels/Tires A set of chrome 18x8.5-inch Limited 341 wheels call 225/40ZR18 Kumho Ecsta Z-rated tires home.
Body Mods Drew Brothers also handled the list of body mods that Oliver made out. The taillights were shaved and replaced with a 42-inch row of LEDs that was frenched into the tailgate. The tailgate handle was then shaved and a Sir Michaels steel roll pan molded into the lower portion of the bed. One of the cooler aspects of the rear end of Oliver's truck is the way the taillights were shaved, eliminating the body line present in the stock tailgate. Once the bed was block-sanded smooth, a new Snug Top fiberglass tonneau cover was installed along with a pair of billet grilles for the front of the truck.
Paint/Graphics The truck was re-sprayed in white paint and the door handles, mirrors, and lower valance were color-matched. Rob at Drew Brothers Customs sprayed Corvette Blue and Orange hues into a custom flame design that runs the length of the front sheetmetal and doors.
Interior Todd from Pharcyde Customs wrapped whatever parts of the interior that didn't receive paint in blue and tan tweed. Todd put the pedal to the medal and finished the work in just four days. During the interior reassembly, a set of billet window cranks and door locks were installed and a Momo shift knob was added to the shifter.
Audio System The heart of this vicious and clean system is the Kenwood Excelon X917 head unit. Ultimate Electronics used Monster Cable products to wire up an Alpine V12 700-watt amplifier that powers the Infiniti Kappa component speakers. The components were installed in the factory door locations and into a new set of custom kick panels. A pair of Alpine V12 1500-watt mono amplifiers tries its best to destroy four Alpine Type R subwoofers that were installed into a custom fiberglass enclosure painted by Drew Brothers Customs. To ensure the amps would receive a full 12 volts every time a bass note is reproduced, three Rockford Fosgate 1.0 Farad stiffening capacitors were installed beneath the enclosure. The attention to detail paid off with a best of 143.9 dBs, which was good enough for a Second Place trophy at the Truckin' Nationals sound competition.
Engine/Drivetrain The 2.4L four-cylinder engine was outfitted with an Injen air intake and a grip of blue wire loom to dress things up. The stock battery was also replaced with an Optima Yellow Top battery to feed the monster audio system.
Owner's Quote "I hate stock trucks. Stock drives me crazy. I'd like to thank my dad for his support, Clif from Ultimate Electronics, Drew Brothers Customs, and my girlfriend."