Way back in 1993, when Nirvana was the hottest band on the radio and 17-inch wheels were the shiznit, Richard Janusz bought his first mini, a '90 B2200. A welder by trade, Richard's first goal for his truck was to shave all the ugly holes that were exposed once the door handles, emblems, antenna, fuel filler door, and tailgate handle were removed. That same year, Champion Autobody of Piscataway, New Jersey, covered Richard's handiwork in several coats of '90 Honda Pearl Red paint. When we happened upon Richard, his girlfriend Kelly, and the Mazda at the 2002 Carlisle All-Truck Nationals last summer in Pennsylvania, the first thing we noticed was the truck's striking ruby red paintjob. Believe it or not, it was the same 10-year old paint and bodywork Richard had meticulously maintained throughout his mini's buildup. We were floored to learn that throughout the years and throughout the two different 'bag jobs his mini underwent, the paint remained unblemished. It is a testament to Richard's penchant for taking care of his mini by parking it in the garage during winter. Just like you, we looked for signs of crinkled or shrinking body filler in all the usual areas, but sure as the sun sets in the West, Richard's truck is aging gracefully.
The LowdownChassis/Suspension Nate Dog Creations of Hatfield, Pennsylvania, combined Firestone air springs with QA1 Motorsports shocks for superb ride quality and extreme suspension adjustability. The front suspension is the standard 'bag/relocated shock affair, while the rear suspension received a new, triangulated four-link with the 'bags mounted on the lower bars in a mechanical advantage design. To provide the necessary amount of air to lift his truck off the pavement at will, Richard relies on a pair of Thomas air compressors, two 5-gallon reserve air tanks, 1/4-inch air line, and 1/4-inch MIC manual valves.
Wheels/Tires Boyd Coddington kicked on a set of 18x7-inch billet wheels to give the 215/35ZR18 Toyo Proxes tires a place to call home.
Body Mods Beginning at the front end of his truck, Richard installed a Toyota 4WD bumper and valance conversion, a phantom billet grille, and clear corner lamps. The fenders, doors, and bed were all shaved smooth, save for the taillight openings, which were filled with clear lenses. The tailgate was then molded shut, and the license plate was frenched into the passenger side above the smooth roll pan.
Custom Paint The now defunct Champion Autobody of Piscataway, New Jersey, laid down the '90 Honda Pearl Red paint that has survived magnificently throughout the past 10 years.
Interior Knowing you can't go wrong with a good tweed job, Richard instructed Everlast of Linden, New Jersey, to cover the entire interior and the custom center console in two shades of charcoal-colored tweed. Custom inserts were made to cover select dash openings and to delete the radio opening in the lower portion of the dash. A skull head shifter, three-dimensional graphics on the door panels, and a custom air gauge bezel round out the interior mods.
Engine/Drivetrain To keep the driveline happy with the newly adjustable suspension, Richard had it shortened several inches. Then he blinged-out the engine compartment with plenty of paint and polish.
Owner's Quote "I'd like to thank Nate Dog Creations, my girlfriend Kelly, and my parents for the use of their garage."