When Manuel Ramos bought his then-brand-new '98 Frontier King Cab, he realized that making it reflect his own tastes wasn't going to be easy, especially since his love of the Frontier's original black color wouldn't allow him to change the hue. What began as a typical stock King Cab turned into something quite different in three years' time, with Manuel dictating what modifications were done and the timeline of completion in anticipation of the next phase in the truck's buildup.
A good part of any plan includes having the resources to make things come together. Manuel's plan included several of the contacts he'd made while attending shows as an enthusiast before he ever owned the Frontier. Instrumental to the buildup were Josh Long and the crew at Wicked Kustoms. Manuel trusted the shop to perform a stock-floor body drop on his Frontier, planting it firmly on the ground. And since Josh is tight with Phil Fowler from Dropwerks, it seemed natural that Phil would also help with the buildup.
The truck was soon looking super trick, but Manuel wanted certain items on the truck modified to better suit his tastes. While Wicked Kustoms whittled away at the requested body alterations, Manuel took the entire interior home to start his part of the process. He pulled all the interior parts out to prepare for a coat of black paint. When the truck was reunited with its interior, the slick style continued from the outside in and matched in color and graphics. At this point, Manuel could see the fruits of his labor and couldn't wait to get his truck back in one piece to finish the rest of what he had planned.
Once home again, Manuel began to install the stereo components that would make driving to events all over the East Coast entertaining. In addition to the typical stereo components, he installed a head unit complete with monitor so he'd be able to kick back at rest stops and take on his codriver with the PlayStation 2 console. Manual made sure the games would sound killer by also installing a subwoofer enclosure and separates, and backing them up with plenty of Memphis Car Audio power.
Since completing up to this point, Manuel's been doing his best to show whenever and wherever possible. The Frontier's now been seen all over the East Coast during its first season as a new custom. We're sure Manuel has plenty more up his sleeve for next season, and we can't wait to see what he'll come up with to further set his competition back a season or two. To fully understand how sweet Manuel's Frontier is, however, you've got to hit an East Coast show and peep this one out for yourself.
The Low Down
Wheels/Tires 17-inch Centerline wheels tucked into 205/40ZR17 low-profile tires
Suspension/Chassis Performed by the dynamic duo of Wicked Kustoms and Dropwerks / dropped 14 inches from stock overall / Firestone 2,500-pound 'bags up front / Firestone 2,600-pound 'bags in the rear / Belltech dropped spindles / Belltech drop shocks / boxed frame / custom C-notch / custom four-link rear suspension
Interior Completely smoothed / painted interior gloss black, including dash, door panels, center console, subwoofer enclosure / black-leather stock bucket seats sans headrests / black carpeting / black-leather headliner / all interior mods by owner
Stereo Eclipse 5.8-inch monitor head unit / L7 Kicker solo Baric subwoofer / Memphis Car Audio amplifiers / enclosure by Auto F/X in Cherry Hill, New Jersey / PlayStation 2 game console
Body Modifications 4-inch stock-floor body drop by Wicked Kustoms / shaved door handles / shaved third brake light / shaved hood squirters / shaved tailgate handle / molded steel roll pan / clear corner lights / Altezza taillights / billet grille insert
Paint PPG Black base / white and silver pearl ghost flames throughout / sprayed by Big C at Wicked Kustoms in Lavergne, Tennessee
Special Thanks Manuel's wife Karen / SoLow Creations / Low Rollers / Wicked Kustoms / Dropwerks / Auto F/X / Mini Truckin'