OWNER: Kevin Lee
RIDE: '92 Mazda B2200 standard cab
LOCATION: Bakersfield, California
CLUB: Severed Ties
Some people buy a mini-truck for the benefits of gas mileage, while others buy mini-trucks with the sole purpose of going balls-out on a custom that'll make people damn near break their necks to see what just passed 'em.
When Kevin Lee bought his '92 Mazda B2200, he had intentions of personalizing it by performing a few modifications that he felt would instantly transform his Mazda into the truck of his dreams.
Over the course of six years, Kevin kept finding new items that he felt were must-haves if his truck was ever going to be the ultimate version of a custom mini-truck. What began innocently as a few minor changes ultimately snowballed into a full-blown custom buildup that has turned his B-mini into a raging success at shows across California, Nevada, and Arizona. In fact, Kevin's been to every show in the southwestern corner of the United States that's worth going to and shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
Although Kevin relied heavily upon his own talents to build the truck of his dreams, he also leaned on a couple of key businesses to get things moving. When it came to the suspension, Kevin knew he couldn't do much better than to trust his ride to the capable hands of the crew at Totally Polished in Newbury Park, California. The guys not only hammered his truck to the ground with a 2-1/2-inch body drop, they also installed a killer Pro Hopper hydraulic setup that allows Kevin to lift and lower his ride as much as 8 inches at any time by simply flipping the switches in the cab.
During the Mazda's buildup process, Kevin became a member of Severed Ties and is almost as proud of his membership in ST as he is of what he's managed to accomplish. He feels honored to be part of such an organization and made sure to let us know just how proud he is to be one of Severed's shining diamonds, especially now that the Mazda is no longer a diamond in the rough.
The Lowdown
Wheels/Tires Chrome 18x7.5-inch KMC Unit wheels with Capitol 215/35R18 radial tires
Chassis Reworked by Totally Polished in Newbury Park, California
Suspension Pro Hopper hydraulics / 8-inch Pro Hopper hydraulic cylinders front and rear / Rancho RS9000 shock absorbers / two-link cantilever rear suspension by Totally Polished
Body Modifications Body-dropped 2-1/2 inches / Line-X bed and hood interior / chrome 4Runner front bumper with chrome lower valance / phantom billet insert / chrome grille shell / shaved door handles / shaved door locks / filled bed seams / shaved cowl / molded tailgate / molded steel roll pan / rear bed sheetmetal mods from Grant Kustoms / sliding ragtop sunroof / Mazda 4x4 bed / Mazda 4x4 front fenders / Mazda B2600i hood / Checkmate bedcover
Paint/Graphics Bodywork performed by owner / paint sprayed by Trends in Bakersfield, California, using House of Kolor's Passion Pearl, Jet Black, and Sunrise Pearl
Interior Painted dash / bucket seats from a Cab Plus without headrests / seats, headliner, and door panels reupholstered using graphite tweed
Stereo Pioneer head unit / Kicker 6-1/2-inch midrange speakers in the doors / 4-inch Kicker speakers mounted in the dash / in-dash DVD player / installed by owner
Engine/Performance Optima battery under hood / free-flowing straight-pipe exhaust by Totally Polished
Special Thanks Chris Daley at Totally Polished / Corey Raybon / Chris Gilkison / Kevin's fiance Sherry and daughter Skyler / Wayne at Custom Truck Bedliners / all members of Severed Ties