Owner: John Cole Ride: ...
Owner: John Cole
Ride: '84 Chevy S-10
Hometown: Lucama, North Carolina
Here is a short list of the accolades that this colorful mini has garnered since its completion: MT of the Year, Best Paint, Best Graphics, Best Engine, and First Place at shows such as Cruise Fest, Indy Truck Bash, and Texas Heatwave. John Cole has built a seriously customized '84 Chevy S-10, one that is not likely to be duplicated - ever. How could someone ever copy a 36-color graphic job? This is definitely not a cookie-cutter mini. By God, it has not one but two Street Beat sliding ragtops. We're guessing that since there are no rear seats, the second sliding ragtop serves to let the beautiful bass from his monster audio system escape and bring sonic joy to the world. Check out the engine compartment shot; you'll find a super-clean powerplant and a perfectly painted chassis. Not only is this mini a full-on custom truck, but, with the exception of the interior, John did it all himself with the help of his family and friends. That makes him a painter, a fabricator, a body man, a stereo installer, and a general do-it-all kind of guy. You have to respect that. Cruising this awesome ride must be a thrill ride, with the clean-sounding audio system, the ground-hugging stance, and the comfortably customized interior. John has put some serious moves on a mini that not too many people build these days. His efforts have more than paid off; we totally dig his ride. For all the specs on this incredible mini, take a gander at The Lowdown portion of this feature.
The Lowdown
Chassis/Suspension The front suspension has been hooked up by John and is lowered via the industry-standard Firestone airbag, 2-inch drop spindles, and chrome Toxic shock absorbers. John also changed the rear suspension over to a de-arched monoleaf with a Panhard bar, a C-notch, and another set of Firestone 'bags. The suspension is actuated by electric valves. A custom strut bar ties the upper shock mounts together.
Wheels/Tires 17x7-inch Ultra Wheels with P205/40ZR17 rubber bands are John's favorite rollers.
Body Mods John shaved the door handles, smoothed the firewall by welding all the holes for the wiring shut, and shaved the tailgate. When he was finished shaving, a steel roll pan with a drop license-plate tag was molded into the bed, and the front end was treated to a custom grille shell with a phantom billet grille. Topping off the exterior mods is a smooth camper shell and a pair of Street Beat sliding ragtops.
Custom Paint/Graphics John and Ben Betts mixed up the most colorful DuPont and House of Kolor paints the companies have to offer and ended up with a multicolored canvas that John likes to call Baskin Robbins 31 flavors.
Interior The stock interior has been re-covered in gray leather and tweed by Warren Seat Covers of Ohio. The center console was lifted from a Camaro and installed between the factory bucket seats. The tweed work extends into the walk-through area and ends in a custom bed kit. The bed kit also includes a Lexan window that allows onlookers to see the clean suspension work. The interior of the cab also contains a bunch of billet accessories and custom tribal-accented door panels. A Grant GT steering wheel keeps the mini going in the right direction.
Audio System A JVC CD head unit sends signals to a series of Kicker amplifiers that power a bed full of subwoofers and Kicker mids and tweets that are mounted in the dash and the door panels. The wiring and installation were performed by John. Power for the system and accessories comes from a pair of Optima Red Top batteries and a Stinger stiffening capacitor that are mounted inside the custom bed.
Engine/Drivetrain Chrome and paint adorn the highly detailed engine compartment that surrounds the stock 2.8L powerplant. A Hedman header and a powdercoated exhaust system up the power numbers. An aluminum radiator keeps the engine cool and is mounted to the custom-painted core support and the detailed frame.
Owner's Quote "I'd like to thank Drop 'Em Wear? and Auto Extreme. All of the work was completed with the help of family and friends. After countless late nights and no sleep, I can't wait for the next project."