OWNER: Andrew "Dropemdrew" Schoen
RIDE: 2005 Chevy Colorado
LOCATION: Silverhill, Alabama
Imagine racing the clock to have the world's first body-dropped Chevy Colorado, and the only thing stopping you, is that you can't decide which color to paint your truck. Four tries later, and finally, you get it right. It's a good thing Andrew is a custom painter, because that was part of the ordeal he went through on his way to the pages of Mini Truckin'.
Back in March of 2005, at a show called Spring Fling in Florida, Andrew brought his truck out on its then, second paint job, to show off what he had created. The truck had roughly 200 miles on it but he was the first. Andrew was the first guy with a body-dropped Colorado and he was floating on cloud nine. He even had the window sticker on it. Andrew wasn't quiet done though; he still needed to do some interior work to get the truck done and ready for us.
Andrew knows a thing or two about not being done. Like most minitruckers, he gets to a certain point and then starts all over again. He's done this several times in the past. Andrew told us, "I've had three different S-10's, all 'bagged and body-dropped and almost done. The only reason I never finished was because I always started over." This was also the case with his Colorado. Shortly after Spring Fling, Andrew decided to repaint the truck again. This time he came up with the gorgeous red and black treatment you see today, and it's a good thing he stopped-it looks killer.
Andrew told us that the worst part of the build was all of the money he spent on parts. We told him that if he hadn't painted it four times, maybe he wouldn't have spent so much. But, as he recalled, it was all worth it when the body hit the floor for the first time. It wasn't all that easy said Andrew, "the front end was pretty difficult, I have 'bagged several trucks before; I mean it's not what I do for a living, but none had been this hard before."
So, if he had to do it all over again, what would he do different? "I would make up my mind on colors right away this time, so that people would have noticed it more before the other trucks came out at SEMA that year." Well, considering this was what he called his first complete build, we think he did a killer job and deserves to be known as the first. Next time, Andrew, try and paint it once, it will save you a hell of a headache.
The Lowdown
Rolling Attire
Wheels (Front/Rear): 20x8 Bonspeed
Tires (Front/Rear): 245/35/R20 Hankook
Chassis Modifications
Suspension type: Air
Airbag/cylinder type and size:
(Front): Shockwaves (Rear): 2600 Firestone
Control arms: www.suicidedoors.com
Shocks: Shockwaves
Valves: 1/2-inch E-Air valves
Compressors: XD 2000 by OasisAir line: 1/2-inch
Gas tank: Custom fuel cell
Detail work: Spray-painted frame
Performed by: Andrew Shoen, Steven, and Matt from House of Hack
City/state: Silverhill, Alabama
Body Modifications
Shaved: Door handles, gas door, third brake light, installed a skin roll pan combo, shaved the stock taillight
Body-dropped: 2-3/4-inch stock floor
Taillights: LED flush mounted taillights
Performed by: Andrew Shoen
City/state: Silverhill, Alabama
Paint
Brand and colors: PPG Black, Peacock Red, PPG Liquid Metal
Style: Two-tone with stripes
Pinstriping: One bright-green stripe
Airbrushing: by Andrew Shoen
Performed by: Andrew Shoen and Randy Pizzotti
City/state: Silverhill, Alabama
Interior
Seats: Cut down stock seats
Dash: Smoothed and painted
Door panels: Added custom, diamond-plate covers
Center console: Custom-made fiberglass center with 12-inch monitor
Flooring: Red carpet by stockinteriors.com
Gauges: Auto Meter gauges
Performed by: Andrew Shoen
City/state: Silverhill, Alabama
StereoHead unit: Kenwood
Mids and highs: Two 6-1/2-inch Memphis Audio component sets
Amp for mids and highs: Memphis Audio 250 watts
Subwoofers: Four 12-inch-Memphis subs Amp for subwoofers: Memphis Audio 1100 watts
Wiring/accessories: All Stinger wires
Custom fabrication: Box and amp rack by Kris Thorton
Performed by: Andrew Shoen
City/state: Silverhill, Alabama
Special Thanks (by owner):
Big thanks to Jason Thorbecke, for all of his extra help, Randy Pizzotti, Matt at House of Hack, Eastern Shore Painters Supply, Stevie, Lance, Kris Thorton, and to anyone who put a hand in this project.